Oud's topics - tribe.net

Turkish Ud Pieces

2008-10-05T10:52:42Z

Hi everybody, after a little hiatus I have resumed practicing me Turkish ud.

I am looking for some more beginning level Turkish saz samai, peşrevs, bestes, or similar type pieces to work on. i already play about 15- 20 things so i kinda know what i'm doing but at a basic level. Makam I am doing are rast, acemaşiran, mahur, hicaz, beyati, uşşak, hüseyni, and evcara. i would like some more of these makam, but to also start work on saba, segah, huzzam, nihavent, nikriz, and kurd.

I am looking on those couple of Turkish music websites for ideas but most of the things I am coming across seem a bit too complex for my technical level. Can any of you recommend some good simple things?

If so, please give the name of the composer(!!!) with the title of the pieces.

Thanks!

David
(Yes, I am still in Istanbul and can ask folks here, but i thought i'd put it out to ya'll as well...)

posted in Oud - 7 replies

In need of intstruction either via DVD or face to face ... oh and HI am new here...

2008-09-15T22:41:14Z

Hi all, my name is Liz, I was referred to this tribe by Carmine [ HI Carmine] for information on this rather interesting instrument.

I was given an oud for my Birthday and have not a clue as to how to learn to use it.

any all all info will be greatlfully appreciated.

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Makam

2008-09-11T13:52:36Z

Hi,
I have found this information elsewhere

"Dear Friends
Karl Signell PhD's book on Turkish Makam is now again available in
paperback, CD ROM, and download. This is the only book in English
available on Turkish Music Theory. You can preview the Table of Contents

CD ROM
www.lulu.com/content/3532738

Paperback
www.lulu.com/content/1858998

Download
www.lulu.com/content/2025192

All are the same content except that the paperback cannot made
use of audio files and links.
A reprint of "Mevlevi Ayinleri" (Heper - sheet music for whirling
prayer practice)is also available both on CD and as a download"

I have already downloaded and it seems to be a good book.
It is not at all expensive
Enjoy!

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Amplification and tone

2008-09-02T19:58:29Z

Hey all,

(I know this is slightly bit off topic here - however I figure if you're playing Oud you *may* have come across some of the same issues as me)

I'm looking to improve the sound I'm getting out of my saz through my amplifier. I'm using a Dean Markley "Artist" stick-on soundboard transducer and I've got it positioned right next to the bridge by the 3-string-course (the Bbb course on my saz - it's tuned AaeeBbb). To amplify it I've got the pickup going straight into a Crate CA15 acoustic amp.

For the most part it sounds pretty good. I am noticing though that there are a couple of tone issues (besides the ones where I'm badly flubbing notes... :). First, the Bbb course sounds loud and strong, but the Aa and ee courses sound less "present", probably because of the transducer placement. I imagine I can fix that down the road by using a twin pickup to get a better balance and representation of the sound of the instrument... right?

Second, due to the piezo nature of the pickup I'm using, it still has a bit of that piezo quack to it. The amp does a pretty good job with the signal (i.e. keeps the low end and not so much of the typical piezo brittleness) but it could definitely sound better. Can anybody recommend a preamp that would warm the tone up but not blow my budget?

Third, I've got a nasty 60Hz mains hum when I turn the gain up enough to barely hear myself through the amp. I've plugged into other peoples amps and I get the same problem. Other people plug into my amp, and I can turn up the gain a ton w/o any hum. I think it's gotta be because the cable used in my pickup is poorly shielded. Maybe replacing the cable with a female 1/4" jack on the instrument somewhere and then using a nice shielded cable would help?

posted in Oud - 12 replies

strings

2008-08-08T15:44:38Z

I've got this new oud and it plays and sounds pretty good except one thing. The D course, or I should say the third course from the highest in pitch as well as the other lower pitch courses(to a lesser degree) has fingerboard buzz. It's not bad when playing soft but gets annoying as hell when playing more aggressively. I temporarily fixed the issue with paper to raise the strings at the nut but I want to make a permanent change. A number of thoughts crossed my mind but before I do anything structural I wanted to see what you all thought about this. It is a turkish oud tuned to the lower arabic tuning and the strings are fairly light so the tension is low. Do you think If I buy some heavier strings that it may help the problem? I don't want to tune to the higher turkish tuning because it would make it much more difficult to play with other musicians.

I know I read a post from Carmine that he is using D addario oud strings and he likes them for their higher tension. What about the rest of you guys?

posted in Oud - 8 replies

Using guitar to learn Oud?

2008-07-02T15:37:53Z

I have an old harmony nylon-string guitar. I'm thinking of tuning it like an (Arabic) oud and starting to play it. I figure I can at least get used to the positions of the notes and picking (I'll use a risha) until I can get my hands on a good oud or cumbus.
Is this a good idea, or at least not a bad one?
Any downsides?

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Feed back!

2008-06-30T00:11:15Z

Anyone have any magic suggestions to deal with feed back from an oud with contact surface pickups? The instrument in question has K & K twinspots positioned at either end of the bridge. We run it through a LL Baggs DI. It isn't always a problem, depending on the room, but here is one venue we play regularly where just when you think you've got it dialed in, the next time we play the room the feed back dragon rears its ugly head. I have never had a chance to ring out the room properly so perhaps that might work if I get the chance. Problem is that we are always setting up on one side of the room while another group is playing on the other side.

