Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step back in time with the 1970 Russian Balalaika, a distinctive stringed instrument that embodies the rich tradition of Slavic folk music. This balalaika is a classic representation of Russian craftsmanship, featuring a triangular body that produces a unique, resonant tone. Its history is deeply rooted in Russian culture, making it an enchanting choice for musicians and collectors alike. The instrument is crafted with a traditional three-string setup, often tuned to E-E-A, allowing for a range of expressive melodies and rhythms.

The 1970 Russian Balalaika is renowned for its authentic sound that captures the spirit of Eastern European folk music. Its acoustic properties are a result of the combination of high-quality wood and meticulous craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned musician looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to explore traditional sounds, this balalaika offers an engaging musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Traditional Russian design with a triangular body
  • High-quality craftsmanship from 1970
  • Authentic folk sound with a three-string setup
  • Ideal for both musicians and collectors
  • Suitable for traditional Slavic music and modern experimentation

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1970 Russian Balalaika.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest replacing rusted steel strings typical of folk balalaikas with two .40 nylon and one .0115 metal string for academic tuning.

    Source

Build quality

  • Soviet-era balalaikas like this one often feature all steel strings and non-EEA tuning, reflecting traditional construction methods from the period.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1970 Russian balalaika can be set up for either folk or academic styles depending on string choice and tuning preference.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at 6 rubles 70 kopeks in 1974, this is equivalent to approximately 53.98 USD today, reflecting its historical value.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ebebebeb

Very very good balalaika :)

Played in ensembles on this, still somewhere to drag a good thing compared to musical instruments in the USSR

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses 1970 Russian Balalaika

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

A distinctive Russian Balalaika, signed and inscribed in black felt pen circa1970, Eric Clapton. Hare Krishna.

See how Anil Öztas uses 1970 Russian Balalaika

Anil Öztas

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Anil Öztas has been using the 1970 Russian Balalaika occasionally since 2022, as evidenced by the information found at MyOwnMusic.

See how Svetlana Sibirjakowa uses 1970 Russian Balalaika

Svetlana Sibirjakowa

Guitarist

SUKI

...
Verified

Svetlana Sibirjakowa has confirmed her use of a 1970 Russian Balalaika.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1970 Russian Balalaika, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Wampler Mini Ego Compressor
Wampler Mini Ego Compressor Compressor Effects Pedals
2
Squier Mini Stratocaster
Squier Mini Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Catalinbread Wake Chorus Pedal
Catalinbread Wake Chorus Pedal Chorus Effects Pedals
1
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
Apple Mac Studio
Apple Mac Studio Computers & Peripherals
1
Maxon OD808 Overdrive
Maxon OD808 Overdrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Ortega RCE400ST
Ortega RCE400ST Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1

More Lutes

Balalaika

$319.00

# 1

Rank

Rob Scallon Diego Arnedo Tommy Tedesco
7 artists using
Baglama

$499.00

# 2

Rank

Stu Mackenzie Jon Anderson Nicky Skopelitis
4 artists using
Chinese Pipa

$259.00

# 3

Rank

Mike Einziger Greg Lake Yu Zi
3 artists using
Puerto Rican Cuatro

$16.99 - $474.00

# 7

Rank

Jon Anderson
1 artist using
Shamisen

 

# 10

Rank

Marty Friedman Jack Simmons Noodle
8 artists using
Thai Phin

 

# 13

Rank

The Tallest Man On Earth
1 artist using
Worldstick

 

# 15

Rank

 
Mexican Custom Jarana

 

# 16

Rank

 
Spring Lyre

 

# 17

Rank

 
Lute Hole #04 Spruce

 

# 18

Rank

 
Requinto Jarocho

 

# 20

Rank

David Hidalgo
1 artist using
Spanish Laúd

 

# 21

Rank

Steve Howe
1 artist using
Ronroco

 

 
Gustavo Santaolalla
1 artist using
See also: Lutes

Community setups

Similar