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New Sebastian Stenzel Oud - Work in Progress

rojaros - 4-18-2010 at 01:24 AM

Hello everybody,

want to let you know, that about a year ago I have ordered a 7 course Oud from Sebastian Stenzel.

Sebastian Stenzel gained a world wide recognition as an elite guitar maker. He plays Oud himself and he has done serious research on Oud making as well as on european lute making since almost 20 years. Being busy with guitar making he kind of never got to it to really built one. When we met first we found that we have this simmilar interest in Oud and as I was looking for a nice Oud I thought this is kind of auspicious coincidence.

As he lives in the same village as me, and since I have full trust into his understanding of oud accoustics, I also thought It'd be nice to watch the building proces as well and to talk the matters over with him as the work progresses.

It really turned out the way I tought, besides the fact that he is very busy as guitar maker (waiting list of two years by now). But now it seems the oud will be finished soon and I'm very excited to see and play this Oud.

The bowl of the Oud is made of fine very well aged woods: Grenadille and Pear.

I will keep you posted in due time, when I'll have some new photo material and, of course, when the oud will be finished.

Here a first glance at the bowl:

Best Wishes to everybody!

Robert

Luttgutt - 4-18-2010 at 06:26 AM

Hi Robert!

This sounds like a very good idea and an exiting project! I never had the chance watching any of my custom made ouds being made!

This looks like an excellent start! The bowel looks very neat on the inside! I hope the result surpass your expectations.

Good luck

rojaros - 4-18-2010 at 12:16 PM

Hi Luttgutt,

thanks for your good wishes - we'll see how that comes out, but I'm very optimistic to get a very good Oud.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 4-22-2010 at 01:46 PM

Here is another picture of the bowl from outside.

best wishes
robert

rojaros - 4-24-2010 at 08:04 AM

The bowl during its construction. As you can see it as built on a form, like european lutes.

rojaros - 4-25-2010 at 03:14 AM

Hello dear forum members,

I'll also need a case for my new oud. Does anybody have any experience with RCH cases?

They look like well built and are not exactrly cheap but still within a reasonable price range

http://www.rchcases.it/casesconstruction.htm

Thanks for information

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 5-5-2010 at 12:32 PM

Hello everybody,

today I was excited to be able to visit Sebastian Stenzels workshop and see the progress of the Oud.

He now has designed the rosette; the wood inlay work around the sound hole is finished and beautiful;

the top has received its braceing today. Also the peg box is essentially ready with the pegs beeing roughly fitted.

Sebastian said that he himself is astonished how suddenly the oud rapidely takes shape. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take new pictures today - maybe next time.

Now it gets really hard to wait until the Oud is finished ...

best wishes to everybody

Robert

Luttgutt - 5-5-2010 at 01:03 PM

Paciense dear rojaros!

Play your other ouds in the mean time... I am having the feeling that you will not have time for them afterwords

Regards

rojaros - 5-5-2010 at 02:23 PM

Hello Luttgutt, a very good advice indeed - I can't accelerate the process anyway ...

thanks and best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 5-24-2010 at 01:13 PM

I feel the oud is now coming into a really hot phase: Many things now seem to come together. The top is braced and ready to be glued onto and the neck to be glued to the body and shaped. Also a decision concerning the shape of the bridge has fallen: I'tll be a crossover between arab and european lute bridge form (which have their advantages, as it seems).

It seems Mr. Stenzel also has found a producer for a custom hard case.

As you see, I'm kind of excited LOL

best wishes

rojaros - 6-4-2010 at 06:04 AM

Hello, this week there is big progress with my oud. The neck is glued, the top is ready to be mounted, the fingerboard is ready.

Now the oud is really close to the completion ... exciting

best wishes
Robert

francis - 6-5-2010 at 03:38 PM

You don't need to wait for a long time, exitation must be growing!
Sure you'll get a real beauty, Robert!

rojaros - 6-6-2010 at 05:50 AM

Hello Francis,
yes and it's so amazing to see it growing, the tremendous care the luthier is taking of every step. Even the smallest parts get their little brass templates.
I really like the form of the bridge - a crossover of arab and european forms.