I know that I should probably go through the past posts to see if this has already been covered but maybe some of you have some suggestions. Thanks in advance for any input!

ma'salaam

posted in Oud - 19 replies

Pickup the world pickup placement (Photos)

2008-06-29T04:21:43Z

Go here:
http://tribes.tribe.net/oud/photos

I posted 2 photos of where the pickup is on my oud.

NOTE:
This worked for MY OUD... it may not work in the same place for your oud. I also tried under the strings (right before the pick guard). The location I found... just behind the bridge worked great.

Pat Olson of Pangia recommended this pickup AND the LR Baggs to me and he was right on both counts. Both have worked for me.

The only bad thing: I don't know if I can ever take the pickup off :)

-Carmine

posted in Oud - 0 replies

K & K pickup issues

2008-06-29T02:08:20Z

I just tried to put on my K & K twin pickup tonight and one of the pickups didn't work. Occasionally it would pop and work for a split second. Something's definitely loose in there. Anyone else have issues? I'll be calling mid-east on Mon. to see about returning it or going through K & K to see if they might replace it. AAAARGH!

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Wireless

2008-06-29T01:38:01Z

Anybody have any recommendations for an affordable wireless system?

posted in Oud - 2 replies

My teacher was on NewOK.tv

2008-06-12T15:24:17Z

I know this is totally lame, but my oud teacher (and mainly my friend) was on a local news web site.
Here is the link:
http://www.newsok.tv/?titleID=1595738597 (sorry for the stupid ad at the beginning)
the music starts at 6 minutes and 13 seconds

Of course I am jealous that he picked my friend Brad to back him up on the tablah, but then again he is a lot better at playing 7/8 than myself. They are playing "Olive Harvest" (or I call it Olive Garden ;)

Not bad for a couple of Okies!

posted in Oud - 10 replies

Bagdad Ensemble

2008-06-02T02:34:59Z

I went yesterday evening to see the last recital of the Bagdad ensemble here in albuquerque. Rahim AlHaj is the leader of this group. He being one of the best oudists currently touring. In Albuquerque, he is a professor at the university and runs this ensemble. For those of you who may not be familiar, here is his website. www.rahimalhaj.com Anyway, the ensemble consistents of himself on oud, violin, flute, ney, kanoon, oud, guitar, riq, darbuka, and indian tabla.

After the show, I got the courage to ask if I could join and he said yes! When I told him I knew how to read music, he was very excited. Three of the current players are friends so I'm sure I can get help when needed. But I have never played in an ensemble before and am thrilled with chance. I will let you know what happens. There will be no meetings until the semester starts in the fall because Rahim will be touring this summer.

I wanted to let you all know this because here i get to talk about my music and you all are very encouraging. Thank you.

posted in Oud - 1 reply

I heard this on NPR

2008-05-28T16:21:46Z

http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/05/15/oud/
There is a Podcast of the music there as well

posted in Oud - 6 replies

Greek oud

2008-05-28T15:43:21Z

Hey,

I was wondering if the technique of playing the Greek oud is the basically the same as the Turkish and Arabic oud? This may seem like a dumb question, but since we have 6 Arabic oud players in my area and not one freak'n Greek musician, I had to ask. I know they tuned their ouds to the same tuning as the Turks (which works out perfect for me since I have a Turkish oud).

I know that Arabs and Turks use maqams while they Greeks use dromos (did I spell that correctly?), but do the Greeks play certain scales only in certain keys on their ouds like Arabic musicians or is it pretty much like the Greek bouzouki to were you play in whatever key the singer or other musicians happen to be playing in (does that make sense)?

Thanks!

posted in Oud - 6 replies

Renn Festival Oud

2008-05-10T03:36:27Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR37wm5rj6s

Listen to the Brother on the Oud!

posted in Oud - 2 replies

OT: Gawharet El Fan qanuns

2008-05-09T14:21:12Z

I hope no one minds this off topic subject, but I noticed that the qanun forum is no more, so thought I would ask this question here and on Mike's Oud forum too.

I am in the market for an Arabic qanun and wanted to know if anyone on this list could tell me a little more about the qanuns that are on the Gawharet El Fan web site?:
http://www.gawharetelfan.com/kanoun.htm

Does anyone here have one or know someone that owns one from GEF? If they are anything like the drums they make (I love my GEF tablah), then it is probably a good qanun, but this is the first I have heard of this.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

posted in Oud - 7 replies

Arabic Music Retreat - August 9-16, 2008

2008-05-08T21:42:41Z

Discover Arabic Music with Simon Shaheen, Dr. A.J. Racy,
and the Master Instructors at the Twelfth Annual Arabic Music Retreat
A week-long intensive session in Arabic music
August 9-16, 2008 • Mount Holyoke College • South Hadley, MA
www.simonshaheen.com

Instruments Taught:
•Voice
•Nay (end-blown reed flute)
•Strings: violin, viola, cello, string bass
•Plucked Strings: `Ud (Arabic lute), Qanun (plucked zither), Buzuq
•Traditional Arabic hand percussion: Riqq (tambourine), Tablah (goblet shaped drum) and Tar (frame drum)

Activities:
• Ear-training
• Music theory and analysis
• Music literature
• Private and group instrumental and vocal lessons
• Coached ensembles and large orchestra
• Recital by participants and faculty

