Mike's Oud Forums

Which of these Ouds to choose??

wsb3383 - 12-13-2010 at 01:58 PM

Hi, all!

So, I won this $500 gift certificate (@ Amazon.com) at work :) and I'm looking to spend it on buying me a Oud. I'm a new arabic player that has been using the Haluk Eraydin beginner's turkish Oud for a year and a half but I feel I'm reaching some limitations with it and I want to go back to taking lessons.

Naturally i'm inclined to find the most expensive (within a $500 - $560 range) in my search and buy it, but I want your opinion if what i'm getting is worth the price.


I searched Amazon.com and here are my choices, what do you recommend??

Egyptian Mosaic w/ Hard Case
http://www.amazon.com/Egyptian-Mosaic-w-Hard-Case/dp/B000GDXERC/ref...

Professional Egyptian Gawharet El Fan Oud Egyptian Oud
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Egyptian-Gawharet-El-Fan/dp/B003...

Oud, Egyptian, Unadorned, 11 Strg, Case
http://www.amazon.com/Oud-Egyptian-Unadorned-Strg-Case/dp/B0043NV5L...


Oud, Walnut w/ Soft Case
http://www.amazon.com/Oud-Walnut-w-Soft-Case/dp/B004AQ12Y8/ref=sr_1...


Electric Oud (should I Consider it???)
http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Frame-Black-Soft-Case/dp/B0046DCDO8/...


If you have anything on Amazon.com that you've found please let me know!

Thank you!
Ali

Greg - 12-14-2010 at 12:19 AM

Unless any forum member has purchased the same model oud from the same source, it is unlikely you will get informed advice on any of these instruments.

Further, I would advise that you may purchase one of these and find it is not of the quality of your current Haluk Eraydin student model. (I have one and it is quite a good instrument)

My advice would be to spend a little time reading these forums to see what is on offer from recognised musical instrument sources and then make your choice based on that knowledge.

Greg

charlie oud - 12-14-2010 at 04:57 AM

I agree with Greg but if I 'had' to choose one of these then it would be the Gawharet el fan oud. I had one once and though not outstanding it was a reliable authentic Arabic sound with good playability.

Brian Prunka - 12-14-2010 at 09:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by charlie oud  
I agree with Greg but if I 'had' to choose one of these then it would be the Gawharet el fan oud.


I agree with Charlie agreeing with Greg. Amazon's not really the way to buy an oud, but if you're set on it then GEF is the safest choice.

wsb3383 - 12-14-2010 at 01:22 PM

Thank you all for your advice, I agree Amazon is not the ideal place to get an Oud. But this is the only place I can spend the money because of the gift certificate.


Are there any online oud shops (known by or registered as members of this forum) that have Amazon accounts? (I remember there some on eBay)

Thanks.

spyros mesogeia - 12-14-2010 at 07:15 PM

I have paypall if you are interested.
Warmest Regards