How is the Electro-Theremin different from the traditional theremin?
The Electro-Theremin is a mechanically controlled electronic musical instrument. It uses a mechanical linkage to control an audio oscillator. This makes the instrument extremely accurate. The traditional theremin is a space-controlled electronic musical instrument. It has two antennas, one for pitch, the other, for volume. It is the distance of the performer’s hands from the antennas which determines how high or low the notes are, and how loud or soft the instrument is. In addition to the physical differences, the Electro-Theremin and traditional theremin differ in the tones they produce. The traditional theremin’s tone is rich in harmonic content, producing an almost string-like quality in the low to mid registers, and a human soprano-like quality in the upper register. The Electro-Theremin, on the other hand, utilizes a sine wave as its tone. The theremin’s tone is earthy and organic. The Electro-Theremin’s tone more easily conjures up imagery of space and of the heavens.
