Recently we were asked several questions about

• how to solder a theremin
• what platforms are the best to use
• making a synthesizer, like a punksynth etc (zděnek made one already yippee)
• doing things with sensors and physical computing

Now, to get started, it might be a nice idea to explore this all via the making of a simple Theremin. This one of the first electric synthesizers invented in the early 1920's by Lev Theremin in Moscow. Since it is using arm/hand movements to detect pitch and amplitude, it is also a special instrument, using radio antennas as sensors. It had a tremendous influence on what was to follow in electronic music till today.

The idea is to get in the mood with the Madlab electronic kit made by whadda, and intended for teaching jongsters to solder. If you are interested in it let me know then I will order some… (11-12€)

But more of interest is that we can look into ALL of the popular single board computers (micro:bit, arduino, RPI, ESP32, etc…), and find designs and code online on how to make a theremin. Also we can chose our own sensors to control body movements for amplitude and pitch, continuous or discreet, code and … PLAY! Inventing a new dress for an old synth.

Let's get started!