@TheChickenKeeper Yeh, and the only problem with it was that it decided to play every bloody track in the folder, so I just had to roll with it. LOL.:) I used the PSP because the screen was easier for me to see. I'm now using mini laptops, and tablets as accomp playback devices.
I've done a a lot of bars and pubs and I must say; It takes a huge amount of guts (if that even makes sense) to step onto a pubstage with such an unconventional setup. How did you feel about the gig while doing it and afterwards? I get very selfconcous when i do those gigs, and i usually end up drinking quite a bit just to ease the nerves and loosen up a bit, but thats not really an option with the theremin, is it? It's been a while since I've done one of these too, mind. ;) It's tough work.
@kisakk Yes it does take nerves of steel to do a pub gig with a theremin, especially in Mississippi. If that's not enough, the month before this one, I did an hour of classical at the same pub. They LOVED it! :) Shocked me. LOL
I was extremely nervous, as always prior to the gig, but once I get started, I'm good to go. After the gig, I felt good. Another gig done, another audience entertained. Never a "boo" from anyone. :)
@rudolfje52 Actually, they were like that with all the acts that night. It was also late, and by that time, nothing seemed to phase them at all. That performance was an open mic gig, and I don't do open mic gigs anymore as I am professional. I also don't do bars anymore either. Too many brawls, and nearly had my instrument damaged as a result, so yeh, I stick to audiences that don't get smashed, and then smash things. LOL :)
@kredit787 Actually, theres a video shot by news paper reporter, Jack Gurner, youtube user, jackgurner, in which I appear in a space suit costume in part of the video. My performances in that video were part of an art exhibit called Space, and featured apace related art works. Enjoy. :)
Even at 720p on a 52 inch tv, I can't see where you actually touch the instrument... It looks like you are air jamming in 3d or something? Like a kinect 3d camera or something lol.... what is going on here?
@synergy021 Not really sure if you're joking or not, but you play a theremin by moving your hands in front of it. It's the only instrument in the world that you play without touching it.
@IchigoUnderground The PSP was used as an accompaniment playback device. It screwed up and played the enire repertoire consecutively instead of letting me stop it between pieces, so I just had to wing it. ;)
perhaps you might think of.... adding more energy into your performances? I mean it is a bit offsetting to see you play there stonefaced, staring in one spot. I understand since the instrument is not meant to be touched/carried and hence "rocking out" with it is ill advised, perhaps just some animation of the face and upper torso?
@Larrywangster At the time this was shot, I had not quite fully integrated expressiveness with my performance. However, even the slightest movement of the head will affect intonation.
Have a look at my later performances though. I've made some progress regarding expression, albeit with a bit more work to be done in visual expressiveness.
This is a phenominon inherent to most thereminists, however. It's a multi-tasking thing. :)
@Larrywangster Please let me explain how difficult to create expressions on my face when playing.
Playing the theremin needs super-concentration to listen to the sound to create correct pitch and melody. It affects to have smiling and some entertaining body move! Though this may be an excuse but hope you could understand this unique background to play this instrument. Thanks!!
@kuri9810 You are correct. Not only that, but the thereminist must maintain proper balance in order to avoid bad intonation on top of all that.
HOWEVER. :) I had only been playing for about three years as of the date this video was shot. Even today, nearly five years into my theremin experience, it is difficult to input facial espressions. Have a look at video Dirge For Theremin, my latest one. I do take a light hearted poke at my lack of expression in that video. :)
@mikxer Yes. I have relative pitch, not perfect pitch. As long as you at least have relative pitch (can carry a tune), you should be able to play the theremin.
@ThomasGrillo amazing skills i have just discovered the theremin because of you. i think its an amazing instument but is there a way to change the sound? not because i dont like it but because the kind of music my band make is kind of psichodelic
@ArgTincho Hello Martin. Thanks for the kind words. The Moog Etherwave Standard and Plus feature waveform / brightness controls which permit altering of tone. The Plus has CV outs that allow control of synthisizers like the mooger foogers, and other synths that have CV inputs. You can also use effects pedals to add to or distort the tone, or even produce some interesting tones. :)
affffff, it's hard to enjoy your music with those people yelling in the back :( do you perhaps have this number recorded without the drunks accompanying?
@AbyssalCreation I agree. LOL. I am working on a CD which will have all of these on it. However, I do have a new CD out which features mostly classical music, but also features several other modern works I've composed which you "tried" to hear on this performance. Those are Spooky Old Grageyard, Mint Julep Fantasy, and also another called Theremin Radio Network, and a new age one called Alto Volo. You can hear Alto Volo in one of my videos. Just look up Alto Volo. :)
@ThomasGrillo You're very welcome sir, I knew I recognized that sound before. Portishead and Metric are the first groups that come to mind. I'm sure some new progressive local groups could benefit from watching your vids :)
@lilraul7 I LOVE Portishead and I'm disappointed I don't remember exactly where I heard the theremin in their music, although the idea vaguely sounds familiar. What's funny is that I listened to thereminist Dorit Chrysler for the first time the other day and commented how she sounded like Portishead.
