Mike's Oud Forums

braces on ouds

al oskarku - 2-12-2010 at 05:00 AM

Hello everybody,

I'm getting ready for my first oud build. I'm following Dr Oud's book (thanks for that Dr Oud!). Before I start i'm trying to get the whole proccess in my head.
I have a question about the braces:
Would it be possible and in fact easier to have the braces extend through the body? I've done this before on making mandolins. The braces taper at the ends to about 3mm and are glued onto the sound board. You then cut little slots out of the sides to accomodate the braces. The ends of the braces are then covered up when the purfling goes on.
It seems a lot easier than the method in Dr Oud's book. Also, the slots in the sides support the braces and make it less likely for the braces to pull away from the soundboard when under pressure.
I would much appeciate your thoughts on this.
Also, does anyone know if teak wood has been used on oud backs?
Finally, thanks to everyone who has provided information on these pages and elsewhere, it's all been very informative and useful.

Oskarku