Al Billings - 10-6-2011 at 11:33 AM
My name is Al Billings, and not Leon. A friend found this oud in a junk store in Oakland, Ca. It's in rough shape, but stable. I'd like to try and
find out who made it. If someone on the forum can translate the builder's name, I'd appreciate it.
Someone stripped a portion of the French polish off of the bowl. The rosette was intact, but the the same person who removed the French polish also
chipped the edge of the sound hole while removing it and destroyed the rosette. Probably needs to have the sound hole enlarged.
The scale length is approx. 24 and an eighth inches.
I'd also like to figure out which wood he used.
I have someone here in Austin who can restore it. If anyone has any suggestions regarding it I'd appreciate any feedback. I can also post more photos
if needed.
ExtreamTarab - 10-6-2011 at 11:43 AM
Hey Al Billings,
That looks like a great instrument...here's the label translation
Made by Farah Jurby Qara'a
in The holy land of Jerusalem
May 10th, 1932
Hope this helps, I have no idea about this maker but I'm sure someone must have heard of him. his work looks very nice
Regards,
Ibrahim
Al Billings - 10-6-2011 at 11:50 AM
Thanks for your response and the translation. I'm excited about having the oud restored. There are probably numerous oud builders whose names and
histories have fallen between the cracks of history.
Alan-TX - 10-16-2011 at 05:48 PM
Hello Al,
Do you mean Autin TX? I am in the DFW area and may need some work done on a sound board. What shop do you use in Austin?