Hello! and amp question.

Posted: 4/10/2006 11:37:37 AM
MarbleMad

From: Glasgow UK

Joined: 4/10/2006

Hi. I just ordered myself a paia therein kit. I've never played one in my life but I've always been fascinated by the things. I'm ok at following electronic recipes and good at making things so .. why not :)

My question.

What sort of amp would you recommend to someone who just wants to tinker around with the theremin at home, doesn't want to spend to much $ and who isn't aversed to a little soldering?

OH headphone capability is probably a must as I don't want to be evicted.
Posted: 4/11/2006 6:31:49 AM
Charlie D

From: England

Joined: 2/28/2005

Hi MarbleMad. Nice to see that another UK person has been lured into theremania.

Basically, any guitar amp should suffice. The reverb function that's built into most guitar amps is useful both for 'precision' and 'experimental' playing. Something like this:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0231501049
(There are plenty of cheaper ones about)
Or if you're feeling very stingy indeed you could buy a mini-amp like this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--DANN10

If you're still not sure then why not take the theremin down to your local music shop and try some amps out? I'm sure the staff will all be intrigued and willing to help.

Posted: 4/11/2006 7:42:09 AM
omhoge

From: Kingston, NY

Joined: 2/13/2005

I'm getting an Alesis Transact50, a smaller keyboard/vocal 5" amp with reverb, eq, and a mic screw mount built in which I like for setting it up near shoulder level and should be good for both home and small venues and has a headphone output plus it's under 200US$. Unfortunately I'm still waiting on the backorder, 5 weeks already, but apparently it's shipping now in Europe since the German trade show. I've heard several players use 5 to 6" amps in 100 seat rooms and were plenty loud. For the high end shoppers the Bose tower is a fantastic PA system and it's audio image is so dispersed it's the first amp that can play acc. and theremin both with great separation.
hth.
Posted: 4/11/2006 12:59:15 PM
DiggyDog

From: Jax, FL

Joined: 2/14/2005

I was looking at a Behringer amp but the online reviews raised some questions about its reliability so I am back to square one.

I played through one at a local shop and it sounded great.

I also liked the Peavey KB series os amps but they are a lot pricier.

Even pricier still, a friend recently got a nice Roland keyboard amp that I am going to try out. I will let you all know what I think of it...
Posted: 4/13/2006 10:10:13 PM
teslatheremin

From: Toledo, Ohio United States of America

Joined: 2/22/2006

Hi there,
If you get any Amp, don't scimp on price and try to get one with plenty of on-board effects--- especially reverb. Many reverb options would be best.
If you are a High Roller go for a tube Guitar Amp with digital effects. Tube Amps offer the smoothest response and will give you a true old Theremin sound.
Good luck!
Teslatheremin

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