@KreatorOfDeath1985 Yeh, lol :) I'm afraid that was partly the relult of having to rely on the crummy camera mics. The cams took great video, but the sound quality left much to be desired. My other videos have much better audio.
@Silverbluecrest The point is not to replace human voice, or other instruments, but to provide an instrumental tone all it's own. Kind of voice, kind of string like, a bit of both, if you will. Something different than just a voice. :)
Engineering on the fly! Done it many times. Unfortunately, too much background and and not enough Thomas. A good learning experience, though. Still on the verge of getting my own ax. I scared up an amp this weekend. Probably place the order today. Wish me luck. (The one on this vid looks like the one I want - Moog Etherwave Standard Ash.) Let me know if you have any advice on purchase. Thanks.
@Electron206 Indeed. Too much background noise. I had a digital recorder, but it decided not to work so I had to run with the camera's mics. Not a good thing to do.
As theremins go, the Etherwave Standard is a good theremin. It has knobs for changing tonal charactor, but prettymuch has a bright, loud, brassy tone, allthough you can make it sound a bit more woodwindish, or really reedy. You might consider adding a B3 Deluxe or Pro for string tone. I wish you all the best with the theremin. :)
@daoquynh29 It is the instrument making the sound. It's electronic. Uses tone generating oscilators which are controlled by our intereaction with a radio-magnetic-electrical field surrounding the two antennas. As one gets closer, the notes go up. As you move away, the notes go down. The smaller antenna on the side controlls volume. Theremins were invented in 1919 by Leon Theremin. :)
@Mr1000Pattes Actually, they're like that with all the performers, good or bad. lol. It's a pup. Can't expect an attentive audience, but there was applause, none the less. :)
talent at it's best. have you ever tried to layer recordings using your theremin? I mean, the sound is so beautiful that it almost sounds like a female voice. You could make a choir with it :) awesome video btw :) .
I have actually done this in studio, but I tend to not do it as often as I don't want the public mistakenly thinking the theremin can play chords.
I have also used a harmonizing pedal which you can see demonstrated in the older of my new years videos. It features the Wavefront Travel Case Theremin, and TC Helicon Harmonizing pedal, which provides 4 part harmony. :)
Took me awhile to realise that, there was a mirror instead of some other dude playing a bass or something, looks like you are playing an invisible guitar or something :) very amazing!
those people in the crowd are incredibly disrespectful. It's quite a good demonstration of this instruments although I do believe you would benefit with a synthesizer since the original sound is a bit poor. Consider it... Perhaps a guitar synth could help produce deeper and a bit distorted sounds. Overall, great job. Oh and I loved the PSP there... :)
I've tried all those synth things, and nothing sounded as good as the theremin. :
The poor sound is the result of using cheap camcorders' built in microphones.
It sounds much better when recorded direct line, or in a nice quite location. Check out my other videos to get an idea of how much better this should've sounded. Thereminist In His Natural Habitat is a good example.
That PSP malfunctioned, and decided to play the contents of the folder sequencially instead of on demand.
As with any instrument, the theremin requires a lot of time, patience, and effort to learn. It is considered the most difficult instrument to play "well". Not to be confused with the most difficult instrument to play, which in my oppinion, is the pipe organ. :)
Great job on the fact you needd to improvise because of that drunk man on 23:39 ... I clearly can hear you was somehow out of yur concentration afterwards, but finaly you knew how to get things straight!
BTW ... What's that lil' thing standing on a stative right to you? Is it a kinda music player or so? Seems to be a handy thing!
Yes, when that man walked up to the theremin, it really messed with my concentration for a moment, because I had to wave him off, and then get back into the zone.
The little device next to me was a Sony PSP, but for some reason it got stuck in a mode where it just played every track in the folder, so all I could do was just play through everything. LOL :)
Wow! Do you mean you just use a PlayStation Portable to play the background music ??? Cool! I've got a Sony PSP Slim, but still gotta find out to get properly music on it, as I usually only use it for gaming ;-)
... It's not nice if they stuck ... I had it sometimes with some games, but not much! My BF's one died some while ago, but happily after all he still had warrantee for 1 month ;-)
Yep, it was my playback device for a while. It has a memory card in it that lets me transfer tunes to it.
Now I use a small notebook computer as it's easier to see, and holds more data. It also lets me play just the tune I need to play until I'm ready for the next one. :)
A metheor could break into a pub through the ceiling... they, with a falling tooth, would still ask first for their drink from under the mass rock. Good job, Sr. I appreciate it.
I've seen your instruction video so I know how this is supposed to sound, but what I don't understand is why you chose a setting for this venue that makes it sound so much like you are just humming. If you can change that setting I would say you would have got this crowds attention if it sounded more like a steel guitar or synth, or even a violin, anything but the humming. Thanks.
That's how etherwave standards sound. It was on it's best setting. Also, the audio is rubbish because the digital recorder malfunctioned, and I had to record the audio right from the camcorder's mic. The cameras recorded great video, but their audio was rubbish.
