Mike's Oud Forums

New arrival: wait to open box?

Rafi - 10-24-2011 at 02:25 PM

A friend advised me to WAIT at least 12, preferably 24 hours before opening shipping box with my newly crafted ud from Istanbul, in order to allow pressure to equalize from plane travel.

Is this a common practice, and/or good idea? (clearly a great test of will power!) I'm expecting the package by Friday... and hoping to play the instrument in public Saturday.

Is there anything else (tuning below standard pitch for awhile maybe?) to consider in order to optimize the long-term integrity of a valuable new ud?

Brian Prunka - 10-25-2011 at 12:14 AM

"pressure" isn't an issue, but it's best to let an oud adjust to new temperatures and humidity gradually. 12 hours seems bit like overkill to me, but I would definitely wait a few hours this time of year.
And make sure the humidity in your home is a comfortable level.