1938 Shaw Teletouch Theremin

Who Commissioned This Instrument?

Apparently, upon seeing and hearing thereminist Juliet Shaw play a theremin in Theremin Studio some point in 1936 or 1937, Lev offered to build her a custom theremin. Juliet may have exchanged her RCA Theremin for this instrument.

Who Owned This Instrument?

Juliet Shaw

Where is This Instrument Now?

The instrument is in the National Museum of American History at The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C..

What Do We Know About This Instrument?

Built sometime in 1938, it originally had a range of 6 octaves. The tube complement indicates that this may have been one of the last theremins built by Lev, or associated with his Theremin Studio before he left America. It may have been constructed in the same general time frame or shortly before Lucie's September Theremin. Like the 33-34 Theremin Studio Theremin, it does not have a conventional power transformer.

Why is it Special?

It is one of very few Teletouch theremins that have survived. Despite the lack of signature components found in previous Lev-built theremins, there is an indication that Lev had some part in its creation, as handwritten instructions on the chassis appear to be in his hand.