I love this video! Reminds me of all the hours I spent practicing on my Etherwave. Makes me wish I still had my theremin. Then, I could play along with you, but I had to go and break my theremin instead. At least, I think I broke it. Anyway, I love the song, and I really love the way you play. You're one of my favorite thereminists.
I have a question, each time i listen your performance i cant help but imagine how certain guitar solos would shine on theremin. Have you tried some of this?
( Like for example David Gilmour's gutar solo from 'High Hopes' )
@Yotunen I have explored playing the theremin to some guitar solos. Indeed, in some cases, the theremin can indeed duplicate some of the same things an electric guitar with a whammy bar can do, but ultimately, some guitar solos are best suited to guitars. Theremins seem a bit more at home performing either melody, or accompaniment rolls similar to voice, or bowed strings. :)
@romefox I would love to, but I've already had Paramount Pictures formally deny permission for performing it in writting due to copyright. However, I am considering a Harry Fox license which may get round that problem though.
@2watchwhatiwant Hello. I also have a Wavefront suitcase theremin (gray). The wavefront, and Burns theremins use totally different circuit architectures. In fact, the Wavefront Suitcase theremins use a circuit that is a little more like the Etherwave Standard in many respects. The Burns theremins were desinged to sound more soft, and string like, and indeed to sound nice, even on the cheaper speakers or amps. :)
@pigswithbeards This theremin is the Burns B3 Pro theremin in cherry finnish. Burns Theremins is coming out with a version that will feature more classic, and robust volume and pitch antennas later this month, or early next.
Hey Thomas I don't know if you remember me, I asked you to smile a little bit :D remember? well it doesn't matter I don't know if you have done this, but I have a question I remember you made holograms, could it be the reason why you're blind? see you ;) I suscribed
@F1do0099 Actually, no, the low vision is the result of a birth defect caused by smoking, and alcahol consumption during pregnancy. Back in the 60s folks didn't know about that.
@Ny13Dan I use assistive technologies such as a reading telescope, and screen magnification software such as that found in Windows 7, and others. Legally blind means, you have "some" vision, but you're not totally blind. :)
@willplez Thank you. It's become green friendly since this video was shot. All monitors, including the tv, are now flat panel LCD, and it's a little less cluttered, but still looks cool. ;)
Hello! Ive only just started looking into theramins, and im truly amazed, so you have a website...what is the address? I'd love to get some more info and start learning
I think the shades are cool.....nice to see you cut loose a bit. Also your "thereden" looks like a cool space to hang out in! I truly enjoy your work and am looking forward to receiving your DVD lessons.
@bisem433 Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on coining the new word, "thereden". :) I like it. Do let me know if I can be of assistance. Enjoy the dvd. :)
@stormfly77 I teach the theremin, and I have a DVD at my site, as well as the theremin lessons videos on youtube. Also, there's a wealth of information and wonderful thereminists to talk with about all things theremin ranging from technique, to technical issues, as well as links to other lesson related resources. :)
@ThomasGrillo OK fair enough. I checked out your other videos on YouTube and you obviously know what you're doing. Sorry. But please, if could lose the shades and red bow-tie tux, it would be better. Its just too creepy, and it takes away from what is a tremendous talent. Just my opinion. Good luck, you're amazing dude.
@AmericanDawei Well, the shades have long since gone, and it is about time for a new formal outfit. We'll see. Just depends on the budget. You know? The shades are better suited for rock or jazz on a stage, and don't really go well with a tux anyway. The tux is better suited for classical works. I really should have worn my jazz outfit for this piece, but I had too many requests for the tux on this one, so there ya go. ;)
@CooOOookiez Theremins work on capacitence. We are the variable capacitence plate, and the antennas are the fixed capacitence plates of a circuit that controls beat frequency oscilators, of which there are 2, beating 250kHz (inaudible) tones. One is a few beats off from the other, and is controled by the capacitence circuit. Combination of the VHF tones in BFOs creates audible (20 to 8kHz) tone. The sound goes out to a speaker or amp. As hand gets closer, notes go up, and down when moved away.
Incredible playing. I was wondering if there was any way to make a theremin behave more like an ondes martenot in terms of picking out notes? I was thinking a stick leading up to the antennae with notches for various pitch - but the the stick leading up would surely trigger the theremin? Any thoughts?
