Sasha - 8-13-2008 at 06:11 PM
I recently took in a new (to me) Syrian oud.
I don't have the instrument in front of me, and I don't remember the maker's name offhand. The label gave a 1964 date of manufacture.
The bowl is in good shape. The soundboard has a couple of minor splits. Photos are forthcoming.
My question is this - it was made as a 12 string instrument, looking at the bridge and peghead. Along the way, someone had a new nut made for 10
strings (whoever did the work did a nice job of it)
Leaving it as-is for now, what would you suggest for tuning?
Dr. Oud - 8-19-2008 at 07:53 AM
Ouds had 10 strings (five double courses) for centuries until the 6th course bass strings were added some time in the 19th century, (I can't remember
exactly when). Whether you remake the nut for 12 (or 11 ) is up to you - most string sets come with a single 6th (bass) string, so you'd still have an
empty peg. You can get additional bass strings from some string suppliers, if the oud will take the extra tension. The previous owner may have
ommitted the 6th string to relieve string tension as some ouds are not strong enough for 11 or 12 strings, (depending on the pitch). So I'd say it's
ok as is, or change the nut and see if the structure can take the extra string tension, but keep the 10 string nut just in case.
charlie oud - 8-19-2008 at 08:33 AM
Hi Sasha, Personally I would recommend the following, bass to treble, D or C, for the low bass then A, d, g, c. Enjoy. 