Question: Do Thereminists find all the Theremin "Emulators" and "Apps" available to be a bad thing, or is it generally seen as a way of increasing interests in the real thing?
@trumbachd1 I've never heard a thereminist complaining about all the theremin related apps. However, there's nothing quite like playing the real thing. I think it certainly generates more awareness of reall theremins amung the app community though. :)
Thanks for your information. I have recently purchased a theremin (Burns B3 pro) and am waiting for it to be shipped. 2 questions: What is the best way to learn the different right hand positions? Also, is a regular guitar amp a good monitor to use? Keep up the videos!
@tubaguybh Hello. Congrats on your new theremin. I hope it gets there soon. :)
For right handed learning, visit thereminworld on the web and check the "Learn to Play" thread for links to various theremin instructional matereals, including my dvd, Theremin Lessons. Most of these were produced by right handed thereminists.
Most amps will work in a pinch. However, for best performance quality, consider a keyboard rated amp. Behrenger, and Rolland produce good ones.
Do you play music on the theremin by ear, or can you read music for it? Like Mrs. Rockmore once said, you can't just pick out a note on theremin like you can on piano. Without a definite-pitch instrument like that to tune to, how can you learn to play written music on a theremin? I play by ear, but I can read music fluently and would like to incorporate that into playing. Thanks!
@iridescentgreen Although I know how to read music, my vision does not permit me to do it while playing. I can only read just enough to spot check something if I have the music for it. Mostly, I must learn by ear. Clara is right to an extent. If you practice enough, you can get very close to picking a desired note from thin air. You need perfect pitch or at least good relative pitch to do that. This very difficult to do. You must use pitch location skills, or use preview to get it right.
@ThomasGrillo Well, I do have rather good relative pitch at least. The problem with learning new songs for me is that I have to internalize the whole melody before I can play it. Sometimes I end up only knowing the first half but being able to segue into another song at that point...(think Somewhere Over the Rainbow into The Way You Look Tonight). Thanks for the reply! I don't have any sort of pitch preview, but I do practice diligently.
@iridescentgreen I find that I learn a work best by playing along with the source media dozens of times, and then alternated between playing by memory with accomp only media, and playing with the full performance version until I find my self relying on the full version less often, and then go full memory. It takes weeks, if not months in some cases. Just depends on the level of complexity. Clara said it takes a month or two to concertize a piece (with sheetmusic). Takes lots of work without it.
@insx The Moog Music Etherwave Plus comes with pitch preview. The discontinued Etherwave Pro, seen here, also had preview. The Wavefront Classic, and Wavefront Travel Case Theremins can be ordered with pitch preview. Burns will even add preview as a custom order.
I generally recommend that students be extremely careful not to become dependent on preview, as it will dull your sens of intuitive pitch control, and pitch location (formerly known as pitch fishing) skills.
@ryanbarrett96 Back when this model was in production, I got it from Moog Music. It's since been discontinued, unfortunately. Can be found at times on ebay. The actual stand is a miniature of a mic stand, that was specially made for this model. It's well below frame. The body of this model is nearly a couple of feet tall. with the stand, it's another foot and a half taller, so it's about 3 and a half feet, or so tall depending on adjustment of the stand.
@Electron206 You're more than welcome. I wish you all the best with your theremin endeavours. When you've finnished with these intro lessons, do consider my DVD, Theremin Lessons, as well as lessons via skype. Check out my site for more info. :)
@TheGothiclism Theremins are a very rare instrument indeed. Allthough they've been around since the 1920s, there just were not very many people who can play it well enough for it to be seen in public much. It's just now gaining in popularity, but still sort of rare. It's not made in high numbers like keyboards yet. Only a handful have mastered it on a professional level.
Please, could do you tell me how many months or years we need for learning theremin. Is this instrument is expensive ? I live in Brussels and I don't know if we can find some instructors. What is cool with this instrument, is that it takes no too many places and easy to carry out everywhere, comparing to piano or synthe.
@balisemusique The length of time needed to master theremin depends on the time one has available to practice. Closest comparison is violin. Self learning can take a week or two to learn a basic scale, several weeks to pick out a basic simple tune, and months to at least a year to start sounding good enough for family or close friends, and a couple of years to get good enough for public. That's if you can put in a few hours every day.
@balisemusique As far as instructors go, you may well be looking at self-learning the theremin. I do offer lessons via skype, and I, along with several other thereminists, offer a lesson dvd. There are several books available, some of which are free, like Clara Rockmore's method, and Victor Estrada's Theremin Exercises, which are downloadable, and free. Check thereminworld on the web.
Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
@rocketguy2 It is possible to adjust the tone of your amp or sound system to get a little more of a classic tone. Your theremin, if it's equipped with waveform and brightness, can let you get even closer, but you'll never get exactly the same classic tone.
You can turn your theremin around to play left-handed.
Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
The brighter, slightly distorted "buzzy" tone of the RCA theremins which were used in the 50s is the result of the instrument's circuitry which is tube based. Also, the spleakers were largely responsible for coloring some of the tone.
The vibrato, of course, was the result of the performer's hand, and arm motion as seen in my lessons, and other videos I, and others have posted. :)
@ThomasGrillo Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
I'm trained on classical violin, have nearly 30 years experience in music. 10 on violin, 15 on flute, more than 25 years voice with opera, and barbershop choruses, and a couple of years as a music major in college back in the 80s. Oh, and nearly 4 years on theremin as of this comment's posting.
My only exposure to the thermin, like many, was it's use in classic sci-fi films of the fifties. Absolutely fascinating to see the actual technique involved. Very inspiring!
