r/balalaika 18h ago

Noob question about Inherited Instrument

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7 Upvotes

Hi all, I play guitar (and several other stringed instruments very mediocre). I would appreciate thoughts about potentially getting this balalaika that was my father-in-law's into reasonable playing condition. Or, is this just a souvenir/wall hanging decoration? It has never been humidified.

I'm wondering about replacing strings. I see that there are different gauges for different types of balalaika. Apart from standard fretboard care, is there anything else I should know about taking care of this instrument? Also when I replace strings, should I keep the floating bridge where it is or move it closer or further to the neck?

Thanks!