Moog Etherwave Theremin
With new controller features and a mic stand adaptor, Moog’s Theremin has had a refresh. Charlotte Sterland tries it out
The mic stand attachment is a great addition
An instrument can become better or worse on re-release (some seem to jump up in price but not in user value), but Moog’s latest Theremin, which combines new controller features and a welldesigned finish, is a redesign that creates something entirely new.
The first instrument Robert Moog sold was a Theremin kit, before developing the Moog synth along with Herbert Deutsch. The Etherwave celebrates the history of this important instrument in the evolution of synths. Known more recently for analogue synths like the Minimoog, and the Mother-32, the company can perhaps be better understood by looking at this recent incarnation of the renowned instrument.
Used often in horror films, as well as progressive rock music and game soundtracks, the Theremin retains its place as one of the most important sound effects instruments in history. It has been used by rock musicians from Jimmy Page to The Rolling Stones, and perfected by classical virtuosos like Clara Rockmore. To celebrate the Etherwave release, The Octopus Project band (featuring Yvonne Lambert on Theremin) did a special release video at the Moog Studio, (seen on the Moog website), showing that the Theremin can make good pop tracks too.
The wood finish is highly appealing, and setting up the instrument is straightforward. (The instrument needs to be placed on a non-metallic table, with the tuning arm extending over the table edge, in order to minimise interference.) The mic stand attachment is a great addition, meaning it can be set up on stage at standing height, and used and played freely, yet contained in a small space, unlike a keyboard stand.
Volume control is done on the left-hand side and pitch control on the right, one hand controlling each. The sensitivity to small movements makes the instrument easy to play with a whole ensemble/orchestra. Vibrato can be crea