I can take my alto sax beyond its highest note. It almost sounds like a therimin somtimes depending on my mouth position on the reed. It is pretty tricky to get up there, but I have made it. But one question, what is the best quality therimin for a beginer?
At the moment, the best theremins for beginners are:
Moog Etherwave Standard, if you want control over tonal charactor, but it's over $400 dollars.
And the Burns B3 Deluxe There which does not have tonal charactor control, but is $200 alone, or $225 with my DVD. The B3 Pro is a nice wood finnish theremin with touch plate mute switch and power / status led. It's $350.
I wish you all the best with your first theremin.
your videos are VERY helpful. i got a moog etherrwave for christmas (i'm a flutist primarily) and i'm VERY eager to grapple this wonderful instrument.
You're half right. It was a singer, but they also used a flute played on the exact same notes as the singer (unison), to produce the theremin-like sound.
@ThomasGrillo oh okay. I think it would be cool if you can get the permission to do the Doctor Who theme song on a theremin maybe with some other instruments.
I hope you do learn the Dr Who theme by then. It's a bit tricky with the wide, and unusual intervals, but with sweeping motions, you may be able to pull it off nicely. :)
It would be cool if someone made some kind of tool specifically designed for perfectly controlling the notes of the theremin instrument. :o Cuz It seems to confusing trying to adjust your FINGERS. But yeh....Now I REALLY want one of those. xD
It does seem confusing at first, but with practice, one develops muscle memory, and it becomes second nature, much like touch typing on a computer, or playing a piano.
Hove you heard of the Ondes Martinot? It had incredible sweet tones and portamento. You can hear it in a lot of Barry Gray's work, especially in the film JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN (1969) on DVD, and can highly reccomend this Sci Fi adventure I saw in the theatre 40 years ago. Thanks loads. You rock!
If you have any DVDs of THUNDERBIRDS, or the THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO, or the Gerry Anderson TV series UFO (on DVD box-set, I recommend it highly) you can hear Barry Gray's awesome use of the Ondes Martinot to instill awe and inspire mystery. The octave portamento goes right thru your whole body if you have it on surround sound. It makes a sweet and haunting sound during the outer-space sequences. It was so beautiful, I cried when I first saw JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN in 1969, when I was 8.
I don't have any of the Thunderbirds, or Thunderbirds are Go discs yet..
Back when the Sci-fi channel was real, and good, they actually ran UFO. I did hear the OM used in it. Pretty cool.
Ah, 1969. My family had just moved into Biloxie one day prior to Hurrican Camile. We got stuck there, and had to ride it out in a two story house which survived all this time until Katrina finally took out it's lower floor. It had to be demolished. I'm just glad we moved from there in the 80s. :)
Its from Barry Gray, and it may be under Universay Studios, or Lord Grade at ITC in Great Britain, all Gerry Anderson productions, I have loved his TV shows and films since the early 1960s. Peace, Happy Channukah!
it is such a simple yet clever instrument to play all you need to do is move each and correctly and youve got beautifle music but when you look further into it you see that there are lots of things you must take into account. you seem to pull it off great and i respect that. i wish this was more of a known intrument.
Indeed. It's very deceptive. Kind of like watching a helicopter flying. You think it's easy, until you take the controls, and find that it's like balancing on the tip of a pen. :)
Actually, the long sleave shirt just looked better with the tie at the time.
If anything I've found that it's what the shirt is made of that affects once's playing in terms of annoying fabric rubbing sounds when your arm is close in, and the cloth is rubbing together.
I normally rehearse with short sleave shirts. However, in a concert type environment where there's a lot more ambient noise, it does not really matter as much, but it's more comfortable, and easier in short slaves. :)
i don't know if my question went trough before but i wanted to ask if you don't put your hand over the volume antenna does it just go as load as it can or does it not make a sound at all?
If your volume hand is far away from the volume antenna, the instrument will simply play at it's maximum dynamic volume until you bring your volume hand back to the instrument.
In the case of a modified theremin who's volume antenna makes the theremin louder when the hand gets closer as in the case of Xenovibe's modified Etherwave Pro, the instrment will then become silent as your hand gets far enough away.
If I'm not mistaken, Harison instruments makes theremins like that too.
Hi, If money is tight, consider the B3 Deluxe for $200 at soundslikeburns . com.
If you'd like control over the tonal charactor, and money's not so tight, then consider the more intermediate level Moog Etherwave Standard for $400 at moogmusic . com, less at online instrument retail outlets, and ebay.
B3s sound string / vocal like, and the Etherwaves sound brassy, but can be adjusted slightly to more of a woodwind like sound, still bright, and loud though.
Just about any guitar amp will work, but keyboard rated amps work even better. Save the tube amps for gigs, and use transistor amps as your work-horse rehearsal amps. You can even use a stereo system at home. :)
My grandfather, Samuel Goldhaber, was an excelent thereminist as you may already know. One of his original RCA instruments is on loan for display at the moment, but the family also has one of his early Moogs. I would love to play them, but am concerned that they may be best preserved for posterity. Any advice on their care?
As to the care of an RCA, or even modern tube type replicas, and early tube type Moogs, you don't want to run them a lot. Tubes don't last long. Usualy 25-50 hours continuous use.
Don't touch tubes with bare hands, as oils from fingers cause uneven heating of the tubes, leading to breakage.
Keep in climate controled room, and don't replace parts with non-original parts if you sell as this devalues it.
One could easily be forgiven for thinking they were hearing theremins in these two examples.
However, the Dark Shadows theme used either a tanerin, or something like an Ondes Martinot, or a Persephone. Note the minimal use of vibrato here.
In Yma Sumac's recordings, this sounds like a mix of female vocals, and recorded sample playback of the same artist's voice played through a keyboard with a pitch bend wheel.