Best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-7-2010 at 09:20 AM

Hello, nothing stands still - also the Oud progresses:

The protection board is glued to the top (it's grenadille wood - it has a wonderful satin quality); the top is now glued to the body and the pegs are adjusted to proper length.
Now the bindigs are in train of beeing produced and glued and then the fingerboard will be glued.

Then there are cosmetic works to be done: cleaning the wood and varnishing ... really getting there ...

Here the front of the oud:

rojaros - 6-7-2010 at 09:31 AM

And here a detail picture of the peg box with the tuning pegs:

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-8-2010 at 11:10 AM

Hello, today the oud made a big leap again. The top is now inlaid with bindings and cleaned. The body is prepared for varnishing. Tomorrow the finger board will be glued onto the neck.

Unfortunately Sebastian Stenzel has to go for a lecture at the Mozarteum in Salzburg on Saturday, so the oud will be finished middle of the next week.

I'll keep you posted, with newest pictures.

best wishes

Robert

rojaros - 6-8-2010 at 11:12 AM

of course it's the state of affairs as it was yesterday; my next chance for making new pics might be tommorow.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-9-2010 at 08:30 AM

Hello, dear oud friends, as promised, some new pics of the oud progress.

The most exciting, breathtaking moment was, when Sebastian Stenzel gave the oud the first coat of some varnish oil - the coulours came really alive, surpassing all my expectations as to the beauty of this oud.

The following photo was the first I made today, surprised by the binding arounf the top and the beautiful ebony of the finger board ...

rojaros - 6-9-2010 at 08:31 AM

Then comes a picture of the bowl after first coating ...

rojaros - 6-9-2010 at 08:34 AM

and here is the oud between Sebastian Stenzels guitars...

This is to be done yet:

Nut saddle,
varnishing
some little inlays
pegs fine tuning
rosette
...
strings on
...

PLAYING

...

best wishes
Robert

Faladel - 6-9-2010 at 11:27 AM

¿Can you post the sound????
Thanks

rojaros - 6-9-2010 at 11:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Faladel

¿Can you post the sound????
Thanks

Hello Faladel, yes, of course, when the oud is ready ... still some way to go.

best wishes
Robert

paulO - 6-10-2010 at 10:58 AM

I really like the edge binding too -- very unique. A very well crafted instrument. Looking forward to the sound sample.

Regards..PaulO

rojaros - 6-14-2010 at 01:04 PM

Hello,

it's getting really hot now: the oud is almost finished. Sebastian Stenzel put a wonderful inlay into the bridge, the bowl is in train of getting a french polish, the nut is ready.

Still waiting for the rosette.

Best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-15-2010 at 11:00 AM

Hello everybody, here is a picture I could make today.

You can see how the bridge has been altered. I love the light energy of it.

The oud is now having its first french polish coating - still some way to go, but I hope it will be finished this week.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-16-2010 at 08:53 AM

Hello, today again progress ...

- french polishing is moving towards the end
- the rosette is now here (see the raw form before the cleaning ...
- the rosette is now cleaned and glued in - so the bowl is now closed.

Tomorrow the oud will be finished and stringed - and I (howl howl) will be working the whole day from morning to evening, no way I could play it tomorrow ...

best wishes

Robert

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:47 AM

Dear oud friends ... the oud is ... almost ... ready!

Only minor cosmetic works on the varnish have to be finished and left some time for drying up ...

Today the first strings were put on the Oud ...

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:51 AM

Then Sebastian Stenzel tuned very slowly up until we had a minor third below the standard tuning. He wants to make sure that the structure grows accustomed slowly to the full tension of the oud. So, the strings being Daniel Mari strings plus Aquila high f, everything is quite slack yet; though the sound is more than promissing.

The Sebastian Stenzel played the first notes ...

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:53 AM

Then I was also able to play it for the first time ... I wouldn't like to give it out of my hands, but it still needs some time ...

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:54 AM

It's a great pleasure ...

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:57 AM

Here are some detail pictures:

rojaros - 6-18-2010 at 08:59 AM

Here is the junction between body and neck ...

best wishes

Robert

Aymara - 6-18-2010 at 10:38 AM

Congratulations to this beauty!

I'm curious to hear it.

