Antin Paplynsky

Antin Paplynsky (Ukrainian: Антоній Паплинський (c. 1870-c.1919) was a Kyivan musical instrument maker who crafted banduras from 1905-1918. He was rumoured to have been shot by the Bolsheviks in 1919 or 1920. Paplynsky's instruments had 32-34 strings and were diatonically tuned. He was a popular bandura maker because of the quality of his instruments. In 1909 he received a Grand Prix award at the World Trade Exhibition held in Paris. His instruments were sought after not only in Ukraine, but in Russia and Canada.

Paplynsky's instruments were extremely lightweight and produced a rich and bright sound. Few instruments have survived. Those that have can fetch up to $5000 in private sales.

A postcard from Paplynsky to V. Shevchenko in Moscow detailing the fact that he had sent instruments and textbooks to Canada in 1916.