Had the digital recorder worked, the tone quality would have been more faithfully recorded, an it wouldn't have sounded like humming. The talking croud didn't help matters either.
Hello Mr. grillo greetings from israel! you are playign amazing! watched all of your videos!! i did not see or hear any theremin in israel but it is an amazing instrument and you are an amazing player! thank you thank you thank you and greetings from Tel Aviv, Israel!
There was video shot by a film maker who's doing a documentary on me, and one of the employees shot a little video.
Unfortunately, my camera decided to not work lastnight, so I'll have to wait for a copy of some of the video the others shot to come in, and I'll post it. :)
The announcer had the volume up pretty loud, and a good number of them did get to hear some of it, and those that could hear it, certainly enjoyed it.
My performance at the restaurant next week should go a lot better. :)
this is great ... what a fantastic sound ... too bad the "drinkers" don't .... whatevery drinker does ... running that blabber while the entertainer / tallent preforms ...
Indeed. I conditioned my self by practicing with a tv, and radio going at the same time. After a couple of weeks, distractions found in the bar setting were not a problem. It was their loss if they didn't feel like listenning, but hey, it's a "bar", that's what people do there. :)
Thank you, Thomas. I thought as much, from observing and from playing the B3Deluxe, which is not nearly as sensitive. I'll call the nice folks at Moog tomorrow. Kind of you to reply so quickly. Much obliged.
Thomas - Nice performance. I recently acquired a Moog Etherwave standard, and notice that there isn't much dynamic range. The entire range of volume is maybe an inch or less. The volume adjustment only serves to move that small range closer to or further away from the loop. Is this standard for a standard in your experience? Thanks.
It sounds like you may be running the amp a bit loud. (possibly). Try setting the amp to not much more than about a 30 percent of it's gain.
If you still get only an inch or so of distance between minimum and maximum dynamic range, you may need to do a bit of internal tuning. Please consult the manual for this.
If you still only get a narrow range of dynamic, the instrument may need factory servicing. You should have a wider dynamic distance.
The insect would have to fly within a few millimeters of the antenna, nad may well have to actually land on it to cause any change in pitch, if at all, because the mosquito has so little mass.
However, I've seen a report where a thereminist reported a june-bug having landed on the antenna, causing the pitch to go up, and stay on a high pitch note until the insect took off again.
Have a look at Theremin Vs Helicoptor by me. It's in the related list to the right. :)
this just occurred to me what would happen if you wore aluminum gloves or some sort of metal that would conduct electricity and then played the theremin
You would be perfectly fine, safety wise. However, you would likely need to retune the theremin slightly to account for the increased capacitence of the metal glove, or chain-male, ect. :)
Hey Thomas, Jason again - as you may gather I'm growing into a fan of yours!! Theremins and all electronic synth related music just fascinates me. You're carrying on a long line of avant garde musicians who had a vision for a way music could be, and you do a stunning job at this. I love it man, you rock!
Thomas, I have no words to describe your performance, your compositions are just out of this wavelength, I think there is 200.001 non audible beats per second and I just heard that in one second.
What are you staring at? your intensive stare is very impressive, I like it.
Good use of camera angles, very creative.
Keep up the good work master thereminisist you should come to Brocket, Alberta, Canada for a performance, you have quite a bunch of fans up here.
Theremins make sound with circuits called beat frequency oscilators. Two are required to do this. Both are nearly 200,000 beats / second or Hz. (can't hear it), The other is a few beats / second off, and is variable. The combined UHF tones produce audible tones between 20 and 8 KHz or 8,000 beats / second. This is heterodyning (differing energies).
The variable oscilator is controled by a radiomagnetic electrical field around antenna. As we get closer, notes go up, and down as we move away.
This is true, however, most kit built theremins don't sound nearly as good, and are often not as reliable as a fully tested factory built "instrument".
I have a kit built PAiA Theremax, and at the moment, it makes a better radio than a theremin. It's got a cold joint somewhere that I can't find just now.
Thanks for the kind words. However, this was shot in a pub where it's common for audience members to converse with each other as if the talent was a recording. As you can hear from the applause, at least a good portion of the audience did enjoy the performances. ;)
This is so cool. :D
Strideo1 1 month ago
@Strideo1 Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
Is that a PSP you had nearest the camera?
TheChickenKeeper 1 month ago
@TheChickenKeeper Yeh, and the only problem with it was that it decided to play every bloody track in the folder, so I just had to roll with it. LOL.:) I used the PSP because the screen was easier for me to see. I'm now using mini laptops, and tablets as accomp playback devices.
