Mike's Oud Forums

Finished Or Unfinished

david - 4-23-2004 at 09:54 PM

This is for you guys out there with multiple ouds. Do you think it matters if the top of the oud is finished or not? :bounce:

spyros mesogeia - 4-24-2004 at 03:08 AM

I really believe that matters,as and for the rosettes too......
I played some instruments before to be varnished on the soundboard and after.....the sound was diferent.....the same thing was and with the rosettes too......
But this is my personal opinion......I don't like varnished soundboards ,I prefer the sound of the unvarnished soundboard.....at least on the Turkish type,Syrian and Egyptian,but I have played and a Bashir type with unvarnished top and I can tell you that it was very nice sounding......:wavey:
Regards to all

chuckerbutty - 4-24-2004 at 03:22 AM

Do unvarnished soundboards have an oil finish?

spyros mesogeia - 4-24-2004 at 03:29 AM

nope.....the soundboard has to be clean ......at least that is how here it is used to be.....airguitar:
Regards
Spyros

varnished soundboards

Haluk - 4-24-2004 at 04:57 AM

To varnish soundboard with a oilness varnish, is useful for to prevent outside damages and long life of soundboard and bowl of oud,as Istanbul Conservatoire Music Department mentioned in a book for teacher students in 1980.
Our sazs are varnished since 1980.Also we are varnishing oud soundboards,if customer request for a clean soundboard.
Varnish is never hazardeous for sound on instruments.This is opinion of a producer over 40 years.By the way I am asking:Why guitar and violin varnished,if varnish harmful for sound?
Regards.

spyros mesogeia - 4-24-2004 at 05:37 AM

Dear friend Mr. Haluk,
All the great Makers as Manol,Nahat family and many others did not varnished theyr instruments on the soundboard.....
Anyhow,I think that is a matter and of personal preference......:)
I personally prefer the unvarnished soundboard instruments,ofcourse I am lucky that I don't have that many problems because I live in Greece,and the affections are not that many.....but anyhow,I like the unvarnished ''sound'':wavey:
Regards to all

Spyros

Zulkarnain - 4-24-2004 at 05:51 AM

Hi

I prefer unvarnish soundboard myself-I even ask Yaroub to strip back all lacquer on my Bashir Oud. My Sandi Turkish oud sound great with the plain soundboard too!


Regards

Haluk - 4-24-2004 at 06:23 AM

We already producing soundboards unfinished.If customers requested,we varnish the soundboard.Especially in very hot countries soundboards should be varnished for to prevent sweat damages.
Everything in the world needs reform.

Regards.