Faculty:
Simon Shaheen — Artistic and Executive Director, Performance and Theory, Chamber Music
Dr. A.J. Racy — Associate Director, Nay and Buzuq Performance, Literature and
Analysis, Chamber Music
Bassam Saba — 'Ud and Nay Performance, Chamber Music
Charbel Rouhana — 'Ud Performance, Chamber Music
Rima Khcheich — Vocal Performance, Chamber Music
Najib Shaheen — Chamber Music
William Shaheen — Music Theory, 'Ud Performance, Chamber Music
Jamal Sinno — Qanun Performance, Chamber Music
Dr. Iman Roushdy-Hammady — Arabic Vocal Diction
Michel Merhej — Percussion Performance
Karim Nagi — Adjunct Percussion Instructor

• Residential fees ($863-$1,033) include accommodations, meals and classes
• Commuter rate: $746
• Transportation to and from the Retreat not provided
• Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult relative
• Registration deadline: July 1, 2008; Final payment due by August 1, 2008
• For more information contact: kaycam@aol.com or 617-512-8122
• Registration form available at: www.simonshaheen.com

The Arabic Music Retreat is sponsored by the Arab American Arts Institute.

posted in Oud - 1 reply

great and sad article about ouds in Iraq

2008-05-07T18:19:52Z

hey there
after reading this article, I feel blessed that I can still play...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/middleeast/01oud.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=oud&st=nyt&oref=slogin

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Restoring an oud

2008-05-06T14:35:58Z

Hello.
A friend gave me a crap broken oud, I don´t now if it´s arabic or turkish, I beg your help.
I worked the the body of the instrument, fixing with glue some broken parts. Now I´m decorating with gold leaf and engraving with fire, soon I´ll post some pics.
The next episode will be the painting and varnishing, probably with shellac, and I don´t know what I´ll do with the rosette!
You can see some photos from the thing they gave in my profile.
Any suggestions will be welcome.
Sorry for my terrible English. ;)

PS: I play percussion, not strings, so I don´t expect this oud will make a good sound. Actually, I don´t expect it makes any sound at all. :D

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Using a Risha

2008-04-30T21:10:50Z

Ok, I got my Oud and one Risha. I've read the posts about guitar picks vs. using a risha and I agree that the traditional style pick definitely brings out a different sound. My problem is with the upstroke. I have found out quickly that since I started using the traditional style pick I'm beginning to shy away from using upstrokes. This is bad because on the faster stuff I choke. I was hoping someone might spell out in depth how they hold the Risha and how they stroke the strings. It appears most people strike more in a downward motion than side to side as in flatpicking guitar.

posted in Oud - 3 replies

lighter gauge

2008-04-28T17:37:29Z

yo oudys
I just got a Sukar electric oud and I want a lighter gauge for it as I play in Turkish tuning.
Is there a good source for variable oud string sets?
thx
jef

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Oud Tutor

2008-04-28T01:06:37Z

http://www.pro.com.eg/oudtutor/

This was posted on a yahoo Group. I will use this in addition to the DVDs and help from those are willing to assist me.

Achbar

posted in Oud - 2 replies

How Odd

2008-04-24T14:26:12Z

For a guy who not know who to play an Oud, I am turning allot of people on to it. Many of my guitarist friends have seen my Oud, I bought it at an SCA event called Pennsic. They would like to know if there are good national sources for Ouds. I tell them to hit web sites and Mikes Ouds. My guitar playing friends are fascinated my the instrument.
Sadly for me, I have no good way of learning this instrument other than DVD instruction and good old fashion practice. How did most of you in this tribe learn this instrument? How did you first come in contact with Oud music?

posted in Oud - 7 replies

Getting an Oud

2008-04-17T22:47:16Z

Whjere can i get a good Oud at a good Price? http://www.mid-east.com has them. They are selling one for about $300.00 or so. Is this a good Price? Are these Good Ouds. Hard to tell by looking at a Picture

posted in Oud - 9 replies

Turkish vs. Egyptian

2008-04-17T14:57:45Z

What are the differences between these Ouds anyway? I know this has probably been answered here before but I couldn't find anything.

posted in Oud - 3 replies

My First Oud

2008-04-17T11:39:29Z

I made my first Oud purchase this past Pennsic. I toouch a basic beginner class and i am looking forward to learning as much about this instrument as possible. Thanks for all o the advice.

Achbar

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Turkish Music and Dance Camp

2008-04-17T11:37:52Z

Hey All,
I've been going to this camp for 5 years and I love it.

There are great dance teachers, great music teachers. Amazing live music every night. It's wonderful to get out of wherever you are and be in Middle Easter Music and dance land for a whole weekend :)

I pretty much learn/play all day and I even dance at night sometimes :)

Date: Memorial Day Weekend May 23rd to 26th
Website: http://www.folktours.com/campusa.html
Dance Teachers:
Fahtiem
Morocco
Artemis Mourat
Karim Nagi
Christina King
Ede Thurrell
Ibrahim Tunc
Tayyar Akdeniz.

Music Teachers:
Seido Salifoski
Karim Nagi
Ali Kahya
Souren Baronian
Mike Uzatmaciyan
Sami Abu Shumays
Rachid Halihal
Tayyar Akdeniz

posted in Oud - 1 reply

LOOKING FOR AN OUD PLAYER for GIG in SF BAY AREA in JULY

2008-04-16T18:48:15Z

Wonder-full Opportunity!
LOOKING FOR AN OUD PLAYER
FOR A GIG IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
IN JULY 2008

My Eastern/World Fusion Trance Groove Band AXIS MUNDI
will be playing at the famous world music and dance venue
ASHKENAZ in Berkeley on July 20th, 2008.

