Lost Volts LV-4 theremin - My Thoughts - Pictures & Video!

I just bought a Lost Volts LV-4 theremin from the UK and here are my thoughts on it.

The Lost Volts LV-4 is a beautifully designed instrument with a (Sci-fi futuristic look) that has a lot of potential, but my experience so far has been a mix of appreciation and challenges as I navigate the learning process.

- Setup and Adjustments: I’ve spent time experimenting with different configurations, including antenna placement and standing versus sitting. While standing provided better control, I’m finding the pitch field to be less linear than I had hoped, which has made hitting precise intervals and octaves more difficult.

- Challenges with the Design: As someone who is tall, with long arms and large hands, the LV-4’s compact size has been a bit limiting. The retractable pitch antenna feels less robust than I’d prefer, and the volume loop also feels smaller than expected, adding to the challenge of achieving consistent control. These factors might contribute to why I haven’t felt fully connected to the instrument yet.

- Sound and Learning Curve: When paired with a good amplifier (I bought a highly recommended one by Thierry and many others - the Behringer K450FX Ultratone), the LV-4 produces a rich tone, but mastering its sensitivity and spatial precision has proven tricky. I’m learning to adapt to the nuances of its pitch field and make the necessary micro-adjustments, but it hasn’t been as intuitive as I had hoped.

- Looking Ahead: My experience with the LV-4 has sparked curiosity about the Moog Etherwave (which will be delivered today), and I’m eager to see how it compares in terms of sound quality, pitch field linearity, and overall playability. I suspect the Etherwave’s larger size and design might address some of the issues I’ve encountered with the LV-4.

While I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore the LV-4, I’m finding its limitations highlight the steep learning curve of theremin playing. I’m excited to continue experimenting and see how my skills develop with both the LV-4 and other theremins in the future.

I filmed an unboxing and sound video if you'd like to see it here.

And here are pictures I took while filming the video:

Nice video and pix Jason, thanks!

The LV (Lost Volts) isn't too much narrower than an EW (Etherwave) so you'll likely find the ergonomics to be similar.  I believe the linearity of the EW will be better due to the presence of EQ coils in the EW (that is, if the EW is properly tuned).  LV is a prettier instrument, EW uses rather ugly plumbing for the antennas.  Knob layout seems better on the LV too.

The LV waveshape and filter controls seemed rather anemic in their action?  The EW controls are likely more positive (though I'm not a huge fan of EW timbres).

Analog Theremins all have rather cramped pitch fields, so standing like a statue, sitting, or using a sit/stand chair are the options.  With sitting sometimes one's left leg interferes with the volume field.  Most analogs also have rather mushy response volume fields IMO.

Thanks for the message Dewster!

That's kind of disappointing to hear about the Etherwave. I'm totally new to theremins, and my Etherwave Standard will be delivered today. it's from the original production run, so it won't have the ESPE01 mod installed.

I was hoping the pitch field and linearity would be better, but from the sound of it, maybe not. What theremin do you recommend in this case? I'm struggling to find more than these two, and the Open.Theremin V4 that everyone loves, as well as the not so much loved Theremini, and the Burns B3, as well as a D-lev, and of course the expensive and hard to find Claravox or Etherwave Pro.

Re: The LV (Lost Volts) isn't too much narrower than an EW (Etherwave) so you'll likely find the ergonomics to be similar.

- From all the videos I see on YouTube, the EW looks way bigger, but I guess not from what you're saying. I'm really eager to get it today so I can see for myself.

Re: I believe the linearity of the EW will be better due to the presence of EQ coils in the EW (that is, if the EW is properly tuned).

- I really tried to tune the LV as best I could with the pitch knob, but couldn't quite seem to get a good result no matter how much I tried. I'm pretty tall (6'2") with long arms and big hands, not sure if that has anything to do with it. I'm a classically trained violinist with perfect pitch, and found it really frustrating to try and get certain notes, or even a simple octave to work.

Re: LV is a prettier instrument, EW uses rather ugly plumbing for the antennas.  Knob layout seems better on the LV too.

