ALAMI - 1-16-2007 at 02:53 PM
After playing 7 course (13 strings) oud for 6 months, I have a big problem playing my first oud, a 6 course.
I play the same tuning on both C F A d g c (F)
It is ok to play the classics but when tempting an impro or a taksim I feel instantly bizarre, something is missing.
Do you enjoy the extra sharps ?
Do others have this feeling ?
I think that any oud I may get in the future will be 13
Benjamin - 1-16-2007 at 03:57 PM
Hey Alami,
I had a similar problem when I switched my bass string for a higher F double-string, the bass was really missing especially for taqasim, but then I
learned turkish (high) songs, and then I had trouble when I put my C bass back, so now I have to go very down on the board to play hight stuff like
samai shaddarabane..
On the other hand it 's a good way to practice, but indeed it woould be cool if all ouds were made 7 courses..
Hosam - 1-16-2007 at 08:15 PM
What is more common for 7 strings oud, a fixed bridge or a floating bridge?
peppeo77 - 1-16-2007 at 11:06 PM
I'm dreaming about having a seven courses...Any suggestion about it? Do you know something about the prices? I also have problems switching between my
two ouds, one with the single C bass and one with the double F bass,both six courses. But, I agree, it's a good practice.
Ciao ciao, peppeo.
Melbourne - 1-19-2007 at 07:24 AM
I dont see the big fuss with the seven course ouds, yes they have a wider range, but chances are, depending on the type of music you play, it's either
going to be high tuning, as in iraqi school, or low tuning, as in lebanon, egypt etc...I dunno...I guess I'm a bit old school when it comes to these
things 
ALAMI - 1-20-2007 at 02:55 AM
Melbourne I really believe that a 7 course is more a plus than a fuss. You have all what you are used to have "plus" one string, no need to change
strings or have 2 different sets on 2 ouds.
I was recently trying to do some composition work and when you start a composition, a taksim or an impro, you don't know in advance where you're
going, it is good to have more creative room.
I recently posted a music on the member's sound clips called "Lonely Djinn", it is impossible to play on my 6 course, the sound of which I like very
much, so I tried to transpose lower and the whole mood changed it was a different music, it became somehow less nervous and more predictable. I
undrstand better now why transposed maqams are considered different maqams. It is the very nature of oud sound.
Most of the 7 course I've seen were Floating bridge but I think that Master Ghadban has a fixed bridge 7 course model
fyenix - 1-20-2007 at 03:20 AM
my 7 course