karmashaya - 12-3-2004 at 03:26 PM
Hello all,
I'm planning to buy an oud, something of at least decent quality but not too expensive. I've never played before but am very familiar with
the guitar (8+ years of playing). I've seen many $200 (US dollar) ouds listed on eBay. The ones in my price range seem to be a 'brand'
of some sort and offered by multiple retailers. I am thinking of buying one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=623&...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002ZQQIS/sr=1-4/qid...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002I1CHA/sr=1-5/qid...
I believe these ouds are made by a company called Mid-East Manufacturing, Inc (at least according to the Amazon site). Does anyone know of the
quality of this company's instruments? Would they be good for a beginner? Any problems with tuning pegs slipping, or poor-quality hassles like
that?
I don't have much money to spend ($200~270) but I don't want to be forced into buying a terrible instrument either.
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks. 
Jonathan - 12-3-2004 at 03:45 PM
Where do you live?
karmashaya - 12-3-2004 at 04:19 PM
Hi,
I live in Georgia, USA.
revaldo29 - 12-3-2004 at 07:40 PM
karmashaya,
I live in Atlanta, GA and can help you out. I have a oud i'm looking to sell. Please email me.
revaldo29@mindspring.com
karmashaya - 12-3-2004 at 08:02 PM
Hello revaldo,
Email sent.
Thanks!
revaldo29 - 12-3-2004 at 08:07 PM
Hey Karmashaya,
If you have aim, my sn is revaldo29 and I am currently on.
I have one
mercm525i - 12-10-2004 at 05:20 AM
Hi, you were asking about Mid-East manufacturing. My oud is from there, I bought the Egyptian Deluxe model, which is what they call it. I was pretty
impressed on its sound, however, this was my first oud so I can not judge how good it sounds because I have not heard others (professional and more
expensive, etc). I had someone try it who's experienced with ouds and was impressed for what it is and its price. It's not aesthetically
perfect (you can see glue here and there) but the sound is not bad, I like it. Also the bridge needs to be made of harder wood because the strings are
eating into the bridge on the thin strings just a little bit, but thats ok with me. I will buy a better oud soon. Overall, its a decent oud for
learning.
karmashaya - 12-10-2004 at 06:28 PM
Hi,
Thanks for the info.