A nine-stringed musical instrument, lineal descendant of the zithra, tuned to the Chusuk scale and played by strumming. Favorite instrument of Imperial troubadors.

The baliset was a nine-stringed musical instrument, lineal descendant of the zither, tuned to the Chusuk scale and played by strumming. The baliset was a favorite instrument of Imperial troubadors.

Gurney Halleck owned a baliset, and often played it while reciting proverbs or singing folk songs for entertainment. Often he would entertain family members of House Atreides before the attack on Arrakis.