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Learn - Projects - Schematics

Theremin Schematics

If you're interested in building your own theremin, you're in the right place! The projects below range from beginner to advanced level. Those of you new to electronics might wish to browse through some of our electronics books for sale online. Or, post questions on theremin building to the theremin construction forum.

Don't forget, you can also buy theremin kits at ThereminWorld!

Know of a resource not listed here? Submit a Listing.

Links:
"The Theremin", by Robert Moog - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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.
* Clara Rockmore's Theremin Schematics * - Submitted by Jason, 5/12/2008
Hand-drawn by Bob Moog, these schematics will give you insight into Prof. Theremin's original design concepts. Also available are the technical notes Bob Moog wrote while working on her theremin.
Alexander Zeyliger's theremin project from CalTech - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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:
Art Harrison's Model 145 Theremin - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
Art Harrison shares his latest theremin designs with the world! Be sure to check this one out for clear directions and excellent technical description.
ASCII Schematic - Submitted by Jason, 2/22/2005
This simple schematic came from the book, "103 Simple Transitor Projects", listed in the theremin bibliography.
Big Briar Etherwave Mute Switch - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
Ever wanted to get rid of the "pop" when you turn on your Etherwave? (I actually enjoy it, and use it in shows - no kidding!) 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!
Build a Pocket Theremin on the Cheap - Submitted by Jason, 4/7/2008
This short article from Popular Science shows you how to build a small optical theremin for under $20 in about 3 hours.
Construction of a Keppinger Design Theremin - Submitted by omhoge, 5/12/2008
Philip Neidlinger has built a beautiful theremin using the designs of Mark Keppinger.
Philip has kept a detailed journal on his website of the development of this very special instrument.
[This may be a new version of the URL]
Edd explains how he built a theremin - Submitted by Guest, 6/16/2006
Edd took plans and built a theremin as something to do. He was asked by a guy of the interweb if he would make one for him but he refused, sent this document (now shown here as a website) and told the person to do it them selves. The reason being why buy one when its more fun to make one.
Everyday with Practical Electronics Simple Theremin Project - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
The full text and graphics for this article are now available online. The above link will take you to the files.
Fred Nachbaur's BAMTRAT Tube Theremin Project - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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!
Hand-Drawn Schematic (.GIF, ~58k) - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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.
Kendrick Sellen Theremin for Tube Enthusiasts - Submitted by TW-Staff, 4/5/2009
Kendrick Sellen Tube Theremin Schematics. Additional links Revised Tube Theremin 1 Revised Tube Theremin
Keppinger Theremin Construction - Submitted by hypergolic, 9/28/2007
Details construction of Mark Keppinger's tube style theremins. Includes a part list, schematics, and sound samples.
MK Tube Theremin Schematics and Component List, by J. Sparks - Submitted by Jason, 1/1/2009

Jeff Sparks kindly drafted these highly detailed schematics for the famous tube theremin design by Mark Keppinger. Jeff has included a component list as well for those of you who wish to build your own MK theremin. You'll need a PDF viewer to read the files:

PAiA Theremax Mods - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
Fred Nachbaur has written an excellent article describing his modifications to the PAiA Theremax. The article lists some improvements to the overall playability of the Theremax.
Paul Godfrey's Theremin - Submitted by Jason, 2/24/2005
Paul built a theremin for his final class projet. You can download the schematic from his site in PDF format.
Pavek Theremin Page - RCA Theremin Circuits - Submitted by omhoge, 6/3/2008
Great page with schematics and explinations of the RCA theremin.

Lots of RCA info. is on the main Pavek Theremin Page
Peter B's Radio Tube "Tri-Min" - Submitted by petermopar, 11/21/2007
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.
Pierre Genet's Tube Theremin - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
Pierre has built a new tube theremin design based loosely on the RCA theremin. He has graciously shared his scematic and several sample sound clips with us! Click here for details.
Silicon Chip Theremin Modifications - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
A great article from Max Baars on modifying the Silicon Chip (a.k.a. Jaycar) theremin for better performance.
Simple Theremin Schematic - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
A very simple CMOS 2-chip pitch-only theremin suitable for simple science fair projects.
The Coolidge Corner Theater Theremin - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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.
The RS Theremin - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
This site shows you how to build a theremin using only parts available at your local Radio Shack!
Thereminvision Robot Sensor - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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!
Tube theremin article+schematic - Submitted by birt, 10/6/2007
another tube theremin
University of Glasgow Online Theremin Exhibit - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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!
Vacuum Tube Theremin Project - Submitted by Jason, 2/21/2005
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.
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