I need a theremin!

[benhall.1]

Well, need is a strong word ...

But I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really want one. NOW.

What should I buy? Has anyone got one they don't want? What do I need to get with it? Amp? Stand? Mike? What make, model, version, where can I buy it, what should I do with it when I have bought it and why aren't I just heading over to theremin world and asking all these questions there?

Phew! I think I'll have a little lie down.

[Nanohedron]

First and for the record, no one NEEDS a theremin. Ever. Especially your household, and trust me on that.

But, if you absotively posilutely are going to have one, I would suggest Lark In The Morning; after all, as they say: If you're going to knowingly eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

I can't give you any more advice than that. Sorry. Having a Hallowe'en inspiration?

[Peewit]

I teach elementary music, and several of our Hallowe'en songs have theremin in the soundtrack. Oooooooo......

[Dale]

I've always loved electronic music. I've bought a couple of small kits from PAIA, although not the theremin.

http://www.paia.com/theremax.asp

[chas]

First and for the record, no one NEEDS a theremin.

?? I have no idea where that came from. ?? Especially from a guy who plays the cittern.

I met a local theremin maker a few years ago, but can't for the life of me remember his name, nor can I find him on the web. I got to fool around with one of his instruments, and it was a blast. In no way tuneful in (or actually, near) a beginner's hands, but still a blast. If I didn't already own several instruments I plan on learning in retirement, I'd want to learn the theremin when I retire.

[kokopelli]

I can't help you on where to get one. I can tell you that you need some sort of amplifier for it. A guitar amp would work. I used to know someone who had one but I can't remember the brand or any really useful information like that.

[MTGuru]

Seems to me I've seen some very nice theremin kits available. Seek and ye shall find.

(Now that I've looked ... Yes, it was probably the PAiA kit I was thinking of.)

You'll also want the usual electronics - amp, maybe a mixer with EQ and FX, headphones, etc. Of course, you've already acquired all that for your fiddle now, haven't you?

[I.D.10-t]

I've always loved electronic music. I've bought a couple of small kits from PAIA, although not the theremin.

http://www.paia.com/theremax.asp

My first thought was that making the theremin would be half the fun complete with bragging rights. That site sells the thing complete or as a kit and has articles on how to change properties of the box to move the usable range. Their box also seems to have more configurations possible.

Impressive.

So do gold antennas sound warmer than brass?

Of course, If you just want the sounds there is a program for those newer cell phones.

[benhall.1]

I've always loved electronic music. I've bought a couple of small kits from PAIA, although not the theremin.

http://www.paia.com/theremax.asp

Looks interesting, and thanks Dale. I, too, love electronic music. I'd go the whole hog and have an Onde Martineau if I could afford one. But I'd still want a theremin as well.

I am thinking of getting a kit. Having looked around quite a bit on the net (and having read a few threads on, although not quite been brave enough to join yet, Theremin World) I'm thinking of getting the Moog Etherwave kit. Part of my problem is that it seems as if that's just the first step. Then I would need all sorts of accoutrements and accessories. And I want them all at once. Hmmm ...

You'll also want the usual electronics - amp, maybe a mixer with EQ and FX, headphones, etc. Of course, you've already acquired all that for your fiddle now, haven't you?

Um ... no ... but this theremin stuff has already got me realising that I am going to have to get all that stuff as well. So I'm likely to be spending nigh on a thousand dollars on electronics. And Christmas is coming.

Still, when you have a need ...

[brewerpaul]

How bad do you want it?

http://london.craigslist.co.uk/ele/3344742848.html

[Denny]

nice find Paul!

it seems as if that's just the first step

this is not an illusion

[benhall.1]

How bad do you want it?

http://london.craigslist.co.uk/ele/3344742848.html

Drool. That is gorgeous. Wasn't thinking of spending that sort of money. Dang ...

[Nanohedron]

First and for the record, no one NEEDS a theremin.

?? I have no idea where that came from. ??

Why, from the thread title. Tsk.

Especially from a guy who plays the cittern.

Which should tell you that I speak from a wealth of experience.

I met a local theremin maker a few years ago, but can't for the life of me remember his name, nor can I find him on the web. I got to fool around with one of his instruments, and it was a blast. In no way tuneful in (or actually, near) a beginner's hands, but still a blast. If I didn't already own several instruments I plan on learning in retirement, I'd want to learn the theremin when I retire.

I've always wanted a theremin myself, if for no other reason than as a cat toy, or to scare away the proselytisers at my door. Of course, being able to play things like The Mason's Apron at speed with full variations would be the bomb.

When I finally had a chance to try one at at The Bakken Museum, I couldn't even get a squeak out of it.

How bad do you want it?

http://london.craigslist.co.uk/ele/3344742848.html

Drool. That is gorgeous. Wasn't thinking of spending that sort of money. Dang ...

For around $35, you could start here: http://www.makershed.com/product_p/mkgk10.htm

[cboody]

Google is your friend. Check out

http://theremin.tomfarrell.org/buyTheremin.html

For a list of models and some discussion and links to learning to play.

But please, don't bring it to the ITM sessions

[cboody]

check the B3 Deluxe model at 199.00 from

http://www.soundslikeburns.com

224.90 with a DVD of lessons

Being pushed by a professional player who is extremely good, and cheaper direct than through eBay.