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
I've done a a lot of bars and pubs and I must say; It takes a huge amount of guts (if that even makes sense) to step onto a pubstage with such an unconventional setup. How did you feel about the gig while doing it and afterwards? I get very selfconcous when i do those gigs, and i usually end up drinking quite a bit just to ease the nerves and loosen up a bit, but thats not really an option with the theremin, is it? It's been a while since I've done one of these too, mind. ;) It's tough work.
kisakk 2 months ago
@kisakk Yes it does take nerves of steel to do a pub gig with a theremin, especially in Mississippi. If that's not enough, the month before this one, I did an hour of classical at the same pub. They LOVED it! :) Shocked me. LOL
I was extremely nervous, as always prior to the gig, but once I get started, I'm good to go. After the gig, I felt good. Another gig done, another audience entertained. Never a "boo" from anyone. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 months ago
tutti ubriachi !! :-D complimenti Thomas
PsyLupo 3 months ago
@PsyLupo Thank you. Grazie mille. ;)
ThomasGrillo 3 months ago
hey dude the theremin is a beautiful experimental instrument
Zero006 6 months ago
@Zero006 Thanks, but they've been certified since the 1920s. Of course it don't hurt to be a bit certifiable to play one of these things. LOL ;)
ThomasGrillo 6 months ago
My god? you are wasting your time playing an Theremin in such
enviroment where everyone is only intrested to be intoxicated
Keep your talent to people who are intrested listening to your works.
rudolfje52 7 months ago 3
@rudolfje52 Actually, they were like that with all the acts that night. It was also late, and by that time, nothing seemed to phase them at all. That performance was an open mic gig, and I don't do open mic gigs anymore as I am professional. I also don't do bars anymore either. Too many brawls, and nearly had my instrument damaged as a result, so yeh, I stick to audiences that don't get smashed, and then smash things. LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 7 months ago 5
Just discovered what this instrument was today. My mind is blown. This is awesome. Keep these videos coming!
ThrashTillYouCrash 9 months ago 5
@ThrashTillYouCrash Thank you. Do check out my latest videos too. :)
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
For expressiveness you could dress up as a mascot or wear a spacesuit or a beekeepers outfit.
kredit787 10 months ago
@kredit787 Actually, theres a video shot by news paper reporter, Jack Gurner, youtube user, jackgurner, in which I appear in a space suit costume in part of the video. My performances in that video were part of an art exhibit called Space, and featured apace related art works. Enjoy. :)
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago 2
Even at 720p on a 52 inch tv, I can't see where you actually touch the instrument... It looks like you are air jamming in 3d or something? Like a kinect 3d camera or something lol.... what is going on here?
synergy021 10 months ago
@synergy021 You don't touch the theremin when playing it :)
ryder187mac 9 months ago
@synergy021 Your comment made me smile.
Nelfxrogue 3 months ago
@synergy021 Not really sure if you're joking or not, but you play a theremin by moving your hands in front of it. It's the only instrument in the world that you play without touching it.
Unnamed0909 3 months ago
are you playing with a psp?
nice concert xD
IchigoUnderground 10 months ago 3
@IchigoUnderground Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago
@IchigoUnderground The PSP was used as an accompaniment playback device. It screwed up and played the enire repertoire consecutively instead of letting me stop it between pieces, so I just had to wing it. ;)
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
perhaps you might think of.... adding more energy into your performances? I mean it is a bit offsetting to see you play there stonefaced, staring in one spot. I understand since the instrument is not meant to be touched/carried and hence "rocking out" with it is ill advised, perhaps just some animation of the face and upper torso?
Larrywangster 11 months ago
@Larrywangster At the time this was shot, I had not quite fully integrated expressiveness with my performance. However, even the slightest movement of the head will affect intonation.
Have a look at my later performances though. I've made some progress regarding expression, albeit with a bit more work to be done in visual expressiveness.
This is a phenominon inherent to most thereminists, however. It's a multi-tasking thing. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
@Larrywangster Please let me explain how difficult to create expressions on my face when playing.
Playing the theremin needs super-concentration to listen to the sound to create correct pitch and melody. It affects to have smiling and some entertaining body move! Though this may be an excuse but hope you could understand this unique background to play this instrument. Thanks!!
kuri9810 11 months ago
@kuri9810 You are correct. Not only that, but the thereminist must maintain proper balance in order to avoid bad intonation on top of all that.
HOWEVER. :) I had only been playing for about three years as of the date this video was shot. Even today, nearly five years into my theremin experience, it is difficult to input facial espressions. Have a look at video Dirge For Theremin, my latest one. I do take a light hearted poke at my lack of expression in that video. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
is it possible to play a theremin without a perfect listening pitch?
mikxer 11 months ago
@mikxer Yes. I have relative pitch, not perfect pitch. As long as you at least have relative pitch (can carry a tune), you should be able to play the theremin.
