If I understand the question correctly, I think it refers to how many strings is on the Oud. Oud strings are in pairs of two except for the low bass
string.
If it is an 11 string Oud, then you have strings that look like this (low string to high string)
C GG AA DD gg cc
If it is 12 string Oud, then it probably has an extra bass string like this
CC GG AA DD gg cc
Really, there is no difference between them. One low bass string is enough. It doesn't matter whether it is a turkish Oud or Arabic Oud.
Keep in mind, some Ouds have only ten strings like this:
GG AA DD gg cc
90% of Ouds have 11 Strings.ALAMI - 1-26-2014 at 12:36 AM
MajnunNavid, I think that your definition of the 12 strings is not accurate, in practice I 've never seen someone using a double CC bass strings, it
would buzz like hell and add unnecessary tension to the oud. Usually "12 strings" refers to a oud that doesn't have a C bass at all but with the high
ff added:
GG AA DD gg cc ff
or, more frequently:
FF AA DD gg cc ff
Another 12 strings/7course setup that I am liking lately on my JT model made by Dr Sarikus is with single C and F bass strings
C F AA DD gg cc ff
Edit: and to answer Baubak, ouds can also be 13strings/7 course
C FF (or GG) AA DD gg cc ff
Some even attempted 8 course (Azar from Homs Syria)Alfaraby - 1-26-2014 at 08:28 AM
I think that your definition of the 12 strings is not accurate, in practice I 've never seen someone using a double CC bass strings
Well, I've seen many and tried it many times myself. Stringing double bass CC makes this string like any
other string, not just a bass (qarar) for C, D & E. So I suggest to try them.
Both Navid and you are absolutely right.
