Oudola
Oud Admirer
Posts: 2
Registered: 2-24-2007
Location: Michigan
Member Is Offline
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New to the Oud
Hello!! I just recently inherited my grandfather's oud. I'm in love with it, but I don't know a thing about it. I'm trying order new strings and I'm
not sure where to go. It's obvious that it is a 12 string oud, and I haven't been able to find strings for anything other than 11 string ouds. I also
have no idea how to re-string it, but I want to learn how to do it myself. I've noticed that there are a number of styles to choose from as far as
tunings go, being that I'm Armenian I want to find something in that style. Does anyone know any good websites where I can find some info, or better
yet does anyone know of any music stores near Detroit, MI where I can go for help? I tried Guitar Center, but they didn't even know what an oud was.
Thank you!
Ryan
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Jameel
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1672
Registered: 12-5-2002
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Welcome to the forums Ryan.
Lots of ouds have 12 pegs, but most people just use 11 strings, especially Armenian tunings. Don't put arabic strings on an arabic (longer scale) oud
and tune it Turkish/Armenian. The tension will be too high. Post some info about your oud and we'll be able to help you out. Scale length is the
critical number here.
Armenian tuning is generally the same as Turkish tuning.
Starting from the lowest: EABead'. The E will be a single course. All the rest will be double. This is a common tuning.
Being in Detroit you should be able to find oud strings at a local guitar shop. Forget guitar center. Call around to some local shops and ask. Middle
east stores might also have some. Dadarrios are pretty common as well as LaBella. If you can't find them locally, you can get them here: http://www.khalafoud.com. (my website) There is also some info there about tunings and string tension.
Do a little searching here and you'll find answers to almost all your questions.
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Oudola
Oud Admirer
Posts: 2
Registered: 2-24-2007
Location: Michigan
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
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Thank you Jameel!! I took a measurement from the nut to the bridge and I came up with a measurement of about 24 inches which is I believe somewhere
around 610 millimeters. I assume that is what you mean by scale length? Again, I'm pretty new to this. So if those measurements are correct, how
should I proceed as far as ordering the right type of string? I want to take the time to learn the correct way, and I greatly appreciate your
advice.
Ryan
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