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Another D-Lev Digital Theremin Build Project

Posted on by by Posted in DIY, Electronics, Musical Instruments, Theremins

D-Lev Model P3, Serial Number 0002

This is my latest D-Lev prototype built for Eric Wallin.  It’s basically a white version of the first red one finished a few weeks ago.  I’ve tacked on a video demonstration at the end to prove that it works before I send it to him.
 
 
 
 
A long time ago I offered to build a finished theremin for Eric (Dewster) over at Theremin World (www.thereminworld.com) as a way of repaying him for sharing all of his secrets and letting me be the first early adopter of the D-Lev. At the time the idea was that his custom theremin would be the D-Lev “Tour” model which he had envisioned as road-worthy travel case with stowed antennas that would not just carry the theremin; it would be the theremin.  But too many undefined design issues and my thinly veiled lack of interest in making something like that led to the whole concept being back-burnered.
 
Finally a couple years later after coming up with a sort-of replicable design I decided to just build up an extra and give him a second model of my P3 enclosure and electronics, whether he wanted it or not, and consider it a promise fulfilled.
… Read the rest

Building a Reproduction Moog Melodia Theremin

Posted on by by Posted in DIY, Electronics, Odd, Odd, Strange, & Curious, Restorations, Strange, Theremins, Vintage

My completed reproduction of a 1960s-era Moog Melodia. Glamour shot by Becky Hart.

This model lacks the traditional volume loop antenna on the left side, instead using a plate of metal on the end of the cabinet (not visible here).

Why Build a Circa 1965 Theremin?

I don’t know why I became fascinated with the Moog Melodia enough to want to build a reproduction.  The physical appearance is very basic, and it has no timbre control, so you’re stuck with a single voice.  Part of the motivation for the project is that I enjoy doing restorations and have a great appreciation for the craftsmanship of antique and vintage items.  I also enjoy building from scratch, especially if the project has a nice mix of woodwork, metalwork, and electronics. With the Moog Melodia I get all of these.  I had no expectation going in that this was going to be a great theremin, but in the end it turned out to be better than expected, and it was fun to try to build something different.

I think the fact that the Melodia is well-documented helped to keep the scope of the project down to something that I was willing to do alongside other projects that are also competing for time.… Read the rest