• Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Topic: control volume on a theremin?

I played with my theremin a bit this afternoon (complete novice) and I must say this is a lot of fun.
I sussed out how to work the volume and pitch antennae. What puzzles me is how to control the volume when you can only use your right hand for the theremin (the other being on the guitar neck)? When I remove *both* hands I get an uncontrollable loud hum. Is that normal?
It seems Joe is using a volume pedal for the theremin. Is that the only way to go when using it with the right hand only?

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: control volume on a theremin?

I should add the following: I get the loud hum (with both hands removed) even when the volume on the theremin is turned all the way down. That seems rather odd. Is there anything wrong?

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: control volume on a theremin?

the area that detects movement around the vertical antenna can be big or small. I forgot which knob it is... but if you're getting constant hum, you prolly need to adjust that.

if both hands are on the guitar while your'e playing the theremin, the volume hoop is not being used... meaning your theremin is at full volume the entire time. The actual volume knob on my theremin doesn't work all that well for volume. You might want want to put a volume pedal in your chain between the theremin and the amp you're putting it through.

when I use my theremin, I turn it on just before I play it, and then I turn it off when I'm done. then I won't get any weird craziness going on.

if you're pointing the guitar neck at the theremin to get noises, JB used to tape a some inches of guitar string pointing off the back of the guitar neck. get the sucker churning and twirling and the theremin will go crazy.

good luck!

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Devan
  • Devan
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: control volume on a theremin?

Check out Joe's rig rundown - he uses a Volume Pedal on the Theremin chain so he can control the volume swells on it.  More importantly, he can use the pedal to cut the signal chain when he is NOT using the theremin to prevent and 'accidental' triggering as he moves by the device.

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: control volume on a theremin?

Thanks guys, yeah I saw/ knew about the volume pedal but thought I could do without one. I read up on the theremin and it looks like the volume knob does not control the overall loudness but rather the sensitivity of your left-hand movements. Well RTFM, as they say. wink
Thanks for responding -- ignorance and impatience on my part.