Moog Theremini!

After an initial period of frustration about a techical issue, with rather fruitless time consuming email conversation with Moog Music customer service people, and finally diagnosing and solving the problem I was having with it on my own, I found it an enjoyable stepping stone into the world of theremins. The Theremini and the possibilities it does give, even though it has it's own particular quirks, make it quite a lot of fun and challenge. It's a pity when newcomers (here in the forums and in beginning to learn and play theremin) feel chased away instead of getting pointers and encouragement to explore. I guess it does take a certain stubbornness and being able to tolerate and/or transform frustrations with this instrument, and probably as much or even more to work on inner and outer balance so the hands, arms and body which make up the interface and the only part of the instrument that is being played, as the thereminist is an integral part of (completing the electronic circuit) of the theremin.

The dynamic balance between the inner self and the external self, between our male and female aspects, between pitch (frequency modulation) and expression (amplitude modulation), the inner and outer ear and the coordination and nerve (re)wiring enabling precise hand-ear coordination, I tend to regard it as a musical neurofeedback form of yoga and/or tai-chi.

This also means there is room for many individual styles, interpretations and approaches, and there is not mcuh yet in terms of established rules and schools, so one needs to be a bit stubborn and prepared to probe out one's own way, while also seeking and absorbing information, realizing that not everything that is said and written is automatically valid and true within one's own developement and learning journey. Please don't give up so easily, Sadbanjo.

Since we've revived this thread I'll go ahead and post this video from Tears of Sirens. Their arrangement incorporates both an Etherwave Pro + a Theremini. Very good and creative I thought

Basic Callibration of the Theremini Tutorial by Kip Rosser:

I have hesitated to post on this forum because I chose to purchase both a Theremini and later a Claravox Centennial, and (based on previous posts) expect hate from most forums for both decisions. 

I find the levels of criticism and derision for these instruments disheartening, and am sure that this contributes to my reticence to practice regularly. I am, however, agnostically in awe of all sorts of musical instruments, and the potential they present for people to express themselves (albeit with out of tune versions of the swan" or other dysrhythmic aberrations).

I have, however, found both really interesting instruments. While i cannot claim any mastery yet, I am determined to try. If nothing else, they provide motivation to work on control of my nerve-damaged hands, and look forward to learning more.

(aside: I am also frustrated, having been a member here for a while, and contributing positively to a bunch of threads, I am still not trusted to edit my profile)

 I bought a theremini.  It inspired me to buy a better theremin, a etherwaveplus.  The Etherwaveplus inspired me to buy a etherwave pro , but I ‘m not rich so the closest I could afford was a Claravox.  I have enjoyed them all.  With all its problems, especially tuning, the Thereremini led me in a direction I am glad I am on.  I do love my Claravox though it is imperfect.  Some of the sound it produces comes very close to etherwave pro.  I also bought a Burns b3 deluxe and for the money it is a great starter or travel theremin.  Don’t let comments discourage playing.  The Claravox kicks ass.  I hope it can be improved over time, as previous Moog theremins have been, but it is an exceptional expressive instrument.

"I have hesitated to post on this forum because I chose to purchase both a Theremini and later a Claravox Centennial, and (based on previous posts) expect hate from most forums for both decisions.  I find the levels of criticism and derision for these instruments disheartening, and am sure that this contributes to my reticence to practice regularly."  - wonko

No one here at TW is going to hate on you personally for buying a Theremini or Claravox - I don't know where you're getting that vibe but it's a completely wrong read of the room.  No one here at TW is in any way, shape, or form trying to discourage anyone from learning to play the Theremin, quite the opposite.

But what you're doing with the Theremini is the equivalent of buying a $60 plastic trumpet from Amazon and going to Trumpet World or whatever and being mortified to find orchestral trumpet designers and players talking amongst themselves about how unnecessarily lame really low end instruments are to play and get a good tone from.  That doesn't mean you can't learn on a $60 trumpet, but the Theremin is notoriously difficult to play in the first place, and if you are really serious you might not want to hobble yourself right off the bat - most of the Theremini observations in this thread are along those lines.  As a first instrument, the Theremini might inspire you, which would be great, or it might discourage you, which would be tragic, so it's constructive to list the things that might drive newcomers away from the field entirely, to let them know that not all trumpets are $60 plastic trumpets from Amazon.  Items on that list may be somewhat subjective, but it's nothing personal and shouldn't be taken that way.

     The theremini is what it is. A small portable gesture based instrument.  I don’t think of it as a plastic etherwave pro.  I knew immediately I liked gesture based instruments but wanted something more.  I also think it should be about 250US.  Fun to let people try out.  It can produce some interesting sounds.  I hated the Quantization.  
     The theremini did hook me on the theremin.  Then YouTube exposed me to traditional theremins.  Theremin World also provided lots of information for a newcomer to the theremin. I became a THEREMIN addict.  I also Think theremin playing enhances pitch accuracy on other instruments.  Everyone have a great day.....PLAY

"The theremini is what it is. A small portable gesture based instrument.  I don’t think of it as a plastic etherwave pro.  I knew immediately I liked gesture based instruments but wanted something more.  I also think it should be about 250US.  Fun to let people try out.  It can produce some interesting sounds."  - Yngvox

I agree.  It's a great conversation piece.  I had a look inside and the parts are worth what they're charging (currently $350 on Amazon).  With some improvements to the oscillators and reprogramming it could make for a pretty solid Theremin - which is too bad really, given it's current state.  People complain about interference with it, if there's any other Theremin plugged in it can't deal, which makes sense due to the weak fields.  I don't know who designed it, but it seems they didn't have much experience with Theremins.

"I hated the Quantization."

Careful there man!

In  theremin mode I think it’s more than a conversation piece especially considering cv and midi control and the editor.   I did trade mine in for my etherwaveplus.  If they were a bit cheaper I would buy one to take on road.  But again, thereminis are what they are.  They aren’t for everyone.  Probably not appropriate for orchestral use.  For beginners I like the Burns b3 deluxe.  Only 220US with Grillo DVD. The tuning is difficult due to over sensitive pitch knob but when tuned is fun to play, for a beginner or anyone.

I just want to make sure people know what I meant.  Many people, myself included, had no access to any kind of theremin. The theremini let me see the possibilities a theremin can provide.  It is a uniquely expressive instrument and I was hooked.
I wish everyone could be exposed to an even better theremin, but the Theremini opened my eyes to the possibilities of a theremin.