Mike's Oud Forums

The Amazing Plastic Knife Risha

LeeVaris - 12-31-2003 at 02:58 PM

Hi all - just though I'd share this in case someone is interested in experimenting further. While I was waiting for some real rishas (thanks Mav!) I was experimenting with a makeshift design utilizing a cheap plastic knife - the kind you might use for a picnic. I sanded down the serrated edge and glued on a thin guitar pick. You can find a huge variety of guitar picks in all thickness. The stiff body of the plastic knife lends a certain leverage while the flexible tip has a clean "sharp" attack. If you get a flexible enough pick it it still easy to do very rapid tremolos

more risha pix

LeeVaris - 12-31-2003 at 02:59 PM

Here's another photo showing it in the hand

Jameel - 12-31-2003 at 03:33 PM

Suh'tayn!
:D

TruePharaoh21 - 12-31-2003 at 09:20 PM

This is quite an innovative idea. Even with all the rishas now, we should all keep in mind that before they were manufactured in mass quantities, people made their own using different materials. Lee, I was wondering if you could post two clips: one of you playing with a regular risha, and the other with this innovative one. It would be interesting to hear the differences.

TP21