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Author: Subject: Changes at Khalaf Oud Luthiery and OudStrings.com
dkhoury35
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[*] posted on 3-11-2011 at 07:42 PM


hello brian I would love a set of strings any brand as long as they are great!!!! that are for the tunings G AA DD GG CC FF do you have any in stock?
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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 3-12-2011 at 07:55 AM


Quote: Originally posted by dkhoury35  
hello brian I would love a set of strings any brand as long as they are great!!!! that are for the tunings G AA DD GG CC FF do you have any in stock?


The LaBella Arabic oud set works for that tuning. I have single strings that would allow you to add a high F course to any set of strings.

It's helpful to know the scale (string length) of the oud and whether it has a floating or fixed bridge.
You can send me an email at: info (at) oudstrings (dot) com to discuss your options.

thanks,
Brian





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amtaha
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[*] posted on 3-15-2011 at 04:38 PM


Received my order last week.

Brian, you needn't be this fast. ;-)

Thanks, though.
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[*] posted on 4-25-2011 at 06:07 PM
Pyramid Lute Strings


Hello all,

I am going to be placing an order with Pyramid strings soon, and will be ordering some lute strings. If you have any special requests, please let me know here or through email and I will do my best to stock them.

Also, I will soon be carrying Savarez lute strings, with both rectified nylon and carbon trebles. They are very high quality strings.


cheers,
Brian





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Jason
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[*] posted on 4-27-2011 at 09:27 PM


Hey Brian

Very cool to see you taking on this task. When I first saw the thread I thought Jameel was closing up shop. When I first started playing oud I remember how hard it was to get much of anything in the USA.

I look forward to checking out those Savarez strings. I've used the copper wound Aquilas for years but I think it's time to try something new.
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[*] posted on 4-28-2011 at 04:35 PM


Hello Brian,

I noticed that you have been out of the LaBella Arabic strings for a while:

http://www.oudstrings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=...

Are you planning on getting some?

Thanks

Hatem
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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 4-28-2011 at 05:12 PM


Hi Hatem,

I have a shipment coming in, FedEx says they will be here Saturday.

LaBella strings are challenging to get, they are not very cooperative with a small business such as this. They also have raised their prices a LOT recently. I am going to try to keep the price down as long as I can, but after this batch sells out, the price will probably have to go up significantly.

I don't know if it will be worth it to continue carrying them if I have to charge $26 per set. We'll see. Of course, I welcome your input on the matter.

thanks,
Brian







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Hatem_Afandi
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[*] posted on 4-28-2011 at 05:30 PM


Hi Brian,

Thanks for the prompt response.
I do commend you on your dedication. Please don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere.
I will keep checking for them.

I looked up the prices on Ebay. Only one supplier charges 23.95 + "standard shipping charges" of 7.95

The rest sellers on Ebay charge $31 ~ $32 + shipping.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&...

I believe you are fair.

It is really exciting to learn that you are stocking the Pyramid Lute Strings.
My question is: How do I order thru you? Do I have to spec the diameter and the tune per string?
Best Regards,

Hatem
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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 4-29-2011 at 10:37 AM


Quote: Originally posted by Hatem_Afandi  
Hi Brian,

Thanks for the prompt response.
I do commend you on your dedication. Please don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere.
I will keep checking for them.

I looked up the prices on Ebay. Only one supplier charges 23.95 + "standard shipping charges" of 7.95

The rest sellers on Ebay charge $31 ~ $32 + shipping.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&...

I believe you are fair.

It is really exciting to learn that you are stocking the Pyramid Lute Strings.
My question is: How do I order thru you? Do I have to spec the diameter and the tune per string?
Best Regards,

Hatem


Thanks, Hatem. I have some bad news, though. I wasn't able to get as many sets as I thought, so I actually only have two sets of the LaBella Arabic strings. If you want them let me know, otherwise I'll put them up on the site.

I don't judge LaBella, I understand that they are a big company and oud strings are probably a pretty insignificant part of their business, but I wish I didn't have to go through a 3rd party to get their strings. Aquila, Pyramid, Savarez, and D'addario are all happy to work with me directly.

I can also put together a similar set of D'addario strings for 18.50.

For the Pyramid Lute strings, I plan to create a couple of sets based on what I like to use and any suggestions/requests people have. While some customization may be possible, I don't plan to have completely 'custom' sets.
I will be ordering soon, so if you have special requests (even if it's very general, like tunings and low/med/high tension), now is the time to let me know!

Thanks again to everyone for your support!

-Brian







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[*] posted on 4-29-2011 at 10:53 AM


My Pleasure, Brian.

I am sure that ALL of us do appreciate your diligent effort and dedication.
Unfortunately, I did place an order for the LaBella last nite.

The D'addario option might sound like a good idea if we get the right tunes. Can you do the same for the Acquilla strings?

I suggest that you get the following sets for both the D'addario, Acquilla, and the Pyramid Lute Strings:

F, A, D, G, C, high F.

Best Regards,

Hatem



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[*] posted on 4-29-2011 at 11:04 AM


A set for downtuning would be nice. Perhaps one that is at medium tension at halfstep down and low tension at wholestep (give or take an eighth or two) down.
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[*] posted on 6-9-2011 at 01:36 AM



Hi Brian,

Sent you two enquires through the oudstrings site, and a U2U..
Can you please have a look
Thanks




Best Regards

Awad
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[*] posted on 6-9-2011 at 04:06 PM


Hi everyone, just wanted to mention that I have LaBella Arabic strings back in stock, and I have Aquila high F sets in both standard and light tension. I also have individual nylgut strings available, but they're not in the store yet.
Thanks to everyone for your support!

cheers,
Brian





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Kelly
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[*] posted on 6-11-2011 at 12:44 PM



Hi Brian

Just a suggestion re Pyramid Lute strings I am using trebles mainly and for 60 cm scale length going for c PY 650 RN and g PY 850 RN as med/light for Safi oud I am also trying higher tension c PY 700 RN and g PY 900 RN as med tension on Moussa oud I dont know of other peoples experence/preferences.



