An Authentically Reproduced Russian Balalaika!
This Russian 3 stringed (2 E strings and 1 A string) Balalaika sample library has been recorded in many articulations separately for both the E and A string and comes in a wide range of formats.
Russian Balalaika contains:
- 1205 24-bit mono WAV files
- 1 program for Kontakt 3+ with scripted interface
- 6 programs for Kontakt 1+
- 4 programs for EXS24
- 4 programs for HALion
- 23 programs for SoundFont
The total size of the library compressed is 310 MB and all of the above formats are included.
75% off “Russian Balalaika” by Precisionsound
A Brief History of The Balalaika
The Balalaika (Russian: балала́йка, pronounced [bəɫɐˈɫajkə]) is a Russian stringed musical instrument with a characteristic triangular wooden, hollow body and three strings. Two strings are usually tuned to the same note and the third string is a perfect fourth higher. The higher-pitched balalaikas are used to play melodies and chords. The instrument generally has a short sustain, necessitating rapid strumming or plucking when it is used to play melodies. Balalaikas are often used for Russian folk music and dancing.
The earliest mention of the term balalaika dates back to a 1688 Russian document. The term “balabaika” was used in Ukrainian language document from 18th century. According to one theory, the term was loaned to Russian, where – in literary language – it first appeared in “Elysei”, a 1771 poem by V. Maykov. Balalaika also appears in Nikolai Gogol’s Dead Souls written between 1837 and 1842.
Often musicians perform solo on the balalaika. In particular, Alexey Arkhipovsky is well known for his solo performances. In particular, he was invited to play at the opening ceremony of the second semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow because the organizers wanted to give a “more Russian appearance” to the contest.
Solo / Group Instruments & Multiple Articulations!
The sample library contains 2 types of programs; “Solo” and “Group” (NI Kontakt, EXS24 & HALion versions only).
The “Solo” programs are one single Balalaika and the “Group” programs are a mix of 3 different notes and articulations played at the same time to build a unison feel of 3 unique Balalaika players.
A full range of articulations is included in both programs – Up, Down, Thumb, Flam, Mute, Unison EA, Unison EE, Tremolo, Harmonics, FX and Fretnoises.
Speed control of the tremolos is only available in the NI Kontakt 3+ program!
Balalaika Solo GUI
- E <-> A knob – control the mix between the E and A string. You can also use modwheel (CC1).
- Articulations – switch between articulations from C1 to A#1 on your keyboard or use the pulldown menu.
- Tremolo – Speed knob controls the speed of the tremolo. You can also use pitchbend wheel.
- Tone – Mid cut knob to cut/boost the “body” frequency register of the Balalaika.
- Reverb – Level knob to control the reverb amount, select between Small, Medium and Large reverb types.
Balalaika Group GUI
- E <-> A knob – control the mix between the E and A string. You can also use modwheel (CC1).
- Spread Knob – controls the delay and fine tune between groups to add a spread effect to the Balalaikas.
- Articulations – switch between articulations from C1 to A#1 on your keyboard or use the pulldown menu.
- Tremolo – Speed knob controls the speed of the tremolo. You can also use pitchbend wheel.
- Tone – Mid cut knob to cut/boost the “body” frequency register of the Balalaika.
- Reverb – Level knob to control the reverb amount, select between Small, Medium and Large reverb types.
Note: all parameters displayed on the GUI are saved with the instrument. The pitchbend wheel position is not saved, and should be thought of as a performance tool.
Read more about these features in the Manual HERE.
75% off “Russian Balalaika” by Precisionsound
So What Exactly Can I Do With “Russian Balalaika”?
The “Russian Balalaika” is an authentic and highly detailed reproduction of a Russian 3 stringed (2 E strings and 1 A string) Balalaika. It includes every feature of the original instrument together with all the flexibility and advantages of a modern DAW plugin. Here are just some of the possible uses for this fantastic and unique library:
- Traditional Acoustic Music
- Folk Music
- Film Underscore
Note: These Kontakt instruments require the Full Retail version of Kontakt 2 or higher (they are NOT compatible with the Free Kontakt Player)
"Russian Balalaika" by Precisionsound
75% off "Russian Balalaika" by Precisionsound
Normally €60 – get it at 75% off before it’s gone!
- 75% off the normal price (normally €60)!
- 310MB of Content (Compressed), 1205 24-bit mono WAV files
- 1 program for Kontakt 3+ with scripted interface
- 6 programs for Kontakt 1+
- 4 programs for EXS24
- 4 programs for HALion
- 23 programs for SoundFont
- Articulations – Up, Down, Thumb, Flam, Mute, Unison EA, Unison EE, Tremolo, Harmonics, FX and Fretnoises
- Tone Control – Mid cut knob to cut/boost the “body” frequency register of the Balalaika.
- Reverb – select between Small, Medium and Large reverb types.
- Note: The Kontakt instruments requires the Full Retail version of Kontakt 2 or higher (they are NOT compatible with the Free Kontakt Player)
- Perfect for Underscore, Acoustic and Folk music in traditional and contemporary styles alike!
What People Think About 75% off “Russian Balalaika” by Precisionsound
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"Precisionsound's Russian Balalaika is a well recorded, well executed sample library that really delivers a great sound. It's a top notch library that can give your tracks a distinctive flavor. The Kontakt scripting makes it very playable and the interfaces look great and clear. I believe you'll be very pleased with this library."
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