During 1989–1991, the USSR issued a series of three sets depicting traditional musical instruments from the various Soviet republics. In total, 11 of the 15 planned stamps were released. The remaining four stamps were never issued because the Soviet Union ceased to exist. Subsequently, two of the newly independent states used the original dies, formats, and printers to issue these stamps under their own national names.
Here is the first set issued on September 2, 1989. The stamps were designed by A. Nasibunin and printed photogravure and recess.
Russia SSR: Russian Spoons, Psaltery, Balalaika, Zhaleika and Accordion, engraved by V. Savelev.

Ukraine SSR: Ukrainian Bandura, Trembita, Drymba, Svyril and Dulcimer, engraved by Yury Yermakov.

Belarus SSR: Byelorussian Tambourine, Bastlya (fiddle), Lera and Dudka, engraved by V. Kazantsev.

Uzbekistan SSR: Uzbek Nagors (drums), Rubab, Zang, Karnai and Gidzhak, engraved by Marina Silyanova.