Kelly - 6-18-2010 at 01:25 PM

Oud looks stunning. Congratulations and play in good health.!

rojaros - 6-21-2010 at 12:25 AM

Yesterday I visited in Sebastian Stenzels workshop and played the oud a bit (it's still 'under observation and final cosmetic treatment); my wife and also Sebastians wife were present and everybody was deeply impressed how much the instrument is opening even during one little playing session. It has so rich harmonics ... just mindblowing.

It's really like meeting a fascinating new person and getting them to know better and better ... an amazing process in both directions ...

best wishes

Robert

Aymara - 6-21-2010 at 12:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

... the instrument is opening even during one little playing session.

I think, this process will continue for about half a year, until the oud reaches it's "final" sound characteristics.

Have fun exploring it

rojaros - 6-21-2010 at 06:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Aymara

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

... the instrument is opening even during one little playing session.

I think, this process will continue for about half a year, until the oud reaches it's "final" sound characteristics.

Have fun exploring it

That's a fascinating process ... I didn't have that with my other ouds (at least nothing that much noticeable) ...

thanks, best wishes
Robert

Aymara - 6-21-2010 at 08:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

I didn't have that with my other ouds (at least nothing that much noticeable) ...

I got my oud last November, when it was just a few weeks old and though it already sounded great, it's sound became better from week to week. Many people here in the forums reported a similar experience with their ouds.

I bet, you'll really fall in love with this oud ... don't forget to record it for us

rojaros - 6-22-2010 at 03:22 AM

Hello everybody, so the oud is finally at my home and I started to investigate it more seriously.
It has an amazing sound already and I think it will open more and more.

I have to do some experimentation with strings. The first set I put on is a Daniel Mari set plus aquilla high f, and the trebles are good, but the bass part is quite on the low tension side.

When I get mor aquainted with the oud I'll post some recordings. I'm also going to provide some final pictures.

best wishes
Robert

Aymara - 6-22-2010 at 09:40 AM

Hi again, Robert!

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

I think it will open more and more.

I bet, you can count on it.

Quote:

I have to do some experimentation with strings.

I think a Porsche oud should have Mercedes strings

Maybe check out, what Kürscher has to offer. He will produce strings especially for your oud's dimensions and to your liking (tuning and tension), if you ask him.

rojaros - 6-22-2010 at 10:35 AM

Thanks for advice, Chris!

I'll go slowly about strings; one can easily shoot out a lot of money in experimenting with strings. I still have some other sets lying around, Mari certainly is the lightest I have.

But I might come back to Kürscher.

Best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-23-2010 at 11:10 PM

Hello everybody,

you might be interested in a larger photo documentation of the whole building process, which can be found here:

Oud Pictures Album

please anjoy the pictures

best wishes
Robert

Kelly - 6-24-2010 at 01:11 PM

Hi Robert

Wonderful pictures and interesting record of that process- an instrument coming to life!. The bowl is fantastic- what sort of finish was used? the face is beautifully understated I esecially like the light touch on the purfling.
Cant wait to hear it.
I too would agree on Kurschners. I think they really sing

rojaros - 6-24-2010 at 08:36 PM

Hi Kelly,

The bowl, neck and peg box are french polished (some kind of shellack polishing Sebastian Stenzel is also using for his guitars). He did a lot of studies of 19th century shellack techniques and the results are very beautifull.

These Kürscher strings, are they nylon or fluorocarbon?

Thanks anyway. I'll see to it to record something as sson as I get to it. Also want to play the instrument in a bit and get acquainted with the neck, before I record.

best wishes
Robert

Aymara - 6-24-2010 at 09:42 PM

Hi again!

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

He did a lot of studies of 19th century shellack techniques and the results are very beautifull.

Yes, shellack jobs are an art ... I saw several Youtube videos, which show, how difficult it is.

Quote:

These Kürscher strings, are they nylon or fluorocarbon?

He switched to PVF for the standard sets, but I bet you can also get nylon, if you ask. Look HERE ... you even can get gut strings on request.

Quote:

Also want to play the instrument in a bit and get acquainted with the neck, before I record.

It might be interesting to show us two recordings ... one right now and one in a few months, which will show the development of it's sound.

