I have an exquisite 1905 Manol oud for sale. It has its original face. It is was brought here recently by the Turkish oud maestro Üstad Necati
Çelik.
It is extremely rare to find an instrument of this age and quality with its original face, due to the fact that such thin faces rarely held up under
use for more than sixty years or so. This one, however, has never been “banged on” with rough playing, or its face scraped with the mizrap, and
has somehow been maintained over the years. It’s not one of those “lost in an attic” ouds; it has been played lovingly for nearly its entire
life. It has had a number of repairs, but all have been done with a degree of craftsmanship. It has been carefully restored to ensure that all of the
inevitable face cracks have been carefully and delicately reinforced from inside using only the most traditional methods. Everything is original, with
no mindless modifications.
Even the delicate rosettes are original, and in nearly perfect condition! And the action is perfect, itself a rarity with old ouds.
The sound of this instrument is simply awesome. It is not only fabulously rich, but sings evenly throughout its range and across its strings. It can
be played delicately, and is exquisitely responsive; but when pushed, its power and projection is simply startling, considering its age. It is easily
one of the best sounding and loudest ouds I have ever heard, and one would not hesitate to play it in formal concert.
Its exact provenance will be available upon request, as some of the details are still being researched. There are no recording samples yet. I would
much prefer to have prospective buyers visit in person, than to trust my own playing and limited recording equipment to demonstrate such an
instrument!
This ud is an heirloom and a cultural treasure. The price is $ 9,995 US. This does include a hard case. It will be hard for me to part with it, but I
cannot afford it, and it needs to be sold. I would like to transact a sale before my upcoming trip to Turkey, as Üstad Necati will not be returning
to the U.S. in the foreseeable future.
I will be happy to answer any questions about this Manol. However, anyone who is seriously interested in acquiring it should consider coming to San
Francisco, CA and being my guest for a day. Feel free to email me at hank@musicaravan.com or call at 415 492-0728.
--Hank LevinHank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 05:45 PM
Here are the rosettes of the Manol, with a bit of the tortoise shell scratchplate.Hank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 05:48 PM
Side view of the Manol. Note the rich color of the walnut.Hank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 05:55 PM
Head and neck of Manol ud.Hank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 05:58 PM
Bottom of Manol…Hank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 06:00 PM
Three-quarter view of Manol…Hank Levin - 4-15-2005 at 06:03 PM
Back of Manol, from a slight angle…Jonathan - 4-15-2005 at 08:01 PM
Thanks, Hank, for sharing pics of such an incredible instrument. Just incredible.
I know we have had this discussion before, but isn't it amazing how many of the great old instruments use a simple, small mizraplek/ mizrap guard like
this one? I just can't believe that a huge plastic mizrapguard, like found on so many modern ouds, does not diminish sound quality.Andy - 4-15-2005 at 09:36 PM
Hank it is a beautiful instrument. What kind of wood is the back made of?Hank Levin - 4-16-2005 at 08:59 AM
Yes, Jonathan, I'm inclined to agree with you--although John Merjanian did not, and talked me into using an extended mizraplek on my Karabyan copy. He
pointed out that even George Mgdechian (my idol at the time) tended to chew up the face and rosettes. However, Cinuçen Tanrikorur felt otherwise, and
instruments made to his specs have a really teeny mizraplek. Mustafa's ouds, BTW, which are largely copies of the Manol, use essentially the same size
and shape as Manol, and I feel this is most esthetic as well as optimum protection for me.
When I first began to play oud, my mizrap always hit the face. In fact, I even extended the protection even beyond the mizraplek by carefully glueing
thin acetate around other areas that were getting beat up, using spray adhesive. Then several Turkish musicians observed that my sound really sucked,
and I should stop hitting the face. I didn't quite know how, until I began to study with Necati, who showed me how one can hit the strings quite hard
without hitting the face.
Andy, the wood seems to be Circacian Walnut, in alternating dark and light strips, with ebony stripes between. If I didn't know that this wood comes
in a variety of colors, I'd be inclined to think it was walnut and mahogany. The porosity varies from one strip to another, and there is no
consistent difference between ribs. However, I think that walnut was far more available in Istanbul than mahogany at that time. I never noticed a
mahogany smell working on it, and there are a couple of ribs where both colors appear in the same rib. So I say for now that it's all walnut.Stefan Andalus - 4-16-2005 at 11:17 AM
I once owned exactly the same model of oud by Manol. Also made in 1910. One of the saddest days in my life came when I bubble wrapped it, put it in
its case, bubble wrapped and styrofoam packed the case in a strong cardboard box and shipped it UPS to my teacher, John Bilezikjian. It arrived
irretrievably broken. Please, please, please, send this precious beautiful and irreplaceable oud to its new owner in, perhaps a wooden crate with the
case and bubble-wrapped oud inside. asalaam, shalom, Steve (also in San Francisco)dahun - 4-16-2005 at 11:39 AM
How awsome, Hank!
It would be great, if somehow you could post a sound clip. I imagine many of us have never heard an original Manol.
I would also like to hear how it compares to the Moustafa, which, as you know, I own and like very much.
