Mike's Oud Forums

Beginner looking for economical Oud

Shipper - 1-11-2010 at 06:25 PM

Hi all,

I'm an experienced classical guitarist looking to try my hand at playing the Oud.

I'd like to order an entry-level instrument -- around $200-$300, say. Could someone please point me in the right direction?

Shipper

Sazi - 1-11-2010 at 08:00 PM

Are you serious?!?

For that price maybe someone could rip the frets out of your guitar!

Try here,

http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/Oud-s/235.htm

I've no idea what they are like to play, but they look like good ornaments for the price.

ibn sina - 1-13-2010 at 06:20 AM

Sure, go to Mohammad Ali Street in Cairo. You can get a good beginner's oud for under $200. Or you could a couple of years ago.

suz_i_dil - 1-13-2010 at 12:06 PM

From western countries it will be a difficult issue, try to wait for a second hand Sukkar oud, from time to time appears one in your price range.

As Ibn Sina said you will be more lucky if you seek directly in Egypt, there a few decent luthiers in this street but take your time and try...or in Syria for exemple out of touristic shops.

Aymara - 1-14-2010 at 12:38 AM

Hi Shipper,

it might be helpful to know, where you live ... a tip about Cairo doesn't help much, if you live in the US ;)

Some weeks ago a further guitarist had the same question, like me too last fall.

Look HERE, what we recommended to Itman ... he finally took the same route like I did and invested about 600€ to get a nice instrument ... that avoids frustrations ... ouds for max. 300$ are usually only usable as decoration ;)

I bet you will be the next guitarist, who will get infected with the oud virus ... since I have mine, I don't play guitar any more ... ok, that might change again in the future, but playing oud is great and a lot of fun. So don't buy cheap junk ... only a decent instrument can show you how nice it can be to learn oud. Imagine you have started playing with a horrible guitar ... would you still play guitar then? I bet not.

I think an investment of 500-600$ is needed to get a good oud.

John Erlich - 1-14-2010 at 04:49 PM

Hi Shipper,

I would add that buying a $200-$300 oud is generally not worth it. I doubt that price could buy you an instrument that wouldn't completely frustrate you in 6 months (tuning pegs slipping, high string action, buzzing strings, dull tone, etc.).

If that is your budget, I recommend waiting and saving up. I think that you could get an INFINATELY better instrument, such as a Sukkar, for $600 or $700.

Good luck!

Peace,
John

mrkmni - 1-14-2010 at 05:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sazi  
Are you serious?!?

For that price maybe someone could rip the frets out of your guitar!

Try here,

http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/Oud-s/235.htm

I've no idea what they are like to play, but they look like good ornaments for the price.


Dont lough at me Sazi,my oud is on your web page: second raw second column 269 $
However no maker, no mark no brand ,just anonymous instrument, or lets just say they hide it for taxation purposes:)...
But for a biginner, I wouldn't say that it is horrible...

Sazi - 1-14-2010 at 05:37 PM

I won't laugh at you if you don't laugh at me:D ...I used to have one of those too!:cool:
Quote: Originally posted by mrkmni  

But for a biginner, I wouldn't say that it is horrible...


Is that the one you showed with the 6 mm gap between strings and fingerboard? If so I would say it is horrible, but you make it sound good!

I had the opposite problem, it was too low... and very quiet with no dynamics

mrkmni - 1-14-2010 at 05:41 PM

Yes, I have only one.
but biginner have other things to start with rather than playing in high zones....

Sazi - 1-14-2010 at 05:45 PM

Yes I agree with you, it was better than nothing, it was ok for a while...

Aymara - 1-15-2010 at 02:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mrkmni  
... but biginner have other things to start with rather than playing in high zones....


Absolute beginners, yes, but with former guitarists it might be different.

For me as a former guitarist and bassist the action plays an important role ... everything above 3mm is an absolutely no-go for ME.

But I'm not the typical oud player, who plays arabian music ... I play Rock and try medieval tunes too ... and yes, I like playing at the end of the fingerboard very much ;)

In my oppinion such a cheap instrument is not the right decision for former guitarists and will very likely lead to frustration because of a non-satisfying action and maybe tuning problems too.

Shipper - 1-25-2010 at 08:32 PM

Thank you everyone, this is all very informative. I think, then, that I will aim for the $600-$700 range.
Quote: Originally posted by Aymara  
Hi Shipper,

it might be helpful to know, where you live ... a tip about Cairo doesn't help much, if you live in the US ;)


I'm from the United States - California
Quote: Originally posted by Aymara  
Look HERE, what we recommended to Itman ... he finally took the same route like I did and invested about 600€ to get a nice instrument ... that avoids frustrations ... ouds for max. 300$ are usually only usable as decoration ;)


http://www.oudsukar.com/en/products_oud_en.php

Is this what you meant?

Thanks!
Shipper

FastForward - 1-25-2010 at 08:45 PM

Hey Shipper,

I have an iraqi oud for sale, I am in Los Angeles. The price is well within your range. U2U me if interested.

Aymara - 1-25-2010 at 11:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Shipper  

http://www.oudsukar.com/en/products_oud_en.php

Is this what you meant?


Yes, Sukar ouds have a good reputation (good sound & adjustable neck), but it depends on the model. His Model 1 is the entry level and from what I read on these forums, it has some downsides, which need to be worked on to be really satisfied, for example a varnished fingerboard. Just search the forums for SUKAR. Many US people seem to order from Palmyrami ... you'll find reports about this dealer in the forums.

Also have a look HERE, which oud Igor (Itman) finally will get ... just for comparison.

Also check the Buy&Sell forum and maybe visit FastForward in LA to check his oud ... it's always the best choice to play the oud first before you buy.

If you're patient, you should have good chances to get a good oud in the US without getting bankrupt ;)

Inexpensive oud

spyrosc - 1-26-2010 at 02:13 AM

Shipper, I sent you a U2U

Spyros C.