journeyman
Oud Junkie
Posts: 492
Registered: 12-28-2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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bringing oud back to full tension
I recently bought an old Syrian oud and expect to take possession soon. It has been in storage without any string tension for a very long time and
although it looks to be in great condition, is there anything I should or shouldn't do when I string it up? Do I give it a period of time at low
tension before bringing it up to concert pitch or just tune it up all at once? Any advice would be appreciated.
Cordially,
Roy
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Dr. Oud
Oud Junkie
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Location: Sacramento, CA, USA
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I'd tune it up gradually, don't try to hit any pitch, just get a musical tone on the 3rd string - it's the highest tension, then tune the rest
relative to it. Watch the action - the string height at the neck joint should be 3/16 - 5/16 inch or 3-5 mmm. PLay it a week at least and see if the
action raises up. If it does, you've reached the limit of the body to resist the string tension. Tuning higher will raise the action and may pull the
bridge off the face. The bridge may release anyway due to deteriation of the glue joint of the bridge. Another cause is the age of the wood, in time
wood will rot, and since oud faces have no finish to protect them, it can happen. If the face is dark brown and smells musty, It may be to old to take
the string tension. You'll find out if the bridge comes off with a piece of the face with it, leaving a hole. This indicates the need for a new
soundboard.
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journeyman
Oud Junkie
Posts: 492
Registered: 12-28-2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Thanks for the advice Richard. I'm picking the oud up tomorrow so will know more about the condition of the wood then. I'll let you know how it is and
post some pictures later on.
Roy
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