Mike's Oud Forums

What kind of wood is this?

Jonathan - 11-12-2004 at 08:41 PM

I know that this is going to be basic for most of you, but I am not that good at identifying the various wood used on ouds. So, I am posting 3 pictures, and hope you folks can identify the woods that were used for them. This is not a quiz. I have no idea what the right answer is. But, I am hoping you guys do. Thanks a lot.

Jonathan - 11-12-2004 at 08:42 PM

here's number 2

Jonathan - 11-12-2004 at 08:43 PM

and here's number 3

Zulkarnain - 11-13-2004 at 04:51 AM

Hi

I think all 3 Ouds have either Padauk, Mahagony and Wenge used for the bowl.


Salam

Jonathan - 11-13-2004 at 06:58 AM

If it helps, the top oud was made in America, and the bottom two are Turkish.

Mike - 11-13-2004 at 08:58 AM

Hi Jonathan,

I'm not sure about the type of woods, but they are some very nice combinations. Are these your Grandfather's ouds?

Take care,
Mike

Jonathan - 11-13-2004 at 10:26 AM

Thanks. Only the top oud is. This is from 1959. The bottom two are Turkish ouds from the 1960s. I really love the look of these 3 bowls, particularly the first and last. I guess I am particularly in love with the strongly contrasting woods on the third. I really like this look. I know it should be about the sound, and not the aesthetics, but ouds are such a thing of beauty that you can't overlook the aesthetics of the instrument.
I don't know if anybody is interested, but Taschen publishing put out an amazing book called simply The Woodbook by Hough, with hundreds and hundreds of color plates of American woods. Just a beautifully published book.

Andy - 11-14-2004 at 11:42 AM

Jonathan, The first oud looks to be mahogany, the second oud looks like maple and walnut ( the tone of the wood)or mahogany the last on looks to be plane or maple with mahogany. But like Zulkarnain expressed it could be padauk. It is difficult to tell without seeing. Who are the makers of the last 2 ouds? I share your feelinfs about ouds.

Jonathan - 11-14-2004 at 02:39 PM

Thanks, Andy. I kind of thought the first one was mahogany, too. What the heck is padauk anyhow? Is there some other name for it? I appreciate the help. The bottom two are Karibyans (1964, 1967).