Moog Music Etherwave Theremin User Reviews at zZounds

"For those willing to take up the challenge, Moog provides a winning entry." submitted June 7, 2009

By a customer from earthlink.net

Overall

Sound

Features

Ease of Use

Value

The Wow Factor

Musical Background: Playing since I was a kid. Own a recording studio (voice over oriented)

Music Style: Classical, ballads, light jazz, storytelling songwriting

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Sound: Theremins have different sounds. Other review statements notwithstanding, this is neither the only theremin on the market, nor the least expensive. Bob Moog was most instrumental (pun gently intended) in bringing the theremin back to public consciousness, and the Etherwave models are quite playable, though non-linear in pitch response. What distinguishes them from others is the more brass-like sound. Others (soundslikeburns, for instance) have the more string/vocal sonority. It's all about preference. Feature: Quite good. There are two knobs that, when used together, allow some slight changes in tonality. Subtle but there. I love the 3/8" rod antennae. They look substantial and are attractive. The instrument can be ordered from various sources in a variety of finishes, including black, white, and several wood stain colors. Ease of Use: Theremin is not an easy instrument to play, but it's a serious one. Expect it to take practice. Avail yourself of some of the online lessons on YouTube by Thomas Grillo. Peter Pringle and Moog offer instructional DVDs. Many theremin players are self-taught. Don't kid yourself, be patient and prepared to suck while you learn the ropes. No frets, no keys, nothing to guide you but sense memory and practice, practice, practice. Quality: The build seems excellent to me. Most Moog products throughout the company's history have been built with pride and passion. Value: One might wish they were still making the Etherwave Pro. It had a more linear response, and looked really cool. Lots of people are playing them on YouTube. But it's history, and used ones are commanding in the $6000 range! For the price, if you like the brass-like sonority (I didn't, preferring the more string-like or vocal sound of the B3) it's a complete winner at this price. But a good, playable unit can be had for half this. Manufacturer Support: I haven't used it personally, but Moog support is fabled. The Wow Factor: Like every Moog product, it does what it does with sturdiness, style, elegance and that Moog charm we've known since the '70''s. The Moog legacy is being carried on proudly, though the world is poorer for the loss of Dr. Bob. Overall: From what I understand, people keep these for a long time. Why not? Sturdy build, attractive unit, good performance for the price.

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"If you like to sing, you will amaze your listeners; if you can't carry a tune, save yourself the frustration. This is a quality" submitted March 11, 2005

By a customer from psu.edu

Overall

Sound

Value

The Wow Factor

Musical Background: Hobbyist

Music Style: classical, "space", just me.

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SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

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Sound: Clear, penetrating, full sound, with a pitch range that inspires experimentation with new sounds. Feature: Videos are good, expecially because a theremin is an instrument that most will have to learn without a teacher. Quality: It is made well, although since I do not travel with the instrument, I cannot attest to its ruggedness when disassembled and reassembled on a regular basis. Value: It is what you have to pay in order to get a good theremin, so it is worth the price. Manufacturer Support: Moog music ws very helpful when contacted. They took an interest in my problem, which was one related to tuning the instrument when tuning was beyond the capacity of the external controls. The Wow Factor: A theremin is an instrument that always amazes those who hear it. This is not so with, say, a piano, guitar or drumset. Sometimes the theremin seems more interesting than the performer. Overall: When I bought it, it was considered to be the one to buy... maybe not the most expensive, but a serious instrument. Now, whenever there is a better instrument out, I will want it.

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"Make your concerts into spectacles with this amazing instrument." submitted June 12, 2006

By a customer from msn.com

Overall

Sound

Features

Ease of Use

Quality

The Wow Factor

Musical Background: Aspiring producer/musician/composer

Music Style: Blues, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, and mixtures thereof.

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SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

Sound: The sound can't quite compare to the original theremins, but it is still excellent. Very tweakable. Feature: The theremin does not come with it's stand, but the knobs are very useful. Ease of Use: Do not buy this thinking it will be easy to play. It is extremely difficult if you actually want to play. Sound effects are simple to produce, but true music takes dedicated practice. Quality: Although this is the only theremin on the market as of now, I do believe were there another one it could not be any better in construction. The Wow Factor: This can turn any concert into a magic show. It can mesmerize your audiences. Overall: This instrument will stay with me hopefully for the rest of my life. Do not get this without getting a stand, and be prepared to suck at playing for a few weeks. When the playing is good however, it's a beautiful thing.

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Moog Etherwave Theremin Customer Review submitted April 30, 2005

By a customer from blueyonder.co.uk

Overall

Sound

Musical Background: Teacher in London England

Music Style: whatever comes along, American Jazz and Blues are my personal favourites

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Sound: I think it sounds wonderful, like something between a trumpet, a human voice and a radio being tuned. amazing! Feature: I don't know, as I dont have one, though I would like to.

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