The Qweremin
Key topics
The Qweremin, a quirky keyboard-based theremin created by Linus Åkesson, has sparked a lively discussion about its innovative design and the challenges of playing such an instrument. Commenters are abuzz about Åkesson's previous projects, including the C64 demo "Nine" and the Chipophone, and are sharing links to his other musical endeavors. While some are curious about the keyboard mapping, inspired by the accordion, others are praising the Qweremin's creativity and noting that even Åkesson's muscle memory struggled to adapt to the new layout. The conversation is filled with nods to Åkesson's ingenuity, as well as some tongue-in-cheek suggestions for improving the design, like using an off-the-shelf VCA chip.
Snapshot generated from the HN discussion
Discussion Activity
Moderate engagementFirst comment
3d
Peak period
9
72-84h
Avg / period
5.3
Based on 16 loaded comments
Key moments
- 01Story posted
Aug 29, 2025 at 4:45 AM EDT
4 months ago
Step 01 - 02First comment
Sep 1, 2025 at 12:25 AM EDT
3d after posting
Step 02 - 03Peak activity
9 comments in 72-84h
Hottest window of the conversation
Step 03 - 04Latest activity
Sep 3, 2025 at 3:33 PM EDT
4 months ago
Step 04
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Sounds pretty swell!
I wonder if the spoon controller could be adapted to send modulation parameters to arbitrary instruments via a midi port. I would buy a spoon modulator if it was reasonably priced. It would be a great add-on to a piano style keyboard without pitch bend or mod wheel etc
Combining the theremin with the keyboard helps with pitch, but the low dimension problem remains. You might as well play a keyboard with one hand and a trackpad or joystick with the other, it's easier and the number of dimensions is the same.
But most of all what I like about the theremin is that it is an electronic instrument all of its own unique kind and not an emulation of the instruments that existed before electricity was usable by humans.
Saying that a cello is “strictly better” than a theremin kinda feels to me like saying that ice skating is “strictly better” than rollerblading. It’s just different activities that different people enjoy.
In fact I'd double down on the "strictly better" bit. There's an instrument that's literally strictly better than the theremin: it makes a very similar sound, looks every bit as cool and weird, but is much easier to play well. The musical saw! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7cMJn0HAdE
Other than that Qweremin actually makes a lot of sense from musical POV (expressive somewhat synths are rare and expensive) and that rendition of Ave Maria is beautiful. I can definitely see something similar as serious instrument in the future.
alternatively, control volume with analogue keyboard keys:
https://wooting.io/
https://www.razer.com/technology/razer-analog-optical-switch