Mike's Oud Forums

Cut classic oud to half cut oud !

sylvainbd - 6-4-2019 at 12:49 PM

Hello,

I have a problem with my right shoulder since a long time. That's why I'm wondering if I could cut my traditional Turkish oud to a "half-model" to reduce the body size by 5 centimetres. (bodywork attached below)

I tried one and it is realy more ergonomic with pretty good bass.

Do you think it is possible to modify ? Somebody did it ? Advices ?
Thank you for your help.

41ZrAaMmfkL.jpg - 25kB

paulO - 6-4-2019 at 09:21 PM

You've got to take care of your body sylud ! Good luck with your search !

Regards - Paul

SamirCanada - 6-5-2019 at 10:35 AM

I think it's possible would not be too complicated actually. Trace the outline and cut with a Japanese saw. Plane the opening so that it is very flat. If you have removed the rosette you can go in and install little pieces like in flamenco guitars (peones) to seal the back. I would also put a few cross braces on the back.

suz_i_dil - 6-8-2019 at 08:49 AM

Please let us know I how it turns, particularly how it changes the sound. I had considered this option on a too deep oud but finally prefered to sold it as I was. I loved the sound but beginning 19cm depth bowl I usually dont feel comfortable. And I had no idea of how much to cut and the impact on the sound. But my first idea was to cut much less than on your picture, in order no too loose too much bowl volume
Good luck

Dr. Oud - 6-8-2019 at 10:13 PM

I don't think the volume of the oud will change. The bowel provides a reflection chamber that enhances the bass resonance, so the bass sound will be affected. Volume is produced by the soundboard's response to the string tension.

suz_i_dil - 6-10-2019 at 11:52 AM

Sure , from the few knowledge I understood about oud i agree. I guess it will be the effect. I meant bowl volume not sound volume

Matthias - 6-11-2019 at 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Dr. Oud  
I don't think the volume of the oud will change. The bowel provides a reflection chamber that enhances the bass resonance, so the bass sound will be affected. Volume is produced by the soundboard's response to the string tension.


I cannot agree - there will be a change by sure

Matthias

paulO - 6-12-2019 at 11:04 AM

Just FYI - http://www.dantzrecords.com/flatbackoud.html check it out !

Cordially,
PaulO

Dr. Oud - 10-14-2019 at 07:47 PM

I have advanced arthritis in my right shoulder from paying oud and pounding nails. I had to quit from the pain of lifting my arm over the oud on my leg. Now I hold the oud between my legs like a classical guitar and can play again. Plus I can hear more of the sound from there.

sylvainbd - 10-31-2019 at 01:16 AM

Hello Dr. Oud
Same shoulders problem since long time. Now I play more my arabic cumbus than my turkish oud. Sound is very close, same playing, and very ergonomic because the body is small.
Here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_fNcvONZT8
Cumbus sbd wood hoops (3) small.jpg - 119kB

Cut the oud

Yaron Naor - 7-15-2020 at 12:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sylud  
Hello,

I have a problem with my right shoulder since a long time. That's why I'm wondering if I could cut my traditional Turkish oud to a "half-model" to reduce the body size by 5 centimetres. (bodywork attached below)

I tried one and it is realy more ergonomic with pretty good bass.

Do you think it is possible to modify ? Somebody did it ? Advices ?
Thank you for your help.



I have made it 2 years ago
tnx
Yaron

10659053_10152817725174111_8711765546861841178_o.jpg - 183kB

sylvainbd - 4-12-2021 at 12:27 AM

Hello
I give suite about this special story ...
Attached my last acoustic oud half body cut. I invite everybody to try this kind of acoustic oud. So confortable :cool:

The full video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXaLAFXRQD0


vlcsnap-2021-04-11-13h00m14s998.png - 422kB

suz_i_dil - 9-27-2021 at 05:07 AM

Hello Sylvain

I missed that you ended this project successfully. Congrats

So how you feel the sound ? Do it changed so much,any record of before /after that may be shared ?

The idea is great in a matter of ergonomics.

Best wishes

sylvainbd - 10-23-2021 at 08:14 AM

Hello suzidil...
Woow many weeks later sorry !
Well I didn't cut my acoustic oud because I sold mine for same price than another model already cut. Not crazy new instrument but with some good advantages. That s why I bought it and updated it in several details.
I would like to find same with good woods good soundboard etc ... pickup is pretty good
Here https://fr.salamuzik.com/collections/nouvelles-arriv%C3%A9es/Produit...
Visit my channel youtube to listen mine.
Sincerely

suz_i_dil - 10-27-2021 at 02:43 PM

thansk for the feedback and no worry on delay ;)
i'm very curious to try this kind of oud at an occasion, but indeed the issue is to find a good one to make a clear idea...cutting a good one just to try is...hmmm i miss the word in english but you see ^^
best wishes !