What is a Theremin?

The theremin (/ˈθɛrəmɪn/) is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer. Léon Theremin, a Russian inventor, patented it in 1928. The device was named after the inventor's name.

The instrument's controlling section usually consists of two metal antennas that sense the relative position of the thereminist's hands and control oscillators for frequency with one hand, and amplitude (volume) with the other. The electric signals from the theremin are amplified and sent to a loudspeaker.

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57 Comments

Sonny Beaudoin

Theme song Star Trek the original

E Jerry Davies

Didn't Sheldon (Jim Parsons) play a Theremin on an episode of Big Bang Theory?

Lee Miller

It's used for the theme songs of Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders too.

Martha Calkins

Beach Boys also used a Theramin in Good Vibrations

Rob Farr

A good music trivia question about a curious musical instrument.

Marguerite LaHaye

Performances look spooky on a theramin.

Ed Bona

There used to be a guy in Greenwich Village, N.Y., called himself Lother and the Hand People, he used to play this instrument at the Night Owl Cafe. I used to see him play the theremin waving his hands around it, back in the 60s.

Peggy Brown

I got it right

Nina Kamwene

Thank you for educating me.

mkrash

Scott Sumone

Thank you Sheldon Cooper....

Ronald Jackson

Sheldon played one on Big Bang Theory.

Allison Williams

You know that Erie sound on the original star trek that is what made that sound.

Viktor Geniusindiapers

My Russian FB friend Sergei Zaslavski is incredible with this instrument. It sounds like a gorgeous tenor aria.

Carol Mullen Payne

If you watch the Big Bang Theory you may have seen Sheldon playing one to annoy Leonard and the other guys. Very cool sound and yes, played on the theme song of the original Star Trek series.