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
Kinda looks like hes playing a mini invisible bass
PunkRockDrummer44 11 months ago
@PunkRockDrummer44 Indeed. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
TAKE A SOLO
speeps84 1 year ago
I'm gonna get a theremin because of you :)
I love the sound of this thing!
dumplingfriend 1 year ago 3
@dumplingfriend Thank you. I wish you all the best with your endeavours. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo amazing skills i have just discovered the theremin because of you. i think its an amazing instument but is there a way to change the sound? not because i dont like it but because the kind of music my band make is kind of psichodelic
thanks man. keep it up
Martin from Argentina
ArgTincho 1 year ago
@ArgTincho Hello Martin. Thanks for the kind words. The Moog Etherwave Standard and Plus feature waveform / brightness controls which permit altering of tone. The Plus has CV outs that allow control of synthisizers like the mooger foogers, and other synths that have CV inputs. You can also use effects pedals to add to or distort the tone, or even produce some interesting tones. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo thank you very much for answering this fast. ill look into this subject! jah bless you
ArgTincho 1 year ago
@ArgTincho You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I get the notion of being upset at people talking over a musical performance, but you can't go to a deli/pub and expect a concert hall audience.
didgeboy287 1 year ago 4
@didgeboy287 Indeed. :) Yeh, you get that anywhere you go where grub & suds are served, and it's late at night. You know how that goes. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago 3
affffff, it's hard to enjoy your music with those people yelling in the back :( do you perhaps have this number recorded without the drunks accompanying?
AbyssalCreation 1 year ago 22
@AbyssalCreation I agree. LOL. I am working on a CD which will have all of these on it. However, I do have a new CD out which features mostly classical music, but also features several other modern works I've composed which you "tried" to hear on this performance. Those are Spooky Old Grageyard, Mint Julep Fantasy, and also another called Theremin Radio Network, and a new age one called Alto Volo. You can hear Alto Volo in one of my videos. Just look up Alto Volo. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago 2
good music, too bad the drunken jerks in the bar wouldn't shut up. watching your videos makes me want to buy a theremin :)
lilraul7 1 year ago
@lilraul7 Thanks for the kind words. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo You're very welcome sir, I knew I recognized that sound before. Portishead and Metric are the first groups that come to mind. I'm sure some new progressive local groups could benefit from watching your vids :)
lilraul7 1 year ago
@lilraul7 Indeed. Those bands do use theremin. I agree, you never know who might benifit from the vid. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@lilraul7 I LOVE Portishead and I'm disappointed I don't remember exactly where I heard the theremin in their music, although the idea vaguely sounds familiar. What's funny is that I listened to thereminist Dorit Chrysler for the first time the other day and commented how she sounded like Portishead.
didgeboy287 1 year ago
Sounds like, a Horn from the 1920s played through speakers from the 1940s
haha
KreatorOfDeath1985 1 year ago
@KreatorOfDeath1985 Yeh, lol :) I'm afraid that was partly the relult of having to rely on the crummy camera mics. The cams took great video, but the sound quality left much to be desired. My other videos have much better audio.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
it is very nice but it cant replace human vocals for me
Silverbluecrest 1 year ago
@Silverbluecrest The point is not to replace human voice, or other instruments, but to provide an instrumental tone all it's own. Kind of voice, kind of string like, a bit of both, if you will. Something different than just a voice. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Engineering on the fly! Done it many times. Unfortunately, too much background and and not enough Thomas. A good learning experience, though. Still on the verge of getting my own ax. I scared up an amp this weekend. Probably place the order today. Wish me luck. (The one on this vid looks like the one I want - Moog Etherwave Standard Ash.) Let me know if you have any advice on purchase. Thanks.
Electron206 1 year ago
@Electron206 Indeed. Too much background noise. I had a digital recorder, but it decided not to work so I had to run with the camera's mics. Not a good thing to do.
As theremins go, the Etherwave Standard is a good theremin. It has knobs for changing tonal charactor, but prettymuch has a bright, loud, brassy tone, allthough you can make it sound a bit more woodwindish, or really reedy. You might consider adding a B3 Deluxe or Pro for string tone. I wish you all the best with the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
you look like a statue
supersaiayin666 1 year ago
@supersaiayin666 Yeh, LOL :) I've been working on that. Have a look at my newer videos. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo ok haha but you play very good
supersaiayin666 1 year ago
@supersaiayin666 Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
i so want a theremin! this guy is great!!!!!
bubandlisa 1 year ago
@bubandlisa Thanks. :) You can find theremins by visiting my channel for a list of manufacturers.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
i dont get it is it an instrument or voice
daoquynh29 1 year ago
@daoquynh29 It is the instrument making the sound. It's electronic. Uses tone generating oscilators which are controlled by our intereaction with a radio-magnetic-electrical field surrounding the two antennas. As one gets closer, the notes go up. As you move away, the notes go down. The smaller antenna on the side controlls volume. Theremins were invented in 1919 by Leon Theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
That was disrepectful of them. Either way, You did great. ^^
KisamierofRuairi 1 year ago
@KisamierofRuairi Thanks. they were like that with all the acts. It was open mic after all. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Lol
I want one D:
UberShadow666 1 year ago
@UberShadow666 See my channel for a list of theemin manufacturers.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I like your music, apparently the audience did not ... You really have a lot of patience
Mr1000Pattes 1 year ago
@Mr1000Pattes Actually, they're like that with all the performers, good or bad. lol. It's a pup. Can't expect an attentive audience, but there was applause, none the less. :)
Thanks for the kind words. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Meant to say "pub" not pup. lol
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
good job. too bad your audience was rude...
