mavrothis - 12-13-2011 at 04:55 PM
Hello Everyone,
Over the years, a good number of people looking for their first oud or hoping to upgrade to something more professional have contacted me for help.
Occasionally, I might have an instrument of my own for sale, but typically I would direct them to well-known luthiers or more inexpensive sources that
I might know of and have some sort of experience with.
This has given me the idea to experiment with the venture of bringing in quality ouds from Turkey (a few at a time) that are well made, sound and play
great, and that I will be offering within the range of $800-900.
These instruments are not made by famous makers – they often don't even have labels inside them. The thing is, they are at or near the same level
of quality of instruments that typically sell from $1,500-2,000 and up.
So if you are interested for yourself, or have students or friends that are looking for a great instrument for a very fair price, please let me
know.
Those of you in the Metro New York/Northern NJ area are welcome to try them out in person. Otherwise, I will be happy to send pictures and videos of
each instrument at your request. I have a picture here of one of the instruments I have available now.
If over the next year I find there is demand, I will be contacting more well-known luthiers to discuss bringing in a standing supply of their handmade
instruments as well. The fact is, ordering a custom instrument is great, but having a supply of instruments physically here for players to try and
choose from is very helpful. I hope this experiment will be a success.
Feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions through U2U or at: mavrothis@oudcafe.com
Thank you!
Mavrothi Kontanis
oudipoet - 12-16-2011 at 06:49 PM
hey Mavro
just wanted to congratulate you
i am so glad to hear that someone we now and can trust got into this business i hope everything works out well and you can remain doing what you love
years to come.
mavrothis - 12-17-2011 at 05:37 PM
Thanks my friend. I appreciate that. 
I'll be posting a web link soon with more info on the ouds I have in stock now, including pictures and video.
Thanks,
Mavrothi
mavrothis - 3-26-2012 at 05:37 AM
Hi there,
I've made a simple web page with the ouds I currently have available for sale. I'll be updating it as instruments come and go.
Ouds for Sale Page
The idea is to provide ouds for local players to try out and compare, and choose which speaks most to them. But of course anyone that is not in the
NY/NJ area is also welcome to check them out and take a listen. I usually have 3 or 4 available at a time.
If you have any questions, please email me: mavrothis@oudcafe.com
Thank you!
mavrothi
Brian Prunka - 3-26-2012 at 02:25 PM
These look really nice, at a very reasonable price. Good to see you doing this, Mav!
mavrothis - 3-26-2012 at 03:28 PM
Thanks Brian, I really like these ouds myself. They'll fit a wide range of playing styles too.
Thanks again,
mavrothi
conroystoptime - 3-27-2012 at 11:36 AM
I recently bought a beautiful 57cm mahogany-and-wenge oud from Mavrothi (although I believe not from the same luthier as this most recent
batch...correct me if I'm wrong, Mavrothi), and can certainly vouch for the superb craftsmanship, tone, and playability of the instruments he is
selecting.
Well worth a look.
bulerias1981 - 3-27-2012 at 07:44 PM
Nice ouds Mavrothi, your prices seem fair.
mavrothis - 3-28-2012 at 05:16 AM
Thanks guys, I appreciate the support.
There isn't a big profit margin here, but I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't fun. It's great to meet new players, and new ouds of course, on a
regular basis.
I'm in the process now of working out a way to bring nice Arabic ouds too, because I know this is the style of oud most people in the area and
generally in the US are looking for.
Thanks again!
mavrothi
Microber - 3-28-2012 at 11:13 AM
Yes, nice ouds Mavrothi.
I immediatly recognize the Saadettin Sandi design.
I did own one I bought in Istanbul in 2005.
It was my first oud and I knew nothing about ouds at that time.
I never regret my choice.
Very good not too expensive oud.
Robert
Jody Stecher - 4-16-2012 at 05:23 PM
Last week I bought one of the ouds Mavrothi had for sale on his website, a used but healthy 2001 specimen from the Saedettin Sandi workshop. I'm
happy to report that this oud is very responsive, has just the voice I wanted, the price was fair, the oud had been vetted and played by an expert at
the kind of music I want to play on it, and our email exchange was lively and productive. I think Mavrothi is providing an unusual and valuable
service. And local folks in the NY/NJ area (which I am not) can try out these ouds before buying. Oh, and I almost forgot, this is a very attractive
instrument too.
Yειά σο Mavrothi! (and 3 cheers for Sandi).
Hi Mav!
spyrosc - 4-17-2012 at 06:02 AM
On another subject, Mavro, do you still have that Greek Santouri ?
Do you know where to get one ?
Thanks
Spyros C.
mavrothis - 4-17-2012 at 06:08 AM
Thanks Jody, I appreciate it, and hope you continue to enjoy your oud!
Spyro, I don't have a santouri, but there a few players here in NYC and Philadelphia that might have an instrument available.
Email me and I'll direct you to the right people. Remind me, are you on the West Coast? There are plenty of players out there too. Check out this
link, you should be able to find Lise Liepman's contact info here: http://eefc.org/mendoTeachingStaff.shtml
Thanks again,
Mavrothi
bulerias1981 - 4-17-2012 at 07:12 AM
congrats on the new oud Jody, play it in good health
Jody Stecher - 4-17-2012 at 03:45 PM
Thank you, John. To play it in good health I am exercising more and eating less. If it all works out in 6 months when I play oud , be it Arabic or
Turkish, there will be only *one* large belly in the room.