Oud_enthusiast
Oud Admirer
Posts: 1
Registered: 6-8-2015
Member Is Offline
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Buying an "intermediate-level" electric oud- suggestions for a beginner?
Hello,
I am new to this forum and have never played an oud before (however, I have some experience playing electric guitar; I also play a bit of classical
guitar, so I am not new to stringed instruments per se).
I would like to ask other members for advice as to what oud I should get that is at least of a decent quality, preferably one that's durable and has
good quality tuning pegs. I have listened to several Youtube videos of both Arabic and Turkish ouds, and I like the sound of both, so I would consider
buying either type of oud. I haven't completely ruled out the possibility of buying an acoustic oud. However, I would prefer an electric oud as I
have jammed and performed with a drummer, other electric guitarists, etc.
My "budget" for buying an oud is about $400 to $800. In this price range, I have found two electric ouds that caught my attention. One is a Sandi (who
is a Turkish luthier?) Turkish electric-acoustic oud with a pickup. Here's a link to the listing: <http://www.ebay.com/itm/291153472116>
The other is the "Professional Electric Pear Oud #023B" which is sold by Arab Instruments. This oud is made by Saleh of Shefaram, Isreal. Here's a
link to this listing: <http://www.arabinstruments.com/electric-oud-023b>
Does anyone have any experience with, or knowledge about, any Sandi electric ouds or Saleh electric ouds? How good are walnut tuning pegs (which the
Saleh oud has) compared with ebony pegs (which the Sandi oud has)? Also, how good is venga wood for the body (which the Saleh oud has)? Are walnut and
mahogany (which the Sandi oud has) better as tone woods?
Thanks in advance for any tips and suggestions.
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
Posts: 2939
Registered: 1-30-2004
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Stringish
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First, I don't think that an electric oud is a great place to start with the oud. The Sandi one is at least partly acoustic so I'd go with that if
you really are set on an electric instrument.
The ability to produce a good sound out of the oud is an important part of learning the oud. To really learn how to play correctly, you need the
immediate feedback of the sound of the acoustic instrument. Since most electric ouds are not going to provide this feedback, I don't think they are a
good way to learn. Further, the bowl shape of the oud has a big impact on technique—I think you are setting up some difficulties in trying to learn
on an oud like Arab Instruments is selling.
Since the Sandi oud seems to be acoustic with a pickup rather than fully electric, and it has the normal oud shape, it seems like an ok choice.
Regarding all your questions about woods:
The only really important impact on sound is the soundboard, typically spruce or cedar. Occasionally you will see pine on some cheap ouds or even on
some valuable ouds from the 60s-70s (presumably it was all that was available). Generally, spruce is preferable. But the skill and understanding of
the luthier are more important; a pine-faced oud by M. Fadel will sound better than a spruce-faced oud by most luthiers.
The peg material is less important than the shape and fit of the pegs. Walnut is a good peg material, as is ebony. Personally, I like rosewood or
olive wood the best.
The bowl materials may or may not have an effect on the tone of the oud, but any effect is minor and in the realm of subtle shadings, not "quality" in
the sense of better or worse.
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