We are creating an "opening act" to bring with us - a small middle
eastern trio, along with a wonderful Belly Dancer who will also Teach
a little belly dance to the crowd. Myself -Auntie Matter on Doumbek,
and Lisa Sangita Moskow on electronic Qaunoon/Santoor, will join up
with an Oud player and form the musical Trio. Then the Belly Dancer
will also dance free form along with the audience dancers while Axis
Mundi is playing the main Trance Dance set.

The performers get a percentage of the door at Ashkenaz, which is
one of the oldest and most popular live world music venues in the Bay
Area, with a fabulous sound system and a huge sprung-wood dance
floor. Many many groups put in applications to play there, and only a
handful are selected - so this is your chance to get to play a gig there
without having to go through the application/acceptance process!

Ashkenaz and Axis Mundi both do a huge amount of professional publicity
and promotion, and we would also want you to promote the event to your
circle of friends and fans. The more people who turn out, the more money
we all make. Plus this is an opportunity for great exposure to a wonderful
audience!

Some very minimal rehearsal time will be required, which will probably take
place in San Rafael, Marin.

A FUSION style Oud player who is into IMPROVISATION would be better
than someone really traditional.

If you are interested, please contact me ASAP!
Contact info below...

Namaste` ~ Auntie Matter (aka Sondra )
Sondra Slade
Producer/Percussion - AXIS MUNDI
415-826-8644 - afternoons & evenings
axismundi@jps.net
http://www.soundclick.com/axismundi
http://pweb.jps.net/~axismundi
http://people.tribe.net/auntiematter
http://axismundispirittribe.tribe.net

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Oud practice

2008-04-16T03:25:53Z

This past weekend, I meesed around with my Oud, i just got a DvD on Oud and i am trying to remember the stuff Dennys taught me. this is a fun instrument, but sadly i have meat thick fingers, which meansI have to practice even harder.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

greek luthiers

2008-04-12T22:14:34Z

Interesting blog about luthiers in Greece. It is in greek but worth a look if only for the pics:

http://greekluthiers.wordpress.com/

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Looking for danceable oud music

2008-04-12T17:05:53Z

Does anyone have any suggestions for oud/drum pieces that can be used for Middle Eastern dance? I usually find pure oud without any percussion, or minimal percussion. I like something along the lines of Marcel Khalife's taqsims with percussion and bass, but I'd like to find faster rhythms that go well with zills.
Thanks!

posted in Oud - 4 replies

Looking for Oud in NYC

2008-04-09T22:03:01Z

I'll be in NYC for a few days this weekend and I'm on the hunt for a decent oud. Anybody know any good shops to look at?

posted in Oud - 2 replies

tuning

2008-04-08T22:11:23Z

Okay so I am curious how everyone here tunes their oud? I just bought a quanoun and a book I am having translated. Just thought some of you might have suggesitons on tuning a quanoun.

Thanks

Sean

posted in Oud - 10 replies

My Second Oud Lesson

2008-04-05T02:14:06Z

Denys Proteau gave me an Oud Lesson last Night, my person goal is to take small steps and practice allot in order to absorb the instrument. According to Denys, the Oud is played more akin to a Violin than a Guitar, the fingering is very important. Today, will practice what he has shown me and let muscle memory and ear take it's course. I have this tuner called an Intellitune. It is impossible to clip to the Finger board, I will figure it out, I have found keeping this Oud in tune a difficult task. Wish me luck, I am going to enjoy learning Oud as much as I have enjoyed listening to it. I welcome all advice ( smile).

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Apo xeno topo/Uskudara clip on my Haluk Eraydin oud

2008-02-24T11:04:16Z

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=KzPIVRjoRC0

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Electric ouds

2008-02-24T10:59:49Z

Hello everyone
I am really wanting to get an electric oud. I have been checking out one on Ebay by SUKAR for around $700 USD.
I bought one a while ago on Ebay from a loser in Isreal that sent me a total piece of crap which I sent back and lost around $125 in shipping.

So is there any alternative to the ubiquitous Najarian electric oud?
I have thought of getting one custom made. Was thinking of following a steinberger body shape (small, square) and having regular tuners etc, just for ease of travel (I tour a lot).

Any recommendations?
thanks!
oud on!
Jef

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Any Oud players in the DFW Texas area?

2008-01-23T15:16:08Z

Hello all. I wondering if there are any Oud players in the DFW area? Thanks

posted in Oud - 7 replies

oud performance - Ana Fi Intizarak

2007-11-30T14:15:42Z

Oud performance of Ana Fi Intizarak by Om Kalthoum taken in August 2007

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BymQg94Rik0

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Nomadiqa Ethnic Fusion and Arabesque Beats

2007-11-12T10:29:04Z

Hi Folks,
we recently released our debut album. It's a mix of electronic and arabian styles with some eastern european influences also. Some oud also of course. Just thinking it might be of interest to folks who like this kind of material.

There's four full tracks available to listen online.

http://www.myspace.com/nomadiqa
http://www.nomadiqa.com

Have a listen and see what you think. Sorry for the self promotion.

Many thanks,

Nomadiqa

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Learning Oud

2007-10-21T11:42:47Z

Ok, I live in the sticks of NC....Charlotte.....is there a way to teach yourself Oud? I really want to learn

posted in Oud - 15 replies

Oud Camp

2007-10-14T20:30:21Z

Wjhere can i find such a thing?

