Turkish instrument Cumbus enhances Pink Floyd star David Gilmour’s album

Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour introduced the traditional Turkish instrument Cumbus in his latest episode of David’s Guitars on Sept. 9.

Gilmour, known for his deep interest in unique sounds, shared his experience with the instrument, which he discovered in a small village shop in Türkiye.

“I picked it up and had a look at it and thought it sounded weird… I thought it would be totally impossible to play,” he said.

David Gilmour’s discovery of Turkish instrument Cumbus adds new flavor to music

Gilmour first encountered the Cumbusa twelve-string banjo-like instrument – during a visit to Türkiye.

The instrument, created by Zeynel Abidin in the early 20th century, combines features of traditional Turkish and Western string instruments, offering a unique tonal quality.

Originally designed for versatility, the Cumbus has gained recognition both within Türkiye and internationally for its distinctive sound.

Gilmour recalled his surprise at how well it fit into his music.

“We put it on the song to give an unusual flavor, which it does,” he said.

David Gilmour’s use of Türkiye’s Cumbus reflects broader global trend

David Gilmour’s incorporation of the Cumbus in his recent work mirrors a wider global interest in Turkish instruments.

Over the years, Turkish musical instruments, like the Cumbus and others, have gained popularity among world-renowned musicians.
Bands such as Pink Floyd, Simply Red and La Luz have all integrated Turkish instruments into their music, according to Mehmet Tamdeger, owner of Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals.

Türkiye’s position as a major hub for musical instrument production has grown significantly.

Over the last decade, the country has exported nearly $100 million worth of instruments, particularly to markets in Germany, the U.S. and South Korea.

Zeynel Abidin Cumbus, the original creator of the instrument David Gilmour plays, has left a lasting legacy, with his instruments still widely used by famous musicians today.

The enduring appeal of Turkish instruments in modern music continues to shape the sounds of global artists, reinforcing Türkiye’s central role in the world of music production.

Role of Turkish instrument Cumbus in David Gilmour’s new album

Gilmour’s embrace of the Cumbus aligns with his experimental approach in his latest album, “Luck and Strange”. Released after nine years, the album reflects a period of creative exploration, with contributions from his family and a diverse range of musicians.

Songs from the album incorporate a variety of instruments and influences, blending David Gilmour‘s classic sound with new musical elements, such as the Cumbus.

Recorded over five months in Brighton and London, Luck and Strange features eight new “Between Two Points”. Regarding his latest project, Gilmour said, “We spent a load of time during and after lockdown talking about and thinking about (mortality),” which became a central theme of the album.

The album’s lyrical content was composed by Polly Samson, Gilmour’s co-writer and collaborator, who reflected on themes of aging and life experiences.