Best Theremins for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: April 9th, 2024

🎶Theremins have been enchanting musicians and their audiences with those eerie, hands-free melodies. Whether you're an experienced pro, a passionate hobbyist, or just starting to dive into this fascinating instrument, we've got you covered. Our guide pulls together insights from industry experts and user feedback to highlight the best theremins for 2024 across different preferences and budgets.

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Overall Best: Moog Etherwave Plus

Etherwave Plus Field Upgrade

Our overall top pick is the Moog Etherwave Plus, renowned for its exceptional sound quality and expressive performance capabilities. Equipped with pitch and volume antennas, this theremin allows for a wide range of dynamic control, producing everything from classical melodies to avant-garde soundscapes. Additional features include built-in reverb and tone control, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recording. The device also offers 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch outputs and comes with a mic stand attachment, enhancing its versatility. Despite its higher price tag, the Etherwave Plus is a worthy investment due to its sturdy construction and unparalleled performance.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Runner-up: B3 Theremin

B3 Theremin

The B3 Theremin is a great runner-up, striking a balance between simplicity and quality. This theremin is accessible to beginners due to its adjustable pitch range and high-quality construction. Though lacking some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it still delivers impressive sound quality. Its lightweight and portable design make it an ideal choice for newcomers who want an easy-to-play instrument without sacrificing sound integrity. Overall, the B3 Theremin offers an excellent entry point into the world of theremins.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$198.95 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the B3 Theremin? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How durable is the B3 Theremin?
When you're considering the B3 Theremin, it's important to know that you'll need an amplifier to hear it—without one, it won't make a sound. The manufacturer notes that it comes with a standard 1/4 inch jack for connecting to an amp, which is pretty common for theremins. Our research shows that folks who have hooked it up to an amplifier generally have positive things to say about it. One person mentioned how much they enjoyed playing with the sound once it was connected to their amp, which suggests it works well if you have the right setup. It's also worth noting that having an amplifier and the right cables is crucial for getting started. Once you have those, you can really dive into tweaking the volume and pitch to fit your musical style. Interestingly, some people have found that using [effects pedals](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deffects%2Bpedals%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) with the B3 Theremin works well, too. This means you can get creative and try out different sounds. In short, while the B3 Theremin needs an amp to work, it opens up a lot of options for experimenting with music. Just make sure you've got everything you need to enjoy your theremin-playing experience!
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How do you connect the B3 Theremin to an amplifier?
Connecting your B3 Theremin to an amplifier isn't too tough, and it's necessary because the Theremin doesn't have built-in speakers or amplification. You'll simply need a 1/4-inch cable, which the manufacturer notes as the standard type for this instrument. Here's the deal: plug one end of the cable into your Theremin and the other end into your amplifier. Easy as pie. The setup is quite similar to connecting any other musical instrument, so if you've done that before, you're already familiar with the process. Our research shows that a bunch of different amplifiers can be used with the B3 Theremin, so you've got some flexibility there. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, most people found it easy enough to hook up and get good sound quality. The Theremin seems to fit in pretty well with a variety of equipment. Plus, if you want to spice things up a bit, you could always throw in some [guitar pedals](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dguitar%2Bpedals%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) between the Theremin and amp. Our data mentions some folks have done this to tweak the sound and add more depth to their music, which could be a fun way to personalize your setup. So, once your amp is ready, you can start experimenting with the Theremin's unique sound. Don't worry about needing an amp; just see it as a chance to explore new sound dimensions with its five-octave range and pitch adjustments. Dive in and enjoy the creativity!
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What is the sound quality of the B3 Theremin?
From what we've found, the sound quality of the B3 Theremin by [Burns Theremins](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBurns%2BTheremins%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is generally well-regarded. People appreciate its ability to produce a smooth and clean tone, which is perfect for that classic theremin sound you might know from sci-fi movies or eerie tracks. According to the manufacturer's description, it's built to give you expressive control over pitch and volume, making it versatile for creating different soundscapes. Our research shows that many folks are happy with its rich sound and note that it maintains pitch stability pretty well. This stability is key if you want precise notes without it drifting out of tune—something some theremins struggle with. Another cool feature is its adjustability. You can tweak the sensitivity of the pitch and volume antennas, which users have found handy when playing in various settings. This means you can tailor the sound to fit your personal style or the environment you're in. That said, keep in mind that the theremin's sound quality can also depend on how you set up your amplifier and play it. Pairing it with good speakers or headphones can help you really experience what it offers. So, for both beginners and more experienced players looking for quality sound, the B3 Theremin seems to be a solid option. Whether you're after those haunting tunes or exploring the theremin's unique sound range, it sounds like it won't let you down.
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Budget Pick: MicroKits Theremin

Theremin Electronics Kit | Educational Music STEAM/STEM for Kids or Adults | No Tools Needed Easy to Build Breadboard Kit

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the MicroKits Theremin is your best bet. This user-friendly kit allows you to construct and play your own theremin, serving as an excellent educational tool. Despite its affordable price, it provides the distinctive sound and engagement that theremins are known for. Its compact size and cost-effectiveness make it perfect for beginners or for those who want to explore the instrument without a large financial commitment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$39.95 at Amazon

Top Pick for Open Source: Open Theremin V4

For those who are tech-savvy and enjoy DIY projects, the Open Theremin V4 is a standout choice. Built around an Arduino board, this theremin utilizes open-source software and hardware, providing endless customization possibilities. It features eight pre-programmed sounds and an impressive range. The inclusion of CV outputs for pitch and volume makes it highly versatile, particularly for modular synthesis enthusiasts. The semi-kit form is straightforward to assemble and supports USB-C power, allowing for convenient charging with common computer or smartphone chargers.

