Build a Theremin - Original Sound - Volume Control

		"The PHOENIX rose from the ashes towards a Sun that was Shining. . ."
		Rising Spirit of Theremin

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May 1, 2013 Temecula disabled musician

"This is the finest DIY professional theremin designed from the simplicity of a era gone by"

3"x 8.2"

More theremin build info coming soon!

Mello Cello? The Voice of Phoenix .mp3 632k
I am unable to play a tune but move through the perfectly linear pitch field, you get the idea. This is
theremin direct to sound card so enhanced only by your computer speaker system.

This is true Transistor Heterodyning, at first it is an intimate string like sound, then flip a switch about halfway and the subtle effect is removed. Few ever discover what makes a natural theremin sound good, then others misguide you into thinking it is the way you play when it is not or others resort to digitally faking it. )-'

Ideal Pitch Linearity found in the Phoenix will one day be the only acceptable norm. All theremins operating their pitch oscillators at just over 900 kHz will benefit from the Lev Antenna concept.

I bread boarded and tested a hybrid tube/valve theremin operating at 900 kHz using miniature high Q shielded coils and it also tuned for a "Perfectly Linear" pitch field.

When you have true pitch linearity the very low notes play a crisp vibrato. Transistor theremin oscillators can give you a comparable sound to the original early theremins, many designers have excuses why they choose not too?

A Ten Year Journey
RS Theremin "Phoenix" Transistors can outdo Tube/Valves		Lev Antenna Construction
Linear Tube Theremin Authentic Sound		Linearity Observations
Free Note Pitch Tuner		View of Linearity
Letter from Lev's Friend		Theremin Observations
. Things Worth Repeating from TW A Collection of Knowledge & Ideas
. Here are two "opinions" of why perfect pitch linearity is occurring!
	RS Theremin (9.26.05)	Mark Barton (07.20.07)

In my lab is a more conventional mounting technique for the simple Lev Antenna. Look at the gold painted spring with the jewel on top. The spring uses an internal 3/8" wood or plastic dowel to expand it 1/2" mounted in a thin wall plastic tube for a gorgeous look!

My Lab Photo

Most of my theremin research time today is dedicated to wounded warrior musicians yet once in a while there is time to help a civilian or two build my project. If you email me theremin@oldtemecula.com with a theremin Phoenix construction question tell me a little about yourself like where you are located, your hobby experience in electronics and if you might have any skill that could help assist me with my WWP. Christopher

Below are creative Phoenix designs by master builder Dana A. (SewerPipe)

The time has come in the new millennium to evolve into what a true theremin design should demonstrate.
A design that allows the audio/visual expressions of the Thereminist to be intimately experienced.

The first thing to notice are clean lines with no dangling cords, they exit out the bottom.
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One day all theremins will have a perfectly linear pitch field with the authentic heterodyne sound.

I do not hear well so you judge, this is theremin direct to sound card with a bit of reverb.

This is the hybrid musical instrument Lev Sergeyevich intended Listen.mp3 460k

The foolish will tell you it is the way the theremin is played that develops the interesting voice
without mentioning you need to have a good sound first.

In my Vision the theremin was revealed as art. There were no antennas, dangling wires or cords on the floor, just stand alone simplicity revealing beauty. The pitch rumbles low, yet sings with the angels. Arm and hand movements control the range of volume, octave change and pitch. It is interesting to me that a beautiful pitch is easier to play. It is as if the theremin finds joy in expressing herself. This theremin is reality and affordable for those who wish to share in the dream of one man, Lev Sergeyevich Termen . . . Christopher November 15, 2003