The Oud is a primary instrument of Arabic and Middle-Eastern music and actually the forerunner of the European lute and eventually the guitar. The fretless design and paired nylon and wrapped nylon strings is combined with a playing style based more on runs of notes in different maqams (similar to scales/modes) rather than chords to create an overall tonality. Modern ouds are normally 10 to 12 strings in 5 or 6 paired courses, from low to high as on a guitar, but with somewhat different spacing between strings. You can use a guitar pick, the traditional Oud plectrum called a risha (included), or fingerpicking. The bottom courses are mostly used mostly to add bass notes to the bottom end, with most note runs on the top 3-4 courses. With no frets, I add subtle dots along the side facing the player, approximately where finger placement with give correct half and whole steps. Some Arabic scales also use quarter tones, which add to the unique sound and are easy to pull off with the fretless design. There are lots of YouTubes of tuning, basic instruction, and more advanced play to watch and learn from. Get some basic skills down and find someone to add some hand percussion, and a whole new musical world opens up.

This is a Turkish instrument, and while still a lower-end instrument, it is a step up in finer detailing from my least expensive Moroccan oud. It is strung for Arabic tuning, beginning and ending on a C note. It's a full-size oud, about 33" long, with a string scale length of 23", and 11 strings in 6 courses. The bowl-shaped body, lightweight and made of wood staves, measures about 20"long, 14.5" wide, and 8" deep. It has a beautiful, polished satin finish on the back of the bowl and neck, and a more matte finish on the top. The exact design of the neck and pick guard overlays, as well as sound hole rosettes, can vary slightly. I will generally have the one pictured ready to ship, but if I have another one on the way or need to order one, the time frame will be a little longer, but you may be able to help choose the wood type and whether a satin or gloss finish. Finally, I add my custom decorations to make each unique (and very similar to the pictures shown), using genuine abalone shell overlays and hand-painting.

I include risha (plectrum) and a simple zippered carrying bag. Shipped in a very protective, padded crate.

If you have any questions before ordering, or about the instrument after you receive it, feel free to message me. I can also modify the design if you like.

A video/sound link will be coming soon!

International orders may add an import duty upon pickup. Please check ahead with your postal service.