Musicians: Theremin suggestions?

[JoeActor]

Hi Gang,

Ok, so mid-life crisis has hit, and like any red-blooded American male, my thoughts have turned to buying a Theremin. (it could happen!)

I found quite a few out there for sale, kits and fully built, ranging from $20 to well over $600.

I'd like a nice one, but since I'm just learning, not too nice. maybe in the $100-$150 range.

Here's one I found:
B3 Theremin With Pitch AND Volume Antennas

And there are tons of others listed here:
Theremin World

Anybody have Theremin experience?
Or even just some guidance or reccommendation?

Yours in Oddness,
Eerie Joe

[Scott Pollak]

Funny you should mention the Theremin, Joe. I've actually looked at those a lot over recent months, thinking how cool it would be to have one.

Did you know I played a Chapman Stick for a while? If you're not familiar with it, check this out:

One Cloud - Rob Martino, Chapman Stick

Of course I could never play like this guy. Also check here:
www.stick.com - Stick Enterprises Inc.

But the Stick is EXPENSIVE and somewhat difficult to learn. I actually sold mine a year after I bought it for $800 MORE than what I paid for it!

Anyway, I digress, as I often do.

First, here's a great video of a wonderful theremin player if you haven't seen her:

Pamelia Kurstin plays the theremin | Video on TED.com

Next....
I, too, browsed Theremin world and some other places and it seems like you do NOT want to go with one of the really cheap ones. You won't get anything close to a true sound or manageable volume and pitch control.

Seems like the Moog ones are the most highly recommended, but of course they can be costly.

One other thing to think of, which is why I have NOT bought one... how long before you tire of it? It's not something you can make much music with, and I kind of doubt you'll be playing with an orchestra. As cool as I thought they were (and are) I realized I'd probably play it a handful of times and then get bored with it, so be honest with yourself about that aspect of it.

Let me know what comes of it. If you DO get one, I'd love for you to post some audio once you get the knack of it.

[JoeActor]

Thanks Scott.

Yeah, I'd love a Moog, but it looks like the B3's are the best mid-priced ones out there. The cheapie's are definitely out.

I'm not sure where I'd head with it. I can think of a number of improv musical games for it. And it would be nice to finally be able to get proficient at some instrument other than my voice! Since I used to play melody by ear on piano and guitar, maybe this will be a more intuitive instrument.

If I get a B3, I'll be sure to post a review and some audio... assuming I don't suck!

(hey, man, what happened to that caarrrazzzy guitar! It's all neck!),
Joe

[Mike Sommer]

There is a guy here in LA that build them, I can't remember his name, but I'll ask my friend who told me about him.

[JoeActor]

Originally Posted by Mike Sommer

There is a guy here in LA that build them, I can't remember his name, but I'll ask my friend who told me about him.

Kool beanz. I appreciate the info.

I saw the kits, but the pricing isn't that much lower.
(and I'm not that good with a soldering iron any more!)

Joe

[Jon Morss]

Oh Man! I got to get one of those. That is cool.

[shenecke]

I think I saw Jimmy Page play one of those in 1972 at the Forum in LA! But then again it was the 70's, could be my bad memory!

[JoeActor]

... I'm leaning heavily towards the B3 - seems like the best for the money if you're just starting out.

I'll post as details emerge!

Joe

[Mike Sommer]

Kitty on a Theremin

テルミンを演奏するネコ

THis is a cool site:
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-s..._theremins.htm

[JoeActor]

Originally Posted by Mike Sommer

Kitty on a Theremin

テルミンを演奏するネコ

Cute! The cat at the end was a great punchline!

That's a little Gakken theremin. Tiny, battery operated kit from Japan.
They have a "Premium" one too, but it's about $100 (still battery operated too).

I think we all should get one and have a concert on-line...
Joe