Mr. Grillo. These videos are wonderful. It is so nice to see this old instrument played like this online. I think most people don't know how often they have heard the Theremin before, like in old movies and pop songs.
Thomas, this is really great stuff, and many thanks for creating and posting these videos. I never heard of a Theremin until two days ago and now I am fascinated.
Why hasn't anyone dressed up the case, make it look stylish, like a more traditional wood instrument would. Add ornamentation, like some special carving? I am guessing if it extended too close to the antenna even the small amount of inductance and capacitance of any object could change the sound.
Actually, NO theremin today has a midi interface at all. The only one that did, was the Big Briar (Moog) Ethervox. There were only 50 made.
In order to interface a theremin with midi is to use a CV to MIDI intergace by Wavefront at theremin . ws on the web, or to use Moog Music's new Etherwave Pluss, or PAiA's Theremax through a CV to MIDI interface to run a theremin through MIDI.
CV out equipped theremin can directly control a synth without the interface.
thank you for posting this video series, you do a very good job of teaching it in lessons and have so far helped me a lot so i applaud and thank you for making this.
but, the question i have is: how should one hold their hand to create a good way to get the notes out? i notice the motions you are doing with your right hand.
i would greatly appreciate your help, maestro. thank you =)
The best way to hold the hands to get sound out is to do so in a way which is comfortable, and provides the best stability.
My pitch hand, (left side of your screen) is held about shoulder hight, and runs between the shoulder and pitch rod.
My volume hand (right side of screen) is held (usually) with forearm nearly horizontal, elbow near body, and I use the wrist mostly for stacattos, and the arm moved at elbow for slow attack / decays.
are there any good instructional books anyone could recommend? or anyway to find a decent teacher? i suppose they're probably few and far between, but i'm just starting out and i want to get it right.
AMAZING tutorials, I thought that the theremin was WAY DIFFERENT. Oh, and I don't mean to sound snobbish, but I am part of an orchestra (I am a violinist), and I believe that vibrato is pronounced (the i) like the word Kid.
You are correct, ofcourse, but down here, we say things like arn, when we mean iron, and tar, when we mean tire. I've picked up some bad habits living here. ;)
You can find theremins at on the web at e-bay, soundslikeburns, moogmusic, PAiA, wavefront, and others like zzounds, instrumentpro, and musiciansfriend.
If you mean the hand on the left side of the screen, (my right), the elevation of one's hand is important. Allthough it does not affect pitch all that much (near top of antenna vs near bottum), I find it easier to control my articulation if my hand is about at the hight of my shoulder. If you try to play with your pitch hand too low, your arm gets tired faster, and You have to stand too far back from the theremin.
My left hand, (the one on screen right) controls volume. Up = loud, down=quiet.
Just got my ether wave about a week ago, Its pretty much the greatest thing thats ever happend to me. I seem to have a knack for it. Just comes naturally. I was wondering if you knew where to get the accompaniment for the swan to play along with?
The version I use was a custom performance by Kristian Banatzianou at PianoAccompaniments on the web. I don't know if he's made this available yet, or not. There may be other versions available on the web. You may have to get the sheetmusic, and have a pianist perform it if you can't find a version that is without the melody line for you.
Clara Rockmore is quoted as saying "The theremin chooses you, not the other way around", or words to that affect. Congrats on the theremin, and Good luck.
Theremins require a lot of patience to learn. It took me about a week just to learn scales, and another couple of weeks to start picking out "recognizable" melodies on it.
Keep at it. It gets better with time, and practice.
I agree, I've never really managed a scale, but managed to play "somewhere over the rainbow" within an hour of starting, thanks to thomas' videos. it's a good place to start as the gliss between notes as you find them fits in, and it doesnt have any staccato sections, and I think these watching these videos before starting to play stops you getting into any bad habits. Thanks Thomas!
thumbs up if milhouse bring you here!
punk434 7 months ago
Question: Do Thereminists find all the Theremin "Emulators" and "Apps" available to be a bad thing, or is it generally seen as a way of increasing interests in the real thing?
trumbachd1 8 months ago
@trumbachd1 I've never heard a thereminist complaining about all the theremin related apps. However, there's nothing quite like playing the real thing. I think it certainly generates more awareness of reall theremins amung the app community though. :)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
I really really enjoy your video.
JackerisPotteria 8 months ago
@JackerisPotteria Thank you. ;)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
2:36 - 3:08 is amazing!
MatthewLedZepfan 9 months ago
Thanks for your information. I have recently purchased a theremin (Burns B3 pro) and am waiting for it to be shipped. 2 questions: What is the best way to learn the different right hand positions? Also, is a regular guitar amp a good monitor to use? Keep up the videos!
tubaguybh 1 year ago
@tubaguybh Hello. Congrats on your new theremin. I hope it gets there soon. :)
For right handed learning, visit thereminworld on the web and check the "Learn to Play" thread for links to various theremin instructional matereals, including my dvd, Theremin Lessons. Most of these were produced by right handed thereminists.