Available at Amazon
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Top Pick for Unique Design: Moog Theremini

MOOG Theremini - Theremin with Pitch Correction, CV Out, Built-in Tuner and Speaker, Animoog Synthesizer Sound Engine with 32 Presets and LCD Screen

The Moog Theremini is a unique fusion of classic theremin characteristics with modern digital enhancements. Encased in a white plastic body shaped like a spaceship, it features detachable pitch antennae and built-in volume control. The digital sound engine, inspired by Moog's Animoog synthesizer, offers a wide array of preset sounds and a built-in autotune feature. This makes the Theremini particularly user-friendly and suitable for musicians who aim to blend traditional theremin sounds with contemporary electronic music.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$380.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Theremini Theremin? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the main differences between the MOOG Theremini and a traditional theremin?
If you're curious about theremins, comparing the MOOG Theremini to a traditional theremin is pretty fascinating. The Theremini mixes the nostalgia of a classic theremin with some modern tech twists. ### What's Different? One big difference is the Theremini's pitch correction, which is a game-changer. Traditional theremins need quite a bit of practice to master pitch control. But with the Theremini, you can adjust how much assistance you get—at the top level, it's like having an 'auto-tune' for your notes. This feature is super helpful if you're just starting out or performing live and want that extra bit of confidence in hitting the right notes. It also has a built-in tuner and stereo delay, offering you real-time feedback, which is great for learning and jamming. Plus, the Theremini includes the [Animoog synthesizer engine](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Danimoog%2Bsynthesizer%2Bengine%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) with 32 preset sounds. So, whether you're into spooky theremin vibes or want to mess around with synth sounds, there's a lot to play with. ### Some Things to Note While it's pretty packed with features, there are a couple of things to be aware of. The internal speaker might not cut it for live shows, so consider hooking it up to an external amp for better sound. Calibration might need a bit of fiddling at times to keep things steady, according to our research. Despite a few quirks here and there, the Theremini gets a thumbs up for being easy to use and bringing a lot of new possibilities to the table. However, some have pointed out that its plastic build doesn’t feel as solid as one might expect. ### Wrapping Up So, if you're itching to try your hand at playing the theremin, the Moog Theremini is worth a look. It’s user-friendly for beginners but also has enough features to keep more experienced players entertained. It's an interesting way to dive into music creation and experiment with new sounds.
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How does the pitch correction feature work on the MOOG Theremini?
The Moog Theremini puts a twist on the classic theremin by including a pitch correction feature, making it easier to use whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro. Theremins can be really tough to master because you have to be so precise with your pitch, but the Theremini's adjustable pitch correction helps with that. You can set the correction level anywhere from full to none. At full strength, it automatically pulls your notes to the nearest correct pitch, a bit like giving you a helping hand to keep things on track. If you've been playing for a while, you can dial it back to get a more traditional feel where you're in full control of the pitch. The manufacturer mentions that you can tweak this pitch correction to fit what you need, which is useful for both practice and live performances when precision really matters. This flexibility makes the Theremini a good fit for different skill levels. You can ease into it when you're new, or increase the challenge as you get better. From our research, folks seem to really appreciate how this feature helps them keep their intonation on point, especially when they're learning the ropes. Something else that's pretty cool is the Theremini's ability to deliver 32 wave or wavetable-based presets, so it's not just about hitting the right notes. There's a whole range of sounds to explore, making it suitable for diving into electronic music or other genres too. This blend of sound exploration and pitch correction makes the Theremini a great tool not only for getting started but for continuing to improve your theremin skills over time. So whether you're practicing, performing, or experimenting, the Theremini offers a mix of modern and traditional theremin elements. It's designed to help beginners with pitch correction but also has enough features to keep more experienced musicians engaged as they enhance their skills and creativity.
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How easy is it to calibrate the MOOG Theremini?
Calibrating the Moog Theremini is pretty straightforward, whether you're new to it or a seasoned musician. The manufacturer's instructions highlight its intuitive design that makes adjusting the instrument fairly easy. Before you start, it's good to know that the Theremini has a bunch of preset settings and scales that you can tweak to suit your style. However, if you're after precision in tuning and consistent sound quality, you'll need to calibrate the pitch field appropriately. The calibration process kicks off with the Theremini's user-friendly menu. Our research shows that many people find it simple to access and appreciate the ability to adjust settings like pitch field sensitivity and range to fit their personal playing style or setup. To get going, just start the automatic tuning. Make sure your Theremini is in your usual playing spot, without any obstacles, then head to the calibration menu on the device. The on-screen instructions will guide you through adjusting the pitch field based on your arm length and stance. According to our research, folks find it quite seamless due to the comprehensive guidance provided. A handy tip from our findings: calibrate your Theremini in the actual environment where you'll be playing. This helps account for ambient conditions, like temperature changes or nearby electronics, that could affect pitch sensitivity. If you encounter any pitch control issues, you can manually tweak the pitch bend and waveform settings, which gives you a flexible approach to sound customization. Though some reviews mention that the internal speaker doesn't meet everyone's needs, the Theremini shines with its ease of customization and adaptability through its straightforward calibration process. So, whether you're practicing at home or performing live, these features help keep your musical journey smooth and enjoyable.
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