Jpatitucci - 7-28-2015 at 06:14 PM
I recently bought an oud at a pawn shop. It was missing strings, so I bought a set. When I replaced the strings I noticed that the nut is only slotted
for 10 strings, whereas the bridge is slotted for 12. I believe that the nut was replaced at some point.
If I understand it correctly, it is a Turkish oud. My question is, where can I get a replacement nut for it, slotted for either 11 or 12 strings? I've
made nuts before for a dulcimer, so it can't be that hard to make. Is there a site that has designs that I can see with the measurements?
Thank you for answering.
jdowning - 7-29-2015 at 03:36 AM
Bone nut blanks are readily available from luthier supply companies or often from local stores that sel/repair guitars. If you intend to replace the
nut yourself you will need a fine cut flat file (to shape the nut profile) a set of needle files (to cut the string grooves) as well as a small
hacksaw (to cut the nut blank to length) - all tools readily available at low cost. Use the existing nut as guide to the shape of the replacement as
well as the spacing of the string courses - just make fine adjustments to squeeze in the extra double course.
Otherwise there may be luthiers on this site willing to make a replacement nut (for a small fee) - given the dimensions of your oud at the pegbox
end.
Are you sure it is a Turkish oud and that the 12 double course bridge is not a replacement? Are the strings that you purchased intended for Turkish
oud tuning? Why not post some images for information?
Brian Prunka - 7-29-2015 at 07:38 AM
I would be surprised if this is a Turkish oud, for two reasons:
Turkish ouds are always drilled for 11 strings at the bridge, I've never seen one with 12 holes, while it is common for Arabic ouds to have 12 holes
in case F-f' tuning is desired.
A Turkish player would not change the nut to 10 strings. Perhaps an Persian musician would. But it is fairly common for Arabic ouds to have only 5
courses (10 strings).
This is easily resolved if you post a picture of your oud.
Alfaraby - 7-29-2015 at 01:56 PM
Here's what you are looking for:
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=14633#pid99...
Yaron is a reliable gentleman
Good luck
Yours indeed
Alfaraby