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.

 

[Aeson]

I had heard the blaster sounds for Star Wars were made by banging on the support cables on power poles. Like these.

It seems to me this recreates that with more functionality and features.

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[Dannyalcatraz]

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.

Kind of like what Aeson was getting at, the Blaster Beam lets you generate those sounds in a controlled environment with the potential for easier sound processing.

Also, the BB can reach notes most conventional instruments simply can’t.