Stranger - 8-29-2015 at 10:42 AM
Hello,
I've been on the lookout for an Arabic oud to start with. If I had it my way, I'd get a Maurice apprentice oud. Unfortunately, whenever they're in
stock, I don't have the money to get one at that moment and when I do have enough is when they're all sold out. So I'm still looking for a good
beginner Arabic oud. A music store in my area has a Bavly oud for $175. I know this isn't ideal, but is it playable for a beginner given my situation?
Another option is a music store in my area has an oud hanging on their wall for decoration which they told me they'd entertain the idea of selling to
me. Granted, I don't know a thing about this oud, where it's from, how old it is, who made it, or even if it's Arabic or Turkish. They just told me
that a man brought it in to sell and he told them he had bought it and played it in the country he lived in previously. Again, not ideal, but it's an
option.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Brian Prunka - 8-29-2015 at 10:48 AM
Photos of the ouds would help.
An oud hanging on the wall of a restaurant for an extended period of time is likely to have problems. But, you might be lucky and it could be a
worthwhile instrument with a little attention.
Bavly ouds are factory instruments which vary quite a bit with respect to quality. A photo would help get some sense of what we're talking about.
Stranger - 8-29-2015 at 11:09 AM
I won't be able to see the wall hanger soon, but I got the music store to email me pictures of the Bavly. Here is it:
[file]36538[/file]
[file]36540[/file]
[file]36542[/file]
[file]36544[/file]
Whisky Echo Papa - 8-29-2015 at 11:41 PM
I have a Bavly oud. It has its problems, but it sounds okay to me. In general I'm pleased with it.
Ideally you'd get to try before buying. Sometimes this isn't possible, and you have to trust the shop not to sell you a lemon.
Brian Prunka - 8-30-2015 at 06:41 AM
Okay, as far as what you might get in the $175 price range, that oud looks OK. Hopefully it doesn't have a thick finish on the face, can't tell in the
photos.
Personally I'd recommend saving up some more money and getting a Sukar.
Stranger - 8-30-2015 at 10:02 AM
Speaking of Sukar ouds, I found last night what I think is a used Sukar on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROFESSIONAL-SYRIAN-OUD-ARABIC-LUTE-MUSICAL...
Coincidentally, Mike was kind enough to message me and let me know that there will be more apprentice ouds coming in the not so distant future, so I'm
likely going that route now. (As tempting as the Sukar is!)
Thanks for all who have replied.
Brian Prunka - 8-30-2015 at 10:20 AM
I don't think that's a Sukar . . . looks similar but has several differences. Action looks high also.
Stranger - 8-31-2015 at 08:12 AM
Oops, thanks for the correction. It looked similar to me too.