Rockyface 1 year ago
@Rockyface Thanks. Such is life when performing in pubs, lol :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I like your music
barrettdesigns 1 year ago
@barrettdesigns Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Please tell me you didn't use band in the box, in a live performance.
TheDionysiac 1 year ago
As you can hear of the audience, it didn't much matter, really. At that time I didn't have access to a live band.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
talent at it's best. have you ever tried to layer recordings using your theremin? I mean, the sound is so beautiful that it almost sounds like a female voice. You could make a choir with it :) awesome video btw :) .
EpicCupcakezizi 1 year ago
I have actually done this in studio, but I tend to not do it as often as I don't want the public mistakenly thinking the theremin can play chords.
I have also used a harmonizing pedal which you can see demonstrated in the older of my new years videos. It features the Wavefront Travel Case Theremin, and TC Helicon Harmonizing pedal, which provides 4 part harmony. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I'm not really a fan of Harmonizers, but doing things bit by bit sounds purer and more defined.
btw are there some of your harmonized recordings on youtube? plus your music soothes my ears <3 :)
EpicCupcakezizi 1 year ago
Took me awhile to realise that, there was a mirror instead of some other dude playing a bass or something, looks like you are playing an invisible guitar or something :) very amazing!
Greensweartshirtguy 1 year ago
Thank you. I didn't even know the mirror wall was there til I edited the video. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
those people in the crowd are incredibly disrespectful. It's quite a good demonstration of this instruments although I do believe you would benefit with a synthesizer since the original sound is a bit poor. Consider it... Perhaps a guitar synth could help produce deeper and a bit distorted sounds. Overall, great job. Oh and I loved the PSP there... :)
theglideslope 1 year ago 5
I've tried all those synth things, and nothing sounded as good as the theremin. :
The poor sound is the result of using cheap camcorders' built in microphones.
It sounds much better when recorded direct line, or in a nice quite location. Check out my other videos to get an idea of how much better this should've sounded. Thereminist In His Natural Habitat is a good example.
That PSP malfunctioned, and decided to play the contents of the folder sequencially instead of on demand.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
thats the best instrument i've ever seen, and you rule at it!
Now I have got to get one for myself :D
AndreFNMarques 1 year ago
Thanks for the kind words. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Ah the pleasures of performing for people under the influence of ethanol...
dwemmy 2 years ago
Indeed. I just tell them, "the more of that stuff they drink, the better this thing sounds." :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Hey i watched some if your video's and some other ones... This reaaaally look hard to master.. is it?
Drakinus1988 2 years ago
As with any instrument, the theremin requires a lot of time, patience, and effort to learn. It is considered the most difficult instrument to play "well". Not to be confused with the most difficult instrument to play, which in my oppinion, is the pipe organ. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
=) thx
Drakinus1988 2 years ago
You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Mr. Grillo, I am impressed!
DonMoza 2 years ago
Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Very cool.
Communistsynthist 2 years ago
Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
simplemente genial... sigue así...
Davidmanzullo 2 years ago
Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Great job on the fact you needd to improvise because of that drunk man on 23:39 ... I clearly can hear you was somehow out of yur concentration afterwards, but finaly you knew how to get things straight!
BTW ... What's that lil' thing standing on a stative right to you? Is it a kinda music player or so? Seems to be a handy thing!
yeapsystar 2 years ago
Yes, when that man walked up to the theremin, it really messed with my concentration for a moment, because I had to wave him off, and then get back into the zone.
The little device next to me was a Sony PSP, but for some reason it got stuck in a mode where it just played every track in the folder, so all I could do was just play through everything. LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Wow! Do you mean you just use a PlayStation Portable to play the background music ??? Cool! I've got a Sony PSP Slim, but still gotta find out to get properly music on it, as I usually only use it for gaming ;-)
... It's not nice if they stuck ... I had it sometimes with some games, but not much! My BF's one died some while ago, but happily after all he still had warrantee for 1 month ;-)
Yep ... Crazy drunk men sometimes ...
yeapsystar 2 years ago
Yep, it was my playback device for a while. It has a memory card in it that lets me transfer tunes to it.
Now I use a small notebook computer as it's easier to see, and holds more data. It also lets me play just the tune I need to play until I'm ready for the next one. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Simplemente genial !!!
Davidmanzullo 2 years ago
A metheor could break into a pub through the ceiling... they, with a falling tooth, would still ask first for their drink from under the mass rock. Good job, Sr. I appreciate it.
quieromicubita 2 years ago
Indeed. Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I've seen your instruction video so I know how this is supposed to sound, but what I don't understand is why you chose a setting for this venue that makes it sound so much like you are just humming. If you can change that setting I would say you would have got this crowds attention if it sounded more like a steel guitar or synth, or even a violin, anything but the humming. Thanks.
Gabe69Velasquez 2 years ago
That's how etherwave standards sound. It was on it's best setting. Also, the audio is rubbish because the digital recorder malfunctioned, and I had to record the audio right from the camcorder's mic. The cameras recorded great video, but their audio was rubbish.
