my new oud

I decided to purchase a M. Shehata oud for several reasons which include the long standing reputation of the Shehata family of oud makers, the particluar sound of a Shehata oud, and what I consider to be an excellent pricing structure for his ouds. Not speaking Arabic, I contacted Mike to ask for his help. I can't begin to thank Mike enough for all his help and and feedback, starting from day1.The whole project was very exciting, Mike helping me design the oud I had in mind and keeping me posted on the progress. I felt like an expectant father! Everything was going well until Mike found out I had a bit more hair on my head than him! All kidding aside, thanks Mike for everything, I couldn't have done it without you bud!

I chose a combination of walnut and palisander for the bowl, and spruce for the top. My photos aren't that great, the inlay, the bowl, the whole thing looks top-notch and I am very happy with it. The sound is deep and rich: it resonated with harmonics and had a tone like a small piano, but all oud. I'm sure the sound will open up even more after a few months of playing, and I am looking forward to the mature Shehata sound. I'd like to say thanks again to you Mike for everything, thanks to Essam from Nile shop in helping to ship it to me for Maurice, and last but not least thanks to you Maurice.

shehata bowl

Shehata angle

Shehata oud

Shehata oud

Congratulations Matthew, It's a beauty. I particularly like the elegance of the unadorned bridge. Oh! and I love the little artistic inlay in the fingerboard. Mr Shehata has made you an elegant and beautiful oud. Play it in good health.
(and do something about that hair will ya!, have some regard for the sensitivities of our leader )

Regards,

Greg

Quote:

Originally posted by Greg Congratulations Matthew, It's a beauty. I particularly like the elegance of the unadorned bridge. Oh! and I love the little artistic inlay in the fingerboard. Mr Shehata has made you an elegant and beautiful oud. Play it in good health. (and do something about that hair will ya!, have some regard for the sensitivities of our leader ) Regards, Greg

Cheers Greg. (On my way to the barber this instant!)

Hi Mat,

It's a beautiful oud mate play it in good health, master F M Shehata is one of the greatest lutheirs of our time may God bless his creative hands.
many thanks to Mike for this great forum through which we got to know all of this fantastic craftsmen and musicians
big up to you all guys
thanks
Awad

Hi Mathew,

Happy new oud. it is really nice. I love the compination between the walnut and the palisander wood. waitting to hear it.

thanks

Hi Mathew

Beautiful .. a great OUD for a great friend like you.
I got my OUD 2 days ago .. made by Mr. Ahmed Abdel Halim in Cairo, I found a lady teacher about 1 hour from where I live .. we'll start in 2 weeks .. now I have to learn how to tune this puppy .. I am itching to learn and play.
Thanks again for your help .. you are a great man.
Sameh

hi Matthew,
why this new separation?
Have you another one?I think,... I hope so!
How is it tuned?

Quote:

Originally posted by gilgamesh hi Matthew, why this new separation? Have you another one?I think,... I hope so! How is it tuned?

Hello all-congratulations to you Gilgamesh on buying my Shehata and giving it a new home. May it bring you much joy and happiness! as I told Mike, I didn't plan on parting with this lovely oud so soon, but to make a long story short I fell in love with another oud and just can't afford to keep them both. My friend Awad kindly wished me well with the new oud, and said regarding the sale, "we are all looking for the perfect oud!" Yes ouds sometimes come and go through our lives, I guess the thing is too keep on playing and enjoy the ride; and if ever win the lottery I'll buy you all another oud!