Alternate controllers for MOTM
1999-06-20 by J. Larry Hendry
I will very soon be building an alternate controller for my MOTM system that can be used to accurately play Theremin style leads with my MOTM modules. This controller will be available in kit form in the $100 or so range. The guy who is producing the kit is the actual designer and builder of the Tannerin (named after its original designer) that Brian Wilson will be using on the upcoming Beach Boys tour. The Tannerin (not the Theremin) is the instrument used to produce the Theremin like sounds of Good Vibrations. The Tannerin is also easier to play as you actually slide a control across a flat surface that can be calibrated like a keyboard. Trust me, this method will be much easier that trying to reach out and grab those notes out of this air as required by the Theremin (been there, done that, own one, can't play it). I understand from Tom Polk (the kit designer) that the control voltage output will conform to the 1 volt / octave standard. So, the audio output of the Tannerin could be used in addition to the control voltage output for integration into a MOTM patch. If anyone has any interest in this alternate controller, please send me e-mail privately. If you have general questions you think the group might benefit from , please post them here. Once I have my Tannerin kit built and working with my MOTM stuff, I will be certain to make a full report and some audio clips available to the list. Larry Hendry