I oder these locally from Early Music shop nr Bradfod West Yorkshire. they are charging around £4.50 incl VAT. I've not been brave enough to order a set coz of the cost- shipping from Germany is so expensive so if you could get any cheaper deals I'll go with you Brian.




Kelly
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[*] posted on 7-14-2011 at 09:19 AM


I now have the Pyramid 650/11 set back in stock.

I have a limited number of custom sets available made of Pyramid lute strings as well. These are excellent low-tension sets and what I prefer to use on my own ouds.

There are a few options:

light cc and gg courses for long-scale (61.5cm+) ouds (or if you simply prefer lighter plain strings)
med cc and gg courses for most ouds (still good for 61-62cm if you like a little bit more tension on the plain strings)

Slightly heavier F/G course for shorter scale ouds (59cm or less).

You can also mix and match with Aquila trebles and D'addario strings if you like, just contact me.

The basic 11-string set is US$58. I was hoping to sell them a bit cheaper but the Euro has been trouncing the dollar lately . . .

Also Aquila trebles are available as well.

cheers,
Brian









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[*] posted on 8-21-2011 at 09:45 AM


Hi everyone,

I just returned from Simon's Shaheen's retreat, and OudStrings.com is back online.

I now have Daniel Mari oud strings available. For now, there is just the one set (low tension), but I hope to continue dealing with him and maybe work on some additional options in the future.

cheers,
Brian





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[*] posted on 8-30-2011 at 01:04 PM


Unfortunately, I have been unable to work out a sustainable relationship with LaBella. I am going to discontinue offering them for the forseeable future. I have a couple of OU80 sets left and a few OU80A sets coming in, which will be the last ones.

I have assembled a custom set from the D'Addario singles which is similar to the OU80A set and should be a good replacement. D'Addario seems amenable to working with me on some Arabic sets, hopefully something will come of it.

The Daniel Mari set and the MusiCaravan Turkish sets are good replacements for the OU80 set.

As always, I'll keep you informed of future developments.





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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 1-7-2012 at 03:44 PM


Hey Everyone, just wanted to announce that I now have Savarez strings available. The 10-string Leonida set that is suitable for Arabic oud as well as custom lute sets with either rectified Nylon or Carbon fiber (PVF) trebles.
The lute sets compare very favorably to the Pyramid custom lute sets, and are priced a bit lower. I haven't figured out the exact pricing yet, but it will be around $50/set.

I can also mix and match sets among the Savarez, Pyramid, Aquila and D'addario strings if you have something custom in mind.

thanks to everyone who's been a customer, it's been almost a year since I started and I've really enjoyed supplying everyone with strings.

best,
Brian

PS. I do have LaBella strings back in stock again, for the time being -both OU80 and OU80A.





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charlie oud
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[*] posted on 1-9-2012 at 08:28 AM


Great news Brian. I am aware of the high quality of Savarez lute strings but I am not familiar with the 'Leonida' set.
Are the bass strings in the Leonida set suitable as a low tension bass set for Arabic oud at A=440?
This would figure if they are suitable for Arabic or Turkish tuning.
Also wondering if you have tried the Leonida set?
Thanks for you fine string service and ongoing advice.:bowdown:




Best Wishes, Charlie
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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 1-9-2012 at 11:36 AM


Hi Charlie,

I haven't tried the Leonida set, but I did measure the gauges and they are fairly light on the wound strings. I expect that they would provide fairly light tension in Arabic tuning, and would work on a 61+cm oud. They may be too light for some tastes on a shorter scale oud.






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charlie oud
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[*] posted on 1-10-2012 at 04:28 AM


Thanks Brian,
Am curious to give them a go, will order a set soon.




Best Wishes, Charlie
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Kelly
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[*] posted on 1-26-2012 at 12:52 PM



Hi Brian

Just interested in your Savarez Lute strings set copper wound and rectified nylon.

What approximate tension are they and gauge if comparable with Pyramid Lute set

c NR 650
g NR800
d PY1009
A PY 1017
F PY1020
C PY1236

Look forward to placing an order soon

Regards




Kelly
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[*] posted on 1-26-2012 at 01:17 PM


Hi Kelly,

I have made a spreadsheet to compute the tensions of, in particular, all savarez lute strings :

http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=10617#pid71...

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[*] posted on 1-26-2012 at 02:09 PM



Hi Danielo

Many Thanks. This is really useful. I'll use it to compare with Mathias' Pyramid data .




Kelly
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Brian Prunka
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[*] posted on 1-26-2012 at 03:44 PM


Quote: Originally posted by Kelly  

Hi Brian

Just interested in your Savarez Lute strings set copper wound and rectified nylon.

What approximate tension are they and gauge if comparable with Pyramid Lute set

c NR 650
g NR800
d PY1009
A PY 1017
F PY1020
C PY1236

Look forward to placing an order soon

Regards


The Nylons are .640 and .830.
The difference between .640 and .650 is negligible. You may notice the slight increase in heaviness between .800 and .830. Otherwise, there is not much difference in the nylons, they are rectified as well.

The wound strings are calculated to 35N (3.56Kg) by Savarez.
This is a bit higher than the Pyramids you list above, but still a "low-tension" set.

Overall, they are comparable to what you list, but will have some slight differences, and slightly higher tension.






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