@chrisjhart221138 Great question. Unfortunately, each player, and indeed, changing temperatures, humitity, ect, cause the theremin's field to change enough that the position of the notes will change. Therefore, it's not possible to mark the positions of the notes with visual or tactile referencing devices. Someone gave a party, and set up a theremin. On it, was placed a paper strip with notes where the owner marked them. Each guest who tried it found the note positions different for them. :)
did you notice the movements you make when playing are somewhat like a those of a orchestra director? every tried mapping theramin output through some sort of sampling device? would be nice if you could control a whole soundbank. (also im waiting for a fake PlayStation Move / XBox Kinnect theramin app :)
@JeffBilkins Indeed. some motions do seem to be not unlike those of a conductor. :)
There is someone working on a camera based theremin app. However, as much as a kinnect costs, one might just as well get a real theremin. Besides, you can do so much more in the way of expression with a real theremin. :)
@BadCompany2Extreme Theremin is electronic. It combines 2 beat frequency oscilators generating 250 kHz (inaudible), one of which is slightly off and controlled by the capacitence (presence) of the musician's hand or body in the field of energy around the antennas. Changes in capacitence caused by varying distance of the musician's hand affects changes in one of the BFOs which alters the pitch. The combined oscilators' frequencies produces the tone we hear in the 20 to 8 kHz (piano range).
@MsTelepathetic Yes. I have a list of various theremin manufacturers at my channel. Mood Music, Soundslikeburns, PAiA, Wavefront, ect. You can buy theremins direct from the manufacturers, but you can also get them at online music instrument shops like zzounds, instrumentpro, amazon, and ebay.
@milkmilkmilk17 Certainly. If one is serious, consider obtaining all of the training materials by varfious theremin instructors as possible. Select the thereminist you feel sounds best, and uses techniques which appear most feasible, and gives the best quality of performance. Don't settle on just one. Visit thereminworld on the web, and check the "learn to play" section. Watch lots of videos, and be very patient when learning the theremin. Ask questions. Some thereminists give lessons via skype.
@milkmilkmilk17 Yes, that's actually an Etherwave Standard, and an Etherwave Pro behind me.
Some of how the theremin sounds when I play has to do with technique. Some has to do with settings. On the EW standard, I like to set the waveform and brightness so the knobs point to each other. I also record direct to the recorder via the mixer. :)
@TheMuffinMan151 I started theremin in July of 2006. When this video was posted, I'd been playing a little over 3 years. As of this writting, it's now 4 and a half years. July of 2011 will complete my 5th year on theremin. :)
@sergiomorales I am indeed planning to deep six the old CRTs. :)
Oh, a new toy's been added. I heavily modded a Gyroxus flight sim motion seat. Visit the Gyroxus web site, and check the "pimp my gyroxus" link to see what I did to it. :)
@KristopherYoung The theremin is harder than the violin in that it requires posture, balance, stability, an extremely good ear, and it helps to have experience with other instruments prior to the theremin. Without lessons from a theremin teacher, or at least a proper DVD, and books, it can take weeks to figure out a scale. With instruction, maybe days. It takes months to learn it well enough to tackle simple tunes. Once mastered, after a few years, a couple months to concertize advanced music.
Great performance! I've always wanted to try one of those. I do have one question, though.
As a synthesizer enthusiast, people often ask me why I need so many synths. So from one musician to another, I'm genuinely curious about the multiple theremins. Is there much sonic difference from one theremin to another?
@BlackTomorrow4242 The other theremins in the back were just for display purposes to show them off.
But, yes, they each have different tonal charactors. The big one is the Etherwave Pro. It has a few presets to select from. The smaller ones are the Burns B3 Pro, in front of me, and B3 Deluxe, back left, and the B3 Original, the little one. Those each only have one tonal charactor, but are pleasing to the ear.
Is this your house? Way cool! I want to visit!! Like your style. Love those theremins! How many? This must be theremin heaven! Lucky theremins... Love the music and the bubble lens. You got a great sense of ambience and humor.
I just play the theremin, but I keep a keyboard around for use by accompanists, or just muckin' about with when I feel like it. :) I nolonger have the drum kit. Sold it. Still have the flute, and violin. But don't play them much. The theremin is my favorite.
@seerskater You can play staccatos just with the snap of the wrist. You can also do some interesting rappid fire staccato like effects (more like tremelo) by waving your finger dips past the volume antenna rappidly too.
I think I already know the answer to this question, but what would happen if you got a second person involved and used two or three hands near the pitch antenna? Could you produce harmonies or would you just confuse the instrument??
@sircloud7 Unfortunately, nomatter how many hands are near the theremin, only one note is played at a time. :)
However, if one want's harmony, they only need to hook up a TC Helicon harmonizing effects pedal to the theremin. I have a video at my channel which features me playing the Wavefront Travel Case Theremin with the harmonizer for new years. :)
Sorry my friend, I did´n express myself right. I was not talking about this video above, actually it was about the video that you play with a Hammond (organ?), I don´t know why I´m unable to comment there... The cartoon I was saying looked like a magazine cover or something... in that video!! hehe
@wolfgangstertexera OH!!! I see now. :) You were watching the video that was posted by Dan Wilson. He and I worked on that same piece, and we both uploaded the same piece with different video. His featured images of the Hammond Novachord (which is not an organ but is a synth), and images of theremins as well. That's where that cartoon is. :) Like me, He may have set his cooments for aproval prior to displaying, and he's not got round to checking the comments yet. The other vid is Alto Volo. :)
Great!!!! I´m in love with the theremin!!!!!! Well, at 1:30 there is a "cartoon" of a guy playing the theremin, and it´s left-hand switch is in a vertical position. Does it exists too? Is it an option???
