crmdgn
Oud Lover
Posts: 23
Registered: 11-3-2014
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Risha sources
Where can an oud student in the US get hold of a good quality risha (horn, acetate, or similar), other than Amazon/eBay? Mid-East Instruments appears
to sell only soft plastic rishas, which I already have; I'll go to Amazon if necessary, but I try to avoid them when I can.
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John Erlich
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1463
Registered: 8-26-2004
Location: California, USA
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Mood: Oud-Obsessed
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Hi Crmdgn,
My best suggestion it to make your own, trying out a variety of materials.
You can purchase and try the materials on this site: https://www.oudstrings.com/category-s/159.htm And here is a "how to" video: https://www.oudforguitarists.com/diy-oud-risha/ I personally prefer nylon pallet strapping, which requires a minimum of sanding (see attached
photo). However, I have come across a variety of materials that work reasonably well. One suggestion: Do your sanding in a well-ventilated area
(e.g., outdoors) or wear an N95 mask, to avoid breathing the shavings.
Good luck,
"Udi" John
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Jack_Campin
Oud Junkie
Posts: 333
Registered: 5-6-2007
Location: Scotland
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I thought I was the only person to use pallet strapping until I met a local Greek outi player who also looks for scraps of it every time he passes a
construction site. Shape the ends with scissors and by grinding against a stone wall. Comes in a wide enough range of strengths and elasticities to
suit, whether you string your instrument with baby hairs or piano wire.
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John Erlich
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1463
Registered: 8-26-2004
Location: California, USA
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Mood: Oud-Obsessed
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Quote: Originally posted by Jack_Campin  | | I thought I was the only person to use pallet strapping until I met a local Greek outi player who also looks for scraps of it every time he passes a
construction site. Shape the ends with scissors and by grinding against a stone wall. Comes in a wide enough range of strengths and elasticities to
suit, whether you string your instrument with baby hairs or piano wire. |
Pallet strapping requires the least effort. I use sandpaper. One drawback is its tendency to crack, though this has forced me to lighten up on my
picking technique (generally a good thing!).
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Jack_Campin
Oud Junkie
Posts: 333
Registered: 5-6-2007
Location: Scotland
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Some types crack, some don't. I find the types in use change with time - one of my favourites was a smooth springy black one that I haven't seen in
use for ten years.
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John Erlich
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1463
Registered: 8-26-2004
Location: California, USA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Oud-Obsessed
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| Quote: Originally posted by Jack_Campin | | Some types crack, some don't. I find the types in use change with time - one of my favourites was a smooth springy black one that I haven't seen in
use for ten years. |
I haven't found any types of pallet strapping not vulnerable to cracking. But the hard, springy action of a pallet strapping risha has forced me to
pick more gently, which means less risha cracking (over time) and less wear and tear on my elbow and wrist. I use the "lime colored" green strapping
that has a "lattice" surface, and is just (and I mean just) under 1/2 in. wide (about 12.7 mm).
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