schwingrocker - 10-21-2007 at 10:38 AM
I'm thinking about buying a custom made oud from http://www.mauriceouds.com/english/order_online.asp
I need to know what wood is the best for the back and the front, and what they look like. And does anyone know if i can put different kinds of woods
on the back to make it have a stripe effect? How many sound holes are the best 1 or 3, and what shape creates the best sound? and what do the size and
mold options mean?
MatthewW - 10-21-2007 at 12:24 PM
for woods in the bowl and top, it depends on the overall sound you might want and your budget; you can have alternating ribs of wood in the bowl,
which by nature would have different grains and colour to give you the stripe effect if that is what you mean. This is very common. From what I have
heard, one sound hole will produce a bit more bass response compared to 3 sound holes. It also depends what you like. For examples of some great ouds
and what woods they are made of, check out this website:
http://www.oudnazihghadban.com/users/current.asp
another website with photos of ouds and what they are made of-
http://www.oud.eclipse.co.uk/
There are also pics of members ouds in the 'file sharing' section of this website. perhaps Mike ( the man behind this great website) can help you, he
is a good friend of Maurice and knows his ouds. just don't let him talk you into a game of poker! 
dubai244 - 10-22-2007 at 04:02 AM
Hi S.wingRocker,
From my Personal experience:
Oud can be made from so many kinds of wood. However, They are three main kind of woods that most of oud maker use them, Ebony, Rosewood and walnut.
Ebony and Rosewood are consider first class woods. Walnut is consider second class wood. They are other kinds of wood, you can ask the members here in
this forum and they will give you there experience.
My personal experience, i use Rosewood because it has loud and nice sound. I hate walnut because i feel like it has "Dry" sound but loud.
I am sure that some members has different point of view about the woods, please lets share it ...
Thanks
paulO - 10-22-2007 at 06:15 PM
Hi schwingrocker,
You could also focus on the sound you desire and preferences in playability (slightly wider or narrower neck), bowl size, higher or lower action, etc.
Then have the maker suggestest wood combinations that might work for you. It's not a sure thing when ordering a custom instrument, it may not be
exactly what you envisioned, soundwise.
Regards..Paul