Adopting a new instrument can push your musical awareness of pitch, rhythm, timbre, melody, and harmony to new and useful places. A new and unfamiliar instrument can also add a spark to your practice if you’re bored with the same-old same-old.
Here’s a fascinating new acoustic instrument, the Yaybahar, made and played by Görkem Şen. What a great sound! And the practice space is not bad either….
If you’re wondering what would be a good instrument to adopt, I’d suggest a harmony instrument (guitar, piano), and a percussion instrument, like conga, or djembe, or even small percussion instruments.
If you’re interested in creating your own instruments, or other instrument creators, check out one of the most famous, Harry Partch, who invented instruments for his compositions. Personally, I love Partch’s philosophy and his rebel spirit.
If micro-tones are new to you and you don’t have time for the whole documentary, check out this wonderful explanation/demonstration below. Only takes a minute or so:
The Practice of Practice 
I’ve never seen nor heard of the Yaybahar. Thanks for sharing.
No problem! I hadn’t either when I stumbled on the video. It’s a one-of-a-kind, but I love the sound….