Please, please, please post a sound.
Thanks for sharing.
BélaHank Levin - 4-16-2005 at 07:50 PM
Hi Bela--
As I mentioned, it will probably be a while before I can make a recording and short MP3 on this oud. I'm thinking about it, though. Hope you're doing
well up there in Bellingham! --HankChris_Khouri - 4-17-2005 at 10:33 AM
With such a high price and a precious instrument, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to transport the instrument urself or have the buyer travel to
pick it up.
Chrismehmet - 4-19-2005 at 05:19 AM
lovely oud. price is very hi. would you be willing to negotiate? what if i offer you 4000 euro for it to start?
thank you,
mehmetJonathan - 4-19-2005 at 06:43 AM
The price really does not seem out of line. How often does an original Manol show up? I wish I could afford it, but it certainly seems like it would
be worth the asking price.mehmet - 4-19-2005 at 07:52 AM
hello jonathan. not to be rude but in my part of the world we bargain for everything. it is true this is a lovely oud and looks in good condition for
such an old one. maybe hank and i could meet in half way. i do not know unless i ask. please forgive me.Hank Levin - 4-19-2005 at 10:09 AM
Hi, folks!
I appreciate any offers; but they should really be made directly to me at hank@musicaravan.com rather than publicly to become subject of comment
(regardless of how legitimate!).
Let me say that as far as I know, there is no other Manol for sale in the world right now, especially with original face and in good playing position.
Unfortunately there is not a whole lot of wiggle room on the price, as it has already incurred costs. We know of one in Ankara that is in perfect
condition, whose owner refused an offer of £30,000. --Hankmavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 11:34 AM
Aaaah Hank,
I was convinced this post would be the one with a sound file... Everytime you respond my heart jumps a little with the hope that I'll get to hear this
beautiful ud. I can't honestly afford this Venios ud, as much as it hurts me to consider it, so you don't need to post for me...but please do, if you
pity us at all!
It would be a double treat to hear the instrument and your playing on it.
Regards from New York.
Sincerely,
mavrothisIsagani - 4-19-2005 at 02:09 PM
I had the great fortune of hearing this Manol in person. From a first impression, the mid to treble range sounds remarkably similar to the Mustafa I
have in terms of tone and projection. The bass is actually louder and stronger on the Manol. It is indeed surprisingly robust for such an old
instrument. The back is simply gorgeous and elegant. Hank, I appreciate the experience!
Cordially,
JoseMike - 4-19-2005 at 02:41 PM
It's a beautiful oud indeed. Thanks for sharing the photos. I agree with Hank though; let's keep the negotiating (which I also think is typical of
items such as this) on a person-to-person basis. Thanks again for sharing these photos Hank. Oh, and do those people who refused the 30,000 pounds
want to adopt a son?
MikeJonathan - 4-19-2005 at 06:55 PM
A bit off topic, I guess, but does anybody know from whom Manol learned oudmaking?spyros mesogeia - 4-20-2005 at 06:48 AM
I have the luck to play an exactly same instrument made in 1905 every day,and ho knows,maybe one day I will purchase it.....
the truth is that they are amazing instruments.
It's the one that I was based to do my Turkish inlayed instrument.
Regards to all
Spyros Greeceudi19002000 - 4-27-2005 at 04:40 AM
Spyro
can you please send a foto of your Manol oud and if it's easy a sound clip of this oud?
Kai perissoteres plhrofories an mporeis.spyros mesogeia - 5-7-2005 at 05:09 AM
In the past I have put some photos of the instrument,together with my inlayed ,
If you wish come to see it and maybe play it my friend
Einai dyskolo na hxografhsw to oyti kai na to balw sto site.alla fwtografies mporw na soy steilw an 8es,apla epikoinwnhse mazi moy,h' kalytera kateba
kapoia stigmh na to deis apo konta.to organo den einai pros pwlhsh.....einai 8ema paradoshs
Best Regards
SpyrosJonathan - 8-9-2005 at 05:41 AM
I'm with you, an oud like this is art, but it is always sad to me to see a great oud hanging on a wall, unplayed. It may be art, but most of the
beauty of an oud is in its sound. For an oud to remain unplayed is a close to a crime, in my humble opinion.
great manol collection in istanbul
wefra - 5-19-2007 at 09:07 AM
hi
i have seen 11 Manols in the Cengiz Sarikus at shop.
they are very special Manol ouds and best condition.
5 Manol ouds famous Ottoman family.
Cengiz Sarikus shop
Hank Levin - 5-19-2007 at 01:25 PM
Sevgili Wefra,
I will be visiting in Istanbul shortly. Please, what is the location of the Cengiz Sarikus atelier? --Hank Levin
Quote:
Originally posted by wefra
hi
i have seen 11 Manols in the Cengiz Sarikus at shop.
they are very special Manol ouds and best condition.
