Mike's Oud Forums

padouk vs rosewood

satch - 3-23-2009 at 05:31 AM

Hello everyone

Im glad that ive found such an informative oud forum.

I am planning on purchasing Mouris Shehata Oud, and i am confused on deciding on the bowl wood (padouk vs rosewood). I would like your personal opinion on the difference between these two woods in terms of quality and sound, and which do u think is better and why.

Your opinion is appreciated.

Thank you.

DaveH - 3-23-2009 at 09:50 AM

Hello Satch

Bored with the trumpet?

There's a school of thought that says the wood doesn't make any difference. Personally I think it has to, but the skills of the luthier are more important. Rosewood has a brighter, more metallic tone, with a lot of projection, Brazilian showing these properties most clearly, though Shehata ouds are probably usually Indian rosewood. Paduak is a bit mellower. Shehata ouds tend to have a very strong, clear sound in any case (though I've only ever tried one once).