There is no cartoon in this video. However, one of the computers was showing my web site in it's older livery which showed my logo. That appears at about 1:40.
Anyway, to answer you question, yes, left handed theremins do exist. Some companies will custom build them for you. You can also turn a right handed theremin round to play it left handed. :)
@wolfgangstertexera Thanks for the kind words. To answer your question, you need only check out my video, Der Erlkonig, which I performed on a Burns B3 Original.
You can find my lesson dvd at my channel in the album list, and at my web site.
I wish you all the best with both the theremin, and guitar. :)
@ThomasGrillo woahhh. i thought it was a robot or something. looks fake. its really cool sounding though. never hear of a theremin before and i dont get it at all, but it was awesome! =)
@kaylor87 Yeh, LOL. I did a halloween gig on the porch of someone's home for the trick-or-treaters, and a lot of people thought I was some sort of animatronic maniquen, and kept asking the home owners where they baught me. :)
@kaylor87 Indeed. :) In this vid I especially had to be careful as the camera man kept moving extremely close to the theremin and affected things so much that I had to be even more still, or adjust more than I normally would have. Theremins are that sensitive to motion. :)
@kaylor87 Indeed. Theremins are electronic. The field around the antennas (capacitence plates) allow us to control beat frequency oscilators which produce tone. There are 2 BFOs which beat at 200kHz (inaudible). One is a few beats / sec off, and is controlled by our interaction with the field. The combined tone of the 2 BFOs produces beats between 20 and 8kHz (piano range, 6 to 7 octaves). This is known as heterodyning (differing energies). Theremins were invented by Leon Theremin in 1919. :)
im just mind blown. so many possiblities :D this could revolutionize prog rock. my band is looking for ways to separate us from other bands and I think this is the way :)
@princeofthecovenent Yes. The theremin is a cool addition to any band. Have a look at what a band called Zenterhstick has done with theremin. They're on youtube.
Also, have a look at my videos which feature me with Mississippi Improv Alliance. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it's interesting, none the less. :)
@ovr9kchan Actually, no. I only run one, two, or three devices at a time, except for the synths. I'm also working on installing solar as soon as I can afford to. :)
@agentmunch Hello. My first album, Theremin Classics with Thomas Grillo is available mia my shop at my web site. You can get there by going to my channel, and clicking on the little album art icon, or the web link at my channel. For other thereminists, check amazon, and thereminworld on the web. Also check out spellbound on the web. They are an online radio station that runs an hour of theremin related music each Sunday, and have podcasts freely available.
@dhistypry You can get a theremin from Moogmusic, soundslikeburns, ebay, online instrument shops, ect. You can hire a thereminist to perform by going to my web site. Links at my channel. :)
I love this song. Just amazing! Thomas, how did you learn playing the theremin ? Did you had books ? or a teacher ? I'm learning on my own. Through practising; hearing and remebering (feeling the pitch how I would say). I want to try to learn to play with notes in my schoolholidays now, with a friend who is a great pianist. Do you have any tipps for me ? (Barbara Buchholz is too far away from me *laugh*).
@MirkoScheuer Hi Mirko. I am self taught, but I started using the DVDs from Peter Pringle, and the one that came with Etherwave Standard as well as watching youtube videos, and reading Carolina Eyck's book, and the one that's free from Victor Estrada which is downloadable. Also the free booklet by Clara Rockmore. I teach in person and online via Skype. See my site for details on lessons. A tip: if you experience discomfort while playing, change the method / technique. Keep it comfortable / fun.
@poopdownurthroat Theremins are electronic. They use our capacitence (potential energy) to change the values of a capacitence circuit to control tone generating oscilators. The capacitence circuit involves a radio-magnetic-electrical field of energy around two capacitence plates (antennas). Wehn we move to and from the pitch rod, notes go up or down. When moving to/from volume loop, notes get louder/softer. No strings, nothing. Just jestural control.
I love this video! Reminds me of all the hours I spent practicing on my Etherwave. Makes me wish I still had my theremin. Then, I could play along with you, but I had to go and break my theremin instead. At least, I think I broke it. Anyway, I love the song, and I really love the way you play. You're one of my favorite thereminists.
shannonrae39 1 month ago
@shannonrae39 Thanks for the kind words! :)
I hope you get that theremin fixed soon.
Happy new year! :)
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
Greetings Tom!
I have a question, each time i listen your performance i cant help but imagine how certain guitar solos would shine on theremin. Have you tried some of this?
