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Mandolin vs Balalaika: What Are the Differences?

Mandolin vs Balalaika: What Are the Differences?

David Murphy

At first glance, the mandolin and the balalaika look like distant cousins. Both are small, fretted, plucked string instruments that carry centuries of folk tradition. But pick them up side...

Mandolin vs Balalaika: What Are the Differences?

David Murphy

At first glance, the mandolin and the balalaika look like distant cousins. Both are small, fretted, plucked string instruments that carry centuries of folk tradition. But pick them up side...

Traditional Instruments Under a Budget: Best Picks for New Musicians

Traditional Instruments Under a Budget: Best Pi...

David Murphy

One of the most persistent myths about traditional and folk instruments is that you need to spend heavily to get something worthwhile. The reality is more encouraging. Many of the...

Traditional Instruments Under a Budget: Best Pi...

David Murphy

One of the most persistent myths about traditional and folk instruments is that you need to spend heavily to get something worthwhile. The reality is more encouraging. Many of the...

Stringed Storytellers: The Difference Between Lutes, Ouds, and Citterns

Stringed Storytellers: The Difference Between L...

David Murphy

Before the guitar dominated stages and living rooms, a family of plucked string instruments carried the melodies of civilisations. Walk into any museum of early music and you'll encounter beautifully...

Stringed Storytellers: The Difference Between L...

David Murphy

Before the guitar dominated stages and living rooms, a family of plucked string instruments carried the melodies of civilisations. Walk into any museum of early music and you'll encounter beautifully...

Acoustic Folk Instruments Compared: Tone, Feel and Learning Curve

Acoustic Folk Instruments Compared: Tone, Feel ...

David Murphy

Choosing your first — or next — folk instrument is one of the most personal decisions a musician makes. You are not just selecting a set of strings; you are...

Acoustic Folk Instruments Compared: Tone, Feel ...

David Murphy

Choosing your first — or next — folk instrument is one of the most personal decisions a musician makes. You are not just selecting a set of strings; you are...

How to Tune a Balalaika: A Complete Guide for All Skill Levels

How to Tune a Balalaika: A Complete Guide for A...

David Murphy

The balalaika has one of the most distinctive sounds in folk music, bright, percussive, and unmistakably Russian. But that characteristic ring only comes through when the instrument is properly tuned....

How to Tune a Balalaika: A Complete Guide for A...

David Murphy

The balalaika has one of the most distinctive sounds in folk music, bright, percussive, and unmistakably Russian. But that characteristic ring only comes through when the instrument is properly tuned....

How Much Does a Mountain Dulcimer Cost?

How Much Does a Mountain Dulcimer Cost?

David Murphy

The mountain dulcimer is one of the most approachable folk instruments you can pick up. It sits flat in your lap, has a diatonic fretboard that makes playing in a...

How Much Does a Mountain Dulcimer Cost?

David Murphy

The mountain dulcimer is one of the most approachable folk instruments you can pick up. It sits flat in your lap, has a diatonic fretboard that makes playing in a...