Mike's Oud Forums

metal strings calculator? pics of old greek baglama? (not oud related..but lutherie related!)

stos - 12-14-2012 at 08:55 AM

Hello everybody!

I'm not feeling ready enough to build an oud at the moment but I'll start with a little greek baglama and will see how it will go!

I would like to build a carved baglama in an oldschool way (wooden pegs...) and I'm looking for pictures of baglama build in the 20s 30s
to inspire myself!

thanks a lot!


Bodhi - 12-14-2012 at 10:29 AM

Hey stos,

This isn't greek Baglama but a Bosnian Shargiya, but the principle for carving is the same.

hope you enjoy and maybe it helps you making a carved bowl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNjYJvUao4M&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqsmy_VptTk&feature=related

I think perhaps this is the best vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXV-aOQyLg4&feature=relmfu

good luck

stos - 12-22-2012 at 08:20 AM

thank you!

but I already have some books and info on how building a carved baglamadaki

I was more looking for picture of old baglama to inspire myself


I also have a problem that might be a little one but for me it is realy problematic :

I would like to build a balgamadaki but with a bit longer neck than the usual ones,

something between tzoura and baglamadaki

the problem is the steel strings :

how can I calculate wich strings do I need? and if such strings exist?

I know there is calculator for nylon strings but is there for metal strings???

thanks a lot!:cool:

jdowning - 12-22-2012 at 11:09 AM

Use Arto Wikla's online string calculator here:

http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/wikla/mus/NewScalc/

Standard string densities are given for iron which should be OK for steel

Not sure what the typical string gauges or lengths are but steel guitar or (for longer lengths) modern piano or harpsichord strings might do. You might also try string makers like - for example - Pyramid (Germany) or Northern Renaissance Instruments (U.K).

stos - 12-22-2012 at 04:32 PM

thanks jdowning! I think I should maybe look at saz strings also..