Oud ('ud)

[dach]

I've played and recorded me playing one many times. I've been looking for one for a while but don't like to buy anything without playing first. The one I've used was not only difficult to play but also a pain to record (for more reasons than me not being a great player). I really want one but also want a quality instrument at the same time... but not wanting to spend too much since it will be not be used much...

I haven't checked out the Cape stuff yet but I downloaded the cuts before I came here.

[autodidactic]

Right on man. Ouds are fantastic instruments. Love the low range on them.

[oudplayer]

Originally Posted by dach

I've played and recorded me playing one many times. I've been looking for one for a while but don't like to buy anything without playing first. The one I've used was not only difficult to play but also a pain to record (for more reasons than me not being a great player). I really want one but also want a quality instrument at the same time... but not wanting to spend too much since it will be not be used much...

Unfortunately, quality instruments are hand-made, and come with a price. In Istanbul, $1000 is basically your starting point for a guaranteed playable instrument, and there are instruments as expensive as $5000 new and $30,000 used. There's one maker, Haluk Eraydin, in Aydin, Turkey who has playable (though not spectacular) instruments for cheaper, and also knows how to ship to the US. Search on mike's oud message forum for them. You also may luck out with a tourist instrument at a bazaar, but rarely are those good instruments. Usually they're REALLY bad.

In the US, Viken Najaryan (Orange County, CA) and Peter Kyvelos (Boston, Massachussets) are the two great makers - their quality instruments start at $2000 (Viken) and I think $3500 (Peter). This should give you an idea of the price - ouds use woods that are now quite expensive and hard to come by, and require hundreds of hours of labor to make properly.

[dach]

Thanks for the info....

That's about what I thought.... I look on ebay every once in a while but in that price range, I'm probably guaranteed to waste my money. There might be one or two that would work for me but finding the right one would be hit or miss. Maybe I'll just buy one and cross my fingers...

I'm not looking to become the man, just want to play lines and add realism that I can't come close to with samples. I guess compared to something like my 5K+ Goodall AC guitar, I'm looking for a Seagull or Godin level of instrument. A "real" oud - assuming it won't fall apart while playing - is probably better than no oud or the sampled one in RA.

[Contra]

yea purchasing an oud is when you have your studio setup already and/or your just an instrumentalist who uses others for recording and mixing, then your good to go.

[low_z]

Reviving this thread, not sure how I missed it before. Love the oud. I recently received my custom built Najarian oud and I love it! It's a classic 61.5cm arabic scale. It's got the tarab factor for sure. Other oud players here?

[Pandouros]

Oud, king of all instruments! Not a lot of oudists here I suppose?