5 Manol ouds famous Ottoman family.
pirsultan - 5-19-2007 at 10:33 PM
Hank
The address in on the Veysel Müzik Evi web site at http://www.veyselmuzik.com/tr/index.php
The shop is in the Aksaray area in a side street (no. 21 Sefai Efendi Sok. although I think you may also see this as Safi Efendi Sok. ) off the main
arterial road Millet Caddesi (this is also known as Turgut Özal Cad. - don't you love Istanbul!). You'll find it on Google Maps if you locate Ataturk
Bulvarı and scroll a little to west).
I want to pop into the shop myself in a few weeks time when I will be in Istanbul as I have a nice ud made by Cenziz Sarıkuş (1988) that I
would like to find out a bit more about.
cheers
PaulHank Levin - 5-20-2007 at 03:26 PM
Tesikkur, efendim! --HankHank Levin - 5-20-2007 at 03:27 PM
Paul,
When will you be in Istanbul? I will be going there very early in June. --Hankpirsultan - 5-20-2007 at 06:11 PM
Hank
I will not get to Istanbul until around the middle of June unfortunately (15th or 16th). Will probably try to get to Veysel Muzik around that time
(more likely the 16th or 17th after I have recovered from flight from Australia and fortified myself on boza!). But will have to head out east to
Sivas pretty soon after I arrive so I can make my arrangements to get to the Pir Sultan Abdal festival. Will return to Istanbul early July.
I'm curious to see the old instruments Cengiz usta has too. Many years ago Mustafa Yaşar at Istanbul Muzik Evi used to have some old uds as well,
but I haven't been there for some time, so not sure if this is still the case.
cheers
Paulwefra - 1-23-2009 at 12:23 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by wefra
dear hank
Cengiz Sarikus is bigest master in Turkey.
i says 11 Manol will put Cengiz Sarikus new web site (veyselmuzik.com).
I will shape a special Manol oud near fature
Best Regards
Wefra
Can u post the label ?
omazuz - 1-24-2009 at 12:05 AM
The oud looks amazing and in perfect condition- I'm sure the sound is outstanding- Manol is the most OUD i have ever played.Hank Levin - 1-24-2009 at 07:37 PM
Dear Omazuz,
Unfortunately, this instrument was sold several years ago. It is a very old string.
Best,
HankJonathan - 3-10-2012 at 02:21 PM
THIS INSTRUMENT IS NOW BEING OFFERED FOR SALE
I purchased this amazing instrument from Hank Levin back in 2005.
It remains the most beautiful-sounding oud that I have ever heard.
It has been carefully stored the entire time that I have owned it, and I know that it has been played less than 12 hours in that entire time--I have
over 40 ouds, and despite being blown away by the sound of this instrument, I never allowed it to be played much. I always have considered it a very
special, soulful instrument that should be cherished.
IT IS WITH SOME REGRET THAT I NOW OFFER THIS INSTRUMENT FOR SALE, back at the original asking price from 2005--$9995.
I will ship it is a hard case. Shipping and insurance anywhere in the United States will be free.
If you are interested in the oud and are from outside of the US, please contact me first so we can figure out a shipping and insurance price (I am
afraid it will be rather high, unfortunately).
This is an elegant instrument.
Absolutely no work has been done on it since I acquired it from Hank.
I really would like for this oud to go to a good home. That's why I am first offering it here, rather than on ebay or somewhere else. It is a
special instrument.
I've been a member of this forum since 2003.
If interested, please contact me at this email address:
Jonathan 3 2 3 (AT) Mac (DOT) com
Jonathan - 3-11-2012 at 08:39 AM
The photos that Hank posted back in 2005 of this oud still reflect the condition of this oud today. It has been played very very minimally, and no
further work has been done.
But, here are a couple of newer photos of it. Jonathan - 3-11-2012 at 08:41 AM
.
Jonathan - 9-1-2012 at 08:00 AM
I've been out of town (and country) for months, but will be returning in a few days. The oud is still for sale.jack - 9-1-2012 at 12:10 PM
Any chance of a sound sample?aytayfun - 6-24-2013 at 09:42 AM
Does the bridge original? Hank Levin - 6-24-2013 at 06:44 PM
Yes, I think the bridge is original. These ouds at that time used single treble strings (because it was so hard to match two treble gut strings), and
double bass strings. When nylon strings became available and thin treble strings could be easily matched, the bridges were drilled to accept two
trebles, only one bass string (usually) was now used (leaving an empty hole in the bass side of the bridge, and the nut was re-made to accept two
trebles and one bass. This bridge may reflect that conversion. But yes, it's original.Hank Levin - 6-24-2013 at 06:55 PM
I would like to make a comment about this instrument. It was left with me to sell by Ustad Necati Çelik, my friend and teacher who had brought it
from Istanbul. During the short time that I had it and played it, I had the most interesting experience---melodies would come to me that I had never
heard. It was as though a being was associated with this oud that was trying to "say" something, and was "showing" things to me much like a music
teacher would. It's a very magic instrument. I wish I could afford to have it again.Doc139 - 6-25-2013 at 04:22 AM
I just realised that it is an old thread... but anyway, that is/was beautiful instrument, thanks for the photos.
if you want to listen to the sound of a Manol oud, I recommend to listen to the new cd of Ara Dinkjian "Conversations with Manol", played on a (I
think) 1900 Manol.
Alexander
.