Something went wrong between Fathi & Sayyed somewhen in the last years of Fathi's life. The son wanted to move on to a bigger and more modern
neighbourhood, while the father stuck with his historical location in "Sooq El Hamam" near "Sayyeda Aisha" Square, one of old Cairo quarters. In order
to get their, you'd need a tour guide and literally pass in between old men playing cards, then continue walking quite a while. The workshop was
something like 6-8 sq. m. where not more than 2 people could stand. Sayyed thought it's about time to move on, so he left his old father back in his
cave and opened a new workshop and shop at Faissal st. Cairo using his father's reputation and big name. Soon afterwards, the two started to compete
and to tell everybody what they really thought about one another, in a very vulgar attitude.
On the other hand, Fathi hasn't put his hand to wood in his last 20 years. Mahmoud, his loyal apprentice actually built the ouds under the supervision
and know how of the late master, who spent most of his time outside his workshop.
Bottom line: this does not seem to be Fathi's oud. It's either Sayyed's or Mahmoud's.
Here's Sayyed's site:
http://fathy-ameen.com/index_en.html
BTW no original Fathi's is offered for hundreds. The wealthy players and collectors of the Gulf would have grabbed it long before his owner even
thought.
As to Fathi's ouds quality, I just heard about it, but never heard it or touched it for real.
Yours indeed
Alfaraby
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Can anyone confirm 100%?