Very rare early 20th century Russian 7-string guitar bearing the original “Lyra” music store label from L. Skorokhod, Harbin.
This is a true Russian 7-string instrument — not a conversion. Traditional slotted headstock, original open-gear tuners, period bridge, and classic Russian body proportions.
Russian 7-strings are typically tuned to open G (D-G-B-D-G-B-D) and were used for Russian romance and folk repertoire. They have a distinctive voice and feel compared to standard 6-string guitars.
Features:
• 7 strings
• Original slotted headstock
• Original open-gear tuners
• Decorative rosette and perimeter purfling
• Likely birch/maple back and sides
• Original Harbin retail label intact
Condition:
• Top shows visible cracks (see photos).
• Cracks appear to have been repaired in the past.
• They are solid and stable under string tension.
• Structurally sound and fully playable.
• Finish wear and patina consistent with age (100+ years).
Neck appears straight. Frets show expected wear for its age. Action is comfortable for a period instrument.
You do not see these often in the U.S., especially with a Harbin Russian trade label intact. This is a niche instrument with real historical interest.
Great for:
• Russian folk / romance players
• Ethnomusic collectors
• Recording studios
• Display in a historic space
Case: Hard
Scale Length: 610mm
Nut Width: 46.3mm
Fret Wear: 9.5/10
Action at 12F (6th): 4mm
Action at 12F (1st): 4mm
Weight: 1,333grams
Overall Condition: 7/10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10
USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.
Internal Use (Bin) - PA-1
Very rare early 20th century Russian 7-string guitar bearing the original “Lyra” music store label from L. Skorokhod, Harbin.
This is a true Russian 7-string instrument — not a conversion. Traditional slotted headstock, original open-gear tuners, period bridge, and classic Russian body proportions.
Russian 7-strings are typically tuned to open G (D-G-B-D-G-B-D) and were used for Russian romance and folk repertoire. They have a distinctive voice and feel compared to standard 6-string guitars.
Features:
• 7 strings
• Original slotted headstock
• Original open-gear tuners
• Decorative rosette and perimeter purfling
• Likely birch/maple back and sides
• Original Harbin retail label intact
Condition:
• Top shows visible cracks (see photos).
• Cracks appear to have been repaired in the past.
• They are solid and stable under string tension.
• Structurally sound and fully playable.
• Finish wear and patina consistent with age (100+ years).
Neck appears straight. Frets show expected wear for its age. Action is comfortable for a period instrument.
You do not see these often in the U.S., especially with a Harbin Russian trade label intact. This is a niche instrument with real historical interest.
Great for:
• Russian folk / romance players
• Ethnomusic collectors
• Recording studios
• Display in a historic space
Case: Hard
Scale Length: 610mm
Nut Width: 46.3mm
Fret Wear: 9.5/10
Action at 12F (6th): 4mm
Action at 12F (1st): 4mm
Weight: 1,333grams
Overall Condition: 7/10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10
USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.
Internal Use (Bin) - PA-1
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