Tensegrity Yaybahar

A new type of Instrument

Invented by Gorkem Sen, the Yaybahar fascinated me when I first saw it in 2012. Translated as a "spring string," this cello-like instrument transmits vibrations from the string onto the spring and drum system. The result is a reverb that is powerful, otherworldly, haunting.

As there appears to be less than ten of these on earth, I set out to design my own. Initial experiments showed that the key to the strength of the sound was suspending the spring-string-drum lockup mid-air in order to minimize dampening. The suspension design of the frame also helps to keep vibrations live. The next version will have a new suspension bridge design and a full tensegrity frame. I aim to claim the loudest Yaybahar design on earth.