bitensky
Oud Admirer
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Registered: 3-17-2014
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question about purchasing an oud
I am interested in purchasing an oud. I am a total beginner, but I am an accomplished classical pianist and composer as well as a guitarist, so I am
hoping that I can pick it up without too much difficulty. I am debating between apprentice ouds on shehataouds.com or a Gawharet El Fan instrument on
arabinstruments.com. Does anyone know if these would be comparable? Is the apprentice instrument handmade? Both are comparable prices at around
$400.
Arabinstruments.com also has an Ibrahim Sukar oud for $950. They only have one. Would it be worth the splurge and is this a reputable/reliable
company? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
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I would be much more inclined to purchase an oud from Shehata than Arab Instruments, personally. Shehata is a luthier and has a good reputation, I'd
expect his budget instruments to be pretty decent student instruments. Nothing against Arab Instruments, but they are not makers and are not going to
have the kind of sensitivity to detail that I'd expect from Shehata. Plus, Mike (who runs the forum) is affiliated with Shehata, so indirectly you
have him to thank that you can even ask this question here!
I am a fan of Sukar ouds, but $950 is more than I would personally pay for any oud I couldn't try out first, with few legendary exceptions (Nahat,
Fadel, Georges).
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bitensky
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Many thanks Brian. I appreciate the advice!
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FilipHolm
Oud Maniac
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Location: Stockholm, Sweden
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You can get a Maurice Shehata Oud for the same price, which I would personally prefer. But it's all about taste so it's hard to say since it's your
first Oud...
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Lysander
Oud Junkie
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Quote: Originally posted by bitensky  | I am interested in purchasing an oud. I am a total beginner, but I am an accomplished classical pianist and composer as well as a guitarist, so I am
hoping that I can pick it up without too much difficulty. I am debating between apprentice ouds on shehataouds.com or a Gawharet El Fan instrument on
arabinstruments.com. Does anyone know if these would be comparable? Is the apprentice instrument handmade? Both are comparable prices at around
$400.
Arabinstruments.com also has an Ibrahim Sukar oud for $950. They only have one. Would it be worth the splurge and is this a reputable/reliable
company? Any advice would be appreciated. |
I would wager, and other forum members may or may not confirm, that progressing in oud is largely to do with the psychological tools of understanding
the maqamat and their laws. I was playing guitar for years and I found the transition relatively easy as far as fingering was concerned, however, the
West utilises mainly two diatonic scales, the major [Ionian] and minor [Aeolian], whereas the Middle East uses over 40, and it takes some time to
develop and ear for quartertones. But you'll definitely be at an advantage coming from a classical background.
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hussamd
Oud Junkie
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So based on your choices we gather you are interested in an Arabic scale oud. Get a professional one especially if your ears crave the best sound.
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bitensky
Oud Admirer
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Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the Shehata oud (thanks Mike!). Can't wait to start delving into the maqamat.
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Mike
Super Administrator
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Welcome to the forums bitensky and congrats on the new oud! No turning back now.
Best,
Mike
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Lysander
Oud Junkie
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| Quote: Originally posted by bitensky | | Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the Shehata oud (thanks Mike!). Can't wait to start delving into the maqamat. |
Excellent stuff. Post some pictures when it arrives.
How did you come by the idea of taking on the instrument?
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FilipHolm
Oud Maniac
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| Quote: Originally posted by bitensky | | Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the Shehata oud (thanks Mike!). Can't wait to start delving into the maqamat. |
Good choice my friend! I am infinitely happy with my Shehata oud, I'm sure you will feel the same way
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bitensky
Oud Admirer
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Registered: 3-17-2014
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I've always loved the sound of the oud and I have a longstanding interest in modal music (maqam, Hindustani and Carnatak music). It just seemed time
to delve in and learn it from the inside out.
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