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

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.

View TLDR Review: Etherwave Plus Upgrade

Available at Amazon

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Runner-up: 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.

View TLDR Review: B3 Theremin

The Burns Theremins B3 Theremin receives a low score largely due to consistent feedback regarding its poor build quality and disappointing sound performance, with customers describing it as "cheaply made" and "not worth the price." While some users found it fun and suitable for casual use, the general sentiment highlights that it fails to deliver value at its price point, making it a less favorable choice for serious musicians.

7.37

Overall

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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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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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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Budget Pick: MicroKits Theremin

MicroKits Theremin Electronics Kit | Educational Electronic Music STEAM/STEM Kits 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.

View TLDR Review: MicroKits Theremin Electronics Kit

The MicroKits Theremin Electronics Kit receives a moderate score due to its engaging assembly experience and educational value, with many users praising its clear instructions and enjoyable construction process, particularly for families. However, concerns around sound quality, smaller-than-expected size, and inconsistency in components have led to mixed reviews, suggesting it may not fully meet expectations as a musical instrument. Overall, it offers a fun introduction to electronics but may not satisfy users seeking a true theremin experience.

7.4

Overall

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.

View TLDR Review: Theremini Theremin

The Moog Theremini earns a high score for its innovative design and user-friendly features, such as pitch correction and an extensive range of presets, appealing to both beginners and seasoned musicians. However, it faces criticism for calibration issues and variable sound quality, particularly with its built-in speaker. Despite these drawbacks, its versatility and engaging digital interface offer significant value for electronic music enthusiasts.

8.6

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$380.00 at Amazon

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