Most amps will work in a pinch. However, for best performance quality, consider a keyboard rated amp. Behrenger, and Rolland produce good ones.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Cool. I was wondering whether or not a keyboard amp would sound better. I appreciate the advice.
tubaguybh 1 year ago
@tubaguybh Not a problem. You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Do you play music on the theremin by ear, or can you read music for it? Like Mrs. Rockmore once said, you can't just pick out a note on theremin like you can on piano. Without a definite-pitch instrument like that to tune to, how can you learn to play written music on a theremin? I play by ear, but I can read music fluently and would like to incorporate that into playing. Thanks!
iridescentgreen 1 year ago
@iridescentgreen Although I know how to read music, my vision does not permit me to do it while playing. I can only read just enough to spot check something if I have the music for it. Mostly, I must learn by ear. Clara is right to an extent. If you practice enough, you can get very close to picking a desired note from thin air. You need perfect pitch or at least good relative pitch to do that. This very difficult to do. You must use pitch location skills, or use preview to get it right.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Well, I do have rather good relative pitch at least. The problem with learning new songs for me is that I have to internalize the whole melody before I can play it. Sometimes I end up only knowing the first half but being able to segue into another song at that point...(think Somewhere Over the Rainbow into The Way You Look Tonight). Thanks for the reply! I don't have any sort of pitch preview, but I do practice diligently.
iridescentgreen 1 year ago
@iridescentgreen I find that I learn a work best by playing along with the source media dozens of times, and then alternated between playing by memory with accomp only media, and playing with the full performance version until I find my self relying on the full version less often, and then go full memory. It takes weeks, if not months in some cases. Just depends on the level of complexity. Clara said it takes a month or two to concertize a piece (with sheetmusic). Takes lots of work without it.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Which of the popular theremins have a pitch preview port? If there isn't one, can you add a little black box?
insx 1 year ago
@insx The Moog Music Etherwave Plus comes with pitch preview. The discontinued Etherwave Pro, seen here, also had preview. The Wavefront Classic, and Wavefront Travel Case Theremins can be ordered with pitch preview. Burns will even add preview as a custom order.
I generally recommend that students be extremely careful not to become dependent on preview, as it will dull your sens of intuitive pitch control, and pitch location (formerly known as pitch fishing) skills.
It's good in some cases.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
He looks like such a square! I was thinkin sarcastically "He looks fun" and then he started to make that theremin do opera. Awesome!
LukeQuietus 1 year ago
@LukeQuietus LOL. Had to look the part of a teacher, didn't I? :)
If you thaught that was awesome, have a look at my other vids. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Where would you advise those of us who wish to purchase a Theramin, to buy one from?
Riorach 1 year ago
@Riorach You can start by heading to my channel for a list of manufacturers, and links to them, as well as prices.
Good first theremins are the Burns B3 theremins. Not a lot of controls to worry about, they sound good, and they're under a few hundred dollars.
Next up, is the Moog Music Etherwave Standard for under 400 bucks. These are nice if you want to varry the tonal charactor a bit.
For kit builders, the PAiA Theremax is cool, but tricky to get working.
Avoid pitch only theremin.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
where did you get your theramin from? I see it's a moog. Which part of that is actually the stand?
ryanbarrett96 1 year ago
@ryanbarrett96 Back when this model was in production, I got it from Moog Music. It's since been discontinued, unfortunately. Can be found at times on ebay. The actual stand is a miniature of a mic stand, that was specially made for this model. It's well below frame. The body of this model is nearly a couple of feet tall. with the stand, it's another foot and a half taller, so it's about 3 and a half feet, or so tall depending on adjustment of the stand.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I've always liked this instrument. Now, with these lessons avaiable, I'm seriously considering getting one. Thanks, Thomas.
Electron206 1 year ago
@Electron206 You're more than welcome. I wish you all the best with your theremin endeavours. When you've finnished with these intro lessons, do consider my DVD, Theremin Lessons, as well as lessons via skype. Check out my site for more info. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
theremin is a great instrument. thanks for the lesson. I think not many people realise what a theramin can do.
firehandszarb 1 year ago
@firehandszarb Glad you enjoyed the lessons. Indeed. There's quite a lot you can do with the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Really beautiful! I still really cool tools to find theremins! P.S. You really super good!
ws2ify 1 year ago
@ws2ify Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Killa!!!
clumpft 1 year ago
may i know why i didn't see this instrument playing on these days? this is very unique one and never seen it before :P
TheGothiclism 1 year ago 6
@TheGothiclism Theremins are a very rare instrument indeed. Allthough they've been around since the 1920s, there just were not very many people who can play it well enough for it to be seen in public much. It's just now gaining in popularity, but still sort of rare. It's not made in high numbers like keyboards yet. Only a handful have mastered it on a professional level.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Thanks for your time and efforts! This is a very interesting instrument and you helped me a lot clarify a lot of my questions!
DimRoditis 1 year ago
@DimRoditis You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Hi Friend,
Thanks a lot for all those explanations. This is gonna help me to have a little idea about the instrument.
Best Regards,
Bach
balisemusique 1 year ago
@balisemusique You're more than welcome. I wish you all the best with the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Please, could do you tell me how many months or years we need for learning theremin. Is this instrument is expensive ? I live in Brussels and I don't know if we can find some instructors. What is cool with this instrument, is that it takes no too many places and easy to carry out everywhere, comparing to piano or synthe.
balisemusique 1 year ago
@balisemusique The length of time needed to master theremin depends on the time one has available to practice. Closest comparison is violin. Self learning can take a week or two to learn a basic scale, several weeks to pick out a basic simple tune, and months to at least a year to start sounding good enough for family or close friends, and a couple of years to get good enough for public. That's if you can put in a few hours every day.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@balisemusique As far as instructors go, you may well be looking at self-learning the theremin. I do offer lessons via skype, and I, along with several other thereminists, offer a lesson dvd. There are several books available, some of which are free, like Clara Rockmore's method, and Victor Estrada's Theremin Exercises, which are downloadable, and free. Check thereminworld on the web.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
rocketguy2 1 year ago
@rocketguy2 It is possible to adjust the tone of your amp or sound system to get a little more of a classic tone. Your theremin, if it's equipped with waveform and brightness, can let you get even closer, but you'll never get exactly the same classic tone.
