I'm new to the oud. I've been looking at ouds to buy and I've noticed the apprentice ouds at the Maurice oud shop. One question I had was about the
strings. It seems that they're different from other ouds. They're five courses, all doubled. No single bass string. Is this normal for beginner
instruments? Would this affect my learning? Thanks!Walidk - 9-22-2014 at 11:50 PM
Hi Stranger,
There is no set rule about the single bass string. For some old fashioned teachers, and as a beginner, they tend to tell you to forget about the bass
string for a starter. There are enough exercises and maqamats to learn where the bass string is not involoved. So the idea is to get the basics first
on the 5-course instrument and then you can add the bass string.
Nevertheless, my own personal preference is to add it from the start and get used to hit it from time to time. This way you also learn the full range
of a maqam that you may be learning.
In any case, there is no harm in having it or not..it can always be added.
Hope this helps.Danielo - 9-23-2014 at 03:35 AM
In order to be able to play any maqam on a 5-course oud, you simply need to tune the lowest double string to FF (rather than GG).
The lowest single string (C or D) is mostly used as a drone, as no maqam goes below F in its normal range (the lowest tonic is Yekah=G but you need
also the leading tone below it).
SamirCanada - 9-23-2014 at 04:46 AM
I agree with our friends Waleed and Danielo above, great insight.
Also, I got an apprentice oud for my student from Mauriceoudshop and it has the pegs and space for the additional 6th string. You can add it when you
change the strings. Gocauo - 9-23-2014 at 08:51 AM
I agree with our friends Waleed and Danielo above, great insight.
Also, I got an apprentice oud for my student from Mauriceoudshop and it has the pegs and space for the additional 6th string. You can add it when you
change the strings.
Good to know Samir...thanks!
Stranger - 9-25-2014 at 01:22 PM
Thanks for the advice guys, all great info and just what I was wondering.
