The sides are made of 3/4" walnut with 1/4" mahogany plywood for the lid and bottom panels. The lid is positively aligned when closing by two brass pins in the corners; the balalaika is also held firmly in place at several points when the lid is closed. 25 royal blue crushed velour upholstered panels and blocks trim out the plush interior, including a storage area for extra strings, tuner, bridges, etc. A mother-of-pearl dot accents the exterior's lid inlay. See "Volga Balalaika" project.