You can turn your theremin around to play left-handed.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Thanks very much, Thomas!
rocketguy2 1 year ago
@rocketguy2 You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
rocketguy2 1 year ago
Is the more distorted tone of the "fifties sci-fi" theramin work a product of the instrument itself or the type of amplification used?
rocketguy2 1 year ago
The brighter, slightly distorted "buzzy" tone of the RCA theremins which were used in the 50s is the result of the instrument's circuitry which is tube based. Also, the spleakers were largely responsible for coloring some of the tone.
The vibrato, of course, was the result of the performer's hand, and arm motion as seen in my lessons, and other videos I, and others have posted. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Cool. Do you think it might be possible to replicate a more "vintage" tone by using a slightly overdriven tube amplifier? Finally, being naturally left handed, is it possible to rotate the theramin 180 degrees so that the left hand controls pitch and intonation?
rocketguy2 1 year ago
@rocketguy2 It's possible to do that to some extent, but you can also use the EQ to alter the tone as well.
Yes, it's possible to rotate the theremin to play it the other way round. :)
ThomasGrillo 3 months ago
That's what I thought. I've always found vibrato one of the most challenging techniques on guitar; you've got that down.
rocketguy2 1 year ago
Thank you. It took me a long time to find the right technique for the vibrato I use. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Am curious; What is your musical background? Some of the arpeggios and examples you play seem quite advanced.
rocketguy2 1 year ago
I'm trained on classical violin, have nearly 30 years experience in music. 10 on violin, 15 on flute, more than 25 years voice with opera, and barbershop choruses, and a couple of years as a music major in college back in the 80s. Oh, and nearly 4 years on theremin as of this comment's posting.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
My only exposure to the thermin, like many, was it's use in classic sci-fi films of the fifties. Absolutely fascinating to see the actual technique involved. Very inspiring!
rocketguy2 1 year ago
Thank you. I was the same way til 2006, when I got my first theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
The first thing i would try would be the theme from Star Trek TOS. Then move right on to Bach's toccata in D minor. (NOT)
U.W.
unklewink 1 year ago
LOL :) I was fixin' to say...
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I can take my alto sax beyond its highest note. It almost sounds like a therimin somtimes depending on my mouth position on the reed. It is pretty tricky to get up there, but I have made it. But one question, what is the best quality therimin for a beginer?
Pikachu25sci90vt 1 year ago
At the moment, the best theremins for beginners are:
Moog Etherwave Standard, if you want control over tonal charactor, but it's over $400 dollars.
And the Burns B3 Deluxe There which does not have tonal charactor control, but is $200 alone, or $225 with my DVD. The B3 Pro is a nice wood finnish theremin with touch plate mute switch and power / status led. It's $350.
I wish you all the best with your first theremin.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
You mean I can't dance while playing the Theramin? Damn.
uItravioIet 1 year ago
Not if you want to play in tune. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Wow Thomas! and what a professional teacher you are! :-)
And now, on to lesson 3. I love it!. This will get me all ready for when I receive my Burns B3 Deluxe! :-)
Mario
1viva 2 years ago 5
Indeed. Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Yo también tengo un B3 Deluxe.
I have one too.
squizophrenic49 1 year ago
Ah, cool. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@1viva i just ordered the b3 deluxe is it any good?
twigame 3 months ago
dang i would love to get my hands on one of thes i'm a singer so i would love to have one help with pitch or something o and your awsome dude
foxfire155 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words.
If you'd like to get your hands near one, just head over to my channel for a list of manufacturers, and current prices. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
your videos are VERY helpful. i got a moog etherrwave for christmas (i'm a flutist primarily) and i'm VERY eager to grapple this wonderful instrument.
obsequyofeden 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. :)
It would be interesting to see, and hear what you do with flute and theremin.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Seems like an extremely sensitive instrument
runescapelovar 2 years ago
It really is. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I CAN'T DO IT!!!!!! I got a B3 pro, but I can't get the hang of it... I can't even get a melody... :( thanks for the videos!
Orlymusicboy 2 years ago
Congrats on the B3 Pro.
You'll get the hang of it. It just takes time. Go slowly with it.
Set your zero beat. Adjust the pitch knob so the point where sound, and no sound meet are near the volume antenna.
Work with it playing slow scales first.
It took me a couple of weeks to go from sounding like a catfight in a sewer pipe to playing scales.
Let me know if I can be of assistance.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I was wondering... it seems like the original star trek theme uses a theremin or is it a singer?
520593 2 years ago
You're half right. It was a singer, but they also used a flute played on the exact same notes as the singer (unison), to produce the theremin-like sound.
There was no theremin used in Star Trek.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
@ThomasGrillo oh okay. I think it would be cool if you can get the permission to do the Doctor Who theme song on a theremin maybe with some other instruments.
520593 2 years ago
I have attempted to contact BBC in the UK, but have yet to get a response. I'd love to do the Dr. Who theme on theremin.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I was indeed going to suggest asking you to do the Dr. Who theme (:
I'm planning to recite this at my next school talent show (If I can learn it by then!) as it seems quite an easy tune to play.
blakesquakers 1 year ago
I hope you do learn the Dr Who theme by then. It's a bit tricky with the wide, and unusual intervals, but with sweeping motions, you may be able to pull it off nicely. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
It would be cool if someone made some kind of tool specifically designed for perfectly controlling the notes of the theremin instrument. :o Cuz It seems to confusing trying to adjust your FINGERS. But yeh....Now I REALLY want one of those. xD
gigaguy101 2 years ago
It does seem confusing at first, but with practice, one develops muscle memory, and it becomes second nature, much like touch typing on a computer, or playing a piano.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thanks for a good video.
fatmike109 2 years ago
You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
And it also sounds kind of cello-like at the same time.
