Make your own Simple Theremin

Parts list (affiliate links, incomplete, see Instructables for more):
Aliexpress:

Ebay:
6x 10k, 1x 5.1k, 1x6.8k Resistor:

In this project I will show you how the electronic instrument Theremin works and how we can create a simple version of it with the help of 2 ICs and only a few complementary components. Along the way we will talk about oscillator types, body capacitance and much more. So let's get started!

Music:
2011 Lookalike by Bartlebeats
Ecstatic Wave, Jens Kiilstofte

[TheRealThisIsAlex]

That sounds like I'm at the dentist's office.

[Koshka]

Wow. Can't believe how much circuitry I've forgotten since I last had to build a circuit! 33 years ago this would have seemed so simple to me, now...

[m_k_akash]

I was searching for a easy circuit of theremin for my whole life finally I got it. thank you very much great scott. I am building the prototype now and its working perfectly

[mennims]

These videos are what keep me from falling off the edge.

[luca.holanda]

1:30 Will you teach us how to draw such realistic hands?

[confusionprice]

I’ve learned about making oscillators with inductors and capacitors, but never heard of a way to constantly provide it with power in a way to keep it going, thanks for the lesson

[zephalon]

Those drawn hands alone are worth an upvote.

[steveoddlers]

Theremins are fun. Years ago I built one after a schematic from the net that utilised a CD4069 hex inverter and a CD4046 phase-locked loop. I had no clue how, but actually worked, although somewhat unstable. The frequency always drifted higher and it became unusable after a couple of minutes.

[lf]

as a professional theremin player you just changed the way that i look to theremin not because of the complicated structure .no no no no. because of your professional playing :)

[Ghozer]

Doesn't sound anything like a theramin, you need an even sine wave for a theramin, tuned to a set frequency (such as A, 440Hz) - then when you move your hand, that frequency changes, creating the notes

a square wave just sequeels...

[LuxBacelo]

You will get better sound if the output wave is a sine wave (with minimal noise) and you calibrate the max and min distance to 18khz to 50hz. In that way you can get a better sound response. Try it, really play theremin isn't hard. All you need is practice the distance.

[boukhelkhalyoucef]

I graduated the last year so now I m electronic engineer, and I m in the same age as you but I m still learning from you and wait for your videos every week, keep going my friend (y)

[Chuffin_ell]

The nicest hand drawn schematics and blueprints on YouTube. But that drawing of a

[Sxmusic]

I think that the problem is mainly with the schematics, not with your playing skills.

Such circuits REALLY have to be well-shielded, elsewise they output too much noise. I think, that is the reason why your theremin sounds like squeaking.
Second, how does the differential opamp even work in such configurations? Subtracting two frequencies never gives a frequency difference unless some distortion occur, is it connected in a comparator mode? If not, try increasing the amplification.
I've made a project that was about hearing inaudible ultrasonic frequencies - basically, a frequency mixer of a heterodyne and a mic, which is very similar to this situation. During my experiments I've found that the cheapest and simplest, yet good-sounding solution is to use an analog switch like 4053 to switch between the first signal and the first signal inverted at a frequency equal to the second signal frequency. Maybe you should try this configuration and replace on of your oscillators with a real colpitts oscillator. I can give you the schematics for my ultrasonic sound project if you want to.

[MrButternutsprinkles]

*notices person is a fellow southpaw and spends the entire video in a fervor of happiness about this.*

[edgeeffect]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only genius who plays the guitar in my style. ;)

[mpilosov]

I'm a recent subscriber (some of your arduino videos helped me a ton), and just realized this is the same GreatScott as the one on the flier I have hung on my wall for your HackRF One. It's been a goal of mine to own one ever since seeing it at Denver Maker Faire last month. Thank you for being amazing!

[jemand]

so if you're interested in music, creating your own midi instrument/controller may be a project for another video

[Apple.Repair]

I just realized you're left-handed like me, double thumbs up!!

[shleed]

3 minutes ago, but 32 comments! Wow! Great job!