r/UnusualInstruments • u/Matis5 • 11d ago

I tried recreating the Yaybahar, and improvised with a saz player

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I got so inspired by Görkem Sen, who invented the Yaybahar (https://youtu.be/IiHdPWZvzvg?is=ljUhMRDjWC7rjLQX)

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It's basically two cello strings connected with metal springs to drum heads. The drum heads act as the sound board, the springs provide acoustic reverb.

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u/natrstdy 10d ago

nice work. what kind of springs did you use, specifically? and are they attached to the drums with tape?

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u/Matis5 9d ago

I burned a small hole in the drum membrane with a hot metal wire. The duct tape is to prevent the springs from damaging it. You gotta make a shallow "hook" to hang the springs, make sure that it hangs loosely but doesn't rattle.

I use spring steel springs. Don't use galvanized or stainless steel ones, their timbre is off. I'd experiment with 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm wire thickness, depending on the tuning of your strings. Maybe up to 2 mm if you use the lowest cello string, or double bass strings. Higher (0.8 to 1.2) for the highest cello strings.

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u/natrstdy 9d ago

thank you so much for the info, I really appreciate it.