Keijz74 2 years ago
Indeed. Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I really like the female voice quality.
Keijz74 2 years ago
Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Hove you heard of the Ondes Martinot? It had incredible sweet tones and portamento. You can hear it in a lot of Barry Gray's work, especially in the film JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN (1969) on DVD, and can highly reccomend this Sci Fi adventure I saw in the theatre 40 years ago. Thanks loads. You rock!
Beamshipcaptain 2 years ago
I'm familiar with the Ondes Martinot, but I did not know they used one in that movie.
You and I are so lucky to have seen that film in a theater. Ofcourse, I was only about 6 at the time. ;)
I have that movie in my collection. I'll have to go back and watch it again.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
If you have any DVDs of THUNDERBIRDS, or the THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO, or the Gerry Anderson TV series UFO (on DVD box-set, I recommend it highly) you can hear Barry Gray's awesome use of the Ondes Martinot to instill awe and inspire mystery. The octave portamento goes right thru your whole body if you have it on surround sound. It makes a sweet and haunting sound during the outer-space sequences. It was so beautiful, I cried when I first saw JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN in 1969, when I was 8.
Beamshipcaptain 2 years ago
I don't have any of the Thunderbirds, or Thunderbirds are Go discs yet..
Back when the Sci-fi channel was real, and good, they actually ran UFO. I did hear the OM used in it. Pretty cool.
Ah, 1969. My family had just moved into Biloxie one day prior to Hurrican Camile. We got stuck there, and had to ride it out in a two story house which survived all this time until Katrina finally took out it's lower floor. It had to be demolished. I'm just glad we moved from there in the 80s. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
If you could learn and post the space-suite music from JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN(1969), and post it, I can die a happy man! Sweet!
Beamshipcaptain 2 years ago
If the music is under copyright, I won't be able to do it uless I can get permission from the owners.
Sometimes producers use classical music which is public domain. I'll look into it.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Its from Barry Gray, and it may be under Universay Studios, or Lord Grade at ITC in Great Britain, all Gerry Anderson productions, I have loved his TV shows and films since the early 1960s. Peace, Happy Channukah!
Beamshipcaptain 2 years ago
Thanks for the info.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I want one so bad.
anth0ny2 2 years ago
You can find theremins at moog music, soundslikeburns, PAiA, Wavefront, and ebay. Head to my channel for links, and other info about theremins.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
it is such a simple yet clever instrument to play all you need to do is move each and correctly and youve got beautifle music but when you look further into it you see that there are lots of things you must take into account. you seem to pull it off great and i respect that. i wish this was more of a known intrument.
haloKINGSstudios 2 years ago
Indeed. It's very deceptive. Kind of like watching a helicopter flying. You think it's easy, until you take the controls, and find that it's like balancing on the tip of a pen. :)
Thanks for the kind words. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
how much, and where do I get one ?
Lineportugal 2 years ago
Please visit my channel for a list of prices, and manufacturers.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Are you a jedi, somehow you've managed to harness the force to do your bidding.
EvilDuckFilms 2 years ago
It would appear so. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Hello, it's just a guess but...do you recommend wearing a long sleave shirt for better precision and control? or does that not matter?
protronix 2 years ago
Actually, the long sleave shirt just looked better with the tie at the time.
If anything I've found that it's what the shirt is made of that affects once's playing in terms of annoying fabric rubbing sounds when your arm is close in, and the cloth is rubbing together.
I normally rehearse with short sleave shirts. However, in a concert type environment where there's a lot more ambient noise, it does not really matter as much, but it's more comfortable, and easier in short slaves. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thomas, are there any blind theramin players? That would be very interesting since position is so feeling oriented rather than sight oriented.
actingup2 2 years ago
Yes. I know two there are at least three whom I know personally. One was one of my first students.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
i don't know if my question went trough before but i wanted to ask if you don't put your hand over the volume antenna does it just go as load as it can or does it not make a sound at all?
VRSA420 2 years ago
If your volume hand is far away from the volume antenna, the instrument will simply play at it's maximum dynamic volume until you bring your volume hand back to the instrument.
In the case of a modified theremin who's volume antenna makes the theremin louder when the hand gets closer as in the case of Xenovibe's modified Etherwave Pro, the instrment will then become silent as your hand gets far enough away.
If I'm not mistaken, Harison instruments makes theremins like that too.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
thanks man im gonna get the moog, you have great videos!
thebigdiegowski 2 years ago
You're welcome, and all the best with the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
hey man can i ask you a question?, i want to start to play the theremin, wich brand do you recomend for a beginer, and what is the price?
thebigdiegowski 2 years ago
Hi, If money is tight, consider the B3 Deluxe for $200 at soundslikeburns . com.
If you'd like control over the tonal charactor, and money's not so tight, then consider the more intermediate level Moog Etherwave Standard for $400 at moogmusic . com, less at online instrument retail outlets, and ebay.
B3s sound string / vocal like, and the Etherwaves sound brassy, but can be adjusted slightly to more of a woodwind like sound, still bright, and loud though.
See my site for my lesson DVD.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
may i ask u a question? how much is a theremin? i might save up my money to buy one! sounds awesome!
whitestripes009 2 years ago
Certainly. :)
Theremins at soundslikeburns . com, range from $152, $200, to $350 depending on models with both antennas.
At moogmusic . com, they range from $400 to $520 for Etherwave Standard and Plus.
At theremin . ws, they run between $700 and $1800 for Travel Case Theremin, and Classic Style respectively.
At PAiA . com, kits are $230, with cabinet, less with just the cirucuits, and panel.
Others available on ebay and elswhere on the web.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Oh thank u very much! Whn i get one im deffinitly gonna watch ur videos to learn how to play! your very good at it!
whitestripes009 2 years ago
You're quite welcome.
