mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:02 PM
Hi guys,
I'm considering selling my Najarian oud, and I'm curious if anyone here in the forums would be interested in it. If so, I'll be happy to post some
new recordings for you to hear.
Here's the story on my oud:
It is a 500 series oud (#500-8) and was custom made for me in 2002.
The top is spruce, the fingerboard and pegs are ebony, and the back is walnut/mahogany with maple spacers.
I have installed very high quality piezo pickups inside under the bridge (4 total) made by K&K - they are the Pure Classic model, designed for
classical guitar - K&K Sound - They give a very clear and warm tone, especially when used with a high quality preamp.
Dincer Dalkilic recently brought the action down a little for me and replaced the old nut with one of his own which he made of bone. He did great
work and the spacing of the strings is now even better, so it's even more comfortable to play now than before.
Lastly, I use only custom ordered Pyramid lute strings, which are around $50/set. There is a new set on the oud now and one more would be included
with the oud if it is sold (for 57.5 cm string length, tuning EABead from lowest to highest).
These are the details of the oud. If anyone is interested, I will happily post some audio, both acoustic and through my amplifier. Over the past
three years the sound and projection have really opened up on this oud, and it will only continue to improve in tone. It has a very strong, clear,
and traditional sound. I like it for both classical and folk/urban style music, and it plays very easily.
I hope if I can sell it that it will go to someone who really enjoys playing and appreciates a high quality instrument. 
With the case I am asking $2200 including shipping/insurance. Here are the pictures.
Take care,
mavrothis
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:03 PM
Here is a close up of the front.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:04 PM
The fingerboard.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:05 PM
The back view.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:06 PM
Close up of the bowl.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:07 PM
Close up of the neck.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:08 PM
Side view of the pegbox.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:10 PM
Front view of pegbox.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:11 PM
Rosettes.
mavrothis - 4-19-2005 at 04:12 PM
Last one, bottom of the oud.
Jameel - 4-19-2005 at 05:01 PM
Hey Mav,
You've raved about this oud forever it seems, what's changed?
mavrothis - 4-20-2005 at 03:45 AM
Hi Jameel,
Nothing's changed, it's still an excellent oud. It's actually better than it was originally, b/c the tone has opened up and the playability is
improved.
There is one thing that is on my mind though; consistency. The scale/string length on my newest oud is a little longer, with a wider fingerboard. I
enjoy this, even if it sounds counterintuitive. The Najarian is a different animal, based more on older style ouds, like Karibyan instruments, and
not the more modern Turkish style, like Dincer Dalkilic's instruments.
This is a nitpicky thing. The oud is really excellent, but now that I've found that I prefer to have a little longer string length and wider
fingerboard, I'd like the Turkish style ouds I have to be consistent in that regard. So when I practice on one, it's like practicing on the other,
etc.
So that's the story. If I can sell my Najarian, I will invest in another oud that is built to the scale I now know I prefer.
Take care,
mavrothis
Sound file - Kapris by S. M. Targan
mavrothis - 4-22-2005 at 10:37 AM
Hi guys,
When I was trying to think of what I should play as a sound file for my Najarian, I decided to have some fun. So here is my take on Sherif Muhiddin
Targan's "Kapris." I know it's not perfect, but I hope you enjoy it. For a better quality soundfile (this one is compressed quite a bit) go to Oud Cafe Recordings Page. It's listed there too.
Take care,
mavrothis
eliot - 4-22-2005 at 10:51 AM
Is that recorded through the internal pickups?
(I don't need any more ouds, but I'm always looking for better electronics systems for the ones I do have...)
- nice playing, BTW!
mavrothis - 4-22-2005 at 10:52 AM
Hi,
Thanks. No, this was acoustic. I'll post a clip using the pickups soon.
Take care,
mavrothis
Jameel - 4-22-2005 at 11:02 AM
WOW! That's excellent, Mav. I'm impressed. 
oudplayer - 4-22-2005 at 11:04 AM
hey mav sup
that was really really good it was fine and hope u only get beter.
thx sammy and looking foward how it sounds amped
Andy - 4-22-2005 at 05:27 PM
BRAVO excellent
LeeVaris - 4-22-2005 at 06:19 PM
Wow... Mav!
That's some playing there. A very difficult piece to even attempt and you managed to pull it off. When is your album coming out? 
Multi Kulti - 4-23-2005 at 02:16 AM
I like it i like it !!!!!!!!!
Bravo mavroudi eisai asteri!
nikos
mavrothis - 4-23-2005 at 07:11 AM
Hey guys,
Thanks a lot. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Of course I'm working on it pretty
constantly, trying to even some parts out, be cleaner, etc.
But I appreciate the kind words a lot. Thanks!
Euxaristw!
Take care,
mav
spyros mesogeia - 4-24-2005 at 11:07 PM
Mavro Bro what can I say,
As I told you and before,when we will meet I will ask you to give me some lessons
Bravo aderfe,eimai perhfanos poly re file poy eimaste filarakia,egrapses.
Regards to all
Spyros Koliavasilis
habeebkum - 4-25-2005 at 12:51 AM
the oud looks great and ur playing is superb mav! take care
Africain - 4-25-2005 at 09:53 PM
Wow wonderful piece, clean fingers !!! and to much expressive !!!
Why you want to sell you ud then????
Is this Greek music ? I love it
mavrothis - 4-26-2005 at 04:18 AM
Hi,
This was an attempt to play the Kapris (Caprice) by Sheriff Muhiddin Targan, a very famous Turkish oud/cello player and composer. He was a very
important figure in modern Middle Eastern music, both in Turkey and Iraq.
Thanks for you great comments.
Take care,
mavrothis
Brian Prunka - 4-27-2005 at 03:25 PM
I just wanted to mention that I've played Mav's Najarian and my opinion (for what it's worth) is that it's an excellent instrument.
oudmaker - 5-2-2005 at 09:49 AM
To Whom it may concern
Yes. I serviced Mav's Najarian. It is a very well made oud. You can buy it with confidence.
Dincer
mavrothis - 5-10-2005 at 01:39 PM
Hi guys,
I've decided to lower the asking price a little for my oud. With the case and shipping I'm asking $2000. For the oud only, $1800, including
shipping.
Let me know if anyone is interested.
Take care,
mavrothis
ps - Thanks to Dincer and Brian for the recommendations.
Caprice by Targan
wfspark - 5-12-2005 at 07:25 AM
Awsome job Mav! I like the sliding you did in the beginning of the solo. That sliding reminds me of the sliding Udi Rant did in some of his Taxims.
Keep up the good work.
William F. Sparks
mavrothis - 5-15-2005 at 12:21 PM
Hi guys,
The oud's been sold. Thanks to Mike of course, and to everyone who took the time to give me some encouragement. I appreciate it, and hope the new
owner will appreciate this great oud.
Take care,
mavrothis