Although this instrument is an RCA Theremin, it was so substantially modified by Leon Theremin himself that it warrants a place among the Lev-Built instruments. As such, it offers insights into how Lev customized and optimized his designs.
This is a stock RCA Theremin (serial number 100006) that at Clara Rockmore's request, was enhanced to more closely approach her performance requirements.
One of the very first produced by RCA, this instrument was a gift to Clara Rockmore by Leon Theremin.
The modifications by Leon Theremin to this instrument are as follows:
The sum total of the above modifications provided a higher performance version of the stock production instrument, with a dramatically increased pitch range, more responsive space control of volume, and a choice of tonal qualities.
It was one of the first RCA Theremins, and was heavily modified by the inventor himself. It was the first theremin Clara learned to play on, and the first theremin used in her first public performances. Bob Moog reconditioned and updated this instrument to reflect modern safety standards in October of 1998. Handwriting from both Leon Theremin and Bob Moog are found inside.
Photo: © Renato Toppo, courtesy Nadia Reisenberg/Clara Rockmore Foundation
This report was prepared for the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) to summarize the work performed, and the findings documented by Andrew Baron and Mike Buffington on the 27 and 28th of March, 2012.