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Turning a Friend on to Oud

2007-09-26T00:19:35Z

This past weekend, I showed my friend my Oud. he plays guitar. He loved playing the Oud. Maybe i can convert him!

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Begginers questions

2007-09-18T17:11:14Z

Hi there!

I´m looking for a no-so-expensive Oud, but I have no idea where start looking at. For example:

http://www.activemusician.com/item--MD.OUDT
http://www.activemusician.com/item--MD.OUDX-C

Are they worth the price?

Any help is welcomed!

Edo.

PS: My english is awfull, I know...

posted in Oud - 13 replies

Fundraiser for John Bilezikjian

2007-08-19T16:48:07Z

There will be a fundraiser for John on November 4, 2007 in Gardena, CA (couldn't attach flyer). This is a fundraising event to show love and support for John. He has experienced kidney failure, and is undergoing regular dialysis treatments three times per week. He's doing fine, though.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Any Oud players in San Diego?

2007-07-26T13:59:58Z

I've been playing for a number of years and would like to meet others that play the Oud. I would like to share my knowledge and learn new things from others since no one teaches anywhere South of L.A.

Regards,

Randwulf

posted in Oud - 0 replies

BOSTON / MA: Looking for an oud player

2007-06-21T18:17:46Z

Hi -

I'm looking for an adventurous oud player in the Boston / Cambridge / MA / RI area to collaborate in a new fusion project.

This ensemble will play "dark," medieval, middle eastern, contemporary fusions.

I play medieval bagpipes, electric dulcimer, various percussion from around the world and I sing. I have an amazing percussionist with me.

A cello would also be nice if you know someone, and I'm not afraid of electronics / loops.

These are a couple of other projects than I'm involved in:
http://tribes.tribe.net/trouzbras
http://tribes.tribe.net/skatha

T.

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Lefties

2007-06-13T02:52:36Z

Oudists,

Is there such a thing as a leftie oud (if so, probably costs 3x more)?
Or would you need to get it customized?
I am curious what this would entail.

Thanks in advance.

posted in Oud - 4 replies

Selecting an oud / Qualities of an oud

2007-06-12T23:43:54Z

I am primarily an acoustic guitar player, having turned to an exploration of Middle Eastern music and instruments relatively recently. WIth respect to buying and evaluating acoustic guitars, I am reasonably knowledgeable. I understand the differences between the major guitar manufacturers, and I understand what the various woods sound like, as used for bodies and tops.....the brightness of maple, the warmth of mahogany, the clarity of spruce, etc. I also understand about neck shapes, tuning machines, and so on. But ouds......I am pretty much clueless.

I have a modest quality oud, which has served me fairly well as a beginner, but I am pretty tired of the pegs (my saz pegs stay in tune MUCH better) and also I think the nut (in guitar terms) is crude and causes tuning problems. Tone is overall pretty good, but not very bright.
So my next oud, do I spend $300 or $1500? What do I get for more $$, exactly?

Where then, to begin? Most online ads for ouds list the credentials of the luthier and the "prettiness' of the instrument, or its region of origin. I've seen some great designs, but no one really talks about neck shape, tonewoods, bracing (which is a huge issue in acoustic guitars) - so, I pose this question for this tribe:

What are the major characteristics of oud woods, construction, sound, and "playability" with which a purchaser/player should be concerned?

I await the Tribe's comments with great anticipation.

Regards,
Rutger

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Oud workshop with Ahmed Mukhtar - 8 July

2007-06-12T20:51:33Z

Oud Workshop with Ahmed Mukhtar
An unique opportunity to learn the Oud from a master Oud player

Fee £75 for 4 workshops, starting 8 July, 12 pm, further details at www.caravansary.org/workshops/

Ahmed Mukhtar was born 1969 in Baghdad and has played the Oud and Arabic percussion since 1979. He has worked with many folk music groups and musicians in Baghdad. He studied Oud and percussion with the masters Ganim Hadad and Jameel Jerjis and graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad. Ahmed has worked with Arabic orchestras and performed on TV with several Iraqi groups. He went on to study Oud and Western percussion at the High Institute of Music in Damascus. Later he studied at the London College of Music.
At SOAS - the School of Oriental and African Studies, he has obtained a master?s degree in performance, including Middle Eastern and Arabic music.
He is currently teaching Oud, percussion and Arabic music theory in many places in London, including SOAS ? University of London.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

gawharet el fan and maurice shehata ouds web gallery

2007-06-11T16:15:20Z

just launched a website www.sphinxshop.com which contains a full catalog for gawharet el fan ouds and for maurice shehata ouds, with also some amateur ouds collection, a must see collection for more than 30 oud design.
hope you like it.
have a nice day

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Oud and Violin teacher

2007-03-27T00:08:58Z

I found an Oud and Violin master teacher who was also an Arabic music composer in Lebanon named Fouad Harraka. I couldn't believe he lived a few suburbs away from my place.

http://www.myspace.com/fouadharraka

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Simplified Middle Eastern Songs for Learning and Practice

2007-03-08T08:43:59Z

Hi everyone!

If you or a loved one are interested in learning traditional Middle Eastern music and the rhythms that accompany those songs, well look no further!

