5.21.2009

España

I am sloughing off amurika for the next week. Look to June for your next dose of Commodities!

5.20.2009

5.14.2009

RCA Victor Theremin AR-1264 Analog Original

RCA Victor Theremin AR-1264 Analog Original
RCA Victor Theremin AR-1264 Analog Original, 2009
Ink on paper, 7.5x11"

Up for bid is an original drawing of a RCA Victor Theremin AR-1264. The drawing is by Erik Dalzen, and is titled "RCA Victor Theremin AR-1264 Analog Original." Ink on BFK tan, 100% archival, cotton rag paper. The drawing measures 7.5x11 inches. This drawing is one-of-a-kind. Signed and dated on the back.

The progenitor of electric musical instruments is the RCA theremin*. It's construction consists of some electronic guts enclosed in a mahogany box with two protruding antennae. The vertical antenna controls the pitch while the horizontal, looped antenna controls the volume. Play is achieved through the movement of the hands in the space surrounding the antennae. RCA produced the first commercially available theremin, the AR-1264, and tried to pawn it off as an any man, woman or child's play thing. However, owing to the fact that the theremin requires perfect pitch and a precise mastery of hand and body control, over a set of antenna lacking any fingerboard, key or fret reference, the "ease" of play proved to be otherwise. The AR-1264 was discontinued shortly after it's initial production of a few hundred units. Most of the remaining models are in the hands of elite thereminists or museums.
*This is background information about the RCA theremin depicted in the drawing. The actual instrument is not included in this auction. If you are the winning bidder you will receive a drawing in the mail.

Auction ends: 05.19.2009 06:40:18 PM PDT Place a bid.

***Update***
Sold for $63.88

5.02.2009

The close of the 25th auction

Awesome Hat Newsboy Cap Ivy Pill Box Trucker Mesh, yielded five bids and a closing price of $7.50. The high bidder resides in California, as will the photograph.