How to Choose Your Oud
Is this your first oud?
Buying an oud for the first time may seem like a simple decision, but it is much more important than most people would think. When you are looking for an oud it is not just about buying whichever you like based on how it looks. Choosing an oud is like choosing your identity because every Oud has its own soul that should mirror your personality and style as a musician.
If you are more soft spoken, artistically driven, and hold your music close to your heart, then you will want to choose an oud like Ryad Al Soumbaty’s Oud. His oud has a deeper, meeker, and softer sound than other ouds, so he is able to better project his emotions when he plays his music. His oud is used to play music that has a more Taqseem mood which utilizes many improvisations. If this is what you are looking for then you are most likely looking for an Egyptian Oud.
There are different types of ouds that can create sharper sounds with more precise and serious notes. A good example of an oud with these sounds is the oud that Nasser Shamma uses to play and perform with. The sharper sounding oud is typically an Iraqi oud style with a floating bridge and more open holes in the face of the instrument.
Turkish ouds and techniques are said to have healing sounds that are used to appeal to emotions better. For example,the renowned musician,Yurdal Tokan, has a Turkish oud that has a beautifully calming sound that can heal the soul.
Oud’s with a joyful sound that are perfect for rhythmic melodies typically come from the gulf area and are made by Khaligy oud makers.
Do all Ouds the Sound the Same?
People often ask, do all ouds sound the same? The answer is NO. The same oud maker can use the same type of wood, the same tools, the same glue, and can make two Ouds that will hopefully have two identical sounds, but it never happens and every Oud has its own unique sound. However,Thanks to technological advancements, some oud makers and companies have been able to replicate ouds with identical sounds that have standardized specifications and measurements.
Oudinstrument.com is partnered with some of the most prestigious and trusted oud makers in the world. The quality of their ouds are backed and guaranteed by the American company, Oud Instrument LLC, and it’s great insurance policy that uses an escrow payment to ensure that you obtain the best oud identity that you are searching for.
What Style and Technique of Oud Music Should You Choose
There are many different styles of oud music and technique, so every musician needs to find what style fits them best. Do you play more Egyptian style songs? Or do you play with a more calculated and technical method like the Iraqi style?Or perhaps you like the healing and artistic style of the Turkish style? These are all important questions that you need to ask when choosing an oud and deciding how to shape your musical career.
The Looks of the Oud
While the sound is most important, it is also very important to choose the oud that has a design and look that best fits your identity. One of the biggest differences in oud appearances is that Egyptian and Turkish ouds tend to be more decorative with many ornaments, while the Iraqi oud is usually sleek and simple.
Measurements of the Ouds
The measurements by which oud makers create their ouds are considered to be sacred because an oud maker cannot reveal the secrets that make their specific style of oud. Therefore Oudinstument.com does know, but cannot release the specific measurements that are used by their trusted oud makers.
The Wood of the Oud
Every oud is a masterful work of art that is crafted with precision and technique. The wood used to create an oud is always carefully selected and treated to create different types of oud. Many planks of wood have to be bent and stretched into a perfect oud shape. The ouds are then always polished to shine with excellence. Different types of wood can produce different types of sounds and a good example is how ouds made of rosewood typically have a sharper sound.
Strings of the Oud
Choosing the type of strings for your oud also plays a big role in the identity of your oud career because all strings sound different. There are many variations of strings that are measured by their weight and the different types of strings produce different sounds. Nylon strings and metal strings are the most common string material, but sometimes certain strings need to be a specific material. For example, a G string should be made of steel to achieve a clearer sound.
Type of Risha/ pick
Ouds are not played with a typical pick like a guitar, but are rather played with a small tool named a Risha. Originally, the oud was played with the quill of an eagle and some professional players still use eagle quills to strum the oud, but most oud players use a Risha. Rishas come in different sizes and hardness based on the preference of the musician but we recommend selecting a Risha of medium hardness and with a shape that best fits your hand.
Buying an Oud for Beginners
Usually, the price is the most important factor to consider when buying an oud because a beginner is still unsure about their commitment to playing the oud. We recommend that all beginners should start with an average priced oud. The Oudinstrument.com support team is always available to answer any questions or provide assistance in choosing an oud.
The Quality and Craft of Oud Making
The quality and identity of the oud is entirely up to the oud maker or luthier. Their choice of sophisticated measurements and design is what will ultimately create the structure, sound, and feel of the oud. The smallest change in any specification will make a different oud so Oud makers take pride in replicating their own unique style of oud. Ouds are not produced in a factory like some guitars but are handmade with masterful dedication. Well educated oud makers tend to create better ouds because they take a more scientific approach. Educated oud makers consider musicology, mathematics, physics, and specific calculations when crafting an oud. Crafting ouds is not about building something; it is about crafting a piece of art with true excellence.
The iOud is the New Era of Oud
The iOud is a new tool that can allow musicians to expand their abilities and careers. The iOud is a revolutionized electric oud that can alter the pitch, create over 20,000 different sounds from different instruments, and transcribe sheet music of any form based on the notes being played on the oud. The technology was invented and internationally patented by Ramy Adly and is available for pre ordering exclusively on Oudinstrument.com. The iOud was researched and developed for five years by using the most reputable databases. The function and features have been meticulously tested to ensure high functionality with no timing errors or latency. The iOud is unlike any other instrument and it will be one of the most desired instruments in the world. This powerful tool can be used to advance and expand an oud player’s style as well as open their talents up to possibilities in their career. The iOud can be used for all genres of music production, creating movie soundtracks, and producing the soundtracks for video games.
Learn more about the Ouds at OudInstrument.com
And
If you want to Learn the Oud instrument visit
I first heard the oud in Istanbul many years ago, but never thought of trying it. I’m an artist,a painter, and before I could live on sales played piano in bars and clubs. Jazz and r&b , both solo and in a band. Don’t read music, learned from black musicians on south side of Chicago. Now I’d like to try the oud. Are they more fragile than guitar? I go camping in remote desert would like to bring it. Could I start with less expensive or used.? Don’t know why my tablet printed old not oud
Wonderful, you can visit this page for learning
https://oudinstrument.com/school-of-oud-online/
And this is a suggested Oud to get started
https://oudinstrument.com/shop/oud-instrument-for-beginners-shipped-to-new-york-chicago-california/
Awesome page about the Oud instrument, the best I ever read about the Oud in my life, thank you for sharing