Getting to know the Gakken Premium Theremin

Getting to know the Gakken Premium Theremin from make magazine on Vimeo.

"The Gakken Premium Theremin is an affordable and highly playable battery operated theremin instrument. Unlike most theremins, it uses an armband contact instead of a connection to earth ground. It also features -
- coarse and fine controls for both pitch and volume antennae
- master volume
- 1/8" audio output jack
- instrument stand mounting thread

makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKGK20

Video & Music by Collin Cunningham"

Premium Theremin on Maker SHED

MakerSHED
"Invented in 1920 in Russia, the Theremin is the original electronic instrument and has been used in albums by artists from the Beach Boys to the Flaming Lips to add a unique sound to their track. It's easy to handle, but difficult to master, as you use your hands proximity to the volume and pitch antennas to create music. The new Gakken Premium Theremin is a compact version that produces quality sound at a reasonable price. Use your right hand to adjust the tone, and your left to change the volume, but no need to touch! The small speaker will provide ample sound, but you can also connect the theremin to external speakers, or even mix it with other instruments such as Gakken's Analog Synthesizer!

This kit is easy to build and play! Instructions are in Japanese but feature highly detailed assembly pictures (sorry, no English translation at this time). MAKE is proud to be the exclusive distributor in North America for these brilliant kits from Gakken.

Features
* Includes: Body kit, antennas, earth band, adjusting driver, manual (Japanese)
* Size: W220 x H36 x D120mm (8.5 x 1.5 x 4.7)
* Weight: 345g.
* Power: AA battery x 4"
via https://twitter.com/Miaousse
Also see these posts - scroll when you get there...

Jairo Moreno on the Moog Etherwave Pro Theremin - Trololo (I'm Glad Cause I'm Playing a Theremin)

YouTube via JrWerewolf | September 16, 2010

"Originally "I am very glad because I'm finally returning home" by Eduard Khil (1976).

Performed on the Moog Etherwave Pro Theremin by Jairo Moreno."

Jairo Moreno on the Gakken Premium toy Theremin - Oscar Tango (Simon Jeffes 1987)

JrWerewolf | September 15, 2010

"Jairo Moreno Playing "Oscar Tango" on the Gakken Premium toy theremin.

Penguin Cafe Orchestra cover. Written by Simon Jeffes back in 1987."

gakken makes a bigger theremin

via John Levin
"I took a vacation from pastoral Vermont to go to NYC last weekend. While hanging out in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, I walked into one hipster shop and saw a new Gakken theremin! I've seen it online for as low as 155 bucks."

I did a quick search and found it on Theremin World. It's the Theremin Premium. I also found some listed on Ebay. Gakken is a Japanese magazine that usually includes a DIY kit in every issue. You might remember the older Gakken Theremin from these posts. Gakken also makes the SX-150.

Update via Steiv A. in the comments: "You can find some more photos on my flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/sadnoiss/"

Theremin Gakken Five 5 Premium Living Science Battery Portable Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Preowned Gakken Five Premium Portable Battery Powered Theremin with Speaker Out.
Compact and Lightweight Lets you get your Theremin fix anywhere! Lots of Fun.
Comes with Instuction Manuals and Batteries(4XAA)."

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The Gakken Theremin Premium Unboxed

via Steiv A. in the comments of this post.

"You can find some more photos on my flickr"