Moog Music Etherwave Theremin

Move your hands through space to make the Moog Etherwave Theremin sing! Learn to control its brassy, alien-like voice with the included DVD video tutorials.

Overall User Ratings (based on 211 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    1.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(211) (see rating details)
Submitted March 11, 2005 by a customer from psu.edu

"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"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
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.
Sound
Clear, penetrating, full sound, with a pitch range that inspires experimentation with new sounds.
Features
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.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

classical, "space", just me.
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Submitted June 7, 2009 by a customer from earthlink.net

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

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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From what I understand, people keep these for a long time. Why not? Sturdy build, attractive unit, good performance for the price.
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.
Features
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.

Musical Background:

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

Musical Style:

Classical, ballads, light jazz, storytelling songwriting
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Submitted June 12, 2006 by a customer from msn.com

"Make your concerts into spectacles with this amazing instrument."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
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.
Sound
The sound can't quite compare to the original theremins, but it is still excellent. Very tweakable.
Features
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.

Musical Background:

Aspiring producer/musician/composer

Musical Style:

Blues, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, and mixtures thereof.
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Submitted April 30, 2005 by a customer from blueyonder.co.uk

Moog Etherwave Theremin Customer Review

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
I think it sounds wonderful, like something between a trumpet, a human voice and a radio being tuned. amazing!
Features
I don't know, as I dont have one, though I would like to.

Musical Background:

Teacher in London England

Musical Style:

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