alidaood - 9-23-2011 at 08:43 PM
I play a Munir Basheer style Oud, and I'm curious if any one has any experience with these strings (AQUILA ARABIC OUD STRINGS FADGC'F' SET 59O LIGHT
TENSION).
Presently I use Leonida strings out of France. I have to piece them together because some of the strings don't work for Iraqi tuning.
I tune FADGCF.
In my study, I'm learning to play down the neck, so it is important that the notes stay clean when playing far down the Oud.
Thank you.
Ali
Branko - 9-24-2011 at 01:28 AM
I am using Aquila Nylgut normal tension for same tuning on 'basheer' and it works well, not to sharp sound on highs compared to other brands. I would
recommend normal tension, if string lenght is 58.5cm.
alidaood - 9-26-2011 at 09:17 PM
Thanks Branko,
I just got the strings today, and have been playing on them for a few hours now. I'm not 100% sure about them yet, but they really sound and feel
alive.
I'm not sure what the string length is because I slide the bridge back so the string length is longer. It opens up the sound a bit. I copied my
teacher, not my idea.
I like lighter strings, so far I am really happy with them.
Ali
Brian Prunka - 9-27-2011 at 05:14 AM
I would be careful about moving the bridge on a floating bridge oud.
The face is braced to withstand the tension of the bridge in the normal position; if you move it too much, the face may not be able to support the
tension and will gradually warp or have other problems.
A centimeter probably won't hurt, but anything more than that could be risky. I would check with a luthier if possible.
The Aquila "light" tension is still not really light tension; it's medium-high.
Most people do seem to prefer the higher tensions on floating bridge ouds, though.
alidaood - 9-27-2011 at 11:17 AM
Thank you Brian.
SamirCanada - 9-27-2011 at 11:56 AM
Here is my input regarding your question.
First, I dont advise you move the bridge back from its intended position. Floating bridges are suposed to be located in the area of the soundboard
which has no brace directly under it because it is the optimal location to promote vibration of the top. Moving the bridge back increases the tension
and the downward force on the bridge considerably but it also brings it closer (or directly above) the lower brace which isnt a good thing as it
inhibits the vibration of the top.
If your oud responds well to the higher tension, the regular Aquila are an exellent choice. They do take longer than other types of strings to fully
stabilize and stretch out but they are wonderfull once they are.
alidaood - 9-27-2011 at 03:05 PM
Thank you Samir. The strings seem to work very well, I love their feel and sound so far.
In regard to the moving of the bridge my teacher said people would freak when they saw it. I'm not worried about its placement. My teacher has been
playing Iraqi oud for close to 40 years, he has been moving his bridge for probably 25 years and has never had a problem. It does decrease the
resonance a little, and you have to tune a little tighter, which does in turn put more pressure on the bridge, but it sounds great, and I didn't just
try it based on a rumor.
I appreciate your concern
respectfully
Ali
SamirCanada - 9-27-2011 at 05:39 PM
Play your oud in good health ya Aloushi.