Big Briar Theremin, homemade antennae

Theremin is a mid-1990s vintage Big Briar Etherwave, serial number #00727. Picked it up dirt cheap, because it was sold "as is" and came with NO antennas or AC adapter. To solve the antenna dilemma, I had two choices: buy directly from Moog (about $75) or build my own using toilet supply tubes, brass compression sleeves, and compression nuts from the local True Value (about $11). I went with the latter, partly to save $, but also to see if I could do it.

There's clearly a different sound between these homemade ones and "factory authentic" parts. Don't know if it's got to do with the length, the composition of the metal, or something else entirely, but these antennae give a deeper, more cello-like tone within a narrower spatial range. Whatever -- I like them.

The audio is unmodified, but I couldn't help adding the visual effects...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• theremin
• homemade
• antennas
• antennae
• big
• briar
• etherwave

[Thereminstrel]

Well done ... it sounds like you got a bargain ... and the sound/timbre is excellent (very cello-like!)

[gheemaster]

I also made sure my hands were much more clearly visible this time, as I remember you commenting on that a while back. Glad you like it..

[prostekukac2]

can I know your build diagram??