( Like for example David Gilmour's gutar solo from 'High Hopes' )
Yotunen 1 month ago
@Yotunen I have explored playing the theremin to some guitar solos. Indeed, in some cases, the theremin can indeed duplicate some of the same things an electric guitar with a whammy bar can do, but ultimately, some guitar solos are best suited to guitars. Theremins seem a bit more at home performing either melody, or accompaniment rolls similar to voice, or bowed strings. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
I would love to hear you do the original Star Trek theme!
romefox 1 month ago
@romefox I would love to, but I've already had Paramount Pictures formally deny permission for performing it in writting due to copyright. However, I am considering a Harry Fox license which may get round that problem though.
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
Haha, I found out I was getting a theremin for christmas about a week ago, and since then you've joined my top ten favorite musicians!
ScottishCommy 1 month ago
@ScottishCommy I wish you all the best with your theremin. I appreciate the top ten fav spot. :)
Happy holidays! :)
ThomasGrillo 1 month ago
Hi, I love your work. I have a Wavefront suitcase model theremin that sounds more
like a swarm of bees compared to your B3. Why is that so? Thanks for your input.
2watchwhatiwant 2 months ago
@2watchwhatiwant Hello. I also have a Wavefront suitcase theremin (gray). The wavefront, and Burns theremins use totally different circuit architectures. In fact, the Wavefront Suitcase theremins use a circuit that is a little more like the Etherwave Standard in many respects. The Burns theremins were desinged to sound more soft, and string like, and indeed to sound nice, even on the cheaper speakers or amps. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 months ago
You've got some nice toys
4272005 2 months ago
@4272005 Thanks. The stuio is totally green friendly nowadays. ;)
ThomasGrillo 2 months ago
good stuff brother
cosmicommander2000 2 months ago
@cosmicommander2000 Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 2 months ago
The agent Smith of theremin players. GOOD JOB MEDIC!
Wiegieboard 3 months ago
@Wiegieboard Cool.
ThomasGrillo 3 months ago
What brand theremin do you have?
pigswithbeards 3 months ago
@pigswithbeards This theremin is the Burns B3 Pro theremin in cherry finnish. Burns Theremins is coming out with a version that will feature more classic, and robust volume and pitch antennas later this month, or early next.
ThomasGrillo 3 months ago
cool stuff man! i'm digging
catch2370 3 months ago
@catch2370 Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
ThomasGrillo 3 months ago
Hey Thomas I don't know if you remember me, I asked you to smile a little bit :D remember? well it doesn't matter I don't know if you have done this, but I have a question I remember you made holograms, could it be the reason why you're blind? see you ;) I suscribed
F1do0099 5 months ago
@F1do0099 Actually, no, the low vision is the result of a birth defect caused by smoking, and alcahol consumption during pregnancy. Back in the 60s folks didn't know about that.
ThomasGrillo 5 months ago
I hope you earn money with that you play it extremely good, hope you're okay ! keep playing
F1do0099 5 months ago
@F1do0099 It aint a lot, but yeh, I do earn a little with the theremin. But most importantly, it's what I enjoy doing. :)
ThomasGrillo 5 months ago
Very well done, impressive!
StickmanShifter 7 months ago
@StickmanShifter Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 7 months ago
if your legally blind how to you respond to the questions and coments! :/
Ny13Dan 7 months ago
@Ny13Dan I use assistive technologies such as a reading telescope, and screen magnification software such as that found in Windows 7, and others. Legally blind means, you have "some" vision, but you're not totally blind. :)
ThomasGrillo 7 months ago
@ThomasGrillo oo ok i understand...a bit XD but still you go little dude GOOO! your rock
Ny13Dan 7 months ago
@Ny13Dan ;)
ThomasGrillo 7 months ago
GENIUS !
hinkemiki 7 months ago
@hinkemiki Thanks. ;)
ThomasGrillo 7 months ago
And the guy is blind !! that's amazing !
rx327prime 8 months ago
@rx327prime ...well, legally blind, anyway. Thanks. ;)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
That is a very cool room there!!!
willplez 8 months ago 3
@willplez Thank you. It's become green friendly since this video was shot. All monitors, including the tv, are now flat panel LCD, and it's a little less cluttered, but still looks cool. ;)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
Hello! Ive only just started looking into theramins, and im truly amazed, so you have a website...what is the address? I'd love to get some more info and start learning
liah067 8 months ago
@liah067 Hello, and welcome to the theremin! :)
You can reach my web site by clicking on the link to it in the description text, or by visiting my channel for the link. It's thomasgrillodotcom.
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
I think the shades are cool.....nice to see you cut loose a bit. Also your "thereden" looks like a cool space to hang out in! I truly enjoy your work and am looking forward to receiving your DVD lessons.
bisem433 8 months ago
@bisem433 Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on coining the new word, "thereden". :) I like it. Do let me know if I can be of assistance. Enjoy the dvd. :)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
Sounds like angels voices, very nice playing, noticed there are few losers here with lame comments.
