MentEhi - 4-27-2012 at 03:15 AM
Hello guys,
I want to start playing oud, but I live in an apartment. Are ouds too loud to be played in an apartment? I really wanna know before I buy one..
Jody Stecher - 4-27-2012 at 06:39 AM
The typical oud is no louder than the typical acoustic guitar. It is quieter than a vacuum cleaner, quieter than the sound of a television at typical
play back volume. It carries further than the sound of water running in a shower. A different answer: it depends on how loud you play it.
MentEhi - 4-27-2012 at 06:48 AM
Oh, thank you. That's great because I can't really hear any of the things you mentioned from other people's apartments so they won't hear me playing
either. 
paulO - 4-27-2012 at 09:01 AM
Hi MentEhi,
I lived in an upstairs apartment for eons, played oud till like 11PM - never had any complaints -- until a new downstairs neighbor complained -- so we
agreed on hours, and I just kept it to that -- yes I was only playing acoustically.....so you never know. It can happen -- just wait for the
complaints and respond accordingly 
Regards...Paul
DoggerelPundit - 4-27-2012 at 03:09 PM
(PaulO lives in the jungle now and not even partying past one a.m. fazes his neighbors)
MentEhi, you could always begin with the Zurna. That will certainly put the neighbors on the warpath—but your oud will then be a friendly relief.
Seriously, my experience matches Jody's. Best of luck!
-Stephen