‘Physics of the Theremin’ Article Circa 1998 | #physics #theremin #MusicMonday

If you’re interested in what makes a theremin even possible in the first place check out this 11-page article from 1998 – but of course its physics so it is still as fresh today as it was 20 years ago! 😀 ? The theremin is approaching its 100 year anniversary so expect to see a lot more about this storied musical device in the coming years.

We discuss some of the interesting physics behind the design and operation of the Theremin electronic musical instrument. To complement the theory we present details of a parallel effort to construct two versions of this remarkable instrument. One of these designs remains fairly faithful to the traditional beat frequency oscillator approach that first inspired Theremin’s invention, while the other contains more modern electronics that helps make more reliable the setting up and use of the instrument. The emphasis on the physical principles continues into a comparison of the two instruments. Following completion, the Theremins have been extensively used in public and schools science exhibitions and in lecture demonstrations.

Read more here.


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