Had the digital recorder worked, the tone quality would have been more faithfully recorded, an it wouldn't have sounded like humming. The talking croud didn't help matters either.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Hello Mr. grillo greetings from israel! you are playign amazing! watched all of your videos!! i did not see or hear any theremin in israel but it is an amazing instrument and you are an amazing player! thank you thank you thank you and greetings from Tel Aviv, Israel!
papal12 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words, and greetings. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
keep doing what you're doing man. Awesome.
StephenGBrown 2 years ago
Thank you, and I certainly will. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Suckers... Why didn't they shut their mouths?
Nice music mr.
Tosmm 2 years ago 30
Thanks. Yeh, that was at a pub, they're like that there unfortunately.
It was a different story at a restaurant I played at lastnight. When I started playing, most of the conversations died down.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Oh, nice. Have you got a video of the restaurant?
Keep on working ;)
Tosmm 2 years ago
There was video shot by a film maker who's doing a documentary on me, and one of the employees shot a little video.
Unfortunately, my camera decided to not work lastnight, so I'll have to wait for a copy of some of the video the others shot to come in, and I'll post it. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
stupid pub people being loud- can't appreciate your awesome theremin skills!
alliedlama 2 years ago
Eh, that's to be expected. :)
The announcer had the volume up pretty loud, and a good number of them did get to hear some of it, and those that could hear it, certainly enjoyed it.
My performance at the restaurant next week should go a lot better. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
well good luck with the restaurant performance man! should be a quieter audience!
alliedlama 2 years ago
Indeed. Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
absolute love the Theremin, hope to get one myself before christmas, got to save some pennies, lol. You are terrific on it by the way.
deehouse55 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. :)
I wish you all the best with your quest for the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
this is great ... what a fantastic sound ... too bad the "drinkers" don't .... whatevery drinker does ... running that blabber while the entertainer / tallent preforms ...
willowquinn 2 years ago
Yeh. But, it's a pub. They do that regardless of who's performing. ;/
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
indeed...thats what playing at a bar intails....thats just part of it.
cw9123mingus 2 years ago
Yeh. I'll be performing at a restaurant on the 30th this month, so it's likely going to be the same, allthough not as loud. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
por dios, eres muy bueno, cual es el precio de eso?
waisfrancor 2 years ago
Gracias.
Etherwave Standard Theremin is $400.
moogmusic . com.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
sounds great, this is awesome, man!
did you made it yourself?
menpelope 2 years ago
Thanks. I composed the melody for theremin, and used Band in a box for the accompaniment tracks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Sounded pretty loud in that bar. Surprised that didn't distract you much at all.
ufo5440 2 years ago
Indeed. I conditioned my self by practicing with a tv, and radio going at the same time. After a couple of weeks, distractions found in the bar setting were not a problem. It was their loss if they didn't feel like listenning, but hey, it's a "bar", that's what people do there. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Jeeeee, u all are like one happy Thereminfamily..... good luck and great lessons 2 Thomas.
asiantraveller 2 years ago
Indeed. Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
man that does not look easy..
sulaimanswaleh 2 years ago
Trust me. It's not. But it's a lot of rewarding fun. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thank you, Thomas. I thought as much, from observing and from playing the B3Deluxe, which is not nearly as sensitive. I'll call the nice folks at Moog tomorrow. Kind of you to reply so quickly. Much obliged.
bobbo924B 2 years ago
You're welcome.
Do let me know if I can be of further assistance. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thomas - Nice performance. I recently acquired a Moog Etherwave standard, and notice that there isn't much dynamic range. The entire range of volume is maybe an inch or less. The volume adjustment only serves to move that small range closer to or further away from the loop. Is this standard for a standard in your experience? Thanks.
bobbo924B 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words.
It sounds like you may be running the amp a bit loud. (possibly). Try setting the amp to not much more than about a 30 percent of it's gain.
If you still get only an inch or so of distance between minimum and maximum dynamic range, you may need to do a bit of internal tuning. Please consult the manual for this.
If you still only get a narrow range of dynamic, the instrument may need factory servicing. You should have a wider dynamic distance.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
what would happen if a mosquito flies by??
latogoga 2 years ago
The insect would have to fly within a few millimeters of the antenna, nad may well have to actually land on it to cause any change in pitch, if at all, because the mosquito has so little mass.
However, I've seen a report where a thereminist reported a june-bug having landed on the antenna, causing the pitch to go up, and stay on a high pitch note until the insect took off again.
Have a look at Theremin Vs Helicoptor by me. It's in the related list to the right. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
this just occurred to me what would happen if you wore aluminum gloves or some sort of metal that would conduct electricity and then played the theremin
Batikha99 2 years ago
You would be perfectly fine, safety wise. However, you would likely need to retune the theremin slightly to account for the increased capacitence of the metal glove, or chain-male, ect. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Hey Thomas, Jason again - as you may gather I'm growing into a fan of yours!! Theremins and all electronic synth related music just fascinates me. You're carrying on a long line of avant garde musicians who had a vision for a way music could be, and you do a stunning job at this. I love it man, you rock!
hixonjason 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. :)
Stay tuned. More to come. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thomas, I have no words to describe your performance, your compositions are just out of this wavelength, I think there is 200.001 non audible beats per second and I just heard that in one second.
