Moog Claravox Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years of the Theremin

A century has passed since Leon Theremin first developed the electronic instrument that now carries his name, and to commemorate this milestone, Moog is introducing what is likely the most visually appealing – and potentially the most sonically impressive – theremin ever created: the Claravox Centennial.

Featuring a cabinet crafted from walnut wood, brass antennae, and an extensive array of refined knobs and dials, the Claravox evokes the aesthetic of a recording studio from the pre-World War II era, which was precisely the design goal.

The instrument’s name pays tribute to Clara Rockmore, the Soviet musician who achieved widespread recognition – and likely sparked considerable curiosity – in the 1930s through her performances on the theremin, significantly contributing to both the instrument’s popularity and its evolution.

However, the theremin Rockmore played was relatively simple when contrasted with the instruments developed by electronic music pioneer Bob Moog, who constructed his own based on schematics found in a 1949 publication. He subsequently refined and enhanced the instrument, transforming it into the adaptable yet uniquely identifiable theremin that would become a common fixture across numerous musical styles, alongside Moog’s own synthesizers.

The Claravox is not intended solely as a decorative item. It represents the pinnacle of theremin design, integrating both contemporary and classic technologies. Users can select and switch between analog and digital oscillators; the wave shaping circuitry is sourced from the Etherwave Pro; it includes integrated delay and preset memory; its inputs and outputs facilitate compatibility with a wide range of sources and controllers; and a complementary stand is also available for purchase.

The Claravox operates on the same principles as traditional theremins: the antennae sense the positioning of the player’s hands (or other conductive objects) within their electromagnetic fields, with one antenna governing pitch and the other controlling volume. Performing with the instrument is an art form in itself, as demonstrated in this compelling interpretation of Debussy’s “Clair de Lune”:

Theremin enthusiasts with the means to do so can place their pre-orders for the Claravox Centennial now, priced at $1,499. Shipping is anticipated to begin in December, making it an ideal gift for the holidays for that special individual who appreciates synthesizers.