Contrabass Balalaika... Should I?

[Bunan]

I like playing acoustic bass guitars more than electric. I know I can amp my acoustic (and I do when playing with others) but it just feels like it loses a lot when I do. I was thinking of moving to a double bass in order to be heard without plugging in at acoustic jam sessions but I have a fretless acoustic bass that I don't enjoy as much as my fretted one and I am just unsure if I have the time to learn a whole new beast like the DB.
I live in Moscow and though they aren't the most common (or cheap) I have the option of getting a Contrabass Balalaika instead of a Double Bass. It has frets and I can definitely drum on the body while playing. Also chords should not be a problem (well 2 note chords shouldn't).
The main problem I have is that it is only 3 strings (there is no G string) and it is only about 12 frets or so. I am unsure if this will be too limiting. I have seen 4 string ones but they are way out of my price-range and also I just play around the house and sometimes people come over and jam but I don't currently do gigs or anything that would make the expensive of a 4 string worthwhile.
Any ever play the Contrabass Balalaika or have any thoughts?

 

[Gorn]

I've never played one but EAD and twelve frets is enough for basically anything a bass player needs to play. Go for it.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It's just for in-house jamming. Buying a db and learning a new instrument may be more work than you want to do. Try one of these three-stringers out and see how it plays and sounds. But yeah, that is enough range for most bass playing.

 

[Korladis]

It sounds awesome.

 

[bholder]

Cool, you can do Red Elvises covers!

 

[BassChuck]

You one of these? Does it come with a gig bag?

 

[RSBBass]

Volume can be an issue but unless you are playing with a bow (arco) it can be an issue with an upright bass. As for the range, try playing some lines on your bass guitar limiting your self to the range of the balalaika and see how it goes.

 

[Bunan]

You one of these? Does it come with a gig bag?

Yes, one of those exactly!

Volume can be an issue but unless you are playing with a bow (arco) it can be an issue with an upright bass. As for the range, try playing some lines on your bass guitar limiting your self to the range of the balalaika and see how it goes.

I am sorry to say I did not think of that. It is easily the best way to solve this. I am going to grab my bass now and get to trying it out.

 

[Bunan]

So an hour later and I am not really having any trouble with 3 strings up to the 12th fret. It is actually quite enjoyable trying to work out stuff I would normally play with the whole 4 string/24 frets on the limited range. I think this may actually help me think more musically about creating basslines and things.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

I had the same thoughts before getting my guitarron. There is actually no low E, A1 is the lowest note, and it only has 7 fret positions. But now it's my favorite instrument! So fun and unique! There are plenty of ways to electronically amplify your balalaika when you need to.

 

[Bunan]

I had the same thoughts before getting my guitarron. There is actually no low E, A1 is the lowest note, and it only has 7 fret positions. But now it's my favorite instrument! So fun and unique! There are plenty of ways to electronically amplify your balalaika when you need to.

I was planning on going the guitarron route through Thomann but with this rosewood business they won't ship it to Russia anymore. The other option is to fly over to Germany and buy it from them there but with the extra cost of doing that I can afford a contrabass balalaika. Also, since I hold jam session at my place I will never really have to transport it anywhere.

 

[Gaolee]

You are asking if you should get something on TB? The answer is yes, of course you should get it! And then post pictures. It sounds pretty great even with the whole TB thing filtered out.

 

[Rodent]

I saw Contrabass Balalaika for the first time when I flew into Magadan back around Aug '93. It was just sitting there at Customs, off to the side, unattended. I never again saw one during my three week visit, and sadly came home without one.

Since then I have wanted one, but never see them for sale at places that stock other more 'ethnic' type of world instruments. Some day a dream will come true ... some day ...

 

[Dropzilla]

I don't play much acoustic so my experience with this is limited, but what are you losing when plugged in? is this something that can't be resolved with better electronics/different acoustic bass?

I mean, i'd say get both the double bass AND the balalaika because more basses are better than less basses, but im curious.

 

[Max Blasto]

Are you kidding? Just being in the same room with one of those would be a blast!

You most definitely must get it! And display it on the wall when you're not using it!

If I had one of those things, I'd strap it on and walk around town all day long.

 

[Bunan]

I don't play much acoustic so my experience with this is limited, but what are you losing when plugged in? is this something that can't be resolved with better electronics/different acoustic bass?

I mean, i'd say get both the double bass AND the balalaika because more basses are better than less basses, but im curious.

It is hard to explain what I am losing. It probably could easily be fixed with better electronics but a better amp wouldn't be much cheaper than a Contrabass Balalalaika. Plus there is sometimes feedback issues with an amp which could be fixed too I am sure.
I think a larger part is pride as well. I sometimes get the feeling of "look at the wimpy bassist who has to use help to be heard."

 

[MD]

I prefer playing ABG to a slab as well, but a lot of my playing goes above the octave on the G string. Range would be an issue here.

 

[Bunan]

I prefer playing ABG to a slab as well, but a lot of my playing goes above the octave on the G string. Range would be an issue here.

I thought the same as I do a lot of solo stuff pretty high up when playing by myself. Of course when playing with others I don't tend to do a lot of fancy things but basically some walking lines and of course some funk slapping and whatnot.
I wonder how slapping would be on the Contrabass Balalalaika.
I have made up my mind to do it I believe.
The wife is not too for it at the moment but luckily I have a 40th birthday coming up in April and I am sure I can use that as an excuse to get this.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Any ever play the Contrabass Balalaika or have any thoughts?

I could order one from an importer of East European instruments in my country for about 650 euros delivered to my door, but would actually prefer a contrabass domra myself (you know, because of them not being...triangular and stuff). As far as I know they can be 4- as well as 3-stringers. Can you find big domras as well where you live?

Either way, for what it's worth you have my approval.. Post pics when you get it!

 

[Bunan]

Yeah, a big dorma shouldn't be a problem either. It is also a Russian instrument I believe.