Beginner

Excellent idea, Christopher. That's exactly what I had in mind when I asked about plastic. Good tip about the hole, too. What about the tray table material?

Sorry to keep bugging you but you really know your onions and I appreciate your wisdom!

Pearl

PS: That's my birdie on my avatar.

As long as the volume loop hangs off to the side of the tray table their should not be any issues as long as it is not a complete metal tray, even then I would think you would be ok. What is important is finding the best orientation of everything that works best for you

Being helpful is what my website has been about over the years. I kind of hide my email address these days but it can be found if someone looks around on the site. I am not a musician so exploring theremin possibilities is what's fun for me.

Christopher

Hello Pearl,

I have no idea about what your physical condition is - as in, why you need to be in a couch and whether you have restricted mobility of any kind..

I would just say that IMO, the idea of playing a theremin with it on a tray on your lap, well - its not going to work - there is simply too much movement in the body to make such an idea workable.

IMO, you need the theremin supported - some floor-standing table or mobile tray type support - the kind of thing used in hospitals that provide a 'table' patients can have their food on when confined to bed - that sort of thing..

Edit -> (I have just seen that Christopher covered the above and linked to a supported tray that looks ideal)

I actually wonder if perhaps you would be better off with a ribbon controller and a small analogue synthesiser.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may00/articles/kurzweil.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XHSxeF0CxI

But a lot comes down to your physical state - you certainly can play a theremin while seated, but I dont believe you could play one with the theremin in any situation where your body is supporting any part of it or what its on.

The other thing you could perhaps use is a tablet PC with touch screen - There are some apps that allow one to play the screen - I have a tiny android tablet and although interesting, its not really playable - but I believe that a large Ipad or similar may give you a playable surface -

http://www.thereminworld.com/Article/13295/roundup--theremin-apps-for-the-iphone

Finally - Dont under estimate the physical effort involved in playing a theremin. I suffered heart failure some years ago, and the effort of extending maintaining the arm / hand is surprisingly tiring - 5 minutes is all I can manage now before I start getting heart irregularities. 

Not trying to put you off, but just giving this warning in case you have potential problems. IMO the theremin is not the best instrument for people with restricted mobility - Oh, as with everything, a determined individual can overcome their physical limitations - but I am inclined to think it more sensible to pick an instrument you have a chance to excell in and master, rather than one which will present a frustrating barrier at some future time - You may think that you just want it for fun.. And this may be true .. But it may turn out that this fun becomes "bigger" and you want to progress.. Picking the right instrument at the start might enable you to do this.

Fred.

Pearl, welcome to the wonderful, slightly kooky world of the THEREMIN! 

By now, you have probably learned the most important lesson regarding this unusual community: EVERYBODY'S AN EXPERT - and that includes people who don't even play the instrument (or if they do, play it rather badly and know little or nothing about music).

My advice is for you to contact PRIVATELY the theremin player whose music you most enjoy, and ask that individual for advice. Throwing questions to the general membership may turn out to be confusing because no one here agrees on anything!

That is not a bad thing, and if we did agree there would be no discussion, but it can be off-putting for the unprepared.

Do not take advice about the theremin from anyone you have not heard play, no matter how charmingly and seductively that advice has been offered. 

"The most important thing for any beginner thereminist is to know where you want to end up, before you start out."  thereminist Clara Rockmore

Hi Fred and Coalport, I appreciate everyone's input because I need all I can find. So far this forum has been the most informative. It gives me much to think about and everyone is helping me avoid pitfalls. Very nice of you to take time for that! So many sources I've written to haven't responded. Everyone here has given thoughtful and encouraging advice. Thank you so much!

Pearl

Dear Pearl ~ Enjoy your journey... i started mine 4 years ago and i will never go back. But it is possible to play this impossible instrument! :)