Tube Theremins

Posted: 7/5/2019 9:40:14 PM
javelinatina

Joined: 2/15/2019

One day I would love to own a vacuum tube theremin, but I'd also like to not go broke  buying one. To make matters worse, I'm 100% player and 0% builder. I've done a little research on my own, but I'd like to know what all my options are. So, what does everyone know about the world of tube theremins out there? 

Posted: 7/5/2019 11:46:36 PM
oldtemecula

From: 60 Miles North of San Diego, CA

Joined: 10/1/2014


The Classic Theremin Sound is a gift of special knowledge to the invited. The tube build below is beautiful, but the sound was omitted, as I always say 

"but can she sing or is it all show and no go?"

In my twenty years of theremin research I had hoped to meet and work around a local Temecula Valley musician. Now my concern in what we all do will just  fade away one day as a gimmick, to become a footnote in some dusty book or to be found years later on an old rusty USB stick

"at least she let me peek under her skirt, I was invited"  

Christopher   

Posted: 7/6/2019 2:33:04 AM
xtheremin8

From: züriCH

Joined: 3/15/2014

hi guys,

i came recently across that one:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kainkalabs/a-tube-theremin

i have no further information about that rather small looking device....but it has tubes!

anybody who supported around here?

Posted: 7/6/2019 8:56:33 AM
gerd

Joined: 11/25/2017

This theremin is designed by Burkhard Kainka, a very creative guy.
http://www.b-kainka.de/Weblog/Logbuch260319.html

On his website (german) he publishes many of his ideas.
For example:
Tube oscillator with 0V anode voltage: http://b-kainka.de/bastel87.htm
SDR with tube: http://b-kainka.de/bastel114.htm
2-Transistor regenerative receiver: http://b-kainka.de/bastel117.htm
LDR oscillator: http://b-kainka.de/bastel29.htm
Selfmade Geiger-Müller-tube: http://b-kainka.de/bastel76.htm

Posted: 7/6/2019 5:14:38 PM
oldtemecula

From: 60 Miles North of San Diego, CA

Joined: 10/1/2014


I really like this webpage of hobby projects. The authors thinking is what modern electronics is losing touch with, let us have fun with basic analog. His excellent expression:

“Do not waste your time with perfection!”

My question to the brighter minds: What does the vacuum tube add to theremin design that cannot be duplicated using other methods? Can you find a demonstration of this somewhere to share with us? It is easy to make fabricated claims and demonstrate nothing; these are probably Trump supporters.

Christopher

Pretty but can she sing?

My guess the volume hand movement will totally mess up the pitch accuracy, still pretty though.


Posted: 7/6/2019 6:29:50 PM
gerd

Joined: 11/25/2017

My question to the brighter minds: What does the vacuum tube add to theremin design that cannot be duplicated using digital signal processing?

Posted: 7/6/2019 6:47:28 PM
xtheremin8

From: züriCH

Joined: 3/15/2014

wow, that „logbuch“ looks massive. and also his other things he does. so, i think that guy knows his stuff.
i somewhat like the look of  the theremin too. must be the steampunker in me.
but why o why making such a small device? pitch field around 25-30 cm max? maybe linear like hell...
so it’s another entry theremin for the electronic explorer/ diy enthusiast? but i don’t think for a serious musician.
may it whistle or not.

Posted: 7/6/2019 7:36:06 PM
oldtemecula

From: 60 Miles North of San Diego, CA

Joined: 10/1/2014

The question is what effect is unique to the vacuum tube, there is at least one or two I have  noticed.

Why me, my leg feels funny, ignore princess, she likes to misbehave.

Posted: 7/6/2019 7:59:15 PM
dewster

From: Northern NJ, USA

Joined: 2/17/2012

"but why o why making such a small device? pitch field around 25-30 cm max? maybe linear like hell..."  - Xtheremin8

Because function usually follows form in this biz, and ergonomic forms are hard to buy off-the-shelf.

Posted: 7/7/2019 8:45:10 PM
xtheremin8

From: züriCH

Joined: 3/15/2014

i have no problem with the fact that it’s a electronic project. these kind of theremins are (still) around since long with sometimes really funny looking antennas.
saw the jaycar kit #3 on ebay.....
but most are useless as a serious instrument.  

here is a link with a sound example and even in english : https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/a-tube-theremin
it was 200€ as a kickstarter project.

for about double the price are sometimes the “satie” theremins available from signore pegna in italy. he’s on facebook.

i think that’s about it, when it comes to: which (budget) tube-theremin should i buy?

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