String a balalaika.

[Retired]

Hi,

Help please. I've bought a genuine 1960's Russian 3 string Prima Balalaika and also new strings from the Ukraine the strings are 2 x EE nylon & 1 x A steel. The strings currently fitted are all steel with a pair of single strand E strings but a much thicker wound A string.

Which is the correct way please to string; with the balalaika in normal playing position are the two E strings located top and middle with the A string bottom also the thick A string fitted looks like the string peg was removed to fit it; are these string pegs removable because I'd like to save the strings if possible.

The reason I'm asking these very basic questions is I saw a balalaika for sale on eBay where the seller stated it was set up for left hand playing; I'm right handed; I find the easiest way is to simply ask questions.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

I know nothing myself, but I just found this Colin:

How to Tune a Balalaika - Get-Tuned.com

How to tune a stringed instrument called the Balalaika

www.get-tuned.com

Looks like the instrument shown is right handed, by the position of the tuning pegs.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Wonderful; thanks so much for this @Slouching Raymond just what I need and I don't know how I missed it after spending lots of time web browsing.

I'm still a bit puzzled as to how the heavy A string was fitted without removing the string peg; the peg feels very tight and I don't want to cause any damage using excessive force to remove it; I'm unsure if these string pegs are glued into place. I'd much rather ask questions and do research than just jump in due to ignorance. This balalaika though is a lovely instrument and in excellent condition for its age; I want to look after it and enjoy it.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

I expect it is pretty much the same as a violin, and my cello. Just give it a bit of muscle in the detune direction.
I don't know about violins, but my cello pegs are just for ball-park tuning, then fine tuning is done with little metal screw-thread mechanisms.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks once again @Slouching Raymond for your continued useful suggestions.

Yes my violins are tuned the same way; bring them near to tune with the pegs then fine tune with the fine screw adjusters. I can easily undo the ends of the strings at the adjuster on the balalaika it's just the string pegs /buttons at the bottom of the instrument I wondered about if they are merely jammed in or are also glued into position.

I've just been into the studio to take a picture but have sussed out how these strings must have been fitted; the pegs/buttons don't come out but this end of the string is fitted first giving good access then the string is run up to the top adjuster and threaded through. The new A string has a loop already on it so it simply pops on; I'll cut these old strings to remove them then I'm sorted.

The string on the right is the much thicker A string possibly a guitar string and is the string which puzzled me as to how it had been fitted. These pegs look like ivory?

Thanks again.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

At last the new strings are fitted and what a fiddly job it's been;

2 x nylon & 1 x steel; the steel string was supplied with a loop already fitted; I cut the old strings off and as I coiled them I was bitten by the end of one of them as a thank you for restringing; I've restored big machinery without even a scratch but stringing a balalaika draws blood. I now need to tune it but there are tuning instructions on the web; the steel string was a real pain to fit; it just had a mind of its own; the nylon strings were much easier to fit and already I've noticed the nylon strings are much more pleasant to my fingers.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

Whenever I change the nylon strings on my classical guitar, they are elastic for some time, and keep going out of tune till they're settled.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks for the information @Slouching Raymond; I'm now used to steel violin strings and know these take a bit of settling it but I did wonder about nylon strings thinking it would take forever for these to settle in just because of the properties of nylon. I believe original balalaika strings were gut? I'm also very thankful for your post #2 not only for the string information but I can use it for tuning; it's getting too hot to do anything at the moment and the next two days are to be record heat breakers.

It's good of you to spend time looking after me which is very much appreciated.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

The balalaika is now fully sorted out; I used the online balalaika tuner this morning and it worked a treat; all I need to do now is to learn to play it.

Kind regards, Colin.