New Member, new to ouds

Hi All,

THanks for this wonderful resource!

I'm just getting into ouds, my wife is into middle eastern dance, and it's an excuse for me to play in front of people again

I'm sure you all have heard this a million time, but I was wondering where a good place to look for an oud is. It's hard to gage the value on them, the price seems skewed from other instruments. I don't know if it's an exchange rate thing, or just the way the market is, or both, but it's hard to tell. I am not necessarily new to music, and I'm spoiled by having good instruments already, so I don't really want a bottom of the barrel one, I guess a good mid range arabic styled one would fit the bill.

Also, I was wondering if any of you have tried uhmw for picks. It might be a good thing, but maybe someone has tried it and found it lacking?

Thanks!

Jesse Frank

welcome to the forum Jesse! check this thread out on ouds-
http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=6608
take your time finding out about what oud is good for you and within your budget. with help/advice from others in this great forum you'll find an oud that'll keep both and your wife in the groove!