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Author: Subject: Advice on oud buying...in the UK :-)
diane
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[*] posted on 3-27-2010 at 03:48 PM


Hm. Thank you Chris. Yes, that's right up my street too. Much appreciated. I will search the further links later. :-)

In Hosam's defence the clips outside of the studio are still amazing. btw he suggested possibly getting a Turkish beginner's oud..though i know not why yet, but have asked just now.

It's late I should sleep, but thank you for the link. It's always a good thing to find new avenues one wants to be exploring :-) Sleep well.
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fernandraynaud
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[*] posted on 3-27-2010 at 04:10 PM


You can e.g. extend the bass on the oud an octave, you can even do it live with a little stomp box. Of course I love Mehdi Haddib.

It's impossible to be sure how a given sound was obtained. It's hard to say how expensive the oud was, it's not so important is it? That sound may or may not be pleasing to everyone, certain choices were made, I rather think the overall effect is just fine. Traditionalists prefer a specific slice of the available sonic options, that's good too. We need both, I think.

You can do so much with our current tools, it's nothing to be unhappy about. It's a reason to rejoice ! It is a great renewal and we can hope a great golden age of music that is slowly developing. People have access to music of all regions and all time periods at the touch of the mouse. That is very powerful. We are learning so much. The oud is being discovered by more people all over the planet than ever before, and that is wonderful. Yes the oud is a very special instrument, maybe a "sacred instrument" we can all agree on that, not just a "very nice" instrument. So it happens that people discover some very deep things along with superficial things.

As to the sounds on that recording, it doesn't matter how it's done, it's done using everyday studio methods and tools, and if you want, it can be done by YOU.
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fernandraynaud
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[*] posted on 3-27-2010 at 04:18 PM


Diane, you might find a Turkish oud more comfortable, a full Arabic oud is quite big, maybe very big ;-) So many people tune Turkish ouds to Arabic mode. Luttgutt I think has sold all his Arabic ouds because they are just too big for him after orthopedic problems.

But one caveat. One case I know of first hand was a player who only played/liked Arabian style, so he tuned his very nice Turkish oud down to Arabian, and rubbed it on camels and sang "Cheri je t'aime ... ya mustapha" to it. But I can testify that the timbre still retained unmistakably something of the Turkish instrument in this instance, nothing bad, but it didn't sound quite 100% Arabian, and he couldn't wait to sell it. I don't know if that's always true ???? Everybody should have ONE smaller/Turkish style oud, so why not make it your first one? What do you think, Luttgutt?

Diane, maybe take a break? Abandon the milk bottles and the kids, dress like Stevie Nicks, take the train to Instambul, go to Deniz Music, charm Ali Nasadir the owner and just pick out an oud that feels perfect to you.


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Luttgutt
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[*] posted on 3-27-2010 at 05:05 PM


Well, not long before I was born, oud was the females instrument (my mam, ante, grandma, her ante... all played oud). The arabic counterpart of trubadure was "Awalem" (in the FEMAL grammatic form). It WAS females that played oud!

My daughter is 12, and is playing a sukar 58,5cm!!

I don't know if there is any difference between turkish and arabic other then the size. If they differ on the bracing or not!

But yes, I have sold ALMOST all my "performence" arabic ouds (except for my "baby" model1:) And of course I still have the Nahats, my Ahmad Naji Almasri oud (my late teacher) And two more from the 18 sentury that I don't know who the maker is).

And I now have 5 ouds with 58,5cm, all made by Sukar (does that make them "turkish" ouds?).

ONE of those 58,5cm ouds (custom made of course) has an arabic timber and deep base that SURPASIS most proffetional arabic size ouds I have tried or heard.

And the oud I just finishe working on, has a very deep base even though I cannot say it sound "arabic". But maybe more like Trio Joubra sound.

So I don't think size alone is the issue :shrug:

Most existing Nahat ouds have what was called "female cut oud".

So by all means, I say go for the turkish size!




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Aymara
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[*] posted on 3-28-2010 at 01:28 PM


Quote: Originally posted by fernandraynaud  
..., maybe a "sacred instrument" ...


Some people say, it touches the soul ... maybe that's it.

Quote:
..., it's done using everyday studio methods and tools, and if you want, it can be done by YOU.


Yes, that's the point ... you just need a decent microphone or pickup and a (cheap) good software like Reaper and you're ready to go. Ok, a bit of learning is needed too ;)

Quote: Originally posted by Luttgutt  

So I don't think size alone is the issue :shrug:


No, there are many factors, that infuence the sound.

