ArmoOudist
Oud Junkie
Posts: 128
Registered: 11-21-2020
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Types of wood for the Oud
Hello guys,
I just have some basic questions about how the type of wood used in an oud affects the sound. I believe the face is usually spruce, but if not, what
other types of wood are used? How does this affect the sound? How do the various types of wood that can be used for the bowl affect the sound?
Thanks
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
Posts: 2939
Registered: 1-30-2004
Location: Brooklyn, NY
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Mood: Stringish
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There are a number of threads discussing this, people have different opinions.
Face: Spruce of various kinds are typical, cedar is used sometimes as well. Occasionally other pine family types are
used, but spruce and cedar are standard. Spruce is widely considered to be less warm when new but ages to have a complex character. Cedar is widely
considered to have a "warm" character but doesn't develop as much character as it ages. It can also sound a bit "dull."
Bowl: Many consider the wood of the bowl irrelevant or nearly so. The classic ouds almost all had walnut bowls. Maple and Rosewood have become
relatively common, and people have differing opinions about the qualities imparted. Those that think that it makes a difference often describe them
as "bright" sounding. I've also seen Mahogany.
The tastes, skill and experience of the maker impact the sound more than anything else, so wood comparisons really only make sense if you are
comparing two ouds by the same maker. A cedar oud by one maker may age better, be more lively and have more character than a spruce oud by another
maker.
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