TO ALL Oud Players

littledoodler · 14th May 2006, 10:45 PM

HI,
I have a question for the oud. Is it hard to play, like in regards to other instruments like a guitar? I know this is a bit vague, but I am completely enthralled by this man Anouar Brahem. Possibly the most beautiful sounds i have ever heard from an instrument are coming from this man's oud.

Carlos Boll · 15th May 2006, 01:50 AM

The main thing to keep in mind with the oud is that there are no frets. I play guitar, bass, and can even manage upright bass but I've never been able to get a decent sound out of an oud. I find it difficult to hold as well. I would think a violin or other string player might find it easier. I love the sound of it and have a ton of oud recordings so it's a bit frustrating not to be able to even get anything out of it. The tuning pegs are also a pain in the neck. Saz and tanbur I have no problem with.

If you're interested in one this place http://www.cankayamuzikevi.com/ makes wonderful instruments. They have an oud with guitar tuners and frets.

littledoodler · 15th May 2006, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlos Boll

The main thing to keep in mind with the oud is that there are no frets. I play guitar, bass, and can even manage upright bass but I've never been able to get a decent sound out of an oud. I find it difficult to hold as well. I would think a violin or other string player might find it easier. I love the sound of it and have a ton of oud recordings so it's a bit frustrating not to be able to even get anything out of it. The tuning pegs are also a pain in the neck. Saz and tanbur I have no problem with.

If you're interested in one this place http://www.cankayamuzikevi.com/ makes wonderful instruments. They have an oud with guitar tuners and frets.

i love the fact of being able to play a vibrato on these.
thanks

mixerguy · 18th May 2006, 08:42 AM

all of Anouar Brahem's CD' are awesome

ericzang · 23rd May 2006, 10:54 PM

I play oud. If you have a good ear and know music to a reasonable degree already, it is not too hard to play with moderate success. You can stay in certain keys that are oud friendly and also most of your notes can be found in first position, without needing to move your entire hand up the neck very often.

Holding it at first is slippery because of the bowl, but you'll find your way. The strumming arm rests on top, putting weight onto the body, holding the instrument in place on a slightly elevated (strumming side) leg, either by crossing the legs or a foot stool.

Of course playing any instrument well no matter what it is is more difficult. But if you love the sound, go for it.

Before I had an oud I bought a cheap garage sale guitar and ripped the frets out. Nylon string will work better.

The link above to cankaya music is a good general recommendation. I have been to their stores in Turkey. Don't just buy any old one off the net. The main issues when looking at ouds (or ud in turkish) are how well the tuning pegs are seated (ie, do they slip) and a nice low action. If both of these are substandard it will be no fun. Not every cankaya ud had low action though.

There are two general styles, Turkish and Arabic. You'll find lots of info through google. There is an active oud forum here: http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/index.php

A good site for learning about all the flavorful scales is www.maqamworld.com

Goodluck!
Eric

---
www.ericzang.com
www.cosmosmusic.net

littledoodler · 23rd May 2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericzang

I play oud. If you have a good ear and know music to a reasonable degree already, it is not too hard to play with moderate success. You can stay in certain keys that are oud friendly and also most of your notes can be found in first position, without needing to move your entire hand up the neck very often.

Holding it at first is slippery because of the bowl, but you'll find your way. The strumming arm rests on top, putting weight onto the body, holding the instrument in place on a slightly elevated (strumming side) leg, either by crossing the legs or a foot stool.

Of course playing any instrument well no matter what it is is more difficult. But if you love the sound, go for it.

Before I had an oud I bought a cheap garage sale guitar and ripped the frets out. Nylon string will work better.

The link above to cankaya music is a good general recommendation. I have been to their stores in Turkey. Don't just buy any old one off the net. The main issues when looking at ouds (or ud in turkish) are how well the tuning pegs are seated (ie, do they slip) and a nice low action. If both of these are substandard it will be no fun. Not every cankaya ud had low action though.

There are two general styles, Turkish and Arabic. You'll find lots of info through google. There is an active oud forum here: http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/index.php

A good site for learning about all the flavorful scales is www.maqamworld.com

Goodluck!
Eric

---
www.ericzang.com
www.cosmosmusic.net

thanks for encouragement. Your ripping it up on that Cajon!

Shabo · 8th June 2006, 01:07 AM

we track alot of oud ...i play guitar ...same concept as playing bass and fretless bass..paractice prcatice..

Shabo · 8th June 2006, 01:20 AM

almost forgot..besides getting used to the body its getting used to the "Reesh" or pick..very long and like a flat pen..also u cant rest ur elbow while playing..so its ALL in the rist

Rufuss Sewell · 9th June 2006, 07:35 PM

I have an Oud, but when I tried to string it up I broke several strings. They cost $15 so I've been afraid to try with a different pair, hoping a more experienced Oud player would come along to help me string it. In the last 5 years I haven't run into anyone. The strings that are on it seem to stay in tune. But the pegs are very difficult to move.

Any suggestions on string/tuning up these things without breaking the strings?

What is the proper tuning? I broke a peg so the lowest string is not duplicated. 11 strings total which I think is traditional anyway isn't it?

ericzang · 9th June 2006, 11:57 PM

Would like to answer your question now, but at the moment I don't have time. Definetely repost your question over at the below forum. Lots of people to help out there.

http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/index.php

neve1073 · 10th June 2006, 12:07 AM

have someone who knows about ouds help you get a good one with tuners that hold properly and a decent sound.