BTW ... interesting photo gallery, which shows, that the master is satisfied with his work

rojaros - 6-25-2010 at 12:04 PM

I have done some filming today, so I'll post it very soon. I'll let everybody know as soon as its uploaded.

best wishes

Robert

PS In a few months distance also my playing and acquaintance with the new oud will have developed. It's qiote a switch to 7 courses and a longer scale. I do have my problems with intonation and knowing which floor I just am at ...

fernandraynaud - 6-25-2010 at 12:10 PM

Rojaros: do you know, exactly how is the neck joined to the bowl?

rojaros - 6-25-2010 at 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fernandraynaud

Rojaros: do you know, exactly how is the neck joined to the bowl?

Sorry, haven't been present at that stage, but I think Sebastian used some european lute techniques he is quite knowledgeable about. The only thing I know for sure is that there are no screws involved - he mentioned that to me.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-26-2010 at 02:13 AM

Hello, here is the first glimps of the new Sebsatian Stenzel Oud:

The New Sebstian Stenzel Oud

It's not even one week old and, of course not played in at all; also I do have still a way to go for me to come to terms the the slightly longer scale than my turkish Copcuoglu and the seven courses (though I really wouldn't want to miss them anymore).

Hope you get a flavour of how wonderfully rich the sound is -though very well rooted in the arab sound tradition!

best wishes

Robert

Aymara - 6-26-2010 at 10:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

... here is the first glimps ...

Veeery nice, Robert :applause:

Danielo - 6-26-2010 at 11:37 AM

congratulations Robert !

It sounds very good already, it promises to mature in a fantastic oud..

Do Sebastian Stenzel plans to build others, or is it a 'one of a kind'?

Dan

Aymara - 6-26-2010 at 12:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Danielo

Do Sebastian Stenzel plans to build others, ...

I bet several players wish he would.

rojaros - 6-27-2010 at 11:40 AM

I think he will built more ouds according to incoming orders, but you would have to contact him personally. We're good friends, but I'm not in any way afilliated economically with him.

If you wish to contact him, please look up his web site Sebastian Stenzel Guitars.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted about the future development and experiences with this oud.

best wishes to everybody

Robert

See also
New Improvisation Nr. I

Kelly - 6-27-2010 at 02:03 PM

Hi Robert

Re Keurschner strings- yes his new sets are pvf trebles in medium. I thinks they are ok up to C'. I think getting hi f' with nylons can be a bit hit and miss even with Maris. I comparison to his nylon rectified they are jst a bit brighter to my ears.

The change to 7 course takes a bit of getting used to but well worth the extra range if your left hand can adjust.

The oud sounds great already- It will just get better with every string change!.

Aymara - 6-27-2010 at 10:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kelly

I think getting hi f' with nylons can be a bit hit and miss even with Maris.

That's why I thought Kürschner strings are the best choice, because he will design a string set especially for this oud, if Robert tells him the exact dimensions ... string length from bridge to nut and from nut to peg ... and tells him the desired tuning and tension. I remember times, where this service didn't cost more as his standard set ... maybe this hasn't changed?

Why not just phone him and ask? Robert is located in Germany

Fact is, you still can get custom string sets, if you ask for and Kürschner strings have a good reputation.

rojaros - 6-28-2010 at 06:50 AM

Thanks, I'll certainly do that at a certain point, when I have checked out the standard sets I still do have.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 6-29-2010 at 01:29 AM

Hello, here is another improvisation on the new Sebastian Stenzel 7 course oud, in a different tuning and mood.

best wishes
Robert
New Oud Improvisation #02

Aymara - 6-29-2010 at 02:09 AM

Hi Robert!

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

..., in a different tuning ...

Which one? Nice playing, btw.

charlie oud - 6-29-2010 at 04:18 AM

Fine project, fine oud, fine recording. a delight, thank you Rojaros for sharing this lovely journey.

rojaros - 7-1-2010 at 08:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Aymara

Hi Robert!

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

..., in a different tuning ...

Which one? Nice playing, btw.

Hi Chris, this is standard arab tuning CFADgc + f'

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 7-2-2010 at 12:59 PM

Hello,

I just met Sebastian Stenzel today (he visits me from time to time to see how the new oud develops -this is an invaluable experience to see this instrument growing) and he has kindly informed me that he has already started to work on his next oud, despite of many guitars that are also awaiting their turn.

