Beginner

Hi there, I'm Pearl and a total newbie to the Theremin, which I am eager to learn, but I need to find the right instrument. I have a ton of questions, but the most pressing is this: Since I need to be able to play this while sitting on a couch, is that even possible? Should I pick a different instrument? I've seen the matryomin but don't really like the sound. Would much prefer an instrument with sounds that can be achieved on a Theremin. I've also seen the air piano and am not attracted to its sound, either. Wouldn't mind something similar to that if it could make Theremin-like sounds. Very interested in the new Moog Theremini. Do you think that would work if I'm sitting on a couch? And if the instrument is on a mic stand or a table or my lap? Is that possible with any Theremin-sounding instrument?

I've emailed questions to many places and searched many sites and forums. I can't find these answers and it's so frustrating. I have no tech know-how nor do I wish to. I just want to learn to play. And yes, I am serious, so I'd appreciate no snark, please. Thanks for any advice!

Hello Pearl,

Playing from a sitting position is very possible though the standard theremin design could use some redesign that might make it more practical for your approach. Adaptation of the instrument is the main thing I like to explore. Not everyone is as gifted as they would like to be. Judging by the hour of your post are you in the western side of the USA?  The Moog EtherWave Standard is always my first recommendation and could work for you.

Christopher

Very perceptive, Christopher! Yes, I'm in Wyoming, how about you? Thanks for your quick response, btw!

As for my ability, well, I'll just have to see how well I can do it. I know it takes years and years to master. I don't plan to be a concert-level performer by any means. But I've always had perfect pitch and relative pitch, even from toddlerhood. I inherited quite a bit of ability from my parents, both professional musicians. My mom says it started when she was pregnant with me. I would kick in time with the orchestra when she was in the Denver Symphony. I don't mean to brag, I just want to convey that at least I have the ear. I won't know if I have other helpful qualities until I try. I just want to find the most appropriate instrument without stumbling into unnecessary problems. And I'm only interested in playing, not delving into gadgetry. This looks like a good forum for knowledgeable advice.

Christopher, do you think the new Theremini would need modifications? Keep in mind I'm a complete ignoramus about tech stuff. Please try to keep it simple, thanks!

PS: I checked out the Moog Etherwave Standard and it would be fine except for some important issues for me. It's supposed to be 36-42 inches off the floor. That's way too high for me, since I must be sitting, most likely on a couch. And the other issue is the couch itself. That might affect it, too, right? That's why I don't know if I should be looking at a Theremin, even though that has the beautiful sounds I want. Wish Moog would answer my questions about if a Theremini would suit my purpose. 

Again, thanks for taking time to advise me!

The EtherWave Standard is the best all around choice because it is solidly built and easily re-saleable if the theremin ends up not being the experience you thought it would be. Everyone has his or her own opinion of what a good sound from a theremin should be. IMHO the Theremini could not make a sound I like because it is unnatural and mimics theremin principles.

Clearance from the floor is more a reference to the volume loop sticking out the side or using a mic stand. I think it is best if sitting on a sofa that the volume loop reaches out off the side of the armrest to clear the inner metal springs to keep it properly responsive. Use the armrest for body support.

Sitting the theremin on your lap would not work effectively and a microphone stand is going to be too tall. What I would try is this inexpensive TV tray if you can slide the feet under the sofa.

The vertical antenna should be greater than 30” in front of your body. 18” is the approximate window size of your pitch arm movement. When I think of a sofa… you might be practicing with your arms in a very unnatural position which will limit your movement and create added fatigue. Sitting on a “rigid” chair is more practical for theremin playing; I would prefer a level to downward reach to the vertical pitch rod.

Just my thoughts, in the end the theremin will guide you in how it will cooperate. You are taking the most difficult instrument of all instruments to play well and throwing in extra hurtles, but do not let this discourage you.

"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes,
 but by the challenges he or she must overcome to reach it."

Christopher

Devils Tower: My theremin journey began with a close encounter of the third kind. Listen mp3

Christopher, you're fabulous! Your answer is by far the most helpful of anywhere I've searched. I can't thank you enough! Thank you also for the encouragement. I'm looking forward to the theremin's challenges, and your advice will certainly help me avoid unneeded stumbling.

Very nice rendition of your encounter, thanks for sharing! :)

Off topic -- looks like you are quite a few time zones to my east, across the Atlantic even. You have an excellent command of the English language, which is impressive for non-native speakers (and becoming more rare among native speakers!). Kudos to you, wherever you're from.

Cheers!

Pearl

Pearl said: "You have an excellent command of the English language, which is impressive for non-native speakers"

Those are very kind words and I accept but... look at my image or avatar as I am located near San Diego, east of Los Angeles at the Pechanga Reservation where the Great Buffalo stomps cash $$$ out of the white man, yes very native. (-'

Just kidding!

Christopher

Christopher, I love your web page. Your info will be a great source of help to me. Hope you won't mind if I consult you for more advice as I continue on my journey. And I agree about analog vs. digital. Your examples have that lovely rich string instrument sound.

Wish I knew how to do all that tech stuff, but that's not at all what I'm interested in when it comes to learning this instrument. Looks like you're doing great with that!

Pearl

PS: Boy, was I off on your location, lol! Weird, since there is a 6-hour delay in the time I received your reply (10:25 a.m.) and the time it says it was posted here (4:25 p.m.).

Hello again Christopher,

Your pages are wonderful. Hope you don't mind if I keep asking you questions (or anyone in the forum who has advice). That tray table -- the leg part is metal, but it just says wood-paneled. Hard to tell if that's plastic or what from the picture. If I don't get that kind, what materials should I look for or avoid? Thanks for suggesting that, btw, I never thought of it.

Time for a weirder question, too? I have a cockatiel who has the run of the house and can somehow manage to poop-bomb in odd areas. When I do get a theremin, I'd like to cover it when it's not in use. Cloth? Plastic? What would you recommend? I don't want to damage the instrument, and I'd like to use something easy to remove rather than putting it away in a case.

Thanks for any help!

Pearl

Pearl said: "Time for a weirder question... poop-bombs"

I would purchase the thinner paint drop plastic and poke the vertical antenna through it but leave it draped over the body and horizontal loop. Probably no need to uncover it while practicing, just when people come over for entertainment. Your biggest fans will be grandkids and other kids. Most theremin people are older and the theremin is like a new form of "kick the can" so for a moment some will feel young again. (-:

Christopher