Carmine Guida and I (Melissa Murphey) have recorded an instructional CD that has 12 plain straightforward songs that will enable drummers or musicians to learn to play the traditional tunes.

This CD includes such classics as Layla, Misirlou, Shisheler, Fire Dance and Sulukule. There are no distracting vocals or excessive ornamentation here, just the plain songs for learning purposes. The MP3s are available for immediate download at www.dorku.com. they are only 1 dollar each!

All soundfiles are in the same key as the sheet music available at www.dorku.com.

In addition, GUITAR TABLATURE is now available for select Middle Eastern songs at www.dorku.com. Sheet music is available for key of C instruments, B flat instruments (trumpet, clarinet , soprano and tenor sax) and Bass clef instruments (cello, trombone, baritone)

www.dorku.com - for all your Middle Eastern Music needs!

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Oud and Doumbek online videos

2007-03-08T04:57:45Z

Got some video taken at Celini's cafe on 24th Feb 2007

Ana Fi Intizarak
This is a piece that was performed by Om Kalthoum. The oud player is a sixty year old retired arabic singer, Akmed, who started playing oud at forty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0HBVVQxr4U

Nebtidi Mnain El Hikaya
This is a peice by Mohammed Abdel Wahab.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyD1twtjQz0

Clare and Michelle
Retired bellydancer Clare O'Donnelley and Les Nomades tribal dancer, birthday girl Michelle Svenger get up and dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUFZQmfom08

posted in Oud - 0 replies

RARE PROFESSIONAL IRAQI OUD 4 SALE !!

2007-03-02T12:23:32Z

Dear all. I have just learned about this lovely website. It is always invigorating to find oud lovers around the world gathering in one round table :)

I'm posting my oud for sale. It was originally posted on mikeouds.com.

Please click the following URL for details (pix and video files) about the oud.

My ID there is OudProff

Sincerely;

Max

email: oud.proff@gmail.com

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Fretless Oud guides?

2007-02-28T03:13:56Z

Just wondering are there any commercially available guides similar to this for the violin?

http://www.fretlessfingerguides.com/index.html

If I had to "paint" semi tone fret positions, ignoring the quarter tones, on an oud is there a formula I can use to figure out the positions?

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Free Group Maqam Classes

2007-02-06T16:22:31Z

Free group classes which will serve as tapings for my online maqam lessons.
No experience necessary.

to see what group classes are like, download the free "introductory episode" from:
http://maqamlessons.com

The first class will be held Sunday February 18th, and monthly or bi-monthly thereafter, at my studio in Queens, NYC. please RSVP to me at:
abushumays@hotmail.com
if you are interested in this or future classes.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Humidity

2007-01-22T13:26:58Z

Is it true that humidity can slowly destroy your oud? If so, what are the best conditions in which to store an oud?

posted in Oud - 2 replies

My First Oud

2007-01-22T06:16:02Z

I played an Oud for the first time this weekend in Media, Pa. There was an SCA event called " Al Hafla" A lady named Sedeka allowed me to play her Oud. No doubt in mind at all, that my inner drive to play this instrument was correct. I played it and love dit. She showed me some techniques. Now, i just need a Mirror and an Oud.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

The journey of a thousand miles

2007-01-19T23:28:07Z

Howdy. Just figured I'd say hi. My dad got an oud a few years back while in Turkey, but it was mostly sitting in the corner collecting dust. So I liberated it, and figured maybe I'll try and put it to use. The bellydance troupe I run with uses mostly canned music, and we have a small core of drummers for live stuff - but no melodic instruments as yet, so I aim to change that.

Now to the tough part - any suggestions on where to start? I have some experience with guitar, but only the basics (chords, a little bit of tab, etc.) and I realize that it's a different ballgame anyway. The Oud I have is turkish, with 11 strings in 6 courses (the lowest is a single string). I guess I need to figure out what to tune it to, and how to start going about learning to play the thing. Any info would be awesome.

Thanks,

-J

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Straps on Ouds

2007-01-18T05:07:59Z

OK I may just be an incurable guitar player, but I intend to put a strap on my oud so that I can play standing, or be more secure when playing seated. It would also be a damn sight easier at places like Pennsic especially if I use my wireless pickup.

It's been done, I know, but I haven't seen any installations up close. Most recently I saw a video of Loreena McKennitt's band playing Mummer's Dance, and the oud player was just standing there, playing rather comfortably with his strapped-on oud.

I assume that the best place structurally to put the right hand strap pin would be dead center of the "base" where all the slats come together - - on my oud anyway there is a solid-looking disc there. Of course, I couldn't be sure without taking it to a luthier and having him "pop the top." I'd rather not.

For the left hand attachment point one could either just tie the strap to the tuning head (behind the nut) as some guitarists do.....or perhaps better in stall a strap pin or knob on the underside of the neck just before it connects to the body of the instrument. This is where Taylor and Breedlove, and many other guitar makers place theirs.

Any thoughts?

-Rutger

posted in Oud - 6 replies

Oud Case

2007-01-04T06:48:49Z

Hey All...
Most of the time, ouds come with pretty plain cases... I picked this one up:

http://www.tulumba.com/storeItem.asp?ic=HO100074PV834

It's not amazingly great. But fits my oud nice and snug and is THICK. It can stand up too...

It JUST fits my Turkish oud...

-Carmine

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Djinn now available on iTunes!

2006-12-29T15:42:05Z

Hey All!

I am estatic to announce that Djinn's album is now available on iTunes!

