Single supply op-amp query

[MACHINE MEDIA]

>      Does anybody know of some available op-amp that can provide a 
>      programmable gain with a single supply and input signal down to 
>      ground?

An LM 358 will run off a single-supply from 3 to 30 V and can run its 
inputs an outputs all the to the negative supply (in your case, ground).
It is an internally compensated dual unit.  Other op-amps with common-mode 
input ranges down to the negative supply are the LM10, CA3440 or OP-22.
(I don't know if they will run off a single supply but both Harris and 
Analog Devices have a fax-back service for data and application notes -- 
AD also has a web site).  The LM358 costs is cheap (about $.50) and is very 
available (two things an OP-22 isn't), and is manufactured by National, 
Texas Instruments, Motorola, and Phillips. 

Btw, why is it that some op amps are deemed suitable to be run off a 
single supply and others aren't??  How does it know if Vee is below 
ground or not??  Wouldn't it only see the potential between Vcc and Vee??

Btw, part deux, is this for a PAiA Theremax??  I just built one last week.  
I'm still trying to get it work right. The range of motion (distance from the 
antennae) for pitch and volume seem a bit too short -- a few inches.  The 
gate/velocity feature only seems to work if you remove your hand from the 
volume antennae *very* quickly  (I'm a skinny tai chi player who can beat 
a rat trap but I can only manage to trigger it only about half the time).

PEACE OUT :)
MARK