wally1212 - 8-13-2025 at 04:11 PM
Hi all,
I'm looking to try a new brand of strings for my Oud and not sure what to try. Was looking into getting an Aquila set, specifically this one:
https://www.stringsandbeyond.com/aquila13oud.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqQEf...
Has anyone tried this set before and can relate their experience with it.
I usually buy the D'Addario EJ95A Arabic Oud Strings.
Tulis - 8-17-2025 at 06:59 AM
I am strong recommended this string set of Aquila. This is low tension and for me feel very warm. It worth.
Also you can try the Galli Strings GR75. It's similar (warm low tension). Now i am playing with it (after of Aquila) and i like this a lot. I have
purchased and Galli GR85 but i have not tried yet. I any case all of them Italy made strings worth to try. For me these strings give very physical
results (instead of carbon that i hate).
Brian Prunka - 8-17-2025 at 09:01 AM
This is a good set, as Tulis says it is low tension. I slightlly prefer this set:
https://www.stringsandbeyond.com/aquila-70o-supernylgut-oud-arabic-t...
but it really depends on your oud which one will be more suited.
I actually was very involved in development of the EJ95A set for D'addario; it is a pretty good set but the 3rd course is a bit high in tension (they
ignored my suggestions on that one).
The whole set is a bit higher tension than the Aquila - this may be good if you have a shorter scale oud (58.5cm) or one that is more heavily
constructed. For a longer or more resonant oud the lighter tension will likely work better.
Personally, I buy Aquila 'lute' NNG strings for the plain courses and either LaBella lute or Pyramid lute for the wound strings. This allows me to
tailor the set exactly to my oud and how I want it to feel and sound.
I'm not sure where to get NNG single strings at the moment - I bought a large quantity a while ago and am still working through my supply.
al-Halabi - 8-17-2025 at 04:03 PM
Brian, what gauges would you recommend for the Aquila NNG plain courses for a 58.5cm and for a 60cm oud? The gauges are probably different from those
of the nylon strings and I wasn't sure what to look for.
Thanks for your help.
Brian Prunka - 8-18-2025 at 08:58 AM
For 58.5cm:
c': .60mm
g: .76mm
For 60cm:
c': .58mm
g: .73mm
These are what I use. Some folks like slightly heavier c' or slightly lighter g - so you can go up to .62 on the 58.5cm c, use .60 and .73 on 60 cm
(or .58 and .70).
For me, the above sets are nicely balanced.
al-Halabi - 8-18-2025 at 11:03 AM
Thank you very much. This is quite helpful for my ouds in Arabic tuning. I had forgotten to mention, though, that I also have a 58.5 oud in Turkish
tuning. Would you know what gauges would be appropriate for the a and d strings?
Thanks again.
Brian Prunka - 8-19-2025 at 05:27 PM
Ah, I don't recall. I have some old Aquila Turkish oud sets that I like but I'm not sure of the gauge. For Turkish style, PVF/Carbon seems to be the
preferred sound.
The Aquila lute are a bit "dry" for Turkish style perhaps.
wally1212 - 8-29-2025 at 06:20 PM
Great. Thanks a lot Brian and Tulis. I'll buy them and give them a try and see how they sit with my oud.