About the Fretless Balalaika
The balalaika is the triangular three-string lute of Russia and Eastern Europe. This fretless version began as a high-school science competition project. The triangular body is printed in parts and superglued. The neck joins it through a puzzle-piece connector, which may need a lot of sanding, and steel rods glued inside the neck sections and head carry the string tension.
You can string it with real balalaika strings tuned E–E–A, or with ordinary guitar strings tuned G–B–E. Guitar tuners for 10 mm holes are glued into the head, and the bridge screws into its holder. Being fretless, it plays with a slide-like, expressive feel, but you'll need a good ear for intonation.
What you'll need
Printed parts
- Body parts
- Neck pieces
- Head
- Bridge and holder
Bought parts
- Balalaika or guitar strings
- 3 guitar tuners for 10 mm holes
- 8 × stainless rods, 4 mm × 18 cm
- 2 × M3 × 8 screws
- Superglue
Tools
- Sandpaper
- Flush cutters
Build overview
Print settings
- Neck: 3 walls, 45% infill
- Head: 4 walls, 90% infill
- Body: 2 walls, 30% infill
- Bridge: 2 walls, 15% infill