Zeppelin design labs has a midi theremin, I bought one to build a few years ago, the pitch side works great, the modulation side is a little more of a hassle to get functioning properly. I still pull it out from time to time for live improv and noise sets. But it runs off two pairs of optical sensors, you can set root note for key and set I think 8 scales. The pins on the lcd are a little finicky, that’s one of my only real issues with it so make sure you have them spread a little when installing so they will make contact with the standoffs. Runs off a 9v battery that I still haven’t had to change since install and output is a 5 pin midi

Yes, you need to be wearing a evening gown to play the theremin on stage.
Don’t expect to see me on stage playing the theremin.

Unless it’s in the nude.

That is true for most theremins. The traditional learning curve is too steep. Playing it the easy way is just not done.

If you buy a theremin and work really hard at it, in about 2 years people will recognize the tune you are playing.

Not unlike some more “real” instruments.

I used to play the Etherwave while playing keyboard – I didn’t bother with the volume antenna. That was before I was a “precision thereminist” which erally means you don’t have to use vibrato since you can actually hit and hold a note steady.

PLAY SEATED.

D’Ya Like Scratchin’
https://youtu.be/c_ulaHJ-Xk0?si=ka0iPAQcCYdD-rJa

Theremin Dj Scratching System
https://youtu.be/saFAKFAoh0k?si=T1d5LnaHho7sA2pd

The Claravox has MIDI out and in. While I haven’t tried it, I have two Claravoxes so one could conceivable drive the other so you could have two timbres and octaves at the same time. I enjoyed playing the one so much I didn’t try.

Rather than using MIDI with a theremin external pedals are easier and more practical such as EHX Mel 9, Boss SY-1 and others.

Those pedals would make this 110 dollar instrument even more of a bargain.

If you really want MIDI on this you can buy a pitch to MIDI converter. I hooked on up to the Claravox and drove the Korg ARP odyssey module with it. Just not that interesting.

This is what I used:

https://secondsound.com/product/unisyn/

lots of work vs. the ease of a pedal.

My Arduino code that converts the X-40 signals to MIDI can be found here. https://github.com/squirtifier/X-40-Laser-Rangefinder-MIDI-Controller

Hello crall, Back in 2019 I built a MIDI controller using a X40 range finder. I went one step further and used my laser theremin MIDI output to control the pitch of a Tesla coil. The range finder & Arduino code can be found online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohGsdv1wRZk

Cool, as foretold.

It is not about the size or how many knobs it has, but what you do with what you have…hit songs has been made on lesser featured instruments…