My oud for example also only has a string length of 58,5 cm, but because of the rosewood boul it has a very deep warm bass. I don't think a downtuned Turkish oud can sound like this.

But sound characteristics and oud designs is a very complex topic, about which we could discuss over several pages ;)




Greetings from Germany

Chris
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diane
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[*] posted on 3-28-2010 at 10:32 PM


Thank you Luttgart. My computer is SLOW to load this clips, but what I've been able to hear of it so far it is beautiful. I managed to get a section of it further with violin also. I hadn't heard this combination before. Thank you very much. :-)
As for the Turkish or Arabic ouds...I guess I will have to try them and see. Hosam said the suggestion was just because of my location and prices to obtain a reasonable instrument. He apologised that his knwoledge is only in the Middle East, knows of good Syrian makers for very good prices, but that I would need to travel to Syria. Gave me some links of others who may know more.
Hm. I will need to try these instruments I think!! :-)
As for milk bottles...well we're vegan, and my little ones who are bigger now never knew bottles of anything thankfully. ;-) But yes, I am being plagued here I should be taking a break, round end July beginning of August. My little ones need one to one care 24/7, so...that's probably an immensely wise decision...did I say decision, I meant advice! :-) Thought maybe I'd learn some Arabic, which I only have a few phrases of but have always loved, and had always meant to visit Palestine, but other things always came up. And then there was the oud. Swayed me from the idea of going ot the Gaeltacht and studying Irish (which as a Welsh speaker recently being unhappy meeting Irish speakers and making them speak English to me in their own country - so for practical reasons really.. As my closest 'foreign' country heading west as which I can see on a clear day...) But then, my love of the Arabic language was greater and longer established and I came across this site...etc.
Hm. We'll see. Sorry you probably didn't need to know all the above! :-)
Never mind.
Thankfully this site has reopened for a spell and I now have copied down Kelly's details, so Manchester is back on :-)
Warm wishes to all, Diane
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[*] posted on 3-28-2010 at 11:25 PM


Hi Diane

Welcome to the UK oud scene! I sent you a U2U.

I haven't read all the thread above so I hope this is still relevant, but I would definitely add my voice to anyone recommending you get a sukar. It's the best tone to price ratio by far and I really don't think it's a good idea for someone who's starting out but is a decent musician to go for anything cheaper. I don't think you need to worry too much at the beginning about the difference in regional styles other than to steer clear of iraqi and turkish as these are quite specific and your preference is clearly for the syria/lebanon/palestine and (possibly) egyptian styles.

Good luck and I'll look forward to hearing what you end up with at a future get together in the UK.
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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 12:06 AM


If you have time (to learn) and money, you have more options. But the safest by far is a Sukar, and they sound great and "Arabiac".

Palmyrami on e-bay gets Sukars in batches direct from Syria. Because the Model 1 is the base model they offer it at $499 and will actually part with it for under $400, down to $300. In the past this has included a fibergalss hard case. This is such a good deal it would be worth shipping to Europe. They have apparently sold the last batch, and we don't know when they will have more. Nor do we know what they will be selling at when they get more. Keep an eye on EBay.com (US). The Sukars that Arabinstruments.com sells are the more expensive models. Their Gawharet El Fans are known to be not as good as Sukars, but nobody here has dared buy one.

"See you after" Easter?

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diane
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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 12:08 AM


Thank you Dave :-)
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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 12:32 AM


Thank you Tony. Seems Sukars are coming in with a lot of backing here. I have learnt a great deal since my arrival on the site.
btw the ref to speaking English to Irish speakers in Ireland was only in that spaces for Irish speakers to speak Irish under pressure more so than in Wales even. Sorry my want not to be misunderstood makes me longwinded! :-)
And yes, the time I can devote to learning the oud will be sporadic due to life here, not as I would like to give to the instrument, but I hope still worthwhile. My violin forgives me for the nature of our relationship :-)

Warm wishes, Diane
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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 12:44 AM


Quote: Originally posted by diane  
..., the time I can devote to learning the oud will be sporadic due to life here, ...


Once you have your own oud, you'll want to play at least half an hour a day and I think even a mother should be able to arrange that?

And because you already are a musician, you'll be astonished, that even only half an hour a day will enable you to a good progress in learning.




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Chris
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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 01:10 AM


Hello Diane,

From what I read of your posts your are not just willing to give the oud a try, you seem to start a long love relationship with the oud (this is usually what happens with this magical instrument - one day you hear it and you KNOW you will play it forever :) ).

