Mike's Oud Forums

Returning oud player. Looking for advice on instruments.

jkndrkn - 8-22-2018 at 10:49 AM

Hi there! I took a class on Turkish makam this summer with a student of Ross Daly and it has re-ignited my interest in the oud. I owned a nice Syrian student oud for a number of years but didn't play it for lack of a community to connect with. Now that I know a number of players of Turkish oud (and oud in Greek and Balkan music) I feel excited about possibly returning to the oud.

What is a current good way to buy a decent Turkish ud? Looking for reputable makers and online shops. Given the option, should I go with an ud or a cümbüş? I am attracted to the durability and the volume and projection of the cümbüş and I am already a fan of plectrum banjo so the connection is there for me.

Thank you so much!