nasers
Oud Addict
Posts: 26
Registered: 6-7-2006
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What is the BEST string for oud?
Hello, friends. Like many of you, I have tried different strings over the years and am not happy with ANY of them (including LaBella and
ThomasTick-Infeld). I bought a oud recently and was so impressed with the strings on it, they felt soft to the touch and had the warmest sound.
Unfortunately, I don't know what brand they are so I can order more? What do you guys think? Someone told me Pyramid Premium is the best (and I
think the most expensive around $70) but I wanted to ask you guys, the experts!
Thanks,
Frustrated Naser
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Alfaraby
Oud Junkie
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Try Pyramid Lute, Savares (copper), Labella (Turkish) but replace the nylon c,g with Pyramid Lute 650, 750.
Ask Brian at http://www.oudstrings.com. I guess he has them all.
After all, every oud needs a different set and you should try many until you find the optimum for your oud.
Good luck Naser
Yours indeed
Alfaraby
alfarabymusic@gmail.com
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suz_i_dil
Oud Junkie
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Experiment Naser. I know this may be frustrating at beginning but experiment.
It's like asking the BEST perfume for one...how can we choose for you ? 
TRy for exemple this website for Matthias Wagner in Germany, he proposes some sets depending on the tuning you wish and the stringlength of your oud.
Stringlength is from nut to bridge, the length of string thats is free for vibration. May be 57 cm, 58.5, 60 or 61 for the usual. SOmetimes longer
http://music-strings.de/index.php?k=278&lang=eng
there also you will find experimented advices
http://www.oudstrings.com/
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SamirCanada
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"Someone told me Pyramid Premium is the best (and I think the most expensive around $70)"
yeah they are great, I never had a oud sound bad with them but I have had ouds sound amazing.
I just don't change them as often. Sometimes I push it for 1 year.
what I like is that they are also very stable with the tuning.
@samiroud Instagram
samiroudmaker@gmail.com
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Marcus
Oud Junkie
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Hi Naser
"they felt soft to the touch and had the warmest sound" that sounds to me like Daniel Mary strings.
I use them on my Sukar and like them more than any others, include the expensive Pyramids.
Now i put them on my JT signature oud from Veysel Saricus. I put them on about 4 weeks ago.They didn`t sound good at the beginning, but now they get
better and better,not loud but waaaarm (usualy it needs max. 2 weeks, but I`m very busy right now,less time to play).
They are worth a try anyway, they are cheap-but need to be changed 2-3 times a year ( >2hrs playing per day).
Just try them out.
Good luck,
Marcus
Playing the oud is like feeding my soul with peace
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Omar Al-Mufti
Oud Junkie
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I can only agree with one of the advices above that you should experiment. ...it will take time and money, but you will get there......I have gone
through that, like everybody else....and I know by now what I want...for which oud, length and tuning.
As a guideline, start with the most recommended ones, Pyramid, Labella, d'addario, galli, etc.People will recommend what they find good for
themselves. It could be or could be not the best for you.
Try to keep notes of pros and cons.
You will get there
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
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This is excellent advice from Omar. People constantly ask "what is the best string?" But each oud and player is different, and the best string may
also be different.
Overall, Pyramid and LaBella tend to be good. But experimentation is the key to finding what works for you.
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nasers
Oud Addict
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Thanks so much everyone for your valuable feedback. so I shall experiment! It is fascinating though how and why oud is unique in this regard. I
think for guitar, violin, etc., there is no question as which strings are best and is not such a subjective matter.
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alaaraj
Oud Junkie
Posts: 159
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Location: United Kingdom
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Hello guys!
Just a follow up question about the best strings .. What are these codes mean?
1O
9O
13O
J95
I see them printed on the strings package but I have no idea what they mean!!!
Thanks!
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
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The names are arbitrary designations by the string manufacturer.
9o and 13o are Aquila's designations for "Normal Arabic" and "Light Arabic", respectively.
J95 is D'addarios only oud set, and it is "Modern Turkish" tuning.
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alaaraj
Oud Junkie
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Thanks Brian!
One final question please and I am done .. Are there long strings that would suit a floating bridge Oud?
Thanks again!
Hazem
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
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You're welcome. Most strings will be long enough for a floating bridge oud. The Pyramid standard 'oud' sets are a bit on the short side and may not
fit all floating bridge ouds. LaBella and Aquila should typically be long enough.
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Dr. Oud
Oud Junkie
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Registered: 12-18-2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, USA
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In my experience not only does each individual oud itself have a preferred string gauge/composition, but often differences each course can affect the
overall play ability. If one string is stronger, louder or noticeably different in tone than the others, your mizrab technique will compensate by
playing that string differently. Imagine the confusion! Changing the gauge (& tension) of a weaker string can resolve the volume discrepancy, but
tonal differences can be nearly impossible to resolve.
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