Greek Baglama 6 Strings 1970s

In the 1970s, the traditional Greek instrument known as the baglama (or “baglamas”) became an integral part of the resurgence of rebetiko, a musical genre often referred to as “Greek blues,” in which it plays a discreet but essential rhythmic and melodic accompaniment role.

The baglama is a smaller version of the bouzouki, originally often used as a supporting instrument, particularly in Piraeus ensembles from the 1930s onwards.

During the period of military dictatorship in Greece (1967-1974), rebetiko was sometimes persecuted, and certain instruments such as the baglama were destroyed or hidden by musicians to escape repression.

The 1970s were therefore a significant period, when, while remaining a “modest” instrument, the 6-string baglama continued to be used in folk and urban circles for its compactness, lively sound, and historical connection with marginalized musicians.

The Greek baglama has six strings divided into three double courses, an arrangement directly inspired by the trichordo bouzouki.

In practical terms, this means that each note is played on a pair of strings tuned in unison or an octave apart, giving the sound the depth and harmonic richness typical of traditional Greek stringed instruments.

Its most common tuning is D-A-D, a configuration that allows the player to explore the full range of Greek modes (makams) and the rebetiko style, while offering great freedom of expression.

Technical specifications:

• Top: Spruce
• Back: Resin
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 24 frets
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 25 frets
• Scale length: 330 mm
• Profile: D
• Pickguard: Black decorated with white pearloid
• Hardware: Chrome
• Country of manufacture: Greece
• Year: 1970s
• Finish: Natural, black back and neck
• Decorations: Protective plate decorated with arabesque pattern with two leaves / White dot fingerboard markers
• Details: Slight signs of wear normal for its age / Very good condition / Delivered without case

Like all our instruments, this baglama has been carefully tuned.

This makes it very comfortable to play.

The sound of this 1970s baglama is crystal clear, with a bright, percussive, and expressive tone, clear harmonics, and delicate sustain. It offers a vibrant, brilliant, and warm tonal richness, ideal for adding an authentic, sparkling, and charismatic touch to any musical register.