Theremin comparison

Posted: 1/20/2017 5:55:58 PM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

Hello :)
I'm interested in purchasing my first theremin. I've found several models from different brands and since I don't have any experience with theremins I'd be happy if someone could help me choose.
I want to learn how to play actual music on it, not just to make sci-fi effects.


Theremaniacs - pitch and volume theremin

https://www.amazon.com/Theremaniacs-PV-1-Theremin-Pitch-Loop/dp/B00N1MZ5E0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484930369&sr=8-1&keywords=theremaniacs


Burns - B3 theremin:

https://www.amazon.com/Burns-Theremins-B312-B3-Theremin/dp/B009L4CUX6/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484931861&sr=1-3&keywords=Pitch+and+Volume+theremin


Moog - theremini:

https://www.amazon.com/Moog-EW-Theremini-01-Theremini/dp/B00HVO7FXI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1484932011&sr=8-6&keywords=theremin


Moog - etherwave theremin:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AQF5L2?smid=A36QNC10Z6CV58&th=1



Thank's in advance!

Posted: 1/20/2017 8:52:59 PM
dewster

From: Northern NJ, USA

Joined: 2/17/2012

The antennas of the first two are pretty cramped together.  With the Theremini, depending on how you do the calibration procedure you get wildly different (non) linearity of the fields.  That leaves the Etherwave, which has its own set of problems, but IMO it's the best of the bunch at this point if you're looking to actually carry a tune on it.

Posted: 1/20/2017 9:20:26 PM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

"The antennas of the first two are pretty cramped together."


how would that affect the playing experience?

 

Posted: 1/21/2017 7:36:06 AM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

"The antennas of the first two are pretty cramped together.  With the Theremini, depending on how you do the calibration procedure you get wildly different (non) linearity of the fields.  That leaves the Etherwave, which has its own set of problems, but IMO it's the best of the bunch at this point if you're looking to actually carry a tune on it."

 can you play the Etherwave as it is? because i've heard that there is an extension that's must be added to expand it's range or something.

Posted: 1/21/2017 10:28:29 AM
mpampouras

From: Lausanne, Switzerland

Joined: 3/15/2005

Of course you can play it as it is, but what the extension does (I guess you're talking about Thierry's module) is that it adds more range in the lower register -so you can get some really nasty bass!- and it also improves the timbre of the instrument, makes it more pleasant to play cool 

Posted: 1/21/2017 11:37:33 AM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

"Of course you can play it as it is, but what the extension does (I guess you're talking about Thierry's module) is that it adds more range in the lower register -so you can get some really nasty bass!- and it also improves the timbre of the instrument, makes it more pleasant to play"

Im asking because I went to what I think is the only store that sells theremins in my country and tried the Etherwave and the range was very wired and not at all like I saw in any video of someone playing the theremin.

Posted: 1/21/2017 12:56:36 PM
mpampouras

From: Lausanne, Switzerland

Joined: 3/15/2005

Maybe it had to do with the tuning as well. Are you sure that you've tuned it properly before checking the range?

Posted: 1/21/2017 1:01:36 PM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

"Maybe it had to do with the tuning as well. Are you sure that you've tuned it properly before checking the range?"

 Im not sure at all. can you please explain to me how to tune it properly? That way I can go back to the store and try it.

Posted: 1/21/2017 1:41:44 PM
mpampouras

From: Lausanne, Switzerland

Joined: 3/15/2005

Check these out:

Tuning 1

Tuning 2

Posted: 1/21/2017 3:03:24 PM
shaharerez

Joined: 1/20/2017

"Check these out: Tuning 1 Tuning 2"

 Thank you :) I noticed that in both of these videos the theremin has the ESPE01 theremin enhancement module installed. Isn't that required for the tuning?

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