littleseb - 10-16-2008 at 04:53 AM
Hi everybody,
I'm about to buy a new oud, and have my eyes on a Syrian Oud made by MOWAFAK KHALIFA. It's brand new and goes for £100 (roughly $175).
Does anybody know the make? Is it good value for money?
It is beautifuly crafted, but I don't want to judge by the looks only....
littleseb - 10-16-2008 at 05:36 AM
<img src="http://i3.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/13/7c/639a_1.JPG">
oud_star - 10-16-2008 at 06:05 AM
Hi Littleseb, if this is the seller ,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Syrian-oud-ud-lute-by-Khalifa-no-reserve_W0QQ...
Syrian oud,ud,lute by Khalifa no reserve
there was some problems with his ouds in the past , check his feed back and make sure you test his oud if you can and if you are in the same country
as him him, he used sell ouds under name of oud_man on this forum and not every body was happy with his ouds , best to be careful as you dont buy an
oud every day, bad ouds might put you off playing specially if you are a beginner,in the other hand it might be geniune and could be a good oud .
littleseb - 10-16-2008 at 06:12 AM
Thank you oud_star!
It is the seller indeed. He has agreed to meet me so that I can try before I buy.
I guess I might just have to go with my instincts.
Do you know the maker?
Seb
nadir - 10-16-2008 at 08:20 AM
You know where you could go actually? I noticed that you live in London, one of the places that you could visit would be on Edgware Road. There is an
Arabic CD music store that has some souvenirs such as ouds, backgammon boards, etc. If you are facing where Marble Arch generally is, it will be in
the left hand side of the road.
The best way to get there would be to start at the Odeon Cineplex (Marble Arch behind you) and continue looking on your right hand for the music
store, it will stand it. It is a white store and usually has the ouds in the window. But be sure to step in!
hama - 10-16-2008 at 11:29 AM
you are correct nadir there is a cd shop there it is not far from one of many maroush's lovely restaurants ,I have been there myself and the prices he
charge for a basic oud is around £350 minimum, I dont know the quality of his ouds though, I think they are mor tourist ouds thana pro one
littleseb - 10-17-2008 at 01:32 AM
thanks guys,
all this is helpful.
i know the shop you are talking about, i live very near the edgware road. however, they seem a bit pricy for what they are.
i will have to keep my eyes open....
DaveH - 10-17-2008 at 05:30 AM
I've seen the Edgeware road shop myself and the ouds looked pretty low quality (I even seem to remember the roses were plastic, but I could be wrong).
If you're looking for a shop, try Hobgoblin just off Tottenham Court Road, and not far away.
But as you appear to be a serious musician, i'd recommend spending a bit more and looking for something which will last you beyond your first few
weeks. If you could stretch to £500 you could get a very decent oud.
hama - 10-17-2008 at 06:28 AM
I agree with Dave, I dont think buying a cheap low quality oud for £100 will be a good start , it might not even be geniune , ( it is hard to buy a
geniune oud for £100 these days any way)you might not even like the sound of it since you seem to be a Musician
littleseb - 10-17-2008 at 06:40 AM
Ok guys, thank you very much for all your quick replies.
I guess I will treat it as any other instrument I have bought in the past. I will try and try untill I find one to suit me. In my experience an
instrument has to feel right the moment you touch it, regardless of price or age. Sometimes a cheap instrument can feel just right and can be your
partner for many years to come.
I'm currently playing a mid-priced Iraqi oud I borrowed off somebody, and it is a wonderful instrument. However, I will have to return it soon. I
guess I have played for long enough to judge what suits me. Might have to blackmail my bank manager to get the change I need 
Please keep me posted on reasonable ouds on the market!
Thanks,
Seb