Next up in our offerings is another unique Moog non-Moog item: a beautiful vintage Big Briar Etherwave Theremin from late 1999 or 2000. I am the original owner and was intrigued by just about everything Bob Moog ever created, including this Etherwave.
From 1989 until early '91, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob Moog on a couple of projects and was fascinated by his unique perceptions. The gentleman was incredibly kind and quite humorous at times, too!
A bit more history about Dr. Moog: In 1971, he sold Moog Music to Norlin Musical Instruments, where he remained as a designer until 1977. In 1978, he founded the company Big Briar, and in 2002 renamed it Moog Music after buying back the rights to the name. Thus, the Big Briar models are the vintage Moog Etherwave Theremins!
But for small finish flaws/scratches and the barely visible sticker outline in the original black lacquer on the wooden case, this Big Briar Etherwave looks and performs outstandingly - just like the day it arrived! Comes with the unique factory Etherwave Power Supply "NOT A MIDI DEVICE" AC adaptor :) and both antennas - all as shown and ready to create music with. Please note: wall of guitar cabs, stringed instruments, amps and mic stand not included.
Part of a lifetime collection of musical tools & toys, it’s lived its entire life in my studio rack as shown & looks to be as clean as can be. I took photos in harsh bright lights to expose anything that could be captured in picture. It’s really beautiful looking! These pictures provide clear details of exactly what you’ll receive. However, out of an excessive abundance of caution, I will classify it as very good so no one is surprised. Please enjoy all the photos and ask any questions whatsoever. This Theremin was last used just moments before this listing and it worked wonderfully, like every other day at PlethoraTone - just check the photos.
We really take care of our gear.
If you want or need more photos, just let me know - a video might be an option, too. I'm new to Reverb but have been in the industry for 40+ years and will gladly provide references. As to shipping, everything gets safely and securely packed and almost always ships by the next business day. I *do my very best* to ship same day whenever humanly possible, because I know I appreciate getting my purchases quickly, too! Tracking information will be provided as soon as it’s generated. Likewise, we appreciate immediate payments when agreeing to buy our items (unless you’ve made prior arrangements beforehand).
If you’re in the Nashville area, please come by the studio to see & hear the Etherwave in action for yourself.
As with all our rare electronics, we’re offering this as described and as is. It’s just as reliable and accurately described as all the other Moog gear I've recently sold on Reverb - plus the Roland PG-300, PG-800, PG-1000, Korg REI, Waldorf Microwave XT, and MicroQ that went to happy, new owners. There’s so much more to come, too.
This Theremin is among the first of *hundreds* of unusual synth, guitar, bass, and electronic items our studio will soon be posting. Check out our comprehensive gear list on our website for upcoming hints.
The final four photographs give a clue to some of the other gear to come, and these items aren’t included in this Etherwave listing. There's a Roland MKS-80 & MKS-20 coming, as well as a Roland D-550, too. There's also currently listed a vintage 1980s Ibanez AF9 Autofilter, an Alembic F-1X bass preamp, plus a whole lot more!
Thanks for looking. Please shout if we can help in any way whatsoever!
-Mark at PlethoraTone Tech info: The Big Briar/Moog Music standard Etherwave Theremin allow you to create those whistling sine wave sounds using your hands, arms, elbows or head! The Theremin was designed in the earlier part of the 20th century by Leon Theremin. It's a simple oscillating circuit that produces a simple sine wave over a 5-octave pitch range. Two antenna perpendicular to each other (one is loop-shaped) create your playing field. The vertical one controls pitch and the horizontal volume. By moving your hands in the field between these you affect the capacitance within the rods and thus, the oscillators pitch and volume. This is truly a unique and difficult but masterable form of sci-fi music performance. They are truly analog instruments so you get an authentic and warm sound with modern quality and specifications. A few knobs on the face plate control waveform, brightness and level.
The theremin is one of the oldest electronic instruments, and the only one known that you play without touching. Moving your hands in the space around its antennas controls pitch and volume. The Etherwave is an authentic adaptation of inventor Lev Termen's original design.
The Etherwave is a quality musical instrument designed for ruggedness and portability. It has a five-octave pitch range and reliable spacing between notes for sophisticated playability. Antennas are nickel-plated 3/8" brass tube and cabinets are furniture-grade hardwood, finished with a custom Moog stain. The Etherwave is fitted with an adapter for mounting on a standard microphone stand.
Features
Power Rocker Switch - switches on and off the AC power to Theremin.
Audio Out - standard 1/4" phone jack, which delivers line level output to your amplifier.
Pitch Rotary Control, for adjusting the response of the pitch antenna.
Volume Rotary Control, for adjusting the response of the volume antenna.
Waveform Rotary Control, for adjusting the waveform of the audio output.
Brightness Rotary Control, for adjusting the brightness of the audio output.
Power Input - receptacle for the special AC adapter that comes with the Etherwave.
