Can Magnetic Waves Interact or interfere with radio waves?

Question

I'm thinking of building a theremin into one of my project guitars and i need to know if the radio waves from the theremin will interfere with the magnetic electric pickups of vice versa, I'll probably mute one while using the other, but i need to know.

Answer 1

Yes and no.  Most electronics and sensors will have a filter and frequency band over which they operate.  So in reality the theremin (sensor) will "see" the pickup and vice-versa, especially in the case of a guitar where devices are close.  However, you should able to design the initial system and test to see if there is interaction (feedback or noise).  If you experience it, then a filtering network should help alleviate the extra signals.  One consideration is that the Theremin device functions as a "variable capacitor" and movement of your hands (or anything) will change the loading of the capacitor.  So as you moved your hands to play the guitar, it would also "play" the Theremin sensor.   You may be able to place the sensor where it "always" changes when you play the guitar or more off to the side where a more specific movement of your hands is required.