Final answer:
The Domra is the round-bodied lute that came before the balalaika. Historical string instruments have evolved significantly, and incorrect reconstructions can be rectified through research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The round-bodied lute that preceded the creation of the balalaika is the Domra (B). The history of stringed instruments dates back to antiquity. The earliest forms were the bowed lyra from the Byzantine Empire and bowed instruments that included the hurdy-gurdy. The domra itself is a traditional Russian stringed musical instrument that likely has its origins in the Byzantine period. It experienced a renaissance along with the balalaika in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Reconstructions of historical instruments can provide valuable insights into the past. For example, misinterpreted reconstructions, like the one supposedly combining a harp with a lyre, can be corrected through further research and the examination of excavation photographs. These efforts shed light on the musical practices and instrument development throughout history.