Harith - 10-30-2005 at 02:28 AM
Hi guys,
I'm planning to buy Oud on my next visit to UAE (a month from now). Because I do not really have any experience to distinguish good ouds from bad
ones, I was wondering if I can get sort of advice or key points that I should look at when making my decision. I'd like to hear something like avoid
this (...) and try to get one with (...), which is known to be the best Iraqi, syrian, bahraini... etc.
Thanks in advance 
Harith - 10-30-2005 at 12:52 PM
no answers? 
palestine48 - 10-30-2005 at 07:46 PM
http://oudman.com/pages/main.html
Hi Harith, I live in san francisco too!
http://oudman.com/pages/main.html
Here is the link to najib shaheeens website, an oud luthier. He describes what features a good oud should have.
As for my opinion, just make sure you like the sound. Try to look beyond looks but make sure it does not look like it was roughly put together.
Make sure it tunes smoothly and you dont have a hard time playing it. Najib's website will get futyher in the details.
There are a few oud musicians in san francisco you can ask but getting a hold of them might be some effort. You can go to amiras on Valencia, I think
in the weekend they have an oud player playing.
The best bet is visit pea<b>rooster</b> music on 14th and Noe. A man named George pea<b>rooster</b> has experience building
and repairing ouds and he can probably answer your questions on what qualities to look for.
Good luck and take care,
Rami
Harith - 10-30-2005 at 08:01 PM
Hi Rami,
Thank you so much for the link and the for valuable information regarding oud places in SF. This is really useful!
tezza - 10-30-2005 at 11:50 PM
Harith, are you going to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Harith - 10-31-2005 at 09:56 AM
I will be in Al-Ain most of the time. However, I'll be checking out places all over the country!
tezza - 10-31-2005 at 10:44 PM
The reason I ask is that there are more decent (dedicated) oud shops in Abu Dhabi than Dubai (which is where most people go to in the UAE). I'm
heading down to Abu Dhabi in a couple of weeks, I wonder if anyone on these boards has some recommendations of shops there?