This is an uncommon instrument that doesn’t actually require physical contact in order to produce its eerie sound, invented in 1919 in Russia by Léon Theremin. It is one of the first completely electronic instruments, it consists of circuits in a box and two antennas. It produces its sound by standing in front of it and moving the hands near the two metal antennas, one of which is commonly circular.

The distance from the hands and the antennas determine the frequency and the amplitude.

Do you have an extra $95? Then make your own theremin with this kit.

Yeah, yeah… but what does it sound like? Download a sample here.