So, for all these years since I first saw Star Trek: The Motion Picture at the Seaway drive-in in Algonac, MI in footie pajamas with my parents, I've always wondered what made that sound. You know, that "dwonnnnnng" sound that I've forever associated with spaceships and Star Trek.

I always assumed it was something synthesized. Turns out, it's a huge metal instrument called a Blaster Beam, invented by Craig Huxdley.