Mike's Oud Forums

Introducing the oud to a "rather seasoned newbie"

Hatem_Afandi - 5-12-2009 at 07:23 PM

Dear friends,

"Rather Seasoned Newbie" sounds like an oxy-moron!

Well, here is the story:

As some of my friends here know that I am a collector. Each instrument I have is a well-made one by a famous luthier. However, as time goes by, an issue arises here or there. Hand - carrying an instrument all the way to Egypt is not very practical although I did it a couple of times.
I decided to take the bold step of taking one of my ouds to a local luthier who is a world-class violin maker.
Once I walked in, he started asking all kinds of questions about it from how it is tuned to comments about the neck alignment!
To answer his questions, I went online using his computer and pointed him to:
- Mike Oud Forums.
- Khalaf Oud Luthiery.
- Maurice Ouds.

The reaction was a stunned big smile and a lot of enthusiasm to work on my instrument.

For all of us who live in Houston, I believe I found an excellent luthier to take care of us!!!!

I will let you know the results on Friday when I get my first instrument back.

Please wish me luck. This could be a great finding for all Houstonian oudists!

Stay tuned!

Hatem

Hatem_Afandi - 5-21-2009 at 10:13 AM

Dear Friends,

I was just too busy (as usual) to pick up my instrument. However, when I did, it was a rather pleasant surprise.
For all oudist living in Houston and the vicinity, there is a rather competent luthier who did a real good job on my instrument. I brought all my other instruments and cases to his shop to fix all kinds of minor but annoying issues with them.
Below is his website:
http://www.violins.com/default.asp
Don’t try email, just call Dorian @ 713 526-4005

Best Regards,

hatem