What are you staring at? your intensive stare is very impressive, I like it.
Good use of camera angles, very creative.
Keep up the good work master thereminisist you should come to Brocket, Alberta, Canada for a performance, you have quite a bunch of fans up here.
Keep the Theremin Ethereal music ALIVE!
ihm111 2 years ago
Wow! Thanks for the massive compliment. :)
The intensive stare is just one of those strange things that happens when one plays a theremin. :)
I'm in the process of obtaining my passport, so hopefully in the near future, I may be able to travel out of country for gigs.
See my web site for thomasgrillo . com, for booking details. :)
All the best to you, and the fans! :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
is that a psp??for what?
Uatarreu 2 years ago
It was indeed a play station portable you saw on the left side of the screen.
I used it as a back-up accompaniment playback device while my laptop was down.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
What is it that you are using for accompaniment?
fdr38 2 years ago
I composed the accompaniment using a software program called Band In A Box, which lets you create a wav or midi file you can use for accomp.
I then composed my melody over that with the theremin.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
How does it work :o?
Firen965 2 years ago
Theremins make sound with circuits called beat frequency oscilators. Two are required to do this. Both are nearly 200,000 beats / second or Hz. (can't hear it), The other is a few beats / second off, and is variable. The combined UHF tones produce audible tones between 20 and 8 KHz or 8,000 beats / second. This is heterodyning (differing energies).
The variable oscilator is controled by a radiomagnetic electrical field around antenna. As we get closer, notes go up, and down as we move away.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
How can they keep talking wich such a beautiful music sounding around? God! It makes me mad...
Keep it going!....Greetings from Argentina...hope to see you if any time you come here!
NICOAPOCALIPSIS 2 years ago 2
In a theater this would have been a quiet audience. However, this was in a bar. They allways talk like that regardless of the performer.
When you play there, you're prettymuch just background music. :)
Thanks for the kind words.
Perhaps someday when I start touring the word, I shall head that way. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
very entertaining thomas. keep it up
sidthemyth 2 years ago
Thanks. I certainly will. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I love the theremin, and your compositions are great!
murnau84 2 years ago
Thanks. I'm working on a CD which will have all of these tunes, and a couple of new ones on it. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
hey beautiful songs, congratulation!!
murnau84 2 years ago
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
your definitely right - the factory made theremins make a much more impressive sound
but they are a lot of fun to build.
i forgot to say Thomas, nice work!
really enjoyed the vid - im a hardcore theremin fan
as well as jazz! my too favourite things put together!
cheers!
Jazzzaman 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words.
I'm working on a CD which will feature these works. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
just so everyone knows -
if your into electronics you can make a theremin
they dont have quite the same range but with enought tuning it can have a really big range.
Just do a bit of searching and you'll find a few buildable models.
They're fun - i've made one myself.
happy building!
Jazzzaman 2 years ago
This is true, however, most kit built theremins don't sound nearly as good, and are often not as reliable as a fully tested factory built "instrument".
I have a kit built PAiA Theremax, and at the moment, it makes a better radio than a theremin. It's got a cold joint somewhere that I can't find just now.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thomas, it would be great to see a recording of this in your home studio, with better audio quality an no background noise. It's a great composition.
Cheers.
TheCrispyDelicious 2 years ago
I'm working on that. ;)
In the meantime, do enjoy THEREMINIST in his natural habitat. It features one these works. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
This is great!
I love listening to this and the rest of your videos whilst I do my studies as its very calming even with the background noise.
All the best Thomas!
=)
dnicholls1 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
You're very good!!
Can you tell me how much does a theremin cost?
Leorockguitarist 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words.
The theremin seen here is the Moog Music Etherwave Standard. It costs about $400 at moogmusic . com.
The soundslikeburns . com offers several models that cost between $152, and $350.
Wavefront offers two that cost $700 to $1800 at theremin . ws.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thank you very much for the information. I'd really like to play this fascinating instrument.
Leorockguitarist 2 years ago
You're welcome. I wish you all the best with the theremin
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Impresionant!!! I like Theremin!! :P When I have money I'll buy a B3 for practice :P you are a very very good thereminist!!!!! go on learning!!
Legolasbdn 2 years ago
Thanks.
I wish you all the best with your theremin. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Nice videos. i have to say it's a shame the audience wasn't respectful during this performance.
behold888 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. However, this was shot in a pub where it's common for audience members to converse with each other as if the talent was a recording. As you can hear from the applause, at least a good portion of the audience did enjoy the performances. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Always nice to see a live performance. You should make MP3s of these! There are some really nice memorable themes in there.
conquerearth 2 years ago
That is in work. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Would love to hear these compositions without all the background noise.
Mostly reminds me of music from old movies.
Very restrained.
Very cool.
unbeknownst1 2 years ago
I am working on studio versions of all of these tunes. Thanks for the kind words.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago