I've been wanting to buy a theremin for a long time and am ready to finally purchase one. My question is, is there any benefit to having a theremin with just the pitch antenna (no volume antenna) like the zep theremin as opposed to a theremin with both the volume and pitch antennas like the Burns B3?
I'm looking to use the theremin to make sonic soundscapes (Hawkwind) in a live setting and intend on running it through multiple effects including a tape drive echo (EP3), phaser (russian small stone), and tremolo/vibrato (EH Wiggler). I see the advantage of being able to manipulate the theremin's volume, but am concerned having to operate two antennas while also concentrating on other effects might be too much in a live setting.
"I'm looking to use the theremin to make sonic soundscapes (Hawkwind) in a live setting and intend on running it through multiple effects including a tape drive echo (EP3), phaser (russian small stone), and tremolo/vibrato (EH Wiggler). " - mgavery
Hi mgavery,
I am not recommending this - never seen one 'in the flesh'.. But it may be of interest to you. The pedal might be easier to control and you can get the volume antenna as we;; if you want.
For soundscapes in the cosmic genre, this might be fine.. But as I say, I really dont know ;-)
Also, worth remembering that its real easy to get a theremin with volume antenna to play continuously - often just unplug the volume loop / antenna! ;-) .. or dont go near the loop - That way, if you find you need volume control at some future time, you dont need to go and buy another theremin.
For Hawkwind I would be looking at getting a theremin with an output waveform rich in harmonics, and feeding this into a VCF - mellower theremins might not sound raucous enough unless fed through a distortion unit first - Wont get that Orgone accumulation! and certainly wont approximate a Sonic Attack! ;-)
Are you primarily retro-electronic? As in, are you using old analogue CV synths? Because if you are, then spending a bit more the CV output from the EW+ could be used to great effect driving VCO's and VCF's.
Fred.
For those who dont know Hawkwind! ;-)
This is a mild version of Sonic Attack - The original freaks me out a little so god knows how much it might disturb others:
Hey mgavery - Buy a used EtherWave Standard for the ideal theremin. You should be able to find one for $200 and add one of the many Mods from the brilliant mind of Thierry who makes things to share rather than talks about them. Using a single pole switch that is on-off-on contacts allows you to have the volume always on or have it always off (mute) or work like normal. How is mentioned below
Thierry makes things to sell. Those you HOUND and STALK and TROLL continuously actually SHARE FREELY their ideas and circuits and software !- Fred
Fred do you have some sort of a medical issue? I post maybe three or four time a week when I can help someone. If you believe I am stalking you then it is because you piss on every post in the neighborhood. Look at how many times your name is on a recent post forum list verses mine. Of course it would appear I am following you when I walk by the same post on the street where you have already raised your leg.
"you piss on every post in the neighborhood. Look at how many times your name is on a recent post forum list verses mine. Of course it would appear I am following you when I walk by the same post on the street where you have already raised your leg."-Troll
Hey Troll,
Post under what I post, post wherever you want, fill up the recent posts with your posts - I couldn't care less... But when you post irrelevant off-topic snide attacks of folks who contribute freely to TW with technical information and ideas, expect me to respond !