beniah - 3-12-2009 at 06:46 PM
Yes....I'm broke...but I really want an Oud. I was toying with buying the poor man's oud, the cumbus, but I think I'll just spend the extra dough and
get the real deal.
I was tempted by some deals on ebay, but the folks on this site helped me realize it was a crap shoot.
Anywho- I think I can spend $300 via paypal as my max. Does anyone out there feel like helping a poor student?! 
Peace and thank you all for this helpful site.
Zach (http://www.myspace.com/whiskytuesday)
(Obligitory discussion of my grad studies: I am working toward a degree in Conflict Transformation at the School for International Training in
Brattleboro VT. I hope to do an original research project with Israeli and Palestinian youth about the impact that art and maritial art has on their
perceptions of the ongoing conflict....so the oud is important for me to make a cultural connection....plus I love the music and want to learn to
play)
Amos - 3-12-2009 at 07:00 PM
Hi Beniah,
I would definitely suggest the oud vs. the cumbus. The cumbus is a really cool instrument but the oud is certainly the real deal (although I play
both)...I live in Maine and my Middle Eastern Ensemble regularly plays in VT...I think you should save another couple hundred bucks if you can...there
are quite a few decent ouds to be had (many from trustoworthy members of this forum) in the $500 range...the extra couple hundred bucks makes a
difference in my opinion. good luck man, and welcome to the world of the oud...
beniah - 3-12-2009 at 07:11 PM
Thanks Amos- I just checked out your myspace and you rock!
Where in VT do you play? I will watch out for you!
Thanks for the advice- I hope someone might be able to help a brother out because it will be a couple of years before I can spend $500 at once!
Franck - 3-12-2009 at 08:54 PM
check this one out
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=8155