turya - 1-1-2014 at 01:24 AM
Hi everyone
I acquired an oud recently about which I know nothing, other than it is from Damascus and about 7 years old. Photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75013103@N03/sets/72157639207129474/
I am no oud expert, and I would like to know a little bit about this instrument - for example, what wood it is made from, whether it is hand or
factory made, and what its approximate value is. I'm guessing from its simplicity that it is a cheap oud but would be nice to stand corrected!
Would really appreciate any help.
Turya
Dr. Oud - 1-5-2014 at 08:18 AM
While it is a simple design, I would nat consider it cheap, rather that you have a fine handmade oud. The back and neck appear to be quarter sawn
walnut, matched from the same log and well fitted. The soundboard is 4 pieces of good quality tonewood, probably spruce or possibly cedar. It's
difficult to identify the soundboard wood without smelling it. Cedar has a characteristic odor different from spruce and there are many varieties of
spruce as well. The value depends a great deal on the tone and playability, so when you get strings on it have an experienced oudist play it for an
evaluation.
hussamd - 1-5-2014 at 08:30 AM
The sticker says:
Manufactured 1/1/2006
Brand: AlKibbeh
The number next to it is a cell phone number.
Made especially to be sold in a shop called the center of art world or something like that.
Looks beautiful though. I would second Dr. Oud that it is not necessarily cheap.
turya - 1-15-2014 at 04:38 PM
Thanks for your well-considered advice! In which case, I'll get it restrung and tried out when I'm next in London. And then figure out if I want to
sell it or learn to play it... it is THE most humanly emotive stringed instrument along with kamancheh IMO. Love it. Stoked I've found a decent
one!
Thanks for all your help 