Tech & DIY / Schematics
Theremin Schematics
Here's a list of various types of theremin schematics. You'll find tube theremins, transistor theremins, optical theremins, beginner, and advanced projects. If you're not sure where to start, we suggest reading through our theremin construction forum to get an idea of which schematic might be best for you.
Note, we've moved schematics and technical information for RCA theremins and the Keppinger theremins to their own pages.
Kendrick Sellen Theremin for Tube Enthusiasts
Kendrick Sellen Tube Theremin Schematics.
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tube theremins, Schematics
Open.Theremin
The Open.Theremin is a open hardware and open software theremin project. The modular system consists of a RC or LC heterodyne oscillator module and a micro controller UP module with interface and supply circuits.
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Build A Photo Theremin From 7 Parts! (Synthtopia.com)
This is a demo of Forrest Mims, III’s Audible Light Meter. This photo-theremin design was originally published in Optoelectronic Projects Vol 1, published by Radio Shack in 1976.
Art Harrison
Art Harrison shares his latest theremin designs with the world! Be sure to check this one out for clear directions and excellent technical description.
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Art Harrison, Schematics
LEGO Optical Theremin
Build an optical theremin out of LEGOs! Step by step instructions, schematics, and a demonstration video are provided.
Build Squaremin as a form of theremin
An optical theremin using IR sensors to control pitch and octave (instead of pitch and volume).
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optical theremin
Clara Rockmore's Theremin Schematic
Hand-drawn by Bob Moog, these schematics will give you insight into Prof. Theremin's original design concepts. schematic page 1, schematic page 2. Also available are the technical notes Bob Moog wrote while working on her theremin.
Build a Pocket Theremin on the Cheap
This short article from Popular Science shows you how to build a small optical theremin for under $20 in about 3 hours.
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optical theremin, photo theremin
Peter B
Hi, I made this, not actually a theremin because it has no volume antenna; it actually has three antennas, because it interfaces with a CRT, X,Y,and Z (intensity). Uses Triodes and Pentodes.
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tube theremin, schematic
Paul Godfrey's Theremin
Paul built a theremin for his final class projet. You can download the schematic from his site in PDF format.
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ASCII Schematic
This simple schematic came from the book, "103 Simple Transitor Projects", listed in the theremin bibliography.
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transistor, schematic
Alexander Zeyliger's theremin project from CalTech
This person designed and completed a theremin for a class project at CalTech. He's graciously provided both a writeup with excellent technical information and schematics for his project. I finally got the original postscript files back, and they are available below in GZIP format:
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The Theremin, by Robert Moog
This tube theremin article originally appeared in Radio and Television News in 1954. You might have trouble finding all the parts to build this theremin today, but the article is also an excellent source of technical information.
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tube theremins, Bob Moog
Hand-Drawn Schematic (.GIF, ~58k)
Long before even the first version of the Theremin Home Page, John Honniball from the University of the West of England faxed me this hand-drawn theremin schematic after I posted a request to a USENET newsgroup. I analyzed it with fellow engineering students and learned a lot about basic theremin design from this simple circuit. It is a "U.K.-ified" version of a 60's Moog theremin design.
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Everyday with Practical Electronics Simple Theremin Project
The full text and graphics for this article are now available online. The above link will take you to the files.
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The Coolidge Corner Theater Theremin
The Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, Massachusetts offers a simple-looking transistor theremin design at their website. If you're looking for a beginner project, this might be a good place to start.
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University of Glasgow Online Theremin Exhibit
Look here for photos and schematics of two custom-made theremins. Both analog and digital models were built and are discussed on this site. I get a lot of questions about their digital theremin, so I've started compiling a FAQ. Feel free to contribute!
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Big Briar Etherwave Mute Switch
Ever wanted to get rid of the "pop" when you turn on your Etherwave? Arthur Harrison has developed a mute-switch for the Etherwave that will do just that. It also adds a "mute status" light which doubles as a power-on light. Here's the schematic. Don't forget to browse the rest of Art's great site!
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Vacuum Tube Theremin Project
Doug Forbes originally wrote this article for a tube magazine. He describes in detail how to build a vacuum tube theremin using inexpensive coils and readily available tubes. The above link takes you to the article online, or download the files here. You might have to right-click on the file links to download them instead of viewing them online. Doug also has plans online for an easy to build digital theremin.
- theremin.gif .GIF schematic, 80k
- theremin.txt Article text, 7k
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Fred Nachbaur's BAMTRAT Tube Theremin Project
Fred shares with us an all tube theremin project - complete with sound files! Don't miss the other cool theremin projects on his website while you're there!
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The RS Theremin
This site shows you how to build a theremin using only parts available at your local Radio Shack!
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transistor, Schematics
Pierre Genet's Tube Theremin
Pierre has built a new tube theremin design based loosely on the RCA theremin. He has graciously shared his schematic and several sample sound clips with us!
Thereminvision Robot Sensor
Similar in concept to a theremin, Terry Fritz designed this sensor to be a vision system for a mobile robot. His site includes detailed construction plans. I'd love to see someone turn this back into a theremin!
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Simple Theremin Schematic
A very simple CMOS 2-chip pitch-only theremin suitable for simple science fair projects.
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transistor
