MOTM

In a message dated 3/29/2000 1:07:31 PM, vulture.squadron@... writes:

>talking of alternative controllers
>has anyone used the paia theremin (yawn)..?

I've had one since late 93(?) or 94. I had less luck than Larry, but more 
than others on this list apparently. After spending that much time (and money 
-- I got the board and FP but not the case) there was no way I was gonna let 
this go as I had with some previous PAiA projects. I called and talked to 
Scott Lee on the phone for about a half hour and he told me to look at a 
bunch of areas. Somehow I got it working after that. It works OK now, I 
actually like the "reverse" aspect of the amplitude antenna. I haven't used 
the CV outs too much yet, but I haven't noticed any real problems with them. 
I put mine in an LMB Keyboarder case (a slanted controller case 14" X 7"). 
Mine does have a slight problem in that around 40Hz it will suddenly jump up 
about a third higher -- one day I'll look at that. If you build your own case 
you may have more problems due to isolating the antenna -- a learning 
experience. I can't fault PAiA in their service, Scott is a very cool guy, 
very helpful, and the few times I've e-mail John, he's been good to. Like 
many others it seems, I have had some problems with getting the kits to 
operate per specs when assembled as instructed -- this doesn't give one 
confidence in building future kits, and doesn't add to one's studio. Scott 
recently sent me a bunch or mods/upgrades for the Theremax (as well as the 
Stack In A Box and the Fatman) I could share them with other owners as time 
permits if you guys want (or you could call PAiA since they did sell you the 
product).

>i got roped into getting hold of a theremin for a friend, i came up with
>this and thought : hang on, i can connect this to my MOTM..!
>is this a good idea or what, or not..?

Great idea -- alternative controllers are great (and now that Paul has 
publicly backed out of the ribbon controller even after my many months of 
taunting).

>(forget trying to play it, i'm just going to plonk the antennae in front
>of
>my cats, then abuse their copyright)

I didn't know you could copyright a cat, I thought you had to patent it.
JB