New arrival

[Paulbf70]

Well 1 Balalika has arrived, hopefully the other won't be too long, strange tuning on these as the strings are tuned in pairs, very light to hold, but gezz you have to hold them completely different to a normal guitar. The neck is really thin, I haven't got much out of it yet, but they are very different from guitars.

 

[Noodling Guitars]

OOOH I've seen those before! Never held one. How does it sound??

Unfortunately, I think nowadays, most Japanese people know "Balalaika" to be this (this was too much of a meme for the last 15 years) - until you posted the pic I almost forgot that it wasn't "a dance" but rather an instrument hahaha

 

[Paulbf70]

OOOH I've seen those before! Never held one. How does it sound??

Unfortunately, I think nowadays, most Japanese people know "Balalaika" to be this (this was too much of a meme for the last 15 years) - until you posted the pic I almost forgot that it wasn't "a dance" but rather an instrument hahaha

 

[Paulbf70]

They are so light, and the neck is that thin, even tho I have small hands I can close my full hand around the neck, they sound similar to a banjo, ( well to me it does) but I haven't learnt to play it yet, no picks with these just 1 finger.

 

[Noodling Guitars]

I saw Phil X post something on instagram this morning playing what looks to be something similar. Sounds like a cross between a banjo and a ukelele - but with a bit more sustain. Pretty cool

 

[Davis Sharp]

Of course, these instruments are know in the rock world.

"Let me hear your balalaikas ringing out.
Come and keep your comrades warm.
I'm back in the USSR."

Enjoy.