What does balalaika mean in Russian?

The balalaika (Russian: балала́йка, pronounced [bəɫɐˈɫajkə]) is a Russian stringed musical instrument with a characteristic triangular wooden, hollow body, fretted neck and three strings. Balalaikas are often used for Russian folk music and dancing.

Why is it called the balalaika?

Because of this, the shape of many of the music instruments were simplified and they were given other names. The popular domra was more and more often made with a triangular body instead of the usual round body as it made the creation more easy. The triangular domra was given the name balalaika.

How much does a balalaika cost?

Prices

Variant Lowest price Highest price
Prima $160 USD $350 USD
Bass $250 USD $550 USD
Contrabass $695 USD $1,150 USD

Is balalaika a guitar?

Balalaika is a traditional Russian instrument with a wooden triangle-shaped body and three (or rarely six or four) strings. It is sometimes called a “Russian three-string guitar.” Together with garmon’ (accordion) balalaika is a Russian symbol.

Who created balalaika?

Vassilij Vassilevich Andreev
Developed in its modern form during the 19th century by musical prodigy Vassilij Vassilevich Andreev, the contemporary balalaika comes in five sizes, the contrabass, bass, sekunda, prima, and piccolo, and customarily has either three strings or six arranged into two groups.

What is the most common size of balalaika?

prima balalaika
The most common size is the prima balalaika, tuned EEA, played with the fingers with a wide variety of techniques. It is strung with a metal A and 2 nylon E’s, and the concert model has a range of 2 and a half chromatic octaves.

Does balalaika like rock?

Balalaika regards herself and her men as soldiers who missed their chance to die in Afghanistan. In turn, Balalaika also seems to hold Rock in high regard, sometimes relying on his knowledge and business skills as well as hiring him as a translator and even flirting with him.