Phoenix Theremin build a reality.

If anyone is interested -- I have been in the process of building the "Phoenix Theremin". Since I am nearing completion, I wanted to share a couple of pictures of the pitch unit. 

 http://thereminworld.com/photoalbums/view/14467#14691

Hey, it's my vinyl fencepost idea!  How are you keeping the end caps on?

So how's the perceived pitch linearity?  Does it go all the way to touching the pitch antenna?

>Hey, it's my vinyl fencepost idea! How are you keeping the end caps on?

>So how's the perceived pitch linearity? Does it go all the way to touching the pitch antenna?<<

dew; A while back when you mentioned the "vinyl fencepost" idea, I cringed, as this design has been sitting in my drafting program along side my SewerPipe design.LOL Right now the top cap is just sitting on it & the bottom cap just stays on its own? The final method of attachment will be 2 small 1/8" diameter plugs/caps/pins in to the sides of the lips. And as far as the perceived pitch linearity, without doing any "verifiable/acceptable" testing, all I can say (IMHO) is it appears to be identical to the "Enigma" with the Lev antenna. I'll have to leave the "Technical" stuff to the Pros. I kind of go with the saying ---- If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix it ----- :-) I tried to ansewer  the questions you asked. Feel free to ask more, or e-mail me if you want to. (dda1800@comcast.net)

IHS ---- Dana

What is the difference between the 'enigma' and the "phoenix'?

"And as far as the perceived pitch linearity, without doing any "verifiable/acceptable" testing, all I can say (IMHO) is it appears to be identical to the "Enigma" with the Lev antenna. I'll have to leave the "Technical" stuff to the Pros."  - SewerPipe

Not a loaded question, just wondering about your personal observations regarding linearity?  I kind of wish I'd taken RS Theremin up on his kind offer of a free oscillator board, but my time is too spoken for of late to perform any meaningful side investigations.

So are you going to change your name to FencePost? :-)

Chobbs; >What is the difference between the 'enigma' and the "phoenix'?<

Answer: = As far as the "circuitry" goes, all I know is it is not identical to the "Enigma". Christopher would be the one to answer that ---- I honestly have no training/schooling in that area. I can't even read/understand a schematic. As far as the "Voice" difference, The Phoenix, to me, has a (for lack of words) "Sweeter" sound. I know emotions are a hotly debated subject, but for me ---- The Voice of the Phoenix is more Emotional. I wish I could be more "specific", but I am also not a trained/schooled musician. Simply put, as much as I "Enjoy" playing and hearing the "Enigma", it is more-so with the "Phoenix". :-)

Dewster; > Not a loaded question, just wondering about your personal observations regarding linearity?<

Answer: = The simplest way to describe it is --- when I first played the "Enigma", whatever song/tune I had played on my other Theremins, was easier/more intuitive to "hit" the proper notes on key. With the "Phoenix" the experience is the same. Now if I try to go back to the other Theremins, it is more difficult to "hit" the notes on key. I'm not implying the "Enigma" or the "Phoenix" Instantly makes me a "Virtuoso", it's just that the Playing Experience is more satisfying. I tend to "Learn" the pieces faster. These "Theremins" just increases my "playing/expression experience". Many years ago,(40something) I played the guitar. My first electric one was a "cheap brand/quality". To me it sounded Great. Then I was fortunite to get a "top quality" one. There was a difference of Day & Night as to the ease of playing and the Quality of the "same" music. I like to "Experience" the music, as opposed to "Listening" to it.

>So are you going to change your name to FencePost?<

Answer: = Naw ---- SewerPipe, IMO, fits me "gooder" than "FencePost". :-) Fence Posts have a actual purpose,----- but then again, I guess a Sewer Pipe does too. ;-)

Sorry for the Long Winded answers.----- IHS ---- Dana

Thanks for the reply SewerPipe!  What other Theremins do you own?

Wow, 6 Theremins!

I wonder, are Thereminists like electric guitar players, where most have entire arsenals / stables / harems of instruments?  I'm thinking of ditching my modded EWS once my prototype is a bit more playable, though I do own a few guitars.

I have 3 now... Never enough :)