Small amp for theremin?

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countertext
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Small amp for theremin?

Post by countertext » Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:39 pm

Scored a theremin for my kid for xmas. Any ideas on a small or smallish amp that’s appropriate for theremin frequencies? Assume that I’ll lean toward less expensive rather than more.

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marqueemoon
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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by marqueemoon » Sat Dec 21, 2019 4:27 pm

countertext wrote:
Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:39 pm
Scored a theremin for my kid for xmas. Any ideas on a small or smallish amp that’s appropriate for theremin frequencies? Assume that I’ll lean toward less expensive rather than more.
The Moog-branded ss amp they did was 15 watts and an 8”.

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Embenny
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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by Embenny » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:00 pm

Literally any solid state keyboard amp will do the trick. Theremins have a similar range to many keyboard/synths and most people want a similarly flat/colorless response.

So look for a reasonably priced keyboard amp. All the usual amp-buying tropes apply - used is cheaper than new, name brands are safer bets than random companies you've never heard of, etc, but they don't need any fancy features (like stereo) that some keyboards benefit from, so go for something simple.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.

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countertext
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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by countertext » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:35 pm

Thank you for that. I probably won’t be buying for a month or so - the kid will play through one of my amps in the meantime - so I hope more kind OSGers will chime in.

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DeathJag
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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by DeathJag » Sun Dec 22, 2019 2:29 pm

I recommend a practice bass amp! I use a big iron bass amp for mine and it really rocks those low notes. And I have loved it through a 120w ‘74 Twin as well (very bassy and no breakup).

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somanytoys
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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by somanytoys » Sun Dec 22, 2019 3:26 pm

I think I would second that, especially depending on which tones you’d like to tame from it, more than accentuate.

Bass carries more, but squealy highs can do a lot of damage to hearing. And sometimes tolerance of squealy noises.
-David

It's a boost booster, to boost your boost - it makes your tone much muchier.

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Re: Small amp for theremin?

Post by jthomas » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:29 pm

Think of your own sanity! So: something in the 1/4 watt territory. I'd suggest something with earbuds and no speaker, but that would put his/her hearing at risk.

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