I wish you all the best with the theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thank you :) oh and one more question, what kind of amp would u recomend? Ive got some guitar amps bcuz i also play guitar alot.
whitestripes009 2 years ago
Just about any guitar amp will work, but keyboard rated amps work even better. Save the tube amps for gigs, and use transistor amps as your work-horse rehearsal amps. You can even use a stereo system at home. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Kinda sounds like judy garland singing somewhere over the rainbow
rkdrum93 2 years ago
Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
does this produce a static shock on ocassion since its metal?
Broodkill 2 years ago
So far, I've never had a static discharge on a theremin.
I've heard of it happening, but it's rare. I'd imagin the instrument's grounding likely controls that.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
I could have sworn this was the instrument used to make the diva dance for the fifth element.
Kittani1977 2 years ago
I'd have to watch that again, but I seem to remember thinking the same thing.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
My grandfather, Samuel Goldhaber, was an excelent thereminist as you may already know. One of his original RCA instruments is on loan for display at the moment, but the family also has one of his early Moogs. I would love to play them, but am concerned that they may be best preserved for posterity. Any advice on their care?
nickmusicny 2 years ago
I've not heard of Samual Goldhaber.
As to the care of an RCA, or even modern tube type replicas, and early tube type Moogs, you don't want to run them a lot. Tubes don't last long. Usualy 25-50 hours continuous use.
Don't touch tubes with bare hands, as oils from fingers cause uneven heating of the tubes, leading to breakage.
Keep in climate controled room, and don't replace parts with non-original parts if you sell as this devalues it.
Basic wood care helps. Keep theremin clean. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
how much are theramins
simonwizzle91 2 years ago
Soundslikeburns . com, $150 B3 Original, $200 B3 Deluxe, $350 B3 Pro. Add 24.90 for option with Theremin Lessons DVD.
Moogmusic . com, $400 to $520 for Etherwave Stanadard, and Etherwave Standard Plus.
Theremin . ws, $700 WavefrontTravel Case Theremin, $1800 Wavefront Classic.
PAiA . com, $230 Theremax kit with cabinet. Less of just the circuitry.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Did the 60s gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows" ever use it in the background music?
Also, did the arranger (Moises?) for Yma Sumac's recordings use the Theremin?
jockboy69 2 years ago
One could easily be forgiven for thinking they were hearing theremins in these two examples.
However, the Dark Shadows theme used either a tanerin, or something like an Ondes Martinot, or a Persephone. Note the minimal use of vibrato here.
In Yma Sumac's recordings, this sounds like a mix of female vocals, and recorded sample playback of the same artist's voice played through a keyboard with a pitch bend wheel.
Thanks for this great question. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thanks for this highly detailed answer!!
Ondes Martinot I know, of course, due to Messiaen's frequent use of it.
The tanerin & persephone are new words to me.
jockboy69 2 years ago
You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
You are a master, Mr. Thomas, congratulations!!!
choppin1173 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
How low can it go?
sebastianblack96 2 years ago
That depends on the model of theremin. They can generally go as low as a couple of octaves below middle C on a piano.
Technically, theremins can produce beat frequencies as low as 20 Hz, or 20 beats per second. However, that sounds a bit like a gieger counter.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
How loud can it get? Is there a max volume? So if you raise your hand completely up, it doesn't go crazy loud?
LinkBulletBill 2 years ago
The loudness depends on the sound system or amp connected to the instrument.
They can play as softly as a whisper, or if you crank the amp all the way, you could cause damage to your speaker, and your hearing if done too long.
I never play so loud as to need hearing protection.
Theremins are normally played about the same loudness of a violin, chello, or human voice. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Mr. Grillo. These videos are wonderful. It is so nice to see this old instrument played like this online. I think most people don't know how often they have heard the Theremin before, like in old movies and pop songs.
Thanks for the nice videos.
tonesaw 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words, and you're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
where do u get these? are they very hard to find???
Uchinagirl10123 2 years ago
You can get theremins at moog music, soundslikeburns, and ebay as well as others on the web.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
What is that effect pedal you are using?
PrimordialFlameVideo 2 years ago
The only effect pedal was a Digiverb reverb pedal set to minimal reverb. The rest is the theremin, and my playing. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Thomas, this is really great stuff, and many thanks for creating and posting these videos. I never heard of a Theremin until two days ago and now I am fascinated.
Why hasn't anyone dressed up the case, make it look stylish, like a more traditional wood instrument would. Add ornamentation, like some special carving? I am guessing if it extended too close to the antenna even the small amount of inductance and capacitance of any object could change the sound.
Has this been tried?
stevesjca 2 years ago 3
A lot of why theremins are in rather featureless cabinets has to do with cost. Some of it has to do with the electronics.
Wavefront makes a theremin in a classic style cabinet which looks very nice. They're at theremin . ws.
Moog Music had a pro level theremin called Etherwave Pro which sported a curved steam bent tiger maple control panel, and walnut cabinet.
Burns B3 Pro looks more instrument like.
Other thereminists have built custom cabinets which look fantastic.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Awesome! never heard of a theremin before. you do an amazing job. have you ever played say rock music with that? like apocalyptica on their chellos?
nigelcorso 2 years ago
I have played rock with the band "Tandem", as well as a local band here.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Actually, NO theremin today has a midi interface at all. The only one that did, was the Big Briar (Moog) Ethervox. There were only 50 made.
In order to interface a theremin with midi is to use a CV to MIDI intergace by Wavefront at theremin . ws on the web, or to use Moog Music's new Etherwave Pluss, or PAiA's Theremax through a CV to MIDI interface to run a theremin through MIDI.
