Victoria
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Location: Odense, Denmark
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Can I tune CFAdgc strings to CGAdgc?
Hey everyone.
I have been recommended a set of strings which says it is to be used with CFAdgc tuning. However, I would like to use CGAdgc because this is what I am
used to and it is used in my online lectures. Is it okay to buy CFAdgc strings and tune the F string to G instead?
These are the strings I want to try the next time I am to change them: https://www.thomann.de/dk/daddario_ej95a_oud_silver_plated_copper.ht...
Thanks in advance 
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Brian Prunka
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Yes, this should be okay. Most commercially available sets for C tuning have the 5th course calibrated more for F# (splitting the diifference) or G
so that they can be tuned either way. This set is approximately calibrated for F# so the G is a little high and the F a tad low. So G is a little
high but not excessive on most ouds - if your oud is longer than 61cm I might recommend buying a lighter string for that course (D'addario .031in or
equivalent).
Generally, tuning one pair of strings a bit high or low is not cause for concern - the amount of tension to be concerned about is the total tension
for the set, and tuning one pair a step high just adds about 1 Kg of tension to a total tension that is 33-40Kg. If you tuned a string way high (like
a third or more) then that might add enough to worry about.
That aside - 98% of oud playing is on the top 4 courses, so there is relatively little concern over how you tune the 5th/6th courses. It's mainly a
convenience for having supportive low notes. Everything melodic that can be played with the string tuned G can be played with F as well, it's only
some things that you want a drone for that the low G really makes a difference. Most oud players will tune 5/6 up or dowmn depending on what they are
doing and simply adjust the few notes necessary.
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Victoria
Oud Addict
Posts: 48
Registered: 1-24-2023
Location: Odense, Denmark
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Quote: Originally posted by Brian Prunka  | Yes, this should be okay. Most commercially available sets for C tuning have the 5th course calibrated more for F# (splitting the diifference) or G
so that they can be tuned either way. This set is approximately calibrated for F# so the G is a little high and the F a tad low. So G is a little
high but not excessive on most ouds - if your oud is longer than 61cm I might recommend buying a lighter string for that course (D'addario .031in or
equivalent).
Generally, tuning one pair of strings a bit high or low is not cause for concern - the amount of tension to be concerned about is the total tension
for the set, and tuning one pair a step high just adds about 1 Kg of tension to a total tension that is 33-40Kg. If you tuned a string way high (like
a third or more) then that might add enough to worry about.
That aside - 98% of oud playing is on the top 4 courses, so there is relatively little concern over how you tune the 5th/6th courses. It's mainly a
convenience for having supportive low notes. Everything melodic that can be played with the string tuned G can be played with F as well, it's only
some things that you want a drone for that the low G really makes a difference. Most oud players will tune 5/6 up or dowmn depending on what they are
doing and simply adjust the few notes necessary.
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That is nice to know. I did not even know that they make it possible choosing between F and G but this makes a lot of sense as these are some common
tunings you want to switch between. The scale (free vibrating length) of my oud is just below 61 cm. I suppose that was what you meant by the oud
length
Then I will try out the set I mentioned next time I have to change the strings or maybe even the Aquila red string set. I want to try out different
sets rather than simply sticking to one as I am new to oud playing and need to find what I prefer most.
Thanks for your comprehensive reply! 
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
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Location: Brooklyn, NY
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61cm is starting to get into the longer size ouds, but this is the scale we used when designing this set so it should be okay.
The Aquila sets are a bit lighter tension and might work well for your oud.
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Victoria
Oud Addict
Posts: 48
Registered: 1-24-2023
Location: Odense, Denmark
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| Quote: Originally posted by Brian Prunka | 61cm is starting to get into the longer size ouds, but this is the scale we used when designing this set so it should be okay.
The Aquila sets are a bit lighter tension and might work well for your oud. |
Ok then. So I guess it is just fine then. Were you involved in the development of the strings? Wow 
Well looks like I now have some more strings to choose from in general since I can use CFAdgc sets.
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