patheslip - 5-26-2008 at 09:54 AM
I bought my oud when on holiday in Morocco. When I spotted some hanging up in a shop I couldn't resist.
However I need to play standing up. Does anyone know where best to attach a strap?
Dr. Oud - 5-27-2008 at 10:29 AM
you can drill a hole in the end plate for an end pin, then tie the other end of the strap with cord around the pegbox at the first peg. it still will
wobble around due to the round back, but, you get what you asked for, huh?
jdowning - 5-27-2008 at 12:42 PM
To prevent the oud moving around you could try a method used by lutenists of the late 17th C which was to fit two end pins in the bowl - one in the
end plate, the other in the neck block (just below the neck joint). A strand of gut was then looped around both pins and tied so that it was stretched
fairly tightly along the central rib at the back of the bowl. The player then simply hooked the gut strand over a convenient button or hook on his
clothing to support the instrument. I am not sure if it was necessary to use a strap as well - probably not unless it was a large archlute with
extended neck where the strap would help maintain a good balance of the instrument.
Perhaps this was the method used by the oud player depicted in the 13 th C. Cantigas de Santa Maria?
patheslip - 5-27-2008 at 01:08 PM
Thanks chaps. Perhaps I could compromise by fitting the strap to the end plate and the neck block. It might not wobble so much as if I use the peg
box. Is there enough wood to drill into at both these places? I've never seen inside an oud.
Sazi - 5-27-2008 at 05:26 PM
Another method depicted in an old painting is to have a strap (a piece of fabric in the picture) that connects to an end pin and this is looped over
the wrist.
patheslip - 5-28-2008 at 03:57 AM
Thanks Sazi, your idea would work, but in between I like to be hands free to play the flute-a-bec. An oud on a strap can swing out of the way. On
the wrist it might be awkward.
Sazi - 5-28-2008 at 04:46 PM
You could try an Abadi and stand up with one leg on a stool or box and rest the oud on your knee, I've done it but it was a trip to balance! I guess
you'd get used to it.