Sheque - 7-26-2011 at 04:44 AM
I am a new member of the Oud Forum and would appreciate any advice/assist from those more learned. I just received an oud from Turkey and, when
tuned, the strings on the lower course are in-tune open. As I travel up the neck the first string gets progressively more out of tune. Could this be
an issue with the notch in the nut? The two notches for that course appear similar, but might that be my problem? Any ideas?
Thanks!
Sheque
Greg - 7-26-2011 at 04:48 AM
Welcome to the forums.
Your problem is most likely to be the strings.
If these are the strings supplied with the instrument and if the instrument is not of very high quality, it would not be unusual to find that the
strings are the cheapest the maker could find.
Try removing one of the strings in the pair and reverse it end for end. That sometimes helps. But probably best to buy a new set of good quality
strings.
Regards,
Greg
Sheque - 7-26-2011 at 12:50 PM
Thanks so much Greg. The instrument is a fairly nice oud as far as I can tell. The maker was recommended by a trusted friend. I suppose it is still
likely that inexpensive strings were used, even on a good instrument. I will try reversing the string as you suggest and hope that works. Your
assistance is greatly appreciated.
All the Best!
Scott
fernandraynaud - 7-26-2011 at 07:15 PM
You should probably do yourself a favor and just get a new set of strings, a Daniel Mari set costs all of $9.
http://www.ostriemusicsupplies.com/oud-strings.htm
SamirCanada - 7-27-2011 at 05:52 AM
I have had this issue on my oud a couple times. Its pretty annoying.
there are a few reasons why this could be hapening. Here are a few things to check and solutions you can try.
1- make sure the string loops at the bridge are the same length, not one further than the other. This alters the string length.
2- take a peice of nylon string (g-string preferably) about 4 mm wide and slide it under the strings up to the nut untill it is stuck there. This will
make sure the string length at the nut is flush between the strings. I actually do this accross all strings as it helps for tuning a bit .
3- Remove the string that keeps getting lower and reatach it reversed. part that was on the bridge in the pegbox.
4- make sure your winding in the peg box does not touch the pegbox walls. This makes your pegs slip ever so slightly and makes problems for the
tuning.
5- Always tighten to the tuned note for both strings. Do not loosen to reach the note as this will create some backlash and the tuning will go off.
Also make sure to press down on the pegs to make sure they hold once you reach the note.
if this doesnt work, get new strings...
if that doesnt work, get your oud looked at by a oud maker. The pegs could be the problem.
if that doesnt work, get a new oud 
Sheque - 7-27-2011 at 08:59 AM
Fernand and Samir
Thanks so much for your advice. I will try all of the suggestions and hope to have some success.
Cog Tesekkerler Ederim!