TIL about the Blaster Beam

[Dannyalcatraz]

The Blaster Beam is an instrument used to create sound effects and occasionally parts of musical scores in sci-fi, horror & fantasy films, just like better known instruments like the theremin, apprehension engine, and waterphone:

 

[GreyLord]

Those sounds, sound...familiar, but I can't place what films I've heard them in...but I know I've heard them in some movies.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Those sounds, sound...familiar, but I can't place what films I've heard them in...but I know I've heard them in some movies.

The most obvious example- at least to those who frequent THIS site- is from the first Star Trek motion picture.

 

[el-remmen]

I just figured it was done by banging on a piano's strings and adding effects. Maybe it is just me, but none of those sounds seemed particularly unique to me.