Djinn: The Middle East Side

If you use iTunes jJust click here and you'll be taken right to our cd:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=210439075

Features: Cumbus, Hurdy Gurdy, Human Beat Box and doumbek!

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Number of turns around pegs

2006-12-24T04:47:21Z

Well, those strings are getting pretty tired and it may be time to change them again. [Not my favorite pastime]-

It occurs to me that no one has ever advised me how many "turns" or wraps of the string should run around the peg.

In guitar, there are a couple of methods to determine the proper amount of "spare" string around the peg. Any suggestions, or conventions for the oud?

Cheers,
Rutger

posted in Oud - 2 replies

looking for an oud?

2006-12-14T06:58:06Z

There are lots of people selling ouds on MikesOuds....

Here is one for $300 that has a YouTube clip of someone playing it!

http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=4679

posted in Oud - 1 reply

How did you discover Oud?

2006-12-10T14:37:38Z

I am in a Medieval Club. I was drumming at a huge event in Pa and heard these guys jamming on stringed instruments. This was exciting to me. It was at a little coffee shop on a camp ground. That got gears turning in my head. I decided then and there. Time to learn guitar, Lute, Oud or something. The drums are nice......I love to play. I just want to learn more.
Now, I live in the Sticks of NC. Ok, I live in Charlotte, NC. Not really the sticks. There are damned few Oud Players here. I havhe this VCD called " How to Play UD Vol 1" Is there a Volume 2? Well, This is not the best way to learn Oud, but it is a start.

posted in Oud - 7 replies

Regrets from Pennsic

2006-11-24T16:13:40Z

One of the things I wish I had done was taken Oud lessons. No doubt..that would have given me the added motivation to actually do more than what i am doing now.
Now, i am using Lime Wire to download Oud Music. So fare, I ahve some nice songs. No doubt, if I do a web search, I can find Oud cds.

posted in Oud - 6 replies

Are these Good Lutes?

2006-11-14T02:42:22Z

http://cgi.ebay.com/BAHRAIN-OUD-NEW_W0QQitemZ160050617186QQihZ006QQcategoryZ308QQcmdZViewItem#ebay

Should I avoid these?

posted in Oud - 7 replies

I saw this

2006-11-11T02:05:00Z

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lute-Turkish-Lute-Oud_W0QQitemZ150055294990QQihZ005QQcategoryZ112676QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is this even worth messing with? I went to a Pawn shop today. I was looking for a Guitar. This guy had an honest to goodness Oud on the wall. He called it a Mandolin. This fellow wanted $250.00 for this " mandolin". I thought it was too much.

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Nev Ud

2006-11-09T15:10:57Z

Has anyone ever played one of these?

http://www.veyselmuzik.com/tr/nevud.php

Has anyone ever dealt with Veysel Muzik or know anything about them? They've been responding to my email and the pricing for one of these Nev Uds is $800 with hardcase and shipping.

I own a turkish ud, but have grown weary of the tuning pegs and the uncomfortable way I have to hold it to keep it from slipping away. The guy at this shop says he can build it with mechanical tuners.

Anyone?

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Oud taksims on youTube

2006-10-31T04:43:38Z

well, hellooo oudis

is this just a quiet board for oudist(s) ssss, or is there more to say?

I've posted some taksims of mine on youtube, I'd sure like some advice on them if you've got them to spare!

http://youtube.com/user/kevingermain

I am also wondering if anyone has any connections for non-plastic mizraps?

ok then, see you round!

kevg

posted in Oud - 2 replies

Pickage

2006-10-25T02:52:27Z

Sooo.. I bought a bunch of picks/mizrab/risha lately...

I ordered them from Mid-East.. I tried

1. Their Plastic ones - Not bad but too big, didn't come to a point.
2. Cow Horn - Holy hard batman.. nice grip but wayyyyy to thick.. might be nice if they were sanded down to a point
3. "Turkish" - These are rubber... TERRIBLE for Cumbus.. maybe ok for oud...

So... I didn't like anyone's picks... I began to make my own picks out of the following
1. Star Bucks cards - These are free! Star bucks just has them sitting on the counter... you can cut diagnoally across them.
I recommend this for people who like harder picks.

2. Capital 1 Fake Credit Cards - You know those fake ones you get in the mail, that are actually made of plastic? I get one every week from Capital one. I've been using these for picks for months and they work great. I cut along the diagnoal...

BUT!!!!!

The best pick yet.. and what i'm using now for Oud and Cumbus......

Plastic Collar Stays!

Wha? Yes those things they put in shirts!
You can buy a pack of them for like $1 and it comes with tons of em. The looonger ones are perfect! they are harder than the fake credit cards, but thinner than star bucks cards...
And cheap! and already shaped like an oud pick!

posted in Oud - 3 replies

Short Video of building an Oud in Morocco

2006-10-19T18:46:43Z

An inside view of an Oud Builder's workshop in Morocco. This give you some insight as to how the instrument is built, as well as the atmosphere of the workshop.

Building an Oud in Morocco...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onuZlyqyTQU

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Naser Musa teaching Arab music in DC area October 20-22

2006-09-23T00:53:41Z

http://www.raks-n-rhythms.com/performing.html

Arab music taught by master oudist Naser Musa and darabuka for all levels with Suhail Kaspar.

Check it out!

