Moog Model The Melodia Theremin

Robert Moog built the 201 and 351 models of his Theremin series in 1954. In 1960, he launched The Melodia model and sold around 1000 units. His models were based on the original form of the theremin, which was introduced by Leon Termen in 1922 and patented in 1928. The instrument is based on the heterodyning effect, which occurs when two high-frequency sound waves with similar but different frequencies come together and produce a lower audible frequency. Leon Termen realised that the body could be used as a control mechanism.

The Theremin von Termen is played by moving the hands around a metal loop for the volume and around an antenna for the pitch. The output is a monophonic continuous tone that is modulated by the player. On the Moog Theremin, the pitch is created with the antenna and the volume with a metal plate. Two bakelite knobs are used to adjust the volume and pitch.