Jason - 9-20-2006 at 06:19 PM
While on my quest for a new oud I've come across this one from Maurice. It's 58.5cm string length. I'm a little unsure of what kind of tone to
expect with this string length and body combination. I've seen a lot of Ghadban's with this configuration as well but I don't think I've heard any
recordings.
Obviously things like this are very subjective but are there any fundamental ways in which this oud would differ from a traditional Turkish oud sound
or playability wise?
SamirCanada - 9-20-2006 at 07:07 PM
I own a Shehata with the practically the same dimention. Iam extremely happy with it. Sound wise its a really loud projecting instrument. The tone it
self is verry unique. I dont think I have heard a oud sound like a shehata before it is verry particular so I could record you a full quality sample
and you could decide on your own if you like the tone. I have a full ebony fingerboard and a different pickgard... the rest are identical to this oud
so it would give you a good idea.
Did you watch this video http://www.mikeouds.com/video/modathir.ram
It will give you a good idea.
Jason - 9-20-2006 at 07:39 PM
Thanks for the reply Samir, I knew you had a Shehata but I didn't know it was the shorter string length.
If you have any full quality samples you could email me that would be great. My address is jason_sturgill9@eku.edu
Is your fingerboard different than this one?
I'm having a tough time deciding between this oud and a very nice Turkish oud. I tend to play more in the Turkish style but I wouldn't say I'm
'serious' about only pursuing one type of oud music. I just wish I lived somewhere where I could try these instruments out hehe
SamirCanada - 9-20-2006 at 07:51 PM
well this oud would be a good choice with the shorter string legnth being closer then to the turkish oud. Mine Is 60cm long by the way. I didnt pay
attention to that detail. But the sound comes from the tuning of the braces and the bowl. the lenght of the strings have little effect since there
tuned to the same note. The tension might be a little different but I doubt the difference in string lenght would be noticable exept that it will be
more comfortable to make the switch between your turkish and this one then a 60cm. I have ouds that are different string lenght and honestly it takes
a few minutes to fully adjust when I go from one to the other but it doesnt bother me that much.
My fingerboard is the same exept its not inlaid like that.
Jason - 9-20-2006 at 08:03 PM
Yeah I didn't think the difference in string length would be as big a deal as some people make it. I routinely go from upright bass to the oud,
that's extreme!
I wasn't aware that the braces on the inside were that different than a Turkish oud. I need to ask Mr. Shehata what tuning this oud is designed for.
I would think that I could safely tune it to EABEAD with something like the light tension Aquilas.
oudman - 9-21-2006 at 02:27 AM
I dont think it would be safe at all to tune a Shehaha or any other arabic oud for that matter a full step up (EABEAD).
If anything, Arabic ouds sound better (and i personally think its healthier for the instrument) tuned a half step down
Jason - 9-23-2006 at 05:05 PM
I emailed Mr. Shehata about the tuning on this oud. He said that it should be fine to tune it EABEAD. I assume he means that it would be okay if I'm
using strings made for Turkish tuning.
The tuning isn't a huge deal to me, when I play with guitarists it's usually easier to transpose to guitar friendly keys starting out of EABEAD
though.
Thanks for your help guys, I'm having a horrible time deciding what kind of oud to order hehe