Mike's Oud Forums

sukar ouds

upontheroof - 12-12-2005 at 01:32 PM

hello,
i have been looking for an oud and have someone offering to sell me a sukar oud. does anyone have one of these? are they good quality?

here is the info from the email about the oud. let me know what you think.

About the OUD, as I have said before, is a Syrian Oud made by the famous Syrian Oud maker Mr. Ibrahim Sukar. It is made of Walnut wood and the pegs are Beach. Rich and deep sound, as it's known of Sukar ouds. Another feature in Sukar ouds is that the body of the oud and the finger board are attached using a screw with which you can adjust the action on the fret board.

I am asking $350 for this Oud including a leather soft case, shown in the 1st picture, and I can send you an extra set of strings, of decent quality no particular brand, as well as a plastic pick.

I have a hard case made by Sukar as well. It has the shape of the oud and great insulation that provides perfect protection for the oud, from personal experience, I really suggest having a hard case for ouds. This case is shown in the 2nd picture and I am asking $150 for it.

peppeo77 - 12-12-2005 at 02:49 PM

Hi. I've a Sukar oud since august, and it's pretty ok. The only problem is the action, it suffers for hard string tension (I'm using Aquila strings and I can notice the difference...), it buzzes a little in some areas of the fretboard, expecially on the bass strings. It has a lovely sound, my oud is almost brand new (it's been crafted in april 2005) but it sounds mature already, well balanced and full of harmonics. The price is ok I think, please attach one pic if you have, and don't' forget to ask to the dealer for an audio clip, so that you can hear the sound.
Regards, ciao ciao, Giuseppe.

upontheroof - 12-12-2005 at 06:09 PM

hey,
how do you post pics?
i will post one tomorrow.

palestine48 - 12-12-2005 at 06:12 PM

I was told the action is set purposely low because overtime the action will naturally raise and thus the buzzing will go away and feel better. Also I heard the action is adjustable is this infiirmation all accurate

Jason - 12-12-2005 at 07:10 PM

Isn't $350 very cheap for a Sukar? The soundclips I have heard of them have sounded really good.

Not to contradict you palestine48, but do you know why you were told that? I can't think of how the action could naturally raise uniformly across the fingerboard unless the soundboard warps or the bridge is raised.

SamirCanada - 12-12-2005 at 07:47 PM

The action raises because tension pulls the neck and fingerboard forward wich makes the strings raise. And to my knowlege it is a very reasonable price for his oud. Only it might be that the woods used are verry common.

Tablah23 - 12-13-2005 at 12:44 PM

im intereted in the case..look at the U2U message..or your inbox

syrianoud - 12-13-2005 at 04:47 PM

Sukar Ouds are about 10 to 15000 syrian ponds it = to $100 to $120 in Syria.If you are there and bargen thats what you pay.I had a friend who just bought the oud for $120.00 after bargening with him.
Second I do not think that he is so famous , I have seen a few ouds of his , The best Oud was bizing bad and a new oud...The sound gaurd was pealing and bracking from the side.
Too many guys work at Sukar, All his Kids are there and each one does one thing. So what you get a FRUTE Salad:):) If it was me i wont buy a Oud from him . Samir Azar has much beter ouds and a few days ago I have posted his new web site , where you can see his ouds ,and his prices are pretty cheap.
Regards Samir

revaldo29 - 12-13-2005 at 05:11 PM

How much does Samir Azar sell beginner ouds for? Any ideas Samir?

syrianoud - 12-13-2005 at 06:17 PM

A good Oud is I think that he coated me $400 + Shipping All his ouds are great ,He makes one kind. Go to his site and look them up.
Regards Samir

upontheroof - 12-13-2005 at 06:26 PM

hey,
are sukar ouds arabic or turkish style? what about azar ouds?

