Blaster Beam

[pj geerlings]

Fascinating - contact initiated

[ccDuckett]

Rex Basterfield (AKA Quilcom) created a software version, check it out:

[justin3am]

Hello everyone! This is my first post here. I am Eric Mitchell. I am the Founder, Designer, Builder and Janitor at BEAMEMUP...

That looks like a beautiful instrument! Thanks for sharing! Would love to know more about it.

[BEAMEMUP]

Thanks Justin3am. I have beams in four sizes. The most popular size, pictured, is the Large Beam. It has 11 strings. Eight of those strings are tuned to D1 the other three are tuned to D2. It uses 2 active EMG pickups and I now use the EMG BQS, 5-knob control system. It is 68.5" long and weighs about 35 pounds. (about $2200, depending on custom options). I also build a smaller version (8strings, 42", about $1500), the Full-sized beam (17 strings, 9foot long, 3 active pickups, about $7000). Soon to be released is the Light Beam, it will be the same length as the large Beam, but made to be easier to haul around. (debuting at about $2200). more information can be found by searching for beamemup on facebook.

I also moderate a FB Group for beam enthusiasts- the "Beam Player's Forum". It is a private group, but if you ask, I will let you in.

Eric

[zerocrossing]

I once saw a guy play what seemed to be a garage door spring mounted on some sort of base. He was playing it with metal sticks that someone said were welding rods, taping and bowing. It was a similar effect, very cool. I'm not sure my neighbors would appreciate it if I had one.

[thelochias]

Fascinating - contact initiated

PJ, I would also like to contact you about the making of the Blaster Beam! I am trying to fix one that my school has for a project, and I would love your input on the process! Sending a DM!