Theremin?

[Chris Trask]

On Sun, 4 Apr 1999, Will White wrote:

> I just saw a very interesting video about Leon Theremin and his musical
> "instrument," called a Theremin, which he invented in the 1930's. From
> what scant technical information the film presented, I gather this was a
> device composed of one or more oscillators, an audio amp, two antennas,
> possibly an RF amp. All vaccum tube electronics, 'played" apparently by
> using the hands around and about the device, varying hand capacitance
> effects. Remember the Beach Boys tune "Good Vibrations" and that
> wavering, organ-like sound? That's this thing.
>
> I seek further info about this odd marriage of radio and music, possibly
> even a schematic. I'd like to give a shot at building one.
> --
>

        The Theremin has a single oscillator.  The one "antenna" controls
the pitch, or frequency, and the other controls the volume.  There have
been a few commercial ones available over the years (I don't remember
as to where), and there were some articles to build them in Popular
Electronics and/or Electronics Illustrated back in the 60's.  I don't
recall ever seen a vacuum tube version, but I'm quite sure that there
must be one someplace.

        I'm curious about the video.  Where did you see/find it?


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