Jason - 12-13-2005 at 06:41 PM

Azar's ouds are Syrian. Samir, is it a problem getting something like an oud from syria to the US? I know there are very specific rules about imports and exports between the USA and Syria but I do not know if you can receive instruments from there and/or wire money to there.

syrianoud - 12-13-2005 at 07:17 PM

Jason yes you can wire money through western Union and they ship Aramex,It goes to Dubai and from there to NY and here UPS shipps to anywhere in the USA.
Regards Samir

palestine48 - 12-23-2005 at 09:48 AM

Any new info on that sukar oud case, is it stil available?

Stefan Andalus - 12-23-2005 at 10:19 AM

I have a Samir Azar oud available for purchase at $400 plus shipping from San Francisco. It is a floating bridge oud, and is in perfect condition. Wonderful volume and sustain. Aquila strings. Contact me at MRBAYNE@sbcglobal.net if you are interested. A soft case with pockets for risha and extra strings comes with the oud.

Hatem_Afandi - 12-23-2005 at 07:51 PM

Hi Guys,
This is an interesting conversation.
I believe that Sukar makes excellent hard cases for the oud.
For a Syrian oud, I would definitely get a Samir Azar one. Samir is very knowledgeable and he makes one oud every month. You can always discuss the type of wood used with him. However, he prefers the walnut for the bowl.
Western Union is what you would use for sending the money.
I believe that it will cost about $220 to ship an oud from Syria to the US.
Merry Christmas everyone,
Hatem

Lebanon - 12-23-2005 at 08:30 PM

Yes indeed Samir Azar is one of the GOOD Oud makers in Syria.Much better than Sukar Ouds. He is the only one that works on the Oud.Unlike Sukar too many people involved Building a Oud.I saw one of his new I mean brand new oud that a guy bought at Sukars workshop and it is crap.I have seen a Buzuk made by Samir Azar and it is great.I will highly recomend him.You can order with confidence .
Regards Samir California(Syrianoud)

Greg - 12-23-2005 at 10:53 PM

Jameel owns a Sukar and he speaks highly of it. Elsewhere on these forums Jameel also mentions that Issa Boulos plays a Sukar.

Regards,

Greg

Lebanon - 12-23-2005 at 11:55 PM

I have seen at ......sorry cant mension his name ,he just got a brand new top of the line Sukar oud,The Quality is very cheep . where the soundgaurd was pealing and all strings buzzing real bad.And that is a professor not just a regular person .he is a master of masters in music and specially ouds. Well if you want a real cheap oud get a Sukar Oud.What else can i say.Look how many people are selling there Sukar ouds .If they where so good they would have kept them.I had much better feedback on Samir Azar's ouds.Well any way that is my opinion I have real great ouds and know what is good and bad...
regards Samir

palestine48 - 12-24-2005 at 01:53 AM

stefan u2u me, i am interested. i live in san francsco. i will email you when i get a chance, thanks rami.

Jameel - 12-24-2005 at 03:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Greg
Jameel owns a Sukar and he speaks highly of it. Elsewhere on these forums Jameel also mentions that Issa Boulos plays a Sukar.

Regards,

Greg


Indeed I do, Greg. It was my first arabic oud, and I still play it. It's well made for the price. Not perfect, but decent. I like it and it plays well. As an aside, I have no problem with someone who doesn't like Sukar's work, but a responsible, charitable and balanced individual would do well to offer constructive criticism regarding the luthier, rather than dismissing his work with a pompous, authoritative tone (replete with the most illiterate English), using adolescent, scatological terminology. Issa does play a Sukar, but I'm proud to say that his main instrument now seems to be the Jubran that I restored. :D My Sukar doesn't have the resonance, depth or sustain that my (Khalaf) oud has, but it also has a sweetness and warmth that I hope my Khalaf develops. Hope this helps. :wavey:

Lebanon - 12-24-2005 at 04:08 PM

let me not answer you .I wont go down to your level.I live in a free country, free to say what ever i want to say.

