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Balalaika with Hard Case - | Mid-East (BLLK)

Online Catalogue | Stringed Instruments | Stringed Instruments - Balalaika |  Balalaika with Hard Case - | Mid-East (BLLK)

Balalaika with Hard Case | Mid-East


Balalaika with Hard Case | Mid-East

Ref: BLLK

Summary

  • Measures approximately 27” in length
  • Body has the classical triangular shape
  • The Balalaika strings are tuned above middle C



Description

Our Balalaika Prima measures approximately 27” in length. The body has the classical triangular shape. The back is slightly bowed and made with stave construction in two tones of rosewood. The darker back contrasts with the light colored wood of the soundboard.

The Balalaika strings are tuned above middle C to: A, E, E (1st-3rd). The 1st string is the thinnest, and lays over more frets than the 2nd & 3rd strings. Use a piano or electronic tuner as a reference for tuning.

To play, the left hand notes the strings while the index finger of the right hand strums high on the soundboard near the neck. The dark rosewood on the soundboard is decorative but also protects the soundboard from the strumming.



History

The Balalaika most likely evolved from the Oriental dombra, which is still played in present-day Kazakhstan. Knowledge of the dombra most likely spread to Russia by Mongol trade and conquest. After undergoing structural changes, the Balalaika was embraced by Russians. It is said that the Balalaika embodies the Russian people’s character, with its ability to switch from happiness to sadness with ease.

It was common for the peasant ballads, composed for the Balalaika, to irreverently poke fun at the authority of the times. For this reason there were times when the Balalaika was banned by both the Orthodox Church and the State. The instrument enjoyed its greatest folk popularity in the early 18th century.

In the later 19th century the instrument underwent a number of changes, including the adoption of the classic triangular shape. Reportedly, in the late 19th century, Vassily Vassilievich Andreyev, was responsible for the transition from a folk instrument to a concert instrument. Andreyev’s chamber ensemble, renamed The Great Russian Imperial Balalaika Orchestra, introduced the instrument to cultures outside of Russia. The Instrument was also carried by the common people when they fled Russia at times of war.



Holding Your Balalaika

There are similarities and differences in the playing of a balalaika and a guitar. They are similar in the way they are held when played.

You may be most comfortable playing the balalaika while seated in a chair. Hold the neck between the thumb and index finger of your left hand. Tuck the body of the balalaika under your right arm and hold it close to your chest. The corner of the instrument should rest between your knees. This is a very similar position to playing the guitar.



Playing the Balalaika

There are several methods of playing the balalaika, with the most common being the strum.

Strumming is the playing method used with most music. Unlike playing the guitar, you do not strum the balalaika over the center of the soundboard. The soundboard of the balalaika is a relatively soft un-finished wood. Strumming over the center of the soundboard would disfigure the soundboard. The balalaika is strummed high on the soundboard near the neck. With the balalaika correctly tuned, try playing some down strokes with the fleshy part of the right thumb. Be sure to stroke with your entire forearm, not just your wrist. The thumb may be laid along the index finger for stability. Rapid up and down strumming on long notes produces the singing tone peculiar to this instrument.

The Tremolo consists of fast up-and down beats with the right hand index finger. It can be used both to play on all strings or just one single string. The beats must be of equal power, up and down. The tremolo can be interrupted after every note. The tremolo can also combine several notes.

With the Pizzicato, you use your right hand thumb to produce downward beats and your right hand index finger to produce upward beats.

Left hand Pizzicato — you pluck the strings with your left hand.

These methods are just brief descriptions of several balalaika playing methods. For more in depth information and instruction on the balalaika, we recommend you purchase one of the many instructional books and videos available.



Care and Handling

Many of our musical instruments use a shellac or lacquer finish. Here are some simple steps to care for these instruments:
  • Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity.
  • Avoid leaving in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
  • Avoid solvents, such as alcohol or acetone.
  • Avoid placing objects on top of your musical instrument.
  • Avoid using abrasives that may scratch the finish.
  • For regular dusting, a dry soft cloth is best.
  • Use a quality furniture polish or furniture oil when needed.
  • Store your instrument inside a carry case to help protect against dust and accidental damage.


Instruments with unfinished, or raw, wood parts require special care. These items may be more prone to damage from extremes in temperature and humidity. Heat, sunlight, and overly damp or dry conditions may cause warping or cracking. A clear or neutral paste wax may be used to protect raw wooden parts with minimal change to the sound quality.



Strings

SPECIAL NOTE: No Warranty on Strings.

Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives.

If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.


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