Moog Claravox Centennial, User Manual

Page: 27 / 77

26
LEARNING
HOW TO PLAY
Claravox Centennial is traditionally played by
interacting with two electronic antennas using
subtle hand gestures. The horizontal loop anten-
na is used to control the volume, and the vertical
rod antenna is used to control the pitch. Bring-
ing your hand near the Volume Antenna will
decrease volume, while bringing your hand near
the Pitch Antenna will increase the pitch.
The following sections contain helpful informa-
tion and practice exercises for developing your
theremin skills. These suggested techniques are
intended to guide your experimentation as you
discover and establish your own unique playing
style. There is no right or wrong approach; as
you get to know the instrument, trust your in-
stincts to lead the way.
Volume Antenna
The Volume Antenna controls the volume lev-
el of Claravox Centennial. Lift your hand up
and away from the Volume Antenna to raise the
volume of your Claravox Centennial. Lowering
your hand, or increasing its proximity to the
Volume Antenna loop, will make Claravox Cen-
tennial quieter. When your hand is very close,
Claravox Centennial will be muted. You can use
changes in the volume to accentuate, to play, or
to not play notes.
Pitch Antenna
The Pitch Antenna controls the pitch or frequen-
cy that Claravox Centennial is playing. Extend
your arm outward, bringing your hand closer to
the Pitch Antenna to raise the pitch. Pulling your
hand back, or reducing its proximity to the Pitch
Antenna rod, lowers the frequency. You can use
changes in proximity to play different notes.
Getting Started:
Classic Theremin
1.
Set your Claravox Centennial knobs to the
positions shown in the illustration on page 23.
2.
Stand facing the Claravox Centennial front
panel, with your body about 12” (30 cm) back.
3.
Adjust your position so that you are about
an arm’s length away from the Pitch Antenna.