[sdiy] Theremins

[J. Larry Hendry]

I can echo what Bruce says and perhaps add some more perspective since I
have owned, built, and played both of these.

First, I am not actually saying I can play either.  That would imply talent.
Apparently, I do not have enough of the right kind for that.  But, here are
some other comparisons for consideration:

The PAiA is a true kit.  You build it all.  The Etherwave has a prepopulated
PCB and you assemble the rest. With the PAiA, you even build the cabinet
(their kit or your own) The Etherwave is an assembled cabinet you simply get
to apply finish to.

In terms of sound quality and playability, the Etherwave is the hands down
winner.  It should be, it cost significantly more.

One oddity I found with the PAiA is that you can tune the volume antenna to
respond in a traditional manner, or backwards, which might be more intuitive
for some (press down = more volume)  Probably appeals to guitar players and
drummers <snicker>.  In fact, I found the backwards mode actually worked
better on my PAiA.

The PAiA is CV ready and the Etherwave is not.  In fact, I believe if you
plan to use it for mostly CV, PAiA has some tweaks that improve CV
performance.

The PAiA has one feature the Etherwave does not and that is the reason that
someone wanted to buy mine (and they were successful).  The Etherwave
antenna is very nice, chrome and rigid.  But, the PAiA antenna is a bent
piece of wire (about # 6 solid CU I think).  It is somewhat flexible and can
provide the theremin "thwang" effect.  This is that happens when you pull
the top of the antenna back as far as you dare bend it over, and let go.
You then place your hand in the vicinity of the antenna as it oscillates
back and forth (but not close enough to touch).  You can imagine the pitch
response.  This technique was introduced to me by The Lothars.

So, in summary, if I were going to pick from one of these, I would pick the
PAiA for general CV production on a budget price.  I would pick the
Etherwave if I actually wanted to learn to play and use the audio.  Both are
fun.  Both are frustrating.

I have seen Dana Bissell (better half of Harry) play the quantized theremin
once a year for about 6 years.  Harry should be banished from any future
theremin discussion and put on trial for Theremin treason. ;-)


-----Original Message-----
From: bruce tovsky
i'd have to say that the big briar etherwave kit is better
than the paia - with the caveat that i haven't played a
paia in quite a while and i own an etherwave.
bruce