Featured in this section... Close-up (An authentic RCA Theremin in some close up shots)

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
AC Lighting Circuit Operated

INTRODUCTION

RCA THEREMIN is an electric musical instrument played by the free movement of the hands in space. It opens up new possibilities of expression to musicians, and a new field of enjoyment to all music lovers.

The electrical circuits involved are designed to produce pleasing tone qualities and ample volume of sound. The actual reproduction of these sounds is accomplished by means of a loudspeaker which is to be used with the RCA theremin. This may be located adjacent to the instrument or as far away as the artistic effect demands.

The method of playing will soon be mastered by anyone who has a sufficiently good musical ear to either hum or whistle on key. The free movement of the right hand toward the other antenna regulates the strength of the tone produced. 

So began the instruction manual to the RCA theremin, produced by the Radio-Victor Corporation of America. The instrument was marketed in such a way that widespread confusion was caused. The general public thought it as easy to play as whistling, and many thought the instrument would play any tune they liked, without the need for any sort of human intervention - like radio on demand. The build quality of the early machines was bad - more than half of those shipped were faulty in some respect, despite the hefty price tag attached. Clara Rockmore was offered many sponsorship deals to market the instrument, but she refused every one of them, because the instrument was just not up to her exacting standards, and far below the standard of her own theremin, handbuilt by Professor Theremin to her own specifications.

It's not surprising that the RCA theremin was a flop, and that the theremin failed to get the widespread attention it deserved

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Last Modified:2004-06-08 1056 Reads