A fabulous instrument of Pre-War or “Golden-Era”. Unusually responsive, lightweight, and dynamic. Capable of touch and sound that impresses on all levels. One of the finest Prima Balalaikas you may have heard.
FOR SALE. Taking offers.
The interior label: Original, signed by V. Gizinsky
Neck: Flame Maple. All original with partially restored finish
Fingerboard: Ovangkol wood. All original, professionally cleaned.
Frets: Steel wire of Gauge # 15. All original.
Number of frets: 24
Fret marks: Real Elephant Ivory. All original.
Total number of fret marks: 7
Diameter of fret marks: 0.31” (first five) and 0.26” (last two)
Head: Flame maple wood. All original with restored finish.
Wood finish: Partially resurfaced with Shellac Liquid Blonde.
Tuners: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with a modern style tuning machine coated with 24K pure gold to accent/ show rarity
The Nut and saddle: Real Elephant Ivory. All original.
Tuning Pegs: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with new pegs of similar shape and size from aged Australian blackwood.
The Bridge: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with a new bridge of similar shape and size from aged Flame Maple wood.
Shell: Ovangkol wood. All original, professionally cleaned.
The Body: Triangular. All original.
Other body art accents: original hand painting
The Soundhole: round
String pins: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with new pins of similar shape and size from Hard Maple wood.
Number of strings: 3 strings
1st String: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with a new steel string of similar shape and size.
2nd and 3rdStrings: Original fragments have not been saved. Replaced with new gut strings of similar shape and size.
Partially restored. Although it has been played for many years, it has been well cared for and kept in an environment with adequate room temps and humidity controlled whenever it was possible. It has normal signs of play and wear in the varnish.
Tuning: A-E-E
Total body length: approx. 27 1/3”.
Total body width: approx. 17”
Total body depth: approx. 4 ½”
Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.
This musical instrument consists of similar configurations that were implemented by famous luthiers of that epoch mentioned such as glue mix, cut and press wood, placement technics, etc. to achieve a right tone. The author of the balalaika, Mr. Gizinsky, who was a witness of Soviet Bolshevik Revolution and also survived WWI, Soviet NEP, Holodomor Starvation Genocide and WWII, devoted himself to extensive research and experience into the acoustics to bring the most versatile balalaika to you.
The balalaika suffered some damage that occurred back in late 1940s such as a crack in the neck near the 3rd fret, necessitating professional repairs to its neck. Yet, despite this setback, its original body remains unscathed, a testament to its enduring craftsmanship.
Comes in a padded gig bag. A custom fit hard case made of premium materials like carbon can be ordered for an extra charge.
I also sell on eBay and have 100% positive feedback for 20 years because I describe well, deliver quickly and offer a good service. I would therefore ask you to contact me before you intend to proceed to the next step. We can clarify any issues in a friendly and cooperative way. For more information about this instrument, please contact me directly.
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