Full Clip Audio · 10th June 2006, 08:09 AM

If you are into the Oud and other Middle eastern instruments, check out A.J Racy. He is at UCLA in the Ethno-Musicology dept. He is considered one of the greates 'ethnic' instrument players in the world and is known for playing the largest number of 'ethnic' instruments.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174

Thats the link I found the fastest but he has quite a lot of stuff out. He also has a new album 'Elixer' coming out. I'm not sure when it will be released but it is one of my favorite albums in any genre. It is absolutly amazing! I will post info in this thread when it comes out.

wallace · 10th June 2006, 11:17 AM

It's kind of off topic, but I just got a harmonium today.

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14th May 2006, 10:45 PM	#1
littledoodler Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Beezers' Nook Posts: 684	TO ALL Oud Players HI, I have a question for the oud. Is it hard to play, like in regards to other instruments like a guitar? I know this is a bit vague, but I am completely enthralled by this man Anouar Brahem. Possibly the most beautiful sounds i have ever heard from an instrument are coming from this man's oud.

15th May 2006, 01:50 AM	#2
Carlos Boll Gear addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 438	The main thing to keep in mind with the oud is that there are no frets. I play guitar, bass, and can even manage upright bass but I've never been able to get a decent sound out of an oud. I find it difficult to hold as well. I would think a violin or other string player might find it easier. I love the sound of it and have a ton of oud recordings so it's a bit frustrating not to be able to even get anything out of it. The tuning pegs are also a pain in the neck. Saz and tanbur I have no problem with. If you're interested in one this place http://www.cankayamuzikevi.com/ makes wonderful instruments. They have an oud with guitar tuners and frets. __________________ Carlos Boll

9th June 2006, 07:35 PM	#9
Rufuss Sewell Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,310	I have an Oud, but when I tried to string it up I broke several strings. They cost $15 so I've been afraid to try with a different pair, hoping a more experienced Oud player would come along to help me string it. In the last 5 years I haven't run into anyone. The strings that are on it seem to stay in tune. But the pegs are very difficult to move. Any suggestions on string/tuning up these things without breaking the strings? What is the proper tuning? I broke a peg so the lowest string is not duplicated. 11 strings total which I think is traditional anyway isn't it? __________________ FOR SALE: 32ch DAKING 1112 console Check the classifieds!!! www.MySpace.com/NebulostProductions

10th June 2006, 12:07 AM	#11
neve1073 Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,211	have someone who knows about ouds help you get a good one with tuners that hold properly and a decent sound. __________________ =================== "Let's be discrete"

18th May 2006, 08:42 AM	#4
mixerguy Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,016	all of Anouar Brahem's CD' are awesome

23rd May 2006, 10:54 PM	#5
ericzang Gear nut Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA Posts: 113	I play oud. If you have a good ear and know music to a reasonable degree already, it is not too hard to play with moderate success. You can stay in certain keys that are oud friendly and also most of your notes can be found in first position, without needing to move your entire hand up the neck very often. Holding it at first is slippery because of the bowl, but you'll find your way. The strumming arm rests on top, putting weight onto the body, holding the instrument in place on a slightly elevated (strumming side) leg, either by crossing the legs or a foot stool. Of course playing any instrument well no matter what it is is more difficult. But if you love the sound, go for it. Before I had an oud I bought a cheap garage sale guitar and ripped the frets out. Nylon string will work better. The link above to cankaya music is a good general recommendation. I have been to their stores in Turkey. Don't just buy any old one off the net. The main issues when looking at ouds (or ud in turkish) are how well the tuning pegs are seated (ie, do they slip) and a nice low action. If both of these are substandard it will be no fun. Not every cankaya ud had low action though. There are two general styles, Turkish and Arabic. You'll find lots of info through google. There is an active oud forum here: http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/index.php A good site for learning about all the flavorful scales is www.maqamworld.com Goodluck! Eric --- www.ericzang.com www.cosmosmusic.net

8th June 2006, 01:07 AM	#7
Shabo Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 184	we track alot of oud ...i play guitar ...same concept as playing bass and fretless bass..paractice prcatice..

8th June 2006, 01:20 AM	#8
Shabo Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 184	almost forgot..besides getting used to the body its getting used to the "Reesh" or pick..very long and like a flat pen..also u cant rest ur elbow while playing..so its ALL in the rist

9th June 2006, 11:57 PM	#10
ericzang Gear nut Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA Posts: 113	Would like to answer your question now, but at the moment I don't have time. Definetely repost your question over at the below forum. Lots of people to help out there. http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/index.php

10th June 2006, 08:09 AM	#12
Full Clip Audio Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 464	If you are into the Oud and other Middle eastern instruments, check out A.J Racy. He is at UCLA in the Ethno-Musicology dept. He is considered one of the greates 'ethnic' instrument players in the world and is known for playing the largest number of 'ethnic' instruments. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174 Thats the link I found the fastest but he has quite a lot of stuff out. He also has a new album 'Elixer' coming out. I'm not sure when it will be released but it is one of my favorite albums in any genre. It is absolutly amazing! I will post info in this thread when it comes out. __________________ FCA Myspace

10th June 2006, 11:17 AM	#13
wallace Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 976	It's kind of off topic, but I just got a harmonium today. Attached Thumbnails

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