YouTheory 8 months ago
@YouTheory Thank you. ;)
ThomasGrillo 8 months ago
I wish I knew how to play those things.
stormfly77 9 months ago
@stormfly77 I teach the theremin, and I have a DVD at my site, as well as the theremin lessons videos on youtube. Also, there's a wealth of information and wonderful thereminists to talk with about all things theremin ranging from technique, to technical issues, as well as links to other lesson related resources. :)
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
How do we know he's actually making the sound, its is not pre-recorded? And why the creepy sunglasses?
AmericanDawei 9 months ago
@AmericanDawei Theremins make a certain sound, also, I can't sing as high as what you're hearing, nor can I hold notes that long.
The shades were just for a couple of pieces, just for because I felt like it. :)
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
@ThomasGrillo OK fair enough. I checked out your other videos on YouTube and you obviously know what you're doing. Sorry. But please, if could lose the shades and red bow-tie tux, it would be better. Its just too creepy, and it takes away from what is a tremendous talent. Just my opinion. Good luck, you're amazing dude.
AmericanDawei 9 months ago
@AmericanDawei Well, the shades have long since gone, and it is about time for a new formal outfit. We'll see. Just depends on the budget. You know? The shades are better suited for rock or jazz on a stage, and don't really go well with a tux anyway. The tux is better suited for classical works. I really should have worn my jazz outfit for this piece, but I had too many requests for the tux on this one, so there ya go. ;)
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
@AmericanDawei If you know what a Theremin is, then you will understand :P
Kollynator 8 months ago
awesome
tushshuck 9 months ago
@tushshuck Thank you.
ThomasGrillo 9 months ago
How many Octaves?
xXScourgeLordXx 10 months ago
@xXScourgeLordXx The B3 Pro is capable of nearly 7 octaves.
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago
Yep, this is awesome!
BICKris 10 months ago
@BICKris Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago
how does this instrument work? O_O
CooOOookiez 10 months ago
@CooOOookiez Theremins work on capacitence. We are the variable capacitence plate, and the antennas are the fixed capacitence plates of a circuit that controls beat frequency oscilators, of which there are 2, beating 250kHz (inaudible) tones. One is a few beats off from the other, and is controled by the capacitence circuit. Combination of the VHF tones in BFOs creates audible (20 to 8kHz) tone. The sound goes out to a speaker or amp. As hand gets closer, notes go up, and down when moved away.
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago
This just seems like a bad dream :P
atabekan 10 months ago 6
@atabekan Yeh, LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 10 months ago
@atabekan A trippyyyyy assss dream ! lmao
saywah33 10 months ago
Excellent choice in music and instrument. I've been thinking of getting on of these.
drurowin 11 months ago
@drurowin Thank you. I wish you all the best with the theremin should you decide to get one. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
Incredible playing. I was wondering if there was any way to make a theremin behave more like an ondes martenot in terms of picking out notes? I was thinking a stick leading up to the antennae with notches for various pitch - but the the stick leading up would surely trigger the theremin? Any thoughts?
chrisjhart221138 11 months ago
@chrisjhart221138 Great question. Unfortunately, each player, and indeed, changing temperatures, humitity, ect, cause the theremin's field to change enough that the position of the notes will change. Therefore, it's not possible to mark the positions of the notes with visual or tactile referencing devices. Someone gave a party, and set up a theremin. On it, was placed a paper strip with notes where the owner marked them. Each guest who tried it found the note positions different for them. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
@ThomasGrillo Fair enough, I suppose you could call it another eccentricity of the theremin! Thanks.
chrisjhart221138 11 months ago
@chrisjhart221138 You're welcome. It really is. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
did you notice the movements you make when playing are somewhat like a those of a orchestra director? every tried mapping theramin output through some sort of sampling device? would be nice if you could control a whole soundbank. (also im waiting for a fake PlayStation Move / XBox Kinnect theramin app :)
JeffBilkins 11 months ago
@JeffBilkins Indeed. some motions do seem to be not unlike those of a conductor. :)
There is someone working on a camera based theremin app. However, as much as a kinnect costs, one might just as well get a real theremin. Besides, you can do so much more in the way of expression with a real theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 11 months ago
0:49 - 1:11 Roomgasm.
RaygunShaun 1 year ago
How does this work exactly?
BadCompany2Extreme 1 year ago
@BadCompany2Extreme Theremin is electronic. It combines 2 beat frequency oscilators generating 250 kHz (inaudible), one of which is slightly off and controlled by the capacitence (presence) of the musician's hand or body in the field of energy around the antennas. Changes in capacitence caused by varying distance of the musician's hand affects changes in one of the BFOs which alters the pitch. The combined oscilators' frequencies produces the tone we hear in the 20 to 8 kHz (piano range).