DaveH - 12-24-2005 at 06:31 PM

Stefan, I'm interested but Palestine you take first shot as you're in SF and I'm in the UK and you've given me such excellent advice on oud buying!

David

revaldo29 - 12-24-2005 at 08:34 PM

I think the fact that Jameel still chooses to hang on to and play his sukar oud is enough to make me want to buy one. You really shouldn't need much more convincing than that.

palestine48 - 12-24-2005 at 09:31 PM

Thanks Dave. That is very gracious of you. I will give it my best, god willing things work out in all our favors. None of us should be denied a grea oud.

merry christmas and happy holidays to all.

as far as oud preferences are, we all have to keep in mind each has his/her own preference. whether its turkish or arabic, maker A. or Maker B. , what is important is we all play beautiful music together.

remember music is the universal language. for those who are conflicting here, you guys should read the story of the relationship between edward said and daniel baremboim( however you spell, its a tough last name) and how music played a critical role in them becoming essentually spiritual brothers.

Not deny anyones legitimacy in their arguements, but I am sure this story can help you guys see the nature of music and its healing powers.

so peace, love and oud.

Hatem_Afandi - 12-25-2005 at 05:32 PM

I visited Syria on 97 for a business trip. I was fascinated with the workmanship they have with mother of pearl and woodwork. It is not unfair to say that the Syrians are the best in the world when it comes to that line of work.
It was my first time to regret not buying a oud from there too.
My second time was in Jakarta a few months later when I ran into a wonderfully sounding real old oud in an antique shop. I fell in love with it. My flight was just 2 hrs away and I just didn’t know how to carry it back with me to the US without damaging it.

Hey Rami
As usual, well said!
Let me commend you on your eloquence and intelligence.

syrianoud - 12-25-2005 at 08:34 PM

Hatem _Afandi....Dont miss understand me .I love Syrian Ouds but maybe my luck was bad.I bought one and got screwed .paid $1200 and sold it for $500 never used it. And saw quite a few at peoples houses at least 4 of them where brand new and all strings BUZZING and very poor workmanship. I can take pictures but rather not,Since Sukar doesnt care of participate here or answer you Emails .Maybe he doesnt read English or doesnt want to deal with the USA afraid of Elasad.Since all what is going on between USA and Syria.
But all the people I know just asked people that went to Syria to buy it for them.
Try contacting Samir Azar and you will see that his ouds are in the $400 great ouds very reasnable and great quality.as soo as I sell one or two ouds and have space i will order one from Samir Azar.
It is just a matter of preference , i just hate someone to buy a Oud and there will be no backup you are on your own once you get it.
Best Regards and hope for a better 2006 . Salamat. Samir, california

Hatem_Afandi - 12-25-2005 at 11:52 PM

Hi Samir,
I didn't misunderstand you. On the contrary, I find your posts quite informative.
I just wanted to participate in an interesting conversation. That's all.
I got hosed too on a oud by someone in Cairo. It is still sitting here in a huge case and I am really tempted to throw it in the garbage! I lost about $650 in the process!
Well, I did order a Samir Azar oud. It is almost ready. I already started a work-in-progress link for it. I will post it here as soon as I get the oud.
I believe Samir Azar is very talented and great to deal with.
He is getting me a case made by Sukar. As I mentioned before, I believe that Sukar cases are one o the best around. I will confirm when the oud arrives.
Thanks for the wishes. Best of luck for 2006,
Hatem

syrianoud - 12-25-2005 at 11:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hatem_Afandi
Hi Samir,
I didn't misunderstand you. On the contrary, I find your posts quite informative.
I just wanted to participate in an interesting conversation. That's all.
I got hosed too on a oud from someone in Cairo. It is still sitting here in a huge case and I am really tempted to throw it in the garbage! I lost about $650 in the process!
Well, I did order a Samir Azar oud. It is almost ready. I already started a work-in-progress link for it. I will post it here as soon as I get the oud.
I believe Samir Azar is very talented and great to deal with.
He is getting me a case made by Sukar. As I mentioned before, I believe that Sukar cases are one o the best around. I will confirm when the oud arrives.
Thanks for the wishes. Best of luck for 2006,
Hatem


