Savoud - 6-12-2007 at 08:59 AM
Greetings:
I am a new member; just registered on the site. I love this site and have been looking in on your conversations for some time now! Wanted to thank you
people. What I've really liked: the Maquam of the Month--Revaldo, Sydney/Emad, Samir, "oudplayer", etc.: wonderful stuff, inspirational for a novice
like me.
I also like the video links because I'm especially worried about getting the risha technique down correctly (no teacher; I live in Salt Lake City). I
play classical guitar and I know how important it is NOT to start bad habits. The sound quality comes from the picking (as do wrist injuries).
I've been intoxicated by the oud for about ten years, and I finally broke down and bought a used Shehata from a friend. The instrument alone keeps me
going. I just want to deserve playing on an instrument like this; it has awesome sound.
Just wanted to say hello; I'll keep in touch, Paul
michoud - 6-12-2007 at 10:11 AM
Welcome to the forum Savoud!!!!
SamirCanada - 6-12-2007 at 10:14 AM
hello ! welcome 
arsene - 6-12-2007 at 11:06 AM
Hi there! And thanks for the Planet Waves link 
oudplayer - 6-12-2007 at 04:59 PM
gey man
nice to see you here
thx sammy
rromadOud - 6-12-2007 at 05:55 PM
Hello and Welcome!!
MARTAN - 6-12-2007 at 08:18 PM
Nice to have you with us.Paul
Keep that wrist going in the right direction,(I know it hurts) thats the name of the game.Been there.
From another novice
Martin 
ps: : Enjoy your instrument and have fun.
MatthewW - 6-13-2007 at 12:21 AM
welcome Paul! I also came from a guitar playing background, and what I found useful was being able to transfer some of the skills to playing the oud,
like dexterity in right and left hands and ability to read music. Getting used to using the risha came surprisingly quickly even though I was used to
using a normal guitar pick or my fingers and the oud felt like an old friend. This website has been extremely useful in picking up the more subtle
aspects and nuances of playing oud music in the Arabic or Turkish style as I'm sure you will discover. And as Mike said to me early on- "Welcome to
the world of oud. No turning back now bud"