Mike's Oud Forums

Recommendations on Cheap Ouds

tapatioud_lover - 10-20-2024 at 03:52 PM

Hi everyone,

I was captivated by the oud and I'd like to buy one. However as a college student, I have a limited budget for things that don't specifically go towards my studies or survival. That is why I am looking for an oud that's between $200 and $600. I'd prefer to go for something for $450 or less since I don't want to spend so much.

I found a couple of ouds through my searching that I am interested in. Here are the choices:

The Turkish Butterfly (Zaza Percussion/Amazon) for $358: https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Beginners-Oud-Turkish-Butterfly/dp/B0...

Turkish Oud Black Walnut (EthnicMusical) for $400: https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/turkish-oud-black-walnut/

These options seem totally serviceable. However, since I am not a player of the oud, I don't know the downsides. Have any of you used any of these ouds and if so can anyone let me know if either of them are worth buying (let me know of any defects/suboptimal qualities too). They all sound good to my untrained ear.

Thanks in advance for all your advice

coolsciguy - 10-20-2024 at 05:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tapatioud_lover  

Turkish Oud Black Walnut (EthnicMusical) for $400: https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/turkish-oud-black-walnut/



Hey! Welcome to the circle!

I won't recommend either option. Ethnic musical is a reputable shop but that one model (Black Walnut) is not worth an investment. Neither is the Amazon oud (no good eastern instruments are sold on Amazon). I purchased the Black Walnut oud as my first and couldn't get it to tune let alone produce any good sounds. A student Zeryab oud was my second one and it was much much better for $100 more (like this one: https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/shami-oud-by-zeryab-classic-cedar... )

Where are you located? Your best bet is to give it time and find a second handed oud. You can ask here if the ones you find are any good.

Good luck!

Jody Stecher - 10-20-2024 at 06:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tapatioud_lover  
Hi everyone,

I am looking for an oud that's between $200 and $600. I'd prefer to go for something for $450 or less since I don't want to spend so much.


Thanks in advance for all your advice


I have sent a U2U.

tapatioud_lover - 10-20-2024 at 09:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by coolsciguy  
Quote: Originally posted by tapatioud_lover  

Turkish Oud Black Walnut (EthnicMusical) for $400: https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/turkish-oud-black-walnut/



Hey! Welcome to the circle!

I won't recommend either option. Ethnic musical is a reputable shop but that one model (Black Walnut) is not worth an investment. Neither is the Amazon oud (no good eastern instruments are sold on Amazon). I purchased the Black Walnut oud as my first and couldn't get it to tune let alone produce any good sounds. A student Zeryab oud was my second one and it was much much better for $100 more (like this one: https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/shami-oud-by-zeryab-classic-cedar... )

Where are you located? Your best bet is to give it time and find a second handed oud. You can ask here if the ones you find are any good.

Good luck!


Thanks for the reply!

I am located in Los Angeles. Which sites do you recommend for good Ouds that I can count on the quality of? Can I count on secondhand eBay sellers?


coolsciguy - 10-21-2024 at 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tapatioud_lover  
]

I am located in Los Angeles. Which sites do you recommend for good Ouds that I can count on the quality of? Can I count on secondhand eBay sellers?



Occasionally you'll find good secondhand ones on FB marketplace. I don't recommend ebay unless you really know what you are getting. You can post what you find here and get some feedback. Members of this forum might have one to sell in your budget; the owner of this forum (Mike) is close to you and I bought my Zeryab from him and had a great experience (click on the add above to see what he has in stock).