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Nice gaming set-up :P
icallgreens 1 year ago
@icallgreens Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Do you have any recommendations where to buy a theremin?
MsTelepathetic 1 year ago
@MsTelepathetic Yes. I have a list of various theremin manufacturers at my channel. Mood Music, Soundslikeburns, PAiA, Wavefront, ect. You can buy theremins direct from the manufacturers, but you can also get them at online music instrument shops like zzounds, instrumentpro, amazon, and ebay.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
this instrument reminds me of the creepy ghost sound every cartoon used to have
masenz 1 year ago
@masenz Yeh, especially the old Scooby Do cartoons. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo thanks alot!
milkmilkmilk17 1 year ago
@milkmilkmilk17 You're welcome. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo thanks. could you give a few tips to a budding thereminist?
milkmilkmilk17 1 year ago
@milkmilkmilk17 Certainly. If one is serious, consider obtaining all of the training materials by varfious theremin instructors as possible. Select the thereminist you feel sounds best, and uses techniques which appear most feasible, and gives the best quality of performance. Don't settle on just one. Visit thereminworld on the web, and check the "learn to play" section. Watch lots of videos, and be very patient when learning the theremin. Ask questions. Some thereminists give lessons via skype.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo hey! is that a moog etherwave behind you? i have the same model! how do you get such a good sound with your theremin?
milkmilkmilk17 1 year ago
@milkmilkmilk17 Yes, that's actually an Etherwave Standard, and an Etherwave Pro behind me.
Some of how the theremin sounds when I play has to do with technique. Some has to do with settings. On the EW standard, I like to set the waveform and brightness so the knobs point to each other. I also record direct to the recorder via the mixer. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
AWESOME
ElliotSpencerBassett 1 year ago
@ElliotSpencerBassett Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
playing the Theremin, Through a fisheye Lens!
bradmaempel1 1 year ago
how many years of practice?
TheMuffinMan151 1 year ago
@TheMuffinMan151 I started theremin in July of 2006. When this video was posted, I'd been playing a little over 3 years. As of this writting, it's now 4 and a half years. July of 2011 will complete my 5th year on theremin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Wow this is amazing. i always wondered whats made that sound. i thought it was a human.
shinji312 1 year ago
@shinji312 Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
G-g-g-g-ghooossts
mattswansong 1 year ago 17
Theremin sounds like human lol
Sephiroz97 1 year ago 19
@Sephiroz97 Yeh, :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
wow. srsly. wow. this video is just amazing. and nobody got hurt... still amazing
s3eha 1 year ago
@s3eha Indeed. LOL :) Thanks.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I think I just shat myself because that was so, incredibly cool. YOU sir, are worthy of my deep awe and respect.
gryphern 1 year ago
@gryphern Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Wow, so many CRT monitors, are you planning to upgrade them?
I want HOTAS like the ones at 1:00 - 1:10!!
sergiomorales 1 year ago
@sergiomorales I am indeed planning to deep six the old CRTs. :)
Oh, a new toy's been added. I heavily modded a Gyroxus flight sim motion seat. Visit the Gyroxus web site, and check the "pimp my gyroxus" link to see what I did to it. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Woah, this guy is a cyberpunk!
mindflashbr 1 year ago
@mindflashbr Indeed. LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
How many of these do you own?
aaroncar 1 year ago
@aaroncar About 9, at last count. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
How hard is it to learn this instrument?
KristopherYoung 1 year ago
@KristopherYoung The theremin is harder than the violin in that it requires posture, balance, stability, an extremely good ear, and it helps to have experience with other instruments prior to the theremin. Without lessons from a theremin teacher, or at least a proper DVD, and books, it can take weeks to figure out a scale. With instruction, maybe days. It takes months to learn it well enough to tackle simple tunes. Once mastered, after a few years, a couple months to concertize advanced music.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
would you play in a wedding ceremony?
Ignobis 1 year ago
@Ignobis I would, indeed play for a wedding. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Great performance! I've always wanted to try one of those. I do have one question, though.
As a synthesizer enthusiast, people often ask me why I need so many synths. So from one musician to another, I'm genuinely curious about the multiple theremins. Is there much sonic difference from one theremin to another?
BlackTomorrow4242 1 year ago
@BlackTomorrow4242 The other theremins in the back were just for display purposes to show them off.
But, yes, they each have different tonal charactors. The big one is the Etherwave Pro. It has a few presets to select from. The smaller ones are the Burns B3 Pro, in front of me, and B3 Deluxe, back left, and the B3 Original, the little one. Those each only have one tonal charactor, but are pleasing to the ear.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Now if this instrument could articulate syllables...
kai5888 1 year ago
@kai5888 Actually, it can, if you run the audio through a talkbox (speaker connected via tube to mouth).