Hatem as soon as i sell Three of my Ouds I am going to order a Oud from Samir Azar ,We write each other a lot ,he is a very talented guy.I like the way he thinks and trust me that one day Samir Azar will bcome famous with his ouds ,He does a great job and trust me I cant wait to order a Oud from him. I just need the space I have too many ouds I have a special order where I paid money to Viken Najarian and just cancelled since i am floaded with ouds and in a few Years I will be moving to Lebanon for Good.
Good Luck please post you Oud when you get it.
Sakamat Samir,California

palestine48 - 12-26-2005 at 08:40 AM

I wish someone can just buy a bunch of those cases and sell em here in the states. I would love one or two. Better than the soft gig bags that come with our ouds.

I to emailed samir a number of times and found him to be a great guy. The saddle on my current bridge for my oud is collapsing and I asked if he can make a substitute. Its not even his oud. he made 4 and didnt want to me charge for them. Unfortunanantly I never got them because he sent them through syrian air mail and i think they were confiscated in transit somewhere when reaching the states. But i felt bad considering the labor and effort he put into them. he truly is a nice guy.

Hatem_Afandi - 12-26-2005 at 11:46 AM

Hi Ramy,
I think getting these cases is a good idea. However, shipping costs might be the problem unless there is a cheaper way to send them to the US.
Maybe you can contact Samir and discuss that issue with him. I would definitely get one for my Mauice oud.
Have a great day,
Hatem

samir - 12-26-2005 at 03:26 PM

hi my friends
in fact i am trying to give this lovely instruments some of my love..
i like to see other makers going to the same purpose,and i hope i can cooperate with them to improve the craft together..
sukar is a sweet guy and i get the cases from his shop,and i wish the best to him and he do the same.
let us focus on how to improve the instrument together
love to all
samir azar
samiraz@scs-net.org

palestine48 - 12-30-2005 at 09:25 AM

Hey guys, Just wanted to let you know that I got a samir azar oud. Ive wanted one for a year and things worked out well. It was a nice christmas present to myself. It is a wonderful oud and my uncle whos played oud for over 30 years is impressed by the craftsman ship.

Samir is a great guy and he has emailed me with kind words several times. I highly reccomend you guys get one who is ever considering it. Hatem and Samir, Ca, I know you guys are getting one. Cant wait to hear them.

he thing has great sustain. I am not a very experienced musician so I go to my friend and I said man this thing reverbs. after calling me an aidiot several times, he goes no man thats sutain. that means you got a great oud.

take care guys and happy new year.

Thank you Samir Azar for building great instruments.

palestine48 - 12-30-2005 at 09:26 AM

I hit submit a bit early.

I wanted to also say thank you Stefan Andalus for the great hospitality and friendly transaction.

SamirCanada - 12-30-2005 at 01:30 PM

Pictures Pictures !!
:D

thanx

samir - 12-30-2005 at 01:49 PM

thank you Rami
you deserve the best
love
samir azar

revaldo29 - 12-30-2005 at 02:33 PM

Hey Mr Azar,

Are you're ouds Iraqi ouds or arabic ouds with the floating bridge?

Adnan

Hatem_Afandi - 12-30-2005 at 03:09 PM

Congrats Rami,
I hope you enjoy it.
I am expecting my dear friend, the talented Samir, to finish my oud in a few days. I will post mp3's and pictures as soon as I get it.
Happy New Year,
Hatem

ouds

samir - 12-30-2005 at 11:06 PM

hi revaldo29
i sent you a u2u
plz have a look :
http://www.samir-oud.8m.com/
welcome
samir azar