Usually his waiting list for a guitar is nowadays around 18 months to two years from the moment of ordering (this is maybe not as bad as those few guitar makers with a closed waiting list or an unrealistically long waiting list, but it shows a great interest in his instruments) ; so actually I got my oud extra fast, if I think about it.

best wishes
Robert

Aymara - 7-2-2010 at 11:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

... he has already started to work on his next oud, despite of many guitars that are also awaiting their turn.

I think the oud is a new motivating challange for him and as such also relief and fun.

rojaros - 7-3-2010 at 02:29 AM

This is surely true as well, but he is really into it in a very serious way, not just looking for diversion -this is how I perceive his way of working: 100% with it ...

And, to avoid misunderstandings: he IS bulding the guitars as well, and they are getting better and better; I have had the honour of testing the last 8 guitars he has built, and with each new one something incredible happens. I don't know when he finds the time for still doing a lot of research and developemental work. I really admire his work - a rare master.

Quote: Originally posted by Aymara

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

... he has already started to work on his next oud, despite of many guitars that are also awaiting their turn.

I think the oud is a new motivating challange for him and as such also relief and fun.

Aymara - 7-3-2010 at 03:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

he IS bulding the guitars as well, ...

Yes, I thought so.

Quote:

... a rare master.

I saw one of your guitar videos ... impressive.

rojaros - 7-17-2010 at 08:32 AM

Hello, there is a second oud improvisation on the Sebastian Stenzel 7 course oud I presented here. I'm not a great player, but you'll get the idea of the sound...

Here is the link:New Oud Improvisation 2

Please enjoy

best wishes
Robert

francis - 7-17-2010 at 01:27 PM

Hello Robert,

Nice improvisation. Your new oud sounds great, sure the sound will grow better and better with time. Sebastien Stenzel challenge is a total succes! Does he makes the second one like the first one?
You must be happy to get such an oud, and really satisfy after you see it all along the making!
Play it a lot!

Francis

rojaros - 7-17-2010 at 02:21 PM

Hey Francis,
Sebastian already started a new one. He is totally satisfied with the construction; so the second one will be very similar to the first one.
Main differences: it's going to be a 6 course oud; and he said he is going to experiment with other woods for the bowl. The pear is very good, but grenadil seems to be quite time consuming to work on, because it's such a hard and dense wood. Also high quality grenadile seems to be hard to obtain and very expensive.

Other than that he will continue along the same construction principles; his intuition as to the bracing and top construction proved to be surprisingly precise; he obtained the sound he envisioned when he set out to build the oud. The neck and peg box also work just fine.

From my side I have to play and play to reall make use of this great instrument. It's changing quickly; each time I play it's a bit more open.

best wishes
Robert

fernandraynaud - 7-17-2010 at 11:21 PM

Hi, Robert, very fine ouds, and I like your syncretic playing, it's evident you are getting increasingly sucked into the Oud Way of Everything ;-)

On what basis is Sebastian choosing the bowl lumber?

rojaros - 7-18-2010 at 08:13 AM

Hi Fernandraynaud,

If I remember right my talks with Sebastian, he explained he wanted to have a very dense wood that can be worked very thin; he said grenadile has this high elasticity. Than he wanted something that is also good elastic wood but with a bit more damping, so he chose pear. He wanted not too many ribs. It was difficult for him to find a good piece of grenadile that has been drying for decades and big enough to make these big wide ribs.

But really I'm not so sure if I get his reasons right; he has much experience with all sorts of woods, as he has been bulding instruments for more than 20 years, guitars, lutes, zithers, and also restauration of precious old instruments (I've seen him working on a Hauser II guitar from the fifties, if I remember right; a beautiful and v e r y expensive guitar).

He had also some communications with other experienced european lute builders.

As I wrote elsewhere, he has been creating this oud since almost twenty years in his mind, because he has such a strong connection to oud and oud music, and by good auspicious connection we met and my interest in oud triggered the whole process. I have big trust in him, as I already have one flamenco guitar built by him, and this is really a great instrument. I was last summer at GSI in LA and tried several very costly flamenco guitars and I wouldnt exchange the one I have for any of them.