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
awesome
sooner74855 1 year ago
@sooner74855 Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
your computer setup is so cool.
TheReelNeel 1 year ago
@TheReelNeel Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Cool!
alii67 1 year ago
@alii67 Thanks. ;)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
star trek
LordEizen 1 year ago
@LordEizen ...the final fronteer...
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
So hes naturally dressed like a waiter with sunglasses?
WispsOfLight 1 year ago
@WispsOfLight Nah! Just for this shoot. LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo Pfft don't liste to that dude, he has no style. I think you look great! Kinda like me :)
khupido1n2 1 year ago
@khupido1n2 LOL. No worries. But thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
you have got to be single!
grytestriped 1 year ago
@grytestriped Hmm. I know a married man who has a full out, two chamber thereater pipe organ in his living room. LOL. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Is this your house? Way cool! I want to visit!! Like your style. Love those theremins! How many? This must be theremin heaven! Lucky theremins... Love the music and the bubble lens. You got a great sense of ambience and humor.
ThereminWeirdo 1 year ago
@ThereminWeirdo Yep. This is my studio. :)
I just play the theremin, but I keep a keyboard around for use by accompanists, or just muckin' about with when I feel like it. :) I nolonger have the drum kit. Sold it. Still have the flute, and violin. But don't play them much. The theremin is my favorite.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
What an amazing talent! Creating music without ever touching an instument! :D
holyfuckjustsignmeup 1 year ago
@holyfuckjustsignmeup Indeed. That's what I love about it. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@holyfuckjustsignmeup I had a hard time signing onto youtube, too! I'm so horrible w/ computers it's a crime!!!
ThereminWeirdo 1 year ago
is it possible to produce staccatto notes by maybe moving your left hand across the volume section rapidly?
seerskater 1 year ago
@seerskater You can play staccatos just with the snap of the wrist. You can also do some interesting rappid fire staccato like effects (more like tremelo) by waving your finger dips past the volume antenna rappidly too.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I think I already know the answer to this question, but what would happen if you got a second person involved and used two or three hands near the pitch antenna? Could you produce harmonies or would you just confuse the instrument??
sircloud7 1 year ago
@sircloud7 Unfortunately, nomatter how many hands are near the theremin, only one note is played at a time. :)
However, if one want's harmony, they only need to hook up a TC Helicon harmonizing effects pedal to the theremin. I have a video at my channel which features me playing the Wavefront Travel Case Theremin with the harmonizer for new years. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Man what an awesome setup! Keep rocking my man!
teamfailtrucks 1 year ago
@teamfailtrucks Thanks. Will do. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Sorry my friend, I did´n express myself right. I was not talking about this video above, actually it was about the video that you play with a Hammond (organ?), I don´t know why I´m unable to comment there... The cartoon I was saying looked like a magazine cover or something... in that video!! hehe
wolfgangstertexera 1 year ago
@wolfgangstertexera OH!!! I see now. :) You were watching the video that was posted by Dan Wilson. He and I worked on that same piece, and we both uploaded the same piece with different video. His featured images of the Hammond Novachord (which is not an organ but is a synth), and images of theremins as well. That's where that cartoon is. :) Like me, He may have set his cooments for aproval prior to displaying, and he's not got round to checking the comments yet. The other vid is Alto Volo. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
(Commentary about the Hammond and Theremin duet)
Great!!!! I´m in love with the theremin!!!!!! Well, at 1:30 there is a "cartoon" of a guy playing the theremin, and it´s left-hand switch is in a vertical position. Does it exists too? Is it an option???
Congratulations guys!
wolfgangstertexera 1 year ago
@wolfgangstertexera Thanks for the kind words. :)
There is no cartoon in this video. However, one of the computers was showing my web site in it's older livery which showed my logo. That appears at about 1:40.
Anyway, to answer you question, yes, left handed theremins do exist. Some companies will custom build them for you. You can also turn a right handed theremin round to play it left handed. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@wolfgangstertexera Thanks for the kind words. To answer your question, you need only check out my video, Der Erlkonig, which I performed on a Burns B3 Original.
You can find my lesson dvd at my channel in the album list, and at my web site.
I wish you all the best with both the theremin, and guitar. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
excelent man
BRAVO.!!!
bryann88 1 year ago
he is a flight simulator lover fsx ftw
DJalexC808 1 year ago
@DJalexC808 Indeed. LOL :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@DJalexC808 Thanks. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I could see this guy in like the background of a dancing club remake of some old school movie going modern.
willyt1212 1 year ago
@willyt1212 Interesting indeed. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
This is a good geek !
