Which Theremin You Should Start On ✨

If you want to learn how to play theremin but you have no idea which theremin to get, this video is for you! Take a tour of my five Moog theremins with me as I show you the features, pros and cons, and play each of them for you.

We’ll go through:

Moog Etherwave Standard
Etherwave Plus
Claravox Centennial
Etherwave
Theremini

At the end of the video I’ll tell you which theremin I think is best to buy!

🫶🏼 SOME OF MY FAVES:
*some of these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase on the site after clicking these links, I could earn a commission. thanks for supporting the channel!

🌼 ABOUT ME
Hey, I’m Caroline! I’m a world traveling songbird, thereminist and creative educator. When I’m not making my own music and art, I’m teaching others about theremin, songwriting and the creative process. Follow along for theremin tips and inspiration by subscribing to my channel!

[tee_nanners]

The video quality for this video is insane for someone with so few subscribers! I really can't wait to see you take off! Thanks for being my new theremin teacher!

[patpearson]

Well I bought the Moog Theremini 2 weeks ago and love it . I found a Moog Etherwave standard like yours on line yesterday and should arrive this week. Music store said it's in mint condition and sounds fantastic. The stand is included . Can't wait to receive it. Love your video.

[VeronikaTvrdaComposer]

Fresh new owner of the Theremini - after insane amount of years for which I wrote letters to Santa... and here it is! Glad you described as the best, because I feel it is just a superb instrument with so many options in scales, sounds, roots, presets etc. - unlimited fun!

[mjac]

Thank you, Caroline! You have inspired me to get started with the Theremini. I appreciate your virtuosity, your enthusiasm, and your spirit. Namaste!

[chelsiearthome]

You sold me on the theremini been looking at it for awhile now. It's finally time to start my theremin journey. Been waiting years 🎉❤

[benseac]

I've been wanting to learn this instrument for a while and decided to pick up a Theremini after watching this. It looks like a pretty good machine!

[veroniquebellamy]

I bought a Claravox as a beginner... because honestly, it was the only Moog Theremin I could find online to buy.

[dread_rat]

I first got a Moog Theremini (which doesn't function correctly anymore), then an Etherwave Plus, and 2 years ago got a Subscope Voicematic (made in Germany to order) which since has become my "daily driver". A highly interesting developement is the D-Lev (kit), a digital theremin, but a really good one. The LostVolts (UK, Europe) and Burns (USA) theremins would be good as a first theremin on a lower budget, maybe less suited for gigging but good for learning and playing at home, maybe a little flimsy and less sturdy, but having quite a nice sound and as far as I've seen demonstrated playable as musical instrument, and not just usable for sound effects.

[doctordiffusion]

I just ordered a theremini and am super excited to start this new journey!

[Robothut]

So nice to see all the different unit's side by side and what you do and do not like about them. Thank you for sharing with us.

[jpjay]

liked and subscribed!!! I love your energy!

(just got the D-Lev Digital Theremin, looking forward to dive deeper into this new endeavor)

[anaetachandler]

I built one from a kit from my local music store ($40) the company is microkits. And is fun to build no soldering required and is very basic obviously but fun and very portable.

[dafunkycanuck]

There's a behringer theremin that's been rumored, I wish they'd get on with that already.

[DJTripleBypass]

Mine comes in the mil today, can't wait to try it out

[Music_is_Breathing]

The Theremin is built exclusively in Asheville NC. Moog had chosen Asheville as it's main and only headquarters. I mention that because it's totally cool to have such an amazing instrument produced less than a hour from where I live.
If you have never played a Theremin, get the Theremini first. Despite all the presets, it is very hard to play. You must have steady hands. I find I can best play Celtic songs, but I get frustrated trying to play anything else. However, it is a thousand times easier to play than a basic Theramin. Good luck and have fun!!!

[nedomoskvichn]

My top 3 of best theremins:
1) TVox Tour
2) Wavefront Classic
3) Subscope Voicematic

Top 3 worst
1) Deftaudio
2) Burns
3) Moog Theremini

[koekum]

If you only want to try if Theremin is the instrument for you, you can get an OpenTheremin for less than 1/3 of the cost.
Some DIY required
I have an older version that you had to solder yourself and pair to an Arduino board. None of that is required anymore.
The limited use sofar wouldn't have justified the cost of a Theremini.
And because of the small form factor of the OpenTheremin it is (not) gathering dust in a drawer.

[rupertchappelle]

Harrison Instruments Model 302 - easier to play because it uses plates instead of rods, very forgiving of lateral deviations, great bass, wide range and you cannot get them anymore - battery operated too. I also have the Etherwave and the Claravox. Guess which one I play?

The easiest one, naturally.

But if you wanted easy, you wouldn't be thinking about a theremin, would you?

Cheat for the Claravox, rest your pitch hand on the wooden arm and just slide your hand back and forth until you learn the positions. Then you can raise or lower your had off of the wooden arm and repeat the motions - learn to staircase and also do the elevator (for those 2+octave jumps).

Now I play the Osmose - every key is a damned theremin. YIKES!

[longline]

Check out the LV 4 from Lost Volts... A hair less refined than the Moog, but a fully grown up instrument you could start with.

[MonteChristo-qx]

Came for the theremin but stayed for the presenter🔥