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Electric Oud Quest 2006

2006-09-23T00:50:58Z

In this video I show the way to the music section of Beyoglu (from my hotel in Sultanahmet)... I meet lots of cats and show lots of music stores... and.. umm cats :)

Enjoy the randomness of my videography :)

Electric Oud Quest 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZsqAiLAYQQ

If you missed Cumbus Quest 2006 it's here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E598PXo5BX4

-Carmine

posted in Oud - 2 replies

technique question

2006-09-09T12:12:48Z

hi all,

opinions wanted!

i am a beginning oud player. i am pretty sure my left wrist is supposed to be sort of bent down a bit. however when i try to play like this i have very little movement and control in my fingers, and pretty much cant play at all. so instead i play with my wrist bent back, heel of my palm against the back of the oud. this does not give me any problems now, but i am pretty sure there is a reason that your wrist is supposed to bend the other way, and eventually it might be a problem.

my question: should i try to break my bad habit now, or keep going and wait until i get good enough that it becomes a problem (which might not happen, but if it does it would probably be harder to break the habit....then again it might be easier since hopefully my fingers will be stronger and more flexible.....hmmm) ?

thanks,

erica

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Naser Musa

2006-08-31T02:02:17Z

BTW - I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Naser Musa will be offering private lessons in Oud as well as Arabic singing when he comes to Maryland/DC in October with Souhail Kaspar. Anyone interested, please email me or visit: www.raks-n-rhythms.com for details.

About Naser: Naser Musa has been teaching Oud, Arabic singing, and Arabic music theory for the last fifteen years. He continues to give lectures and workshops at universities and culture centers throughout the United States. For more about Naser Musa, visit: www.nasermusa.net

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Oud Shirts!

2006-08-20T23:54:55Z

SexyGeeks.com: T-Shirts, Mugs and More!

I started a store with slogans for dorky musicians. Yeah, we need to be clothed too! Give it a look great if you know someone into Middle Eastern music.

Yeah I put up a Chicks Dig Oud Players shirt...

http://www.SexyGeeks.com

posted in Oud - 4 replies

"System of a Down" oud!

2006-05-21T16:44:19Z

The punky-rock band "System of a Down" has a cd out called "Steal This CD". It's printed and packaged to look like a homemade burned cd with handwritten cover and few notes.

Track 5 "NuGuns" has a short oud part, played fast picking style, with what sounds to me like a guitar pick instead of misrap. Pretty cool just the same.

Karadeniz/Denys

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Passing of a great musician

2006-05-01T15:17:45Z

I had just heard that George Mgrdichian had passed away this Sunday as a result of complications from pancreatic cancer. Life is short. Play away.

George Mgrdichian bio:
http://www.gerardedery.com/PROGRAMS/HTML/georgeM.html

posted in Oud - 0 replies

New Dhafer Youssef album out end of March

2006-03-20T14:54:54Z

There is a new Dhafer Youssef album due out at the end of March called Divine Shadows. Here is the Amazon entry for it but you may find it cheaper elsewhere.
This man is a genius and his albums are utterly superb; if you haven't heard him, check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EGD1PG/sr=8-5/qid=1142865943/ref=sr_1_5/103-8769363-9195004?%5Fencoding=UTF8

posted in Oud - 0 replies

tuning

2006-03-13T22:57:31Z

I have a Syrian Oud that I bought, unseen off eBay. I kinda lucked out: it's named, it's big, it sounds good, for the price I paid, I had no business getting an instrument this nice.

However, it's a BASTARD to keep in tune. I've bought peg-wax like violinists use, paid to have the peg-holes re-bored, and then to have them replaced with ebony, and they still manage to both jam and slip, enough so that my playing is decreasing.

I understand I'll spend more time tuning a pegged instrument than something with machines, but if anyone can help a brother out, with tips or gotchas, I would greatly appreciate it.

posted in Oud - 3 replies

ergonomic nightmare

2006-02-28T23:22:23Z

I play mainly cumbus, but I play oud also. I love the sound, but...

I have a horrible time finding a posture to play the oud, that doesn't give me shoulder and upper back pain.

The curved body keeps wanting to slide off my lap, and the body is large enough I have to hunch over it. (I have an Egyptian oud, which I understand is larger than Turkish - is that true?)

Does anyone have advice - about posture, about keeping the oud from sliding off your lap, about playing without pain?

Thanks much,

Charlie

posted in Oud - 5 replies

Anyone play ney too

2006-01-12T04:17:09Z

Well tell your friends, I just started a ney tribe...
http://tribes.tribe.net/ney

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Video Clip: My New band Djinn

2006-01-04T05:09:36Z

Hey All!

I just posted some videos on my website with my new band Djinn.

We play some traditional stuff, but also play our version of tribal music... I guess it's East Coast tribal... or East-Side! Anyhoo...
http://www.carmine.com/Video/

posted in Oud - 0 replies

Holy Membership Batman!

2005-12-22T20:07:21Z

Wow! Members on my oud tribe too! Oud and Cumbus tribes picking up...

I promise to start posting useful things soon to these tribes :)

-Carmine

posted in Oud - 5 replies

Rabih Abou-Khalil

2005-12-14T07:31:29Z

It's interesting, I was reading bio of Rabih Abou-Khalil today, and then I came across with this tribe announcement:)

posted in Oud - 1 reply

Oudists!

2005-12-12T16:49:21Z

We need to get more oudists together... since there are about 10 of us here on tribe :)

posted in Oud - 0 replies