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3-String PrimaTriangular BodyRosewood or Walnut & LacewoodSpruce Top430mm Scale
Ideal for: Russian folk musicians, Eastern European ensembles, and curious string players
The iconic Russian sound, in your choice of rosewood or walnut and lacewood.
The balalaika is one of the most recognizable instruments in the world, and the Roosebeck Prima puts it within reach. The prima is the most common balalaika size, the one used for melody playing in folk ensembles and solo performance. At roughly 27 inches long with a 430mm scale, it is an instrument you can pick up, tune, and start exploring within an afternoon. It comes in two backs that share the same triangular body and spruce top: solid rosewood, darker and uniform, or alternating walnut and lacewood staves, a slightly bowed two-tone bowl with more complex resonance.
Bright, Cutting, Percussive Voice
The spruce soundboard delivers bright, cutting tone with the rapid decay that gives the balalaika its distinctive percussive character. Three strings (one steel with ball end, two titanium with straight ends) produce clear, projecting sound that carries well in ensemble and solo settings, with a characteristic shimmer when strummed high on the soundboard near the neck.
About the back woods: Solid rosewood gives a dark, uniform bowl. Alternating walnut and lacewood staves set a warmer wood against a brighter, flecked one, giving a more complex resonance than a single-wood back. The soundboard and voice are the same either way.
The Triangular Shape That Defines Russian Music
The classic triangular body, adopted in the late 19th century, is what makes a balalaika instantly recognizable, and one of the most distinctive-looking instruments you can play. The rosewood edition has a slightly curved solid back; the walnut edition has a slightly bowed back of alternating walnut and lacewood staves that contrasts beautifully with the lighter soundboard.
At approximately 27 inches in length with a 430mm scale, the Prima is comfortable to hold and play whether you are seated or standing.
A bit of history: The balalaika became Russia's most beloved folk instrument in the 18th century. It was Vassily Andreyev who, in the late 1800s, brought it from village ballads onto the concert stage with his Great Russian Imperial Balalaika Orchestra.
A Rare Instrument, Made Accessible
Quality balalaikas are hard to find in the US market. Standard Prima tuning is A-E-E above middle C (the two lower strings share a pitch). The left hand frets the strings while the right index finger strums high on the soundboard near the neck. The instrument rewards a light touch and rapid strumming patterns.
Standard Prima vs. Deluxe: This standard Prima is an excellent entry point. The Deluxe Prima adds a walnut stave body for extra warmth, sustain, and visual refinement. If you are playing regularly, the upgrade is worth considering.
Technical Specifications
Strings
3 (1 steel ball-end, 2 titanium straight-end)
Tuning
A, E, E (above middle C)
Scale
430mm (16.9 inches)
Overall Length
Approximately 27 inches
Body Shape
Classic triangular
Back Construction
Solid rosewood, or alternating walnut and lacewood staves (slightly bowed)
Soundboard
Spruce
Tuning Pegs
Geared, adjustable tension via top screw
What's in the Box
Every Prima Balalaika ships strung and ready to tune.
