charlie oud - 5-13-2008 at 10:16 AM
Dear Oudsfolk, 2 questions please. 1) I am considering trying the higher tuning (1st course at F).What guage string should I use to go with my
prefered orange label set which only goes up to C.?. 2) I have 2 ouds. One by Gawharet el fan & one by Nazih Ghadban. Nazih's oud has a far
superior sound but the G.E.F. oud has more volume. Can anyone recommend a maker who always produces "loud" ouds with a quality tone?. Nazih's oud is
really excellent but one day I may have to go for something louder. Thanks in advance, Charlie.
charlie oud - 5-15-2008 at 07:43 AM
No replies, I'll try a 525 I suppose?.
Dr. Oud - 5-15-2008 at 10:47 AM
Unless your oud is designed for the higher string, I would not reccomend adding it unless you are careful to guage all of the string so not to
increase the total stress on the bridge and soundboard. The high F string used on Iraqi ouds is a specially small gauge but these ouds are braced
differently than standard ouds, and failures of the soundboard and or bridge have occurred when people try to string up beyond the limits of the
structure. You can increase the volume of your oud by increasing the gauge of the strings, but again, carfully so as not to over stress the structure.
Another thing to increase volume is to raise the action as high as you can play it, as the fingerboard and soundboard both dampen the fundamental
soundwave produced by the string.
charlie oud - 5-15-2008 at 11:16 AM
Doc, That is extremely valueable information, I had no idea there are differences in the construction of ouds intended for higher stringing. I suppose
I should contact Nazih and ask if his oud will be ok with a higher string. Thanks Doc, for your help. Regards, Charlie.
Dr. Oud - 5-15-2008 at 12:15 PM
good idea - Nazih's a good guy and the best builder in my opinion, do what he says.