- I do think the LV is pretty, I bought it in white to have it looks a bit Scifi / futuristic, but from all the videos I see online the EW looks quite beautiful as a traditional wooden instrument like my violin. The knob layout on the LV seemed good, but to be honest having the pitch knob so close to the pitch antenna made it really hard to tune. Maybe having it in the front like the EW is easier? Again I don't know yet.

Re: The LV waveshape and filter controls seemed rather anemic in their action?  The EW controls are likely more positive (though I'm not a huge fan of EW timbres).

- As I played around with the filters, I did hear a slight difference in their sound, and found that certain settings gave me the traditional analog sound I was looking for. I don't think I'd change them from there. I do hear a lot of people don't like the EW timbres, which is strange considering everyone praises the EW as the best theremin, so it's pretty confusing! haha.

Re: Analog Theremins all have rather cramped pitch fields, so standing like a statue, sitting, or using a sit/stand chair are the options.  With sitting sometimes one's left leg interferes with the volume field.  Most analogs also have rather mushy response volume fields IMO.

- I was using a stool to try it out since standing became challenging to stand perfectly still. But on the stool I was much more comfortable. Plus when I watched a lot of Carolina Eyck's videos, she said she prefers to sit on a stool. And as for the mushy response on the volume, I'm shocked at how they make the volume look so precise on the videos I see.

I either have a lot more to learn, or am not well suited for the theremin. Which is ashame considering I just bought both the LV and the EW, along with the amp and a few accessories. Hope I'm not wasting my time or my money! I'll cross my fingers and pray that the EW gives me a better experience.

Ironically the Etherwave was delivered as I was posting my last reply!

I like the Etherwave Standard a lot more than the Lost Volts LV-4.

It's bigger and feels more solid. The knobs are on the front instead of the top, which makes it easier to adjust the pitch without my hand causing any issues like on the LV-4.

The volume and pitch antennas are thicker and feel better overall. The pitch field and linearity are much better on the Etherwave.

As you can see from the size difference in my pictures, the Etherwave is much bigger and feels more comfortable for me being tall with long arms and hands. I was able to hit notes and an octave much easier and smoother on the Etherwave.

Can't wait to practice later today and see if I can get some good results. So far, in my first try, I was able to hit notes a bit easier, and was able to reach an octave, going for Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Jsherm welcome to the world of theremin . . .

Lev Sergeyevich Termen (Leon Theremin) discovered a beautiful phenomenon of nature (heterodyning) which is ideal for a completely original method of creating music.

Part of his discovery has ideal pitch field linearity where the musical notes line up in open space similar to the piano keyboard. This allows a precision Thereminist to move from different variations of the instrument and still be able to adapt quickly for a professional performance.

The EtherWave Standard "properly" tuned has this “ideal linearity” using a design within a solid build. Where the EWS comes up short is Moog Music being a synth developer never fully developed the authentic theremin voice.

A newbie buying a used theremin would never know their playing struggles are enhanced by using a theremin “without” a tuned pitch antenna or even worse an un-tuned pitch antenna destroying ideal playing in a linear pitch field.

The authentic analog theremin has a more natural voice in how it expresses itself in the hands of a skilled artist. 

Here are examples:

Performed by Peter Pringle of Canada
Vacuum Tube – https://www.oldtemecula.com/+aranjuez.mp3

Performed by Valery Shamarin of St Petersburg Russia
My own transistor design – https://oldtemecula.com/+lights-go-down.mp3

Learn to play it properly which is not making goofy sounds, spooky music or popping notes off of a digital toy.

I wish you the best of success

Christophe S Becker  Old Temecula  2025

"It's bigger and feels more solid. The knobs are on the front instead of the top, which makes it easier to adjust the pitch without my hand causing any issues like on the LV-4."  - jsherm

Yes, your hand on the LV pitch knob was messing with the pitch field quite a bit.  It's basic stuff like this that designers really need to pay more attention to.

"The volume and pitch antennas are thicker and feel better overall."

