valdae - 11-20-2006 at 01:29 PM
I am a newbie to this site and to the oud. Prior to coming here I was seriously interested in getting a pipa (Chinese lute, very expressive
instrument). I was doing research on the instrument, as well as visiting YOU TUBE to see any available video, and thankfully there were several.
After a few days of viewing these, for some reason, probably given the shape of the pipa (also pear shaped), I wondered if Y T had any video on the
oud. I typed it in and was immediately inundated. I couldn’t believe it. I was immediately smitten.
Though I love the pipa a great deal, there are no method books on the instrument in English, though there are VCDs for instruction. The more videos I
watched of the oud the more beguiled I became. I haven’t quite made up my mind yet, but I won’t be getting either until early next year, anyway.
For now, I want to soak up as much information and music as I can on the oud. This is one of several web sites I’ve saved for that purpose.
Needless to say, I’ll be asking a lot of questions.
So in a sense I’m on the fence, but I must admit, the more I learn about the oud and listen to exceptional players, the more intrigued I become, and
of course there are method books available for it in English (a strong drawing card as opposed to the pipa). The irony for me is the fact that I’ve
heard both instruments through TV and movies all my life. So in a way I’m not a total stranger to either instrument.
Brian Prunka - 11-20-2006 at 01:47 PM
Hey Valdae,
I lived in NO for 10 years; I know that there are a couple of people there that play oud. Not sure what their status is post-katrina, but if you
want, I'll try to find contact info for you.
best,
Brian
valdae - 11-20-2006 at 01:56 PM
That would be great.
I won't have an instrument until March of next year, and I've been looking through Lark in the Morning, Ethnic Musical Instruments, among others. My
budget will be fixed at $500.00, but I'd like to think that could get me something better than a student grade oud. What do you think?
SamirCanada - 11-20-2006 at 04:16 PM
Dont buy from either of those fringe world music stores including the one's you have mentioned above. Nothing good can come from it.
I encourage you to keep an eye out on the ouds that are offered on here in the buy and sell forrums. Most people here are trustworthy.
Also look through the site and you will find that there is a man from Turkey who's name is Haluk his web site is right under
http://www.eraydinsazevi.com.tr/
His beginer student oud is the most affordable and highest quality oud available. It is a turkish oud but it can be tuned to the arabic tuning with
great succes using the right strings.
good luck and dont forget the learn to play section on the main page it has nice videos and all the professional videos also found on the main page.
excellent advice
Leigh - 11-20-2006 at 06:06 PM
excellent advice
Leigh - 11-20-2006 at 06:12 PM
I recently acquired a beginner Oud, (Oud3), from Mr. Eraydin, and for the price range you mentioned you couldn't get a better beginner oud elsewhere.
I did a lot of research and and asked a lot of questions of my friend Amos on where to get my first oud. absolutely can't go wrong with Haluk
Eraydins instruments. I have been meaning to post photos, but have not gotten the digitsl camera to do so with yet! Soon.....
valdae - 11-20-2006 at 09:34 PM
I'll take this into consideration, but as I said, my budget will be pretty fixed at $500.00. Still, I will check out that site. Also, what about the
Nile Shop? I've seen the ouds there and the prices are right for me, and there were testimonials of purchases made by forumites from this forum.
SamirCanada - 11-20-2006 at 09:52 PM
His ouds are nice also and can be used with good succes. They are arabic ouds so if you will be using the arabic tuning and playing then you will like
those ouds better. Either way if you keep a decent rate you will outgrow a beginer oud in 6 months to year.
Have you concidered getting your oud directly from a maker?
Shehata ouds are nice http://www.mauriceouds.com and are top quality workmanship you might be able to get one for a little more then your buget allows but if you wanted
to resell it. It could be sold in a week.
Jason - 11-21-2006 at 05:05 AM
You might also keep an eye out for a used Model 14 Sukar. They pop up for sale from time to time for around $500-600.
I would contact Mr. Shehata though. I think he is having free shipping until the end of the year, I may be wrong though.