(Video link HERE.) We know nothing of how Turkish musician, Görkem Şen came to create the Yaybahar, his rather magical acoustic instrument made of fretted strings, coiled springs and frame drums.  He plays it with a bow or a wrapped mallet or just his fingers, switching between them like a dancer to create hypnotic, crazy-beautiful and unexpected sounds. It’s as though he’s playing a sculpture.

The vibrations from the strings are transmitted via the coiled springs to the frame drums. These vibrations are turned into sound by the membranes which echo back and forth on the coiled springs. 

Where did THAT idea originate?

We especially love Şen‘s version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, which starts at 4:25.

Want to wake up to more of Sen’s music? We recommend this improvisation. (Video link HERE.)

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One thought on “Celestial Music via Sen’s Sculptural Instrument

  1. Sarah Hopkins- ” CD SKY SONG” ,if you like this- it is cello and telephone lines in the wind and overtone singing- beautiful. I love this instrument Yaybahar

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