RCA Theremin: Radiotron UX 171-A (Vacuum Tube)

RCA Theremin: Radiotron UX 171-A (Vacuum Tube)

Vacuum Tube;RCA Theremin;

The UX 171-A vacuum tube was used in RCA theremins. Maybe not this one in particular as there is no documentation that this specific tube was used in any theremin. This artifacts displays what sort of tubes were used in early electronic musical instruments like the theremin.

RCA theremins were produced between 1929-1930. With only 500 made, it was quite a limited run. Leon Theremin wanted his discovery in every household like the piano. But unfortunately, RCA discontinued their theremin line as the Great Depression caused many people to not buy the instrument.

Here are some tubes used in RCA theremins...
(x2) RCA Radiotrons UX-171-A
(x1) RCA Radiotron UX-120
(x1) RCA Radiotron UY-224
(x3) RCA Radiotrons UY-227
(x1) RCA Radiotron UX-280

1926