Theremin Plans and Reference Material

A comprehensive collection of theremin plans, schematics, and reference materials compiled by TECI since 1995.

Build your own theremin with these classic designs.

One of the core missions of TECI has always been to help people build their own theremins. Since our founding in 1995, we have collected and shared plans, schematics, and reference materials for a wide variety of theremin designs. Whether you are a beginner looking for a simple project or an experienced builder seeking a challenge, there is something here for you.

The theremin is a remarkably accessible instrument to build. While the principles behind it are based on radio frequency oscillators and heterodyning, the actual construction can be straightforward with the right plans and components. Many of the designs listed here have been built successfully by TECI members and other enthusiasts around the world.

Our collection includes both classic tube designs and more modern transistor and IC-based circuits. Some plans date back to the 1940s and 1950s, while others are from the 1990s and 2000s. We have also included links to online resources where you can find additional information, parts suppliers, and community support.

Before you begin your build, we recommend reading through the Theremin Bible, which contains additional articles and reference materials on theremin construction and theory. You may also want to join the Levnet mailing list to connect with other builders who can offer advice and support.

Building a theremin is a rewarding experience. It combines electronics, music, and craftsmanship in a unique way. Whether you are building your first theremin or your tenth, we hope these plans serve you well.

TECI Recommended Plans

SWTP/TECI Hybrid Theremin

Barry and I have built two Theremins (TECI #1 and TECI #2 SWTP Hybrids) using plans that came with a kit Theremin, dated 1974 offered by S.W. Technical Products. Ours is an update of the 1967 plans and features potentiometer tuning for the coils and a master volume control. We got the plans from the Ontario Science Center and the theremins work extremely well. We modified the SWTP design by using Miller #9001 coils, flat aluminium plates for antennas, and a resistor pad network to lower the output amplitude. Our cost for parts was $200 Can. This seems to be average for home made units. Copies of these plans are available and we will mail them for $10 US to recoup our reproduction costs.

Contact us through the contact page for more information.

Classic Theremin Plans

Popular Electronics April 1955 — Contains the plans for a tube model Theremin. It is difficult to build as you need to wind your own coils and build a fairly complex power transformer. We know of one attempt at this recently, Dave Eley of Surrey BC, but the unit never did work properly.
Electronics World January 1961 — Contains a transistor Theremin designed by Moog. We tried to build this, but we were unable to find many of the parts. Member #25 has built one and mentions it works well and was very easy to tune (1000 times easier than the 1967 model).
Popular Electronics November 1967 — Has plans that can still be built. The coils you need are Miller #9001 40-240 uH. This is the plan that was available on the internet at Lepers Schematics.
Radio and Television News magazine October 1949 — Also has tube model plans. A schematic from this issue is available online.
Everyday With Practical Electronics magazine, September 1995 — A more recent design that may be easier to source parts for.

Modern Kits and Commercial Plans

Moog Music — Superior professional quality Theremins are available from Big Briar Inc in North Carolina USA.
PAiA Electronics — A Theremin Kit is being marketed by PAiA Electronics Inc., and is called the Theremax. Check out the PAIA website for details.
Updated SWTP Plans — Updated SWTP plans are also available online at the 144 Theremin site.

Online Resources and Reference

Mr. Theremin — DIY Tube Theremin Site Pavek Museum of Broadcasting — RCA Theremin Documents Mississippi State University ECE Theremin Project Fred Nachbaur's Theremin Web Site — Theremax Mods Tube Theremin Schematic — Radio & Television News Theremin World — Comprehensive Schematics Discover Circuits — Theremin Schematics CiteSeer — Theremin Related Documents PGSS Physics Team Theremin Project (PDF) Silicon Chip Theremin Projects RS Theremin — Design Specs Adventure in the Theremin — Build Blog Linux Journal — Poor Man's Theremin University of Glasgow — Digital & Analog Theremin Designs Kendrick Sellen — Tube Theremin Design Mods Keppinger Design Theremin Construction

This list is a work in progress. If you have theremin plans or reference materials you would like to share with the TECI community, please contact us.