The Balalaika is one of the major Russian musical instruments, along with the Domra, the Accordion and the Guitar

The Balalaika is a member of the Lute family and is made in a number of sizes; Piccolo, Soprano, Prima, Secunda, Alto, Bass, Contra-Bass and Sub-Contrabass.

It is also found in a variety of string configurations. The 3 string is the most common in the Prima, but is also found in 6 string. Sometimes an older Balalaika is found with 4 strings, but they are scarcer.

Balalaikas are made in a variety of woods on the body, end, back, neck and fretboard. And a variety of inlay around the soundhole, the edges and the fingerboard. Frets may vary from 16 to 19.

Several terms are used on e-Bay to describe the age of the instrument being sold. None of them are used correctly. Rare. Antique. Vintage.

They are sometimes called Russian Guitars, which is also incorrect. There really are Russian Guitars ! Acoustic and Electric.

A rare Balalaika would be one made before 1939. I dont think too many were made during the War years, and few would have survived.

Antique, usually means 100 years, or older, depending on the item and the country. In this case Antique, would be any instrument made pre-Soviet era of 1917. They would be very scarce or even rare.

I have seen several antique Balalaikas, and they are works of art. Slender, hand made, beautiful sound  holes, and wonderful carving on the tuning head.

Vintage is a misnomer. There is no such thing as a 'Vintage Balalaika'. Vintage refers to grapes and wine making. It means the wine year. So when someone describes their instrument as 'vintage', take it with a 'grain of salt'. Or a glass of Wine. Or in this case a glass of Vodka !

If the Balalaika was made between 1946 and 1990, it would be Post-war Soviet era. After 1990, it would be Post-Soviet, or Independence Era.

In 1980, during the Moscow Olympics, numerous Balalaikas were sold as souvenirs, marked with the Olympic logo and MOCKBA 80 (Moskva 80). And during this time many tourist or decorative souvenirs were made and sold

I have even seen a Balalaika Radio from the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Most of the souvenirs have either a red floral pattern painted on the front or the fancier ones have scenes from Russian history, such as the Troika or St Basil's in Moscow

They werre not really meant to play, mostly for decoration.

There are even toy Balalaikas for children to play with, and small Balalaikas that actually can be played by children and sound fairly good. I have one that is only 11 long and plays nicely.

The sizes of Balalaikas vary from the small rare Picolo, the equally small and rare Soprano, to the Prima (26"long x 17"wide), Secunda (30" x 19"), Alto (32" x 20"), Bass (45" x 29"), Contra-Bass (65" x 46") and the giant Sub-Contrabass.

Prices vary from the low-grade Tourist or Olympic souveniers, the Painted and decorated models, to the playable student grade, up to the Concert quality.

Concert Grade Balalaikas are in a class by themslves and prices can be extremely high depending on the maker and the quality of woods. Prices can easily run over $1000.

Exotic wood used in the making of the Balalaika can have an impact on the price too. Prices can run over $250.

Strings vary according to the preference of the player. Traditionally the eary strings were made of gut, and they may still be used for the Bass and Contra-Bass. Modern Balalaikas, such as the Prima, use either steel, nylon or the newer carbon fiber. sometimes a combination of steel string and nylon. It depends on the player and the quality or tone desired by the instrument.

Balalaikas are made in Moscow and St Petersburg (Leningrad). One of the better known makers is Lunacharsky in St. Petersburg. They make a variety of models. Balalaikas are also made in Germany and Romania

The label(s) inside the body are your best source of information. There is the official governemt designation of the production group, the manufacturer or maker, the model number, price and dazte. Dates are usualy rubberstamped on one of the labels. However I have a Ukrainian Balalaika that has no date.

If you need more information, and can't read Russian, transcribe the words as best you can, and find someone who can translate them for you. Be sure to write the letters exactly as they are shown, and not as you think they look.

When selling a Balalaika, a number of things need to be taken into consideration. Cleanliness; How dirty is the woodwork. Cracks or splits: Are there cracks in the wood or are the seams splitting, Warpage: Is the neck warped or bent. Frets: Are the frets smooth, without nicks and rough ends. Rust: Is the metalwork, tuners or endplates, rusty. Finish: Does the wood need to be refinished. Holes: Are there holes in the wood.

If the wood is just dirty, usually a very little Ivory bath soap and warm water on a soft rag will suffice. Let dry well. Then add a very light coat of paste wax if desired.

Anything else will probably require the service of an instrument repair shop or a violin maker. Unless you know how to do it yourself, don't try it. I've restored two so far. One more to go.

Stringing the Balalaika is about the same as for a guitar. Tuning for the Prima, is A-E-E over middle C. Facing the frets, the right string is the A, the two on the left are E-E. It is played using either cords, like the guitar, or as a solo instrument (ala Spanish Guitar). Some players like to tune the strings like a guitar.

As with any musical instrument, or other item purchased, whether on e-Bay, or in a store, it is up to the customer to decide on the final choice. If in doubt ask questions. But it is equally the sellers responsibility to be as accurate as possible on descriptions, and good quality photographs are a necessity.

I hope this guide will be of some help to buyers as well as sellers.

And please don't call it 'Vintage", unless it's a bottle of French Wine.

Da Svidanya