HeroScape777 1 year ago
@HeroScape777 Indeed. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
That is just too cool :)
Hal0Black 1 year ago
@Hal0Black Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
im really confused. was that a real person?
kaylor87 1 year ago
@kaylor87 LOL :) Yeh, that was a real person. Me. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo woahhh. i thought it was a robot or something. looks fake. its really cool sounding though. never hear of a theremin before and i dont get it at all, but it was awesome! =)
kaylor87 1 year ago
@kaylor87 Yeh, LOL. I did a halloween gig on the porch of someone's home for the trick-or-treaters, and a lot of people thought I was some sort of animatronic maniquen, and kept asking the home owners where they baught me. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo hahaha. thats awesome lol. you really did look robotic just in this vid =)
kaylor87 1 year ago
@kaylor87 Indeed. :) In this vid I especially had to be careful as the camera man kept moving extremely close to the theremin and affected things so much that I had to be even more still, or adjust more than I normally would have. Theremins are that sensitive to motion. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo hmm. well this instrument is really weird... how does it work?!
kaylor87 1 year ago
@kaylor87 Indeed. Theremins are electronic. The field around the antennas (capacitence plates) allow us to control beat frequency oscilators which produce tone. There are 2 BFOs which beat at 200kHz (inaudible). One is a few beats / sec off, and is controlled by our interaction with the field. The combined tone of the 2 BFOs produces beats between 20 and 8kHz (piano range, 6 to 7 octaves). This is known as heterodyning (differing energies). Theremins were invented by Leon Theremin in 1919. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
@ThomasGrillo haha dont hardly get it but wow haha. sounds crazy =)
kaylor87 1 year ago
@kaylor87 Visit thereminworld on the web for information which should clear things up for you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
you have an awesome room :)
jquinc093 1 year ago
@jquinc093 Thank you. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
im just mind blown. so many possiblities :D this could revolutionize prog rock. my band is looking for ways to separate us from other bands and I think this is the way :)
princeofthecovenent 1 year ago
@princeofthecovenent Yes. The theremin is a cool addition to any band. Have a look at what a band called Zenterhstick has done with theremin. They're on youtube.
Also, have a look at my videos which feature me with Mississippi Improv Alliance. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it's interesting, none the less. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
woah dude, u must have some epic electricity bills :P awesome playing ^^
ovr9kchan 1 year ago
@ovr9kchan Actually, no. I only run one, two, or three devices at a time, except for the synths. I'm also working on installing solar as soon as I can afford to. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
Thanks man, will go have a look. busy waiting for my theremin to arrive, very excited.
enjoy the music creation.
agentmunch 1 year ago
@agentmunch I hope your theremin gets there soon. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
hello Thomas Grillo i love your stuff and was wondering if you had an album or know where i could get theremin music. merci
agentmunch 1 year ago
@agentmunch Hello. My first album, Theremin Classics with Thomas Grillo is available mia my shop at my web site. You can get there by going to my channel, and clicking on the little album art icon, or the web link at my channel. For other thereminists, check amazon, and thereminworld on the web. Also check out spellbound on the web. They are an online radio station that runs an hour of theremin related music each Sunday, and have podcasts freely available.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
nice bowflex in the background
DrJuice1 1 year ago
@DrJuice1 Uh,,, Actualy, that's a spider lamp I found in the bin. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
you r amazing...btw where can i get a thereminist?music store??
im interested to try it :)
dhistypry 1 year ago
@dhistypry You can get a theremin from Moogmusic, soundslikeburns, ebay, online instrument shops, ect. You can hire a thereminist to perform by going to my web site. Links at my channel. :)
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
I love this song. Just amazing! Thomas, how did you learn playing the theremin ? Did you had books ? or a teacher ? I'm learning on my own. Through practising; hearing and remebering (feeling the pitch how I would say). I want to try to learn to play with notes in my schoolholidays now, with a friend who is a great pianist. Do you have any tipps for me ? (Barbara Buchholz is too far away from me *laugh*).
greetings, Mirko ;))
MirkoScheuer 1 year ago
@MirkoScheuer Hi Mirko. I am self taught, but I started using the DVDs from Peter Pringle, and the one that came with Etherwave Standard as well as watching youtube videos, and reading Carolina Eyck's book, and the one that's free from Victor Estrada which is downloadable. Also the free booklet by Clara Rockmore. I teach in person and online via Skype. See my site for details on lessons. A tip: if you experience discomfort while playing, change the method / technique. Keep it comfortable / fun.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago
how do these things work? its almost like magic. no strings you just move your hand? whaaaat?
poopdownurthroat 1 year ago
@poopdownurthroat Theremins are electronic. They use our capacitence (potential energy) to change the values of a capacitence circuit to control tone generating oscilators. The capacitence circuit involves a radio-magnetic-electrical field of energy around two capacitence plates (antennas). Wehn we move to and from the pitch rod, notes go up or down. When moving to/from volume loop, notes get louder/softer. No strings, nothing. Just jestural control.
ThomasGrillo 1 year ago <