olgerd - 8-13-2015 at 05:25 AM
Hi everyone!
I want to use Oud Tuning C-F-A#-d#-g-c (it's like 2 tones down standart guitar tuning)
Can I use set of classical guitar strings (28-32-40-29-35-43)(nylon-nylon-nylon-wound-wound-wound)?
There was Pyramid 12 string set which is (28-31-24-29-32-43)(nylon-nylon-wound-wound-wound-wound), but many strings are old or broken.
I doubt about 3rd string - will it be normal replace wound (24) with nylon (40)?
Thank you for any advice.
Brian Prunka - 8-13-2015 at 06:41 AM
The short answer is yes, probably, though it won't be ideal.
Things to consider:
• While gauges are a direct comparison with nylon strings, they are less so with wound strings. There are many many factors determining the tension
of a wound string, and gauge is simply not a reliable reference. So Pyramid's ".043 wound" string may be way different than the ".043 wound" in
your guitar set.
• How long is your oud's vibrating string length (scale length)? Measuring from bridge to nut, it could be anywhere from 57cm to 63cm. This will
have a big effect on what tuning and strings will work best. Also, whether the oud has a traditional fixed bridge or a floating bridge.
• Ouds traditionally operate at much lower tensions than guitar, this is part of the sound.
• If you literally mean a set of 6 classical strings, it will not sound good. The strings need to be doubled.
• I assume you are a guitar player. I don't know what you wish to do with the oud, but I assure you that there is little reason to emulate guitar
tuning on oud. I would advise you to use the standard C F A d g c' tuning. It is easy to get used to. First of all, the A d g strings are all the
same as guitar. The c' is simply up 1/2 step from your b string. These strings comprise 75% of the oud's range and 95% of what you play will be on
those strings. Speaking as a guitar player, it took me one week to learn the oud's tuning.
The third course is the least of your problems, .040 is about normal for a nylon 3rd course.
olgerd - 8-17-2015 at 05:41 AM
Thank you for the answer.
While topic were approved I ordered Alice OUD Set 12 String AOD-12 (22-28-33-25-29-33).
I will try use tuning C F A d g c' or C F A# d# g c'
I dont want to try Standart Guitar tuning E A D G B E, cause I use lower tuning in C F A# d# g c'
Brian Prunka - 8-17-2015 at 03:25 PM
That set is intended for F A d g c' f'.
In the tuning you want, it will be much too loose. you can ditch the thinnest strings and use the rest . . . if you have a wound .042-.044 you can
use it for the low C.
olgerd - 8-19-2015 at 01:47 AM
Oh. thank you. I dont know that.
Brian Prunka - 8-19-2015 at 05:18 AM
The set you have could actually be used for standard guitar tuning if you wanted (not that I am suggesting that)
SamirCanada - 8-19-2015 at 08:15 AM
Alice strings! 
I wouldn't use these strings... they have bad reviews.