CV out equipped theremin can directly control a synth without the interface.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
Could a theremin be used in any sort of full band setting? In conjunction with a keyboard and a synth?
Chiefontheditty 2 years ago
thank you for posting this video series, you do a very good job of teaching it in lessons and have so far helped me a lot so i applaud and thank you for making this.
Rannosteachs 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words, and you're welcome.
ThomasGrillo 2 years ago
i have perfect pitch, so i got the pitch down.
but, the question i have is: how should one hold their hand to create a good way to get the notes out? i notice the motions you are doing with your right hand.
i would greatly appreciate your help, maestro. thank you =)
PatrickBateman930 3 years ago
The best way to hold the hands to get sound out is to do so in a way which is comfortable, and provides the best stability.
My pitch hand, (left side of your screen) is held about shoulder hight, and runs between the shoulder and pitch rod.
My volume hand (right side of screen) is held (usually) with forearm nearly horizontal, elbow near body, and I use the wrist mostly for stacattos, and the arm moved at elbow for slow attack / decays.
let me know if you still have questions.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
are there any good instructional books anyone could recommend? or anyway to find a decent teacher? i suppose they're probably few and far between, but i'm just starting out and i want to get it right.
trilbilly 3 years ago
There are few instructors available, books.
Carolina Eyck has a book called The Art Of Playing The Theremin which is available on the web at moogmusic.
Clara Rockmore wrote a short booklet available on the web at scribd. Just search her name there.
Victor Estrada has a book at his site, victorestrada.
There's a list of teachers at thereminworld.
Peter Pringle has a DVD, and I'm in process of producing one as well. I also teach in person, and via skype.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
Hi,
I'm left handed and I want to be sure, but could I simply just stand on the other side of the theremin to play it?
visualsilence 3 years ago
Well, actually, to make things even simpler, rather than standing on the other side of the theremin, you can simply turn the theremin around. ;)
Wavefront even manufactures left-handed models to order.
Moogmusic used to have a professional model that also was made lefthanded to order.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
I am planning to get a theremin for christmas. IS a b3 Deluxe a good one to start with
omnomanon 3 years ago
Yes, the B3 Deluxe is a very good starter theremin. It produces a nice tone, and does not have a lot of controls to cunfuse, or distract the student.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
Fantastic, what an inspiration to the rest of us.
RashtraVishnu 3 years ago
Thomas what make of Theremin is used in this tutorial? Truly excellent playing, I am considering leaving Guitar behind for Theremin :)
Shaun
tumtillio 3 years ago
The theremin in this video is the Moog Etherwave Pro. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued, but from time, to time, you may find one on e-bay.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
AMAZING tutorials, I thought that the theremin was WAY DIFFERENT. Oh, and I don't mean to sound snobbish, but I am part of an orchestra (I am a violinist), and I believe that vibrato is pronounced (the i) like the word Kid.
teckner 3 years ago
You are correct, ofcourse, but down here, we say things like arn, when we mean iron, and tar, when we mean tire. I've picked up some bad habits living here. ;)
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
where can i find one to purchase ?
simonmcgregor 3 years ago
You can find theremins at on the web at e-bay, soundslikeburns, moogmusic, PAiA, wavefront, and others like zzounds, instrumentpro, and musiciansfriend.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
Does your right hand's elevation affect anything?
Shinimaxel 3 years ago 2
If you mean the hand on the left side of the screen, (my right), the elevation of one's hand is important. Allthough it does not affect pitch all that much (near top of antenna vs near bottum), I find it easier to control my articulation if my hand is about at the hight of my shoulder. If you try to play with your pitch hand too low, your arm gets tired faster, and You have to stand too far back from the theremin.
My left hand, (the one on screen right) controls volume. Up = loud, down=quiet.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
Just got my ether wave about a week ago, Its pretty much the greatest thing thats ever happend to me. I seem to have a knack for it. Just comes naturally. I was wondering if you knew where to get the accompaniment for the swan to play along with?
yusukie88 3 years ago
The version I use was a custom performance by Kristian Banatzianou at PianoAccompaniments on the web. I don't know if he's made this available yet, or not. There may be other versions available on the web. You may have to get the sheetmusic, and have a pianist perform it if you can't find a version that is without the melody line for you.
Clara Rockmore is quoted as saying "The theremin chooses you, not the other way around", or words to that affect. Congrats on the theremin, and Good luck.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
I don't have a Theremin and I don't know if I will ever have the time, money or energy to learn.
However I just wanted to say that you've made some really great videos here and I know anyone learning would appreciate them greatly!
I love seeing this sort of thing on Youtube.
PS: I briefly heard some of your Theremin music on your Youtube page. Great job!
Nurr0 3 years ago 5
Thanks for the kind words. Should you someday ever find yourself with a theremin, I certainly wish you all the best with it. ;)
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
aa que eres pro la cagaste
yo quiero unoo
quiero aprender a tocar uno theremin
abati87 3 years ago
my dad just bought a theremin of ebay (not sure how much it was,sorry) buts its really funny and difficult
i am trying to play starwars and pie jesu on it lol (not getting far)
xxxEllie
ellieloudnclear 3 years ago
Theremins require a lot of patience to learn. It took me about a week just to learn scales, and another couple of weeks to start picking out "recognizable" melodies on it.
Keep at it. It gets better with time, and practice.
ThomasGrillo 3 years ago
I agree, I've never really managed a scale, but managed to play "somewhere over the rainbow" within an hour of starting, thanks to thomas' videos. it's a good place to start as the gliss between notes as you find them fits in, and it doesnt have any staccato sections, and I think these watching these videos before starting to play stops you getting into any bad habits. Thanks Thomas!
ming57 3 years ago