The yaybahar is 100% electric-free but you wouldn’t guess that from hearing it.

Whilst the advent of new technologies is constantly pushing more and more artists towards digital means of sound production, Istanbul-based musician Görkem Şen has gone against the grain and crafted an acoustic instrument that sounds almost exactly like a digital synthesizer.

The yaybahar utilises a combination of strings, coiled springs and drums.  Its creator explains “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. This results in an unique listening experience with an hypnotic surround sound.”

You can watch Şen play his mesmerising instrument above.