I don't think then you should consider that as a beginner you should start with a 'cheap' instrument - especially because you have already a musical background. I think that even with a very modest training you can appreciate having a very good instrument. First the playability is better on a high-end oud (fingerboard of hard ebony, easily tunable pegs, low action,...) and second as soon as you master the basic plucking technique (with a good teacher it should not take a very long time) you will enjoy the beautiful timbre of the instrument. After all you don't need to be able to play in 16th notes over all the fingerboard to enjoy the sound :)

Of course there's the question of what you can afford.. If you can invest around 2000$, Nazih Ghadban, a very reputable luthier from Lebanon, has two women's size ouds
for sale now, see here. He's a very kind and helpfull person and he can arrange a safe shipping to your door (see ouds 1178 and 1135).


As for cheaper options, there's currently a Sukar for sale in Paris, see here, for around 220 pounds (probably negotiable as it's for sale for several months). However a standard size Sukar may be too big for you?

Still in France, there's a Fadi Matta for sale for 800 euros, He's also a renowned luthier from lebanon and this particular oud has a rather short string length (58.5mm), which may be good for you. However the bowl is a little big..


Dan




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[*] posted on 3-29-2010 at 01:34 AM


Quote: Originally posted by Danielo  
However the bowl is a little big...


... which is a big advantage if someone loves that deeeep bass notes like Diane and myself too ;)




Greetings from Germany

Chris
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diane
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[*] posted on 4-11-2010 at 01:19 AM


Thank you Dan, and Chris and all.. I think my first step is to meet up with some oud players and their ouds and take it from there. May take a little while as a little hectic here at the mo. Thank you all for your advice and tips and insights.
Kindest regards, Diane
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[*] posted on 4-11-2010 at 07:10 PM


Diane, i called the shop in Paris with the dusty Sukar, and they are closed until Tuesday. If I wuz you, I would offer 200 euros with shipping included and if it flies it would be A SIGN! plus you'd have yourself a heck of a deal, a Sukar does not disappoint, and start playing when the kids are asleep instead of thinking about when you might take the train or not.

"Life is short - get an oud"
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[*] posted on 4-12-2010 at 10:33 AM


Oo.. ...You were in Paris? Okay,... Hm. Yes, we co-sleep as they need night time care, but I reckon they could cope with even a beginner's oud playing!!! As long as they actually sleep and don't just want to play themselves!! Maybe just outside the door might be wiser!! :-) Hm....I should find the details.... .....(brain slowly whirring..)
Thank you Tony. When were you in Paris? Just recently? Did you see this oud, if so?
...Hm....
True, life IS short. :-)
Warmest thanks, Di

:-)
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[*] posted on 4-12-2010 at 10:46 AM


Tony sending you a U2U
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[*] posted on 4-13-2010 at 11:49 AM


hey,

I highly recommend not starting with a cheap oud, it could be very discouraging and frustrating.
I wouldn't think too much about it, go straight to Michael Moussa, he is the nicest person u ll ever meet. email him at

mgmmoussa@yahoo.com or call him on the phone, he has a couple of ouds available and I am sure he can help you, the price range varies since the ouds are different. I have sound files and few pictures. I am waiting for him to send me more and I will upload them.
You will fall in love when you hear the sound.




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Michael-GOD BLESS EGYPT
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diane
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[*] posted on 4-14-2010 at 09:07 PM


Thank you to all, esp. Fernand. Update coming shortly. And Bibo 10, you're right, Michael Moussa is an exceptional man. Thank you for that advice. :-)
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[*] posted on 4-15-2010 at 08:26 AM


You are very welcome, make sure you take advantage of him and good luck with your search. As i said I will start a thread soon containing some renovated ouds by Michael Moussa, so stay tuned.
Another advice if I may, don't rush it!
see what is available and hear what people have to say, you will be surprised...




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[*] posted on 4-19-2010 at 02:08 AM


This may be of interest. A Sukar oud in the UK for auction.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sukar-oud-lute-ud-3ood-no-reserve_W0QQitemZ11...

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[*] posted on 4-19-2010 at 04:23 AM


I hasten to add that I see this is not "a 5 course oud", it's a standard 6 course, looks like the bottom string is just not installed.
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[*] posted on 7-1-2010 at 05:30 AM
BEGINNER OUD FOR $150


PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL TO MUSICCORNER2009@YAHOO.COM



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