Hobble - 8-16-2010 at 04:24 PM
Hi, I just joined this forum today. I've fallen in love with the sound of the Oud and I'm looking to learn how to play.
I was looking around for a first Oud to buy, the only Oud I came across for sale near my area is this. http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-string-...
I'm experienced in other instruments, but not the Oud. So I was wondering if this is a good choice for a first Oud.
fernandraynaud - 8-17-2010 at 01:19 AM
Looks like a basic learner's Egyptian oud of which there are usually many at that price (including shipping) on e-bay. Would have to see/know more to
better assess. If the action is low enough it might be good for $200 as a starter in America. As i look closer at the (fuzzy) pictures, there are
signs it might be a little above the basic level, but the soundboard looks delicate as a coffee-table, and it sure isn't rare. If all is well and you
put some work into it you might enjoy it for a while and learn a lot. If things go badly, it's a headache, a heartbreak and a waste of time. The
Gawaret El Fan ouds are probably a better choice under $400, especially if you can return it. Read up on beginner and first ouds on the forum using
the Search.
Most people get very deeply into oud and rather quickly need a decent instrument. Poor instruments can squash a student's interest. If you look there
are some nice ouds for sale here, generally well worth the extra money unless you have time/skills/luck to pick out a decent starter oud and improve
it. The Fathi Amin looks the same as ones sold for $1000.