Mike's Oud Forums

Flatback vs Bowlback

majnuunNavid - 1-11-2014 at 01:02 PM

A question for all the oud builders out there, and any of you who have played flatback ouds.

What is the difference in sound between a flatback oud and a bowlback oud? How much does it effect the sound? Aside from potentially being more comfortable or easier to hold. is there any audio effect?

It might be different to explain in words the difference of sound. How does the sound reverberate in that shape?

I know some people are very particular about the shape of the instrument. Flatback vs bowlback mandolin for example, or traditional guitar shape ukulele's vs triangle shape Fluke ukulele.

I'm really interested so any opinions or information is welcome!

Brian Prunka - 1-11-2014 at 01:03 PM

I find that flatback ouds are more difficult to hold and play.

majnuunNavid - 1-11-2014 at 01:28 PM

I have never played one... so I wouldn't know...

But I have played some Barbat's which have deeper bowls than Ouds, and the angle of my right arm at the edge of the soundboard and back just tears up my forearm, can't stand it...

I don't like the idea of flatback ouds, changes the angle of your right arm, so I can see why one might find it uncomfortable to play.. but to each his own...

hussamd - 1-11-2014 at 02:19 PM

I would think the sound would be different. I tried one of the Godin Multioud a couple of weeks ago. I could not hold it like a guitar and my right arm was killing me. The sound was not deep enough for me to keep it, not even amplified and EQ'd.

majnuunNavid - 1-11-2014 at 03:52 PM

scratch that... I have played MultiOud many times... I found the right arm very strange, but, my left hand was very comfortable. One of the most comfortable Ouds for left hand I've played.

Anyways, I should be more specific, flatback as in like an acoustic guitar, not electric Ouds, the sound... the sound...

bulerias1981 - 1-11-2014 at 07:52 PM

There's less volume in the bowl, so it doesn't cater to the low end very well, also the flat back and flat sides changes the total properties all together. Bowl back is where its at.

spyblaster - 1-12-2014 at 02:35 AM

Flat backs are easier to play, at least for me. but I don't like the acoustic sound (they usually have a sound output). I think a flat back oud with a sound output is very good for rehearsing (you don't have to carry an amp) and works pretty well as an electric oud. but the acoustic sound for performance? I don't think so.