Mike's Oud Forums

Help buying Shehata Oud

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 01:58 AM

Hello,
This is actually my first thread in this forum, I'm a beginner Oud student and I'm actually stuck with a really bad oud -Hence, my signature :buttrock:

I'm planning to buy a Shehata Oud very soon, so I thought I should ask for advice and tips.. I'm really into the design in the attached image, could you guys tell the type of wood used, and its size? (medium-large)

Can you upload some pictures of your Shehata Ouds?

Any information will be really helpful,

Thanks in advance :)

Cooper - 1-8-2008 at 07:25 AM

My teacher has the "SH4-Palisander Coptic Shehata" model and it is his favorite oud. He got it from the Nile Shop (http://www.nileshop.net). Out of the four ouds he has it sounds great and plays great. Please keep in mind I am a beginner and my current oud is a student model Turkish oud. So, playing something like the oud you are talking about is a dream!

Since my teacher lives here in the States (Oklahoma to be specific), it took about two or three months to get his. I know this is not much, but I hop it helps.

Cheers

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 07:40 AM

Thanks for the response Cooper,
I have noticed some threads regarding Shehata Ouds after posting this, so I will try to reach Maurice through Mike or just order one from the nileshop if not possible. I am sure Shehata's ouds sound excellent, but I need to know what type of woods these are? what I can customize in my oud? user recommendations and ideas? etc..

I am using a -most likely- cheap syrian oud with a forged maker name as (Mohd, Adil), I have trained my hands enough on this oud and it's stopping me from learning more.. So remember to upgrade your oud if it's a cheap one, you will be amazed by the difference.. it's like a totally different instrument.

Cooper - 1-8-2008 at 01:35 PM

I talked with Neal today (my teacher) and he said that not only is the body on the instrument's bowl pallisander, but so is the peg box. The face is spruce and the pegs, of course, are ebony.

Here is the main web site for the maker:
http://www.mauriceouds.com/english/oud_gallery.asp

I am also playing a cheep oud right now. It is a student Turkish model. But, I am lucky we have Luthiers that have a little bit of experience with ouds. I have had someone install new ebony pegs, ebony fret board, a new nut (I think that is what it is called) and a new pick guard. So, if you include the price of the oud ($120), I now have a mid-range oud for less about $300. Of course, those student instruments are a hit and miss, so I kind of lucked out. I might be getting a used Bashiri style oud soon (I really like the "F" tuning).

Of course the Shehata or Padouk Professional oud is what I really want:(

gilgamesh - 1-8-2008 at 03:48 PM

Hello Oudistist, you could take a look to this professionnal shehata oud which I have with me since a few time, and so have another idea of different woods and sizes existing
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=6574
cia-ciao
:airguitar:

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 04:32 PM

Hi Cooper! :wavey:

Other than my oud is slowly cracking and falling apart, the stings are uncomfortably too far from the fretboard.. My fingers hurt, and I cannot get the strings to match 100%

Hopefully the Shehata will be good enough, I just need to touch the strings gently and fast and move on.. my oud is like a piano when you play it

What can I customize in the oud?
I need a decoration to be implanted in the fretboad, can I send my own design?
I need to make sure the strings are properly close to the fretboard .
Can the decorations around the shamsya's be changed? any pics of different sheatas?

Thanks a lot :bowdown:

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 04:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gilgamesh
Hello Oudistist, you could take a look to this professionnal shehata oud I have with me since a few time, and so have another idea of different woods and sizes existing
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=6574
cia-ciao
:airguitar:


Oh my, what an oud! :buttrock:

I love everythinng about it, and it looks very well built. Since this oud is a little different, here's what I have in mind..
- Love the engraving on the fretboard, can I send my own design to shehata and have it made? or are they just pieces they have already manufactured?
- I like the pearl pieces around the shamsyyas, are the decorations on the oud above pearl too? If they are little pieces glued around, I would rather change them because I've seen these fall off some ouds before.

Let me know your ideas, if you have anything to share please do.. If you have any advice, that would be great too.. I have no experiece in buying ouds, the one I have was given to my as a gift.

Thanks :bowdown:

SamirCanada - 1-8-2008 at 06:35 PM

you can pretty much customize everything with shehata ouds.
he is very open about requests you may have.
Talk to Mike and he can relay special details to Maurice for you like he did for me.

Mike - 1-8-2008 at 07:33 PM

Hey Oudisist,
Send me an email. I'll be happy to help you out.
Mike

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 08:13 PM

SamirCanada: Thanks a lot, I love Shehata's design.. I think with a little touches from me and some advice from you will be more than enough to make my 'soon to be' oud :bounce:

Mike: Thanks for the kind response, I read in a similar thread that you are in touch with Maurice.. This will be the greatest favor man :bowdown:

I'll drop you an email asap :cool:

Oudisist - 1-8-2008 at 11:27 PM

I tried to find your email mike, but I unfortunately couldn't find it..
My email is:
a m e r a d e e b at gmail dot com
MSN: n e c t r o n 1 0 1 at hotmail dot com

SamirCanada - 1-9-2008 at 05:44 PM

check here
its my new oud.

http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=7123