Mike's Oud Forums

amplifying an oud

bluesyOud - 3-5-2004 at 03:17 AM

I know that an instrument like oud sounds
best on it's own natural sound!!!
but if you perform live in abig room how do
you amplify it?
are there any pickups you can use?
if yes can you tell me more about them?
which amplifiers do you prefer?
if you use a microphone which are the disadvantages and advantages?

Multi Kulti - 3-5-2004 at 05:19 AM

See there

http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=227

amarock - 3-5-2004 at 01:22 PM

i'd like to know specificly if someone can tell me if he has some experiment with amplifier for oud (for a power of apr.60W).
Thank you.
Bruno

mavrothis - 3-5-2004 at 04:27 PM

Hi. My favorite acoustic amplifier is the California Blonde by SWR. It's 100W and sounds amazing for all kinds of acoustic instruments, especially oud, violin, and guitar.

There is a smaller version that is around 50W I think called the Strawberry Blonde, but it only has one input. The California has two independent inputs.

Take care,

mav

Multi Kulti - 3-6-2004 at 04:47 AM

There is another one strong and clear Amplifier for Acoustic Instruments.

AER is the name of the company and the base is in Germany.I had the chance to check one "domino" amp from AER.It was suprisingly clear and so loud.The only problem (and thats why i didnt buy it) is the price ....I think all models of them start from 1500 euro (60 watts)...

The website is http://www.aer-amps.de/

Nikos

spyros mesogeia - 3-6-2004 at 05:01 AM

I saw once an Aer amplificator,great,but the price was tooo hot for my budget:D
Regards

mavrothis - 3-6-2004 at 10:58 AM

my california blonde by swr was around $800. the strawberry blonde is around $500-$600 i think.

take care,

mav

Re: amplifying an oud.

wfspark - 3-7-2004 at 07:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bluesyOud
I know that an instrument like oud sounds
best on it's own natural sound!!!
but if you perform live in abig room how do
you amplify it?
are there any pickups you can use?
if yes can you tell me more about them?
which amplifiers do you prefer?
if you use a microphone which are the disadvantages and advantages?
Hello. I have some recommendations for pickups and amps for oud. I believe Mr. Eraydin carries oud pickups. If not him, look at Mid-east MFG. They sell ouds and oud pickups. As far as amps go, a rolland keyboard hamp or a Fender Accoustosonic amp would work. Although mikes are well known for amplifying musical instruments, sometimes they feed back. If you want to find an instrument mike, look for Audiotechnica or Sure brand instrument mikes. If you have any more questions I'm William Sparks, and my e-mail is wfspark@yahoo.com.

William F. Sparks

re: Amplifiers.

wfspark - 3-7-2004 at 08:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mavrothis
Hi. My favorite acoustic amplifier is the California Blonde by SWR. It's 100W and sounds amazing for all kinds of acoustic instruments, especially oud, violin, and guitar.

There is a smaller version that is around 50W I think called the Strawberry Blonde, but it only has one input. The California has two independent inputs.

Take care,

mav
Good choice of amps! I forgot all about the California Blond amps! I was just explaining to Bluesy Oud that a good amp would be a keyboard amp by Rolland. The keyboard amp whould bring the treble tones out in an oud. You should try one. I've also had good experiences with line6 amps. If you have questions, I'm William Sparks and my e-mail is wfspark@yahoo.com.

William F. Sparks

amplifying an oud

billkilpatrick - 3-8-2004 at 01:20 AM

don't do it...

...put down the pick-up!

get yourself a risha made of horn and you'll be amazed at the increase in volume.

- bill

mavrothis - 3-8-2004 at 04:24 AM

hi bill,

when you're playing live with other instruments, even by yourself in a decent sized hall, a risha change makes no real difference. you need some sort of amplification. that's why it's necessary to choose the best equipment possible.

mav

Amplifying an oud.

wfspark - 3-8-2004 at 05:05 AM

Hello Bill. The horn risha is good, but their are some oud players that play in places like Albert Hall and other concert venues. I could understand your plee not to use amplifyers to "rockify the instrument." I don't see people doing that since instruments like the oud feed back in situations like that. you don't sacrofise the sound when amplifying an oud when you have the right equipment. I can see that you are a purest, and we need people like that to restore and maintain the ouds antiquity, but their is always room for improvement so long as it doesn't intrude on the characteristic tone of the oud. Keep the oud strong and proud.

William F. Sparks

amplifying an oud

billkilpatrick - 3-8-2004 at 05:23 AM

of course, i'll defer to both your points of view. mainly because "auditoriums," filled with people yelling "BILL!!!!...BILLLLllll!!!!!" has never entered into it. my small circle of adoring fans usually comprises precisely that - a small circle - who mostly just wag their tails and wait for bisquits.

bluesyOud - 3-8-2004 at 05:36 AM

hello Bill,
for me the best way to enjoy the oud is
by listening to an oudist playing and singing by himself trying to express his emotions !!!!
But in life you can find romance!!!most times things are practical!!!!people have the right to enjoy the oud or other acoustic instruments,and the need for a concert is strong!!!!
here also comes the need for an amplifying system!!!!:))

Mike - 3-8-2004 at 05:50 AM

Bill...that was funny man. :) At least your fans are adoring...most of the time when I start playing oud, my cats run and hide!!!

Ouds and cats.

wfspark - 3-8-2004 at 07:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike
Bill...that was funny man. :) At least your fans are adoring...most of the time when I start playing oud, my cats run and hide!!!
Dang Mike! I thought only bagpipes and didgeridoos made animals run for cover. Your cats must have poor tastes! I just made an order with Haluk Eraydin for my first oud, and I hope my two dogs don't start barking. By the way, verry good forum. You guys are great! I would especially like to thank Mr. Eraydin for the oud in advance. I don't have any recording equipment, but I'm tempted to find a friend of mine who does and record a sound sample of me playing to send to Mr. Eraydin to thank him! Manny thanks.

William F. Sparks