I also witnessed the production of at least ten new guitars, and the timber is always perfectly chosen; the construction is so, that the tonal quality is extremely predictable - he just gets the sound he imagines.

best wishes
Robert

Aymara - 7-18-2010 at 09:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rojaros

He wanted not too many ribs.

Which advantage do lesser rips have?

rojaros - 7-18-2010 at 12:16 PM

More wood and less glue - so it's less stiff, accoustically, I guess

fernandraynaud - 7-18-2010 at 11:58 PM

The reason I ask is because I am amazed at the degree to which the bowl material controls the timbre. I have 2 walnut Sukars on hand, 600 mm scale, which in design and soundboard, bracing, bridge and fingerboard are as close to identical as I can determine. The obvious variable is the type of walnut used for the bowl and the neck (called "walnut of lions" vs "walnut"), and the fact that the Walnut one has more ribs than the other, with thin decorative lines between ribs. You might think a walnut bowl is a walnut bowl! Yet these instruments sound quite different, with "personalities" in accordance with what they are known for. The Walnut of Lions model 14 has the deepest, darkest tone, the "striped" model 212 is brighter, more projecting. The Walnut of Lions oud does feel heavier.

rojaros - 7-19-2010 at 08:44 PM

Maybe the number of ribs and glue joints has an influence too.
But it is possible that small invisible differences in the top strength, top material and bracing make the main point.

best wishes
Robert

Marcus - 7-20-2010 at 12:54 AM

Hi Robert, :wavey:

in your Oud-impro 2 you use something to protect your right arm.

3 questions: What is it, how to fix it on the oud, and where to get it?

Even if it is said many times before: It`s a wonderfull oud and very nice playing!!!

Congratiulations & regards,

Marcus

rojaros - 7-20-2010 at 01:06 PM

Hi Marcus, it is a so called arm rest. It is growing in use among guitar players. it has the advantage that you dot damage the varnish with your arm sweat and also the top isn't damped by the forearm. I don't want to miss it anymore and use it also with all my guitars.

This one is attached with 3 sucction cups, but how good it sticks depends very much on the quality of the varnish.

There also exist some that are hold in place by strong magnets, but the problem is that you'd have to remove the rosette (if you have one) to install them. Maybe it's even worth while.

Google Kristopher Barnett (guitar maker). He makes really nice ones, customized to the exact form, and I use one of his make on one of my guitars. It is excellent.

There are severals brands with sucction cups.

The one that is visible on youtube was given to me by Sebastian Stenzel, it doesnt seem to be a regular product on the market. Google guitar arm rest for the different products.

Best wishes
Robert

PS And thanks for very kind comment on my playing - I'm still a beginner

fernandraynaud - 7-20-2010 at 01:34 PM

Rojaros, no way to be sure, but I rather believe the wood itself plays a huge role because I also have a sukar model 1 on hand which has the same ribs as the model 14, but in a different reddish wood, a different walnut i think, and again it sounds different.

rojaros - 7-20-2010 at 01:51 PM

Yes, I agree; what I wanted to say is, that in fact it is quite an intricate network of interdependent factors and probabely it will never be possible to separate single factors.

For what I understand it is most important that the luthier understands what choices give what effects. For us as players it is maybe more important to develop a 'sound vision' - an understanding of the sound as we would like to have it - and the ability to communicate it clearly to the luthier. The you have to trust that the luthier will be able to accomplish that. Some will be able, some not ...

But of course one's own preferences also change with time and experience ...

BTW for what I have heard until now I like Sukar ouds very much, they are unique in their sound.

best wishes
Robert

rojaros - 7-20-2010 at 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Marcus

Hi Robert, :wavey:

in your Oud-impro 2 you use something to protect your right arm.

3 questions: What is it, how to fix it on the oud, and where to get it?

One of the brands of arm rests I do have experience with is PLENOSOM (google it). It's not as comfortable as Kristopher Barnetts one, but it works with sucction cups and it works fine

rojaros - 9-15-2010 at 08:00 AM

I just got a custom made case for the Stenzel oud. It is made by Meinl (who is also known for very fine guitar cases. It is very well made, very robust and not so clumsy or heavy. It fits exactly and tightly the measurements of the oud.

Maybe it is an interesting option for the fellow oudists in Germany at least?

Anyway, best wishes
Robert