Mike's Oud Forums

Project oud: Old Kalifa

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 08:41 AM

I bought this oud thinking that I would have it restored, but it looks to be in worse shape than I initially thought, and I don't have the time or tools to do it myself. It appears to be an old Kalifa (the father) but perhaps someone can confirm this from the label. I'm thinking $120 would do it, including shipping within Canada and the U.S. It is in rough shape as you can see, and I'll make a few comments on some of the photos.

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 08:54 AM

The peg box is loose and there is a hole where someone tried to screw the peg box to the neck. (Good one!)

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 08:57 AM

I can't tell for sure, but the fingerboard looks like ivory. It is very thin and worn through near the neck/body joint.

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 08:59 AM

The extended fingerboard looks like is was done professionally, but it does not look original. It is flush with the top.

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 09:01 AM

Looks like paint on the pick guard.

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 09:03 AM

Best I could do with the label. I don't have the large rossette.

journeyman - 6-10-2008 at 09:10 AM

I can push the crack together but a few of the ribs are also separated. There are also some cracks in the top that you can't see. They are clean in terms of joining together. Also, 6 of the tuning pegs are missing. It is routed for 12 pegs and the bridge has holes for 6 double strings. I was impressed by the old Kalifa that Jameel restored and thought this one might also have the potential. That's it.