Many Theremins have antennas that are too skinny IMO.  This limits the basic capacitive interaction.

"The pitch field and linearity are much better on the Etherwave."

The EW is a double resonant instrument, and I believe the LV isn't, so if the EW is properly tuned it should be more linear.  Single resonant Theremins are really simple to tune, double resonant can be a bear.

Question: Is the LV case metal or plastic?

Jsherm welcome to the world of theremin . . .Lev Sergeyevich Termen (Leon Theremin) discovered a beautiful phenomenon of nature (heterodyning) which is ideal for a completely original method of creating music. Part of his discovery has ideal pitch field linearity where the musical notes line up in open space similar to the piano keyboard. This allows a precision Thereminist to move from different variations of the instrument and still be able to adapt quickly for a professional performance.The EtherWave Standard "properly" tuned has this “ideal linearity” using a design within a solid build. Where the EWS comes up short is Moog Music being a synth developer never fully developed the authentic theremin voice.A newbie buying a used theremin would never know their playing struggles are enhanced by using a theremin “without” a tuned pitch antenna or even worse an un-tuned pitch antenna destroying ideal playing in a linear pitch field.The authentic analog theremin has a more natural voice in how it expresses itself in the hands of a skilled artist. Here are exampleserformed by Peter Pringle of CanadaVacuum Tube – https://www.oldtemecula.com/+aranjuez.mp3Performed by Valery Shamarin of St Petersburg RussiaMy own transistor design – https://oldtemecula.com/+lights-go-down.mp3Learn to play it properly which is not making goofy sounds, spooky music or popping notes off of a digital toy.- Something has been lost in this new era of theremin imitation -I wish you the best of success Christophe S Becker  Old Temecula  2025- Sitting on top of the box I shipped it, Valery begins to play in a field of ideal linearity. Notice nothing special about the coils used in authentic analog theremin design –

Thank you oldtemecula! I will be definitely taking my time tuning the instrument. I realize there are two phases of tuning. The first being the pitch field from antenna to shoulder (zero beat). And the second being the octave between first and eight position working with my hand.

By the way, the Etherwave I bought was actually brand new and not used. But I get what you mean. I have to learn how to properly tune it so that I can play it correctly. That's my plan over the next few days, including today!

"It's bigger and feels more solid. The knobs are on the front instead of the top, which makes it easier to adjust the pitch without my hand causing any issues like on the LV-4."  - jshermYes, your hand on the LV pitch knob was messing with the pitch field quite a bit.  It's basic stuff like this that designers really need to pay more attention to."The volume and pitch antennas are thicker and feel better overall."Many Theremins have antennas that are too skinny IMO.  This limits the basic capacitive interaction."The pitch field and linearity are much better on the Etherwave."The EW is a double resonant instrument, and I believe the LV isn't, so if the EW is properly tuned it should be more linear.  Single resonant Theremins are really simple to tune, double resonant can be a bear.Question: Is the LV case metal or plastic?

I just checked out the LV again and it seems to be plastic.

Let's see if I can get the pitch tuned properly on the EW. I'm about to go try again now!

So my first impression of the Etherwave Standard is exactly what I hoped for. I like it a lot more than the Lost Volts LV-4!

It's bigger and feels more solid. The knobs are on the front instead of the top, which makes it easier to adjust the pitch without my hand causing any issues (like on the LV-4).

The volume and pitch antennas are thicker and feel better overall. The pitch field and linearity are much better on the Etherwave.

The Etherwave is much bigger and feels more comfortable for me being tall with long arms and hands. I was able to hit notes and an octave much easier and smoother on the Etherwave.

I practiced today, and did Carolina Eyck's lessons on YouTube, and was able to do a full scale, and an octave without too much trouble. I was also able to play a somewhat okay version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

I was not able to get anywhere near the same results with the LV-4. So it's pretty clear that at least IMO, the LV-4 is more of an entry level toy to play around with, and the Etherwave is more of a serious instrument to truly learn how to play the theremin.