pauldata - 4-20-2007 at 11:25 PM
Hi, I've just ordered an oud from Saadettin Sandi of Ankara Turkey, it will be shipped monday, and I'm psyched! 
I owned an oud back in the 70s, but it didn't hold together well and I gave it away. I'm primarily trained on
guitar, but I gigged for many years on fretless bass, and I also worked as a percussionist at New York University doing musical accompaniment for
dance classes. Currently I play darabukka and bass with Balkan Spirit, a trio that specializes in Gypsy music; we have a cembalom (!) player, and
also a fellow from Bulgaria who sings and plays guitar and tamboura.
A couple weeks ago I got in touch with John Berberian (my favorite oud player) and he recommended the Sandi company; they seem to be very professional
and quick to respond, so I wired them the $$ on tuesday and just got notification from them that it will be shipping monday.
Does anyone have any idea approx how long a DHL shipment should take from Ankara to Arizona?
Thanks!
-PD
Greg - 4-21-2007 at 12:08 AM
Welcome to the forums Paul. And congratulations on your new oud. I have heard only good things about Saadettin Sandi's ouds, so I feel sure you wont
be disappointed.
Play it in good health.
Regards,
Greg
Haluk - 4-21-2007 at 01:50 AM
From Ankara to Arizona via DHL,your oud may arrive in 4-5 days.
With best wishes.
Microber - 4-21-2007 at 11:53 AM
Which one do you choose ?
I bought mine in the shop of Istanbul in July 2005.
My model is VMUi50.
I'm very happy with it.
My Iraqi teacher says it is a very good oud.
A few pictures here.
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=6004
Robert
pauldata - 4-21-2007 at 04:56 PM
Microber, that is one lovely oud! I had to choose the student model, as I am just a beginner and could not afford any of the higer models. I just
hope for a good playable instrument with low action and nice tone...
I do wish that I could have picked one out in person, but Mr Sandi has been very kind and has assured me he would hand pick my instrument!
pauldata - 5-10-2007 at 03:02 PM
Well, as of today's date, still no sign of my oud from Cankaya / Sandi... Wonder what is taking so long???? :/
dubai244 - 5-11-2007 at 09:13 AM
Hi,
Could you please send me contact number or website of Sandi, i might order one also.
Thanks
paulO - 5-11-2007 at 02:49 PM
Hi pauldata,
I've found that no matter who's sending the oud, it never gets arrives soon enough 
Just kidding...hope it's at your door today ! Take care.
Paul
pauldata - 5-11-2007 at 10:00 PM
LOL! It arrived today, in good order. I imagine it will take a couple of days to stay in tune, but overall I'm quite pleased with this oud from Mr
Sandi!
Lintfree - 5-12-2007 at 03:22 AM
Mr. Berberian's advice is worth its weight in gold. He's my favorite player too and his recordings got me started playing back in the 60's. If he
recommends something it has to be good.
Welcome to a strange obsession, the world of oud buying and playing. Those of us that already have the disease are way beyond help and will never go
back to normal life....ever. There is no instrument other than maybe the violin that can pick you up by the neck and shake you like an old rag doll
like the oud. Drink lots of coffee and don't talk to anyone for a month. Don't answer the door and send out for pizza. Only talk to the pizza guy.
Good luck. D.L.
pauldata - 5-12-2007 at 12:33 PM
heheh, since my Sandi oud arrived I've been (trying to) play along with my John Berberian recordings. His 'Ode to an Oud' is my all time oud
favorite, I first got it on vinyl in the early 70s, and recently John made me a CD of it from his master tapes!
Since I played fretless bass for 20+ years, I'm not having too much trouble with intonation; this thing is FUN!