Somewhere Over the Rainbow- on a Portable Theremin in stereo

Solo stage performance recorded April 20, 2008 in Davis, CA.

This is me (Mark Chang) demonstrating a portable battery powered theremin that I built for quick setup and portability. The tune is "Over the Rainbow", made popular by Judy Garland in the classic MGM musical fantasy film "The Wizard of Oz".

In this video, you can see how quick it is to set up this theremin. It has its own amplifier and battery power source, so there are no cables to mess with. The protective cover doubles as the stand for the instrument, so that it can be played at the proper standing height. The tapered guides on both sides of the box make it really easy to slide the cover back on when I'm finished playing.

For the electronic tech geeks out there, I'm using 16 rechargeable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) AA batteries in series for about 19.2 volts primary, followed by a high-efficiency dual output DC-DC converter to provide the dual-polarity +/-12 volt analog DC supply needed for the Etherwave theremin circuit (with hacked supply leads). The audio amplifier stage employs a high-efficiency 5-watt IC with very low quiescent drain for maximum battery life. It operates directly off the primary battery voltage so there are no conversion losses. I get a theoretical 50+ hours of play time from just one charge cycle with this instrument. The speaker is flush mounted, and all controls are recessed to prevent damage. This makes a fantastic street theremin for busking!

My primary musical instrument, however, is the piano, so check out my other videos if you love piano music.

Recorded at the Davis Arts Center in Davis, CA. A musical addition to the theatrical play "Sometimes Love" by Russell St. Claire.

Presented here in original high-fidelity STEREO sound for your listening pleasure.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• theremin
• theramin
• matryomin
• judy
• garland
• Israel
• Kamakawiwo
• Ole
• IZ
• etherwave
• moog
• ethermusic
• festival
• 420

[F4Phanthom]

Sounds like a 1950's Sci-Fi movie.

[BunrakukenIII]

10/10 for sheer style.

[atabekan]

Omg! my ears are bleeding :(

[salamander2504]

terrible...

[Thesixthgoon]

@The2010SnowDay There is a description box for a reason. Read it one day and you may learn something about the videos you watch.

[NilEinne]

So how did the audition go?

[MusicBeSweetYo]

tabs?

[The2010SnowDay]

What kind of batteries does that thing take!?

[jogtp99]

Sound like scary movie

[needsoftlady]

I fell in love with this instrument in 1945 when Spellbound came out. Now with so much on You tube, I am going to try to build one. The professional models are way to expensive. Anybody who trys to play this is commended. So, a few bad notes. Better than no notes at all. Bravo Mr. Mark Chang.

[RautjarviProductions]

OMG WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! HAHAHAHA