Tannerin For Sale on Ebay
Item number 140058470242 is a prototype Tannerin built by Tom Polk in 1999. Tom’s design was based on Paul Tanner’s original instrument the Electro-Theremin. Tom also built a Tannerin for Brian Wilson’s 1999 solo tour and 2 more compact models for the 2005 Broadway production of “Good Vibrations”.The Electro-Theremin, or Tannerin, is an electronic instrument that shares many similarities with the Theremin, as a matter of fact the sounds they create are often mistaken. The eerie melody featured on The Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” is often mistaken as a theremin but actaully was a an Electro-Theremin.The Electro-Theremin is typically played by moving a slide control to control the pitch, which is what gives it that Theremin-like portamento sound. There wheren’t any “keys” to press, but as you can see on the image below, an image of a keyboard lays atop the case to provide a map of the slides pitch.
The prototype for sale on eBay is not played with a slide control but rather with a wand. When pressed against the bar along the device it controls the pitch, similar to a stylophone. The left hand controls the volume knob for swells and tremelo, while the right hand controls the pitch. Since the prototype has a wand instead of a slide, it can also give staccato sounds without using the volume knob.
Although the prototype listed in the auction is not one of Tanner’s original devices, I do not believe that either the Electro-Theremin or the Tannerin where ever formally produced and sold. This may be your only chance to find one of these rare devices.
Add New Comment
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.