Theremin Lesson One

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Thanks for the kind words. :)

yumyumsashimi Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - ahhhAA this must be the instrument they used in the old black and white Sci Fi's???

PsyGoaLover Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Theremins work by what's called a "beat" frequency. Take 2 frequencies, put them together, the result is a 3rd frequency called a beat frequency. That's what you hear from a theremin. Theremins use a standard reference frequency in one circuit, then use the capacitance of your body to generate a second frequency depending on how close your hand/arm/foot is to the pitch antenna. The difference between the 2 frequencies creates the 3rd "beat" frequency you hear. Google "beat frequency"...

Iowafarmboy2011 Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - you look like dan akroyd!

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - I get that a lot. :)

Jordanx67 Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Thank you for acknoleging diminuendo.

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Yes. Your first reference is called "heterodyning". As to your second comment, this is correct also. But this makes no sence to those who don't understand physics, or electronic / radio theory. This why I tend to water down my responses to questions about how theremins work. I now have the technical version available in my channel. Thanks for your comment. :)

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Yes, theremins were used in old movies from the 50s, and 60s. Even today, they're used in movies. But they were first used for music in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, and are now finding their way back into music.

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 24, 2009 - Ah, paying attention in my class, are we? :) Thanks. :)

dietcola475769472983 Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - I just love the eerie sound, makes me think of the old horror movies :) didn't they play this for the 1951 version of "the day the earth stood still"?

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Yes, the original Day the Earth Stood Still used theremin played by Dr. Sam Hoffman. His theremin is now in the posetion of Peter Pringle. The modern version of this movie also used theremin played by Pamelia Kurstin.

JerryMopar Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Hello Tomas, I am just curious, do they make such a thing as both lefthand and righthand Theremins?

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Some manufacturers will custom build a left-handed theremin for you. However, a left-handed player can also simply turn a theremin around. :)

dietcola475769472983 Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - thank you again for this quick answer :) how much does it cost and where do we find them?

JerryMopar Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Wow, thanks for your fast reply! Yes, never thought of that about turning it around. I just thought since the amplitude antennae seems to be contoured and angled for a certain hand bias, a different setup for a person with a opposite dominant hand would make sense.

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Ah, yes, I forgot to mention that the volume loop can be flipped over on theremins like the Etherwave Standard can simply be flipped over so the antenna is configured for easy access by a the other hand when the theremin is turned round. The Burns B3 theremins all have a semetrically designed volume loop, so it won't matter which way round you turn the B3s. :)

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Prices vary widely from make to make. Have a look at my channel for a complete list of current prices, and manufacturers.

dietcola475769472983 Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - thanks I just did! I'll take a close look at your videos, I am looking at your classical concerto, the one that begins with ave maria, my favorite classical piece its wonderful and so relaxing!

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Thank you. :)

Fuelsterister Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - that is so cool ! o.O

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Thank you. :)

patte107 Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - they can tell me how much money does a theremin please send me an e-mail or a message thanks:)

FlameKing1087 Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - dude, if you add some distortion it would be sweet

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Yeh, have a look at my JHS Mods Synth Drive demo. :)

ThomasGrillo Says:

Nov 25, 2009 - Theremins cost between $150 on up to several thousand. Check my channel for a list of manufacturers, and prices.