For me, an action of 2.5-2.7 mm is the optimum in terms of playability and sound. I literally HATE buzzing. Believe me, I have bought and played many
ouds over the past 30 years, close to 100 ouds or more. No oud with action less than 2.5 is buzzing-free, and if, it is just a fortunate set of
circumstances.
The low action issue has been exaggerated lately. I am really against putting playability superior to sound.
I need to draw the attention that, with great respect to oud modern schools, oud is not violin. Oud in my opinion is designed to be played in the
range of the neck, in some case when needed then beyond that towards the soundboard. Oud needs more development in terms of design and technique to
reach violin playability. I have never seen an oud player who can get correct notes beyond the neck joint. For those few notes beyond the joint, I
wouldn't sacrifice the sound just to have a lower action close to the soundboard.
Check please the new ouds made by Nazih Ghadban. They buzz like hell, although they guy is really good, just to satisfy the newly-introduced criteria
of very low action.
With all respect to the forum members who do not agree with me.
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