Part 2: Oud Makers

 

In this section we will deal with Oud makers, and we will refer to two categories of Ouds: factory Ouds, and Luthier built Ouds.

 

Factory built Ouds encompass low-end, mid-range, and high-end Ouds, but are known generally for their cheaper low-end and mid-range Ouds. The construction of these Ouds may be supervised, designed, or inspected by a Luthier but will not likely be put together by the Luthier. Most of these Ouds may sound the same, but there may be a few cases where you find a really excellent sounding one. It is the same with most factory built instruments these days. Low-end Ouds will naturally use less expensive tone woods, and be less ornate. Expect to pay between $200 and $700 for low-end factory built Ouds.

 

Luthier built Ouds are usually mid-range to high-end instruments. These are instruments where the Luthier has put a lot of time and consideration into. Each Oud created will be one of a kind with its own personality and character. The Oud will have been assembled by the Luthier himself and will be constructed out of tone wood that is of higher quality. These Ouds can be highly customized to your choice. They need not be ornate, but they can be as ornate as possible as well. What really makes the difference is the time and love that went into each instrument. Expect to pay between $800 and up for a Luthier built Oud. The sky is the limit.

 

Pros and Cons

You have to be patient

The great thing about factory built Ouds is that they are cheaper and built faster. There are usually Ouds in stock. Ordering a custom Oud from a Luthier can take up to six months depending on the Luthier. So you will have to patient and wait for your Oud to be built and possibly shipped to your location.

 

Cheaper labour, Cheaper Materials

Factory built Ouds are excellent value, especially for beginners. They may be built by apprentices or factory workers. They do use good tone woods, but probably not hand-picked woods.

 

Longevity

Even the most basic model Luthier built Oud will have a long shelf life. With factory built Ouds, there may be some problems down the road. Climate changes may affect the Oud more noticeably. Ouds are built very light, making them rather delicate. If there is inadequate bracing on the soundboard or too much string tension, factory Ouds may warp causing the distance between the strings and the fingerboard to increase. This distance is called, ‘action’. Poor action is when the strings are difficult to press down limiting the Oud’s playability. This will limit your progress on the Oud and cause you unnecessary frustration.

So where does a beginner start?

Factory Ouds, Low-End Ouds, and Resellers

 

Arabic Ouds

If you really want to start playing Oud right away and don’t have a lot of cash, your only option is a factory built Oud like those from www.arabinstruments.com or mid-east.com. A few of these might be playable. It is hard to find good information about these Ouds. From the videos that I can see online, these appear acceptable for beginners. At the moment, there are not any quality mass produced Arabic Ouds. They may need a proper set up in order to become optimized. With these Ouds, at least they will allow you to learn the bare basics so that you can upgrade later. Price: $200-700. (Prices do not include shipping)

www.arabinstruments.com

The Ouds at Arabinstruments are sourced from Egypt, Turkey, and Ibrahim Sukar. I have recently seen a good review about them here.

A beginners best bet is to find an Ibrahim Sukar Oud. These Ouds are very good value and do justice to the true Arabic sound. The sound of Sukar Ouds are consistent as they were created by a studious engineer. Unfortunately, Sukar’s workshop in Syria has been destroyed in the civil war according to the community on mike oud’s forums. So you will have to find Sukar Ouds on ebay and buy them from other people. This carries the same risks as buying any second hand product. Price: $400-$1000.

Maurice Oud Shop is good source of Oud for under $1000 which are good for any level of player. These Ouds are made by Maurice Shehata and his apprentices.  He also has advanced Ouds made by Maurice Shehata. All the Ouds on his site are good sounding, packed and shipped securely, and good value.

Turkish Ouds

For Turkish Ouds, factory Ouds are very good. There are also Luthiers that produce inexpensive beginner Ouds, and because of economic factors and heavy competition, factory Ouds are very good value. If I were to buy an Oud from a retailer like the ones mentioned above, I would buy a Turkish Oud.

I would recommend first checking out Saadettin & Bahadir Sandi Turkish Ouds before buying a Turkish Oud from the above retailers. Price: $200-$800.

Another new site from a trusted source is www.cheapoud.com. These Ouds are entry level Ouds. The most inexpensive you would find in a music store in Istanbul, or in the grand bazaar. They are made by Bulent Kivrak.

If you are willing to wait and save up your money for an Oud of superb quality which will last you many years and age like a fine wine, then I recommend taking a look at the following Luthiers.

 

Oud Builders

 

PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS BY NO MEANS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST! THERE ARE MANY OUD BUILDERS OUT THERE THAT DO NOT HAVE WEBSITES.

The ones listed here are listed because they are a good introduction to different Oud builders which beginners can actually access easier in terms of contact information, international shipping, price range, and wait time etc.

This information is only for those who have no previous knowledge of Oud builders. Oud builders with only phone numbers were not included. If you have series suggestions that will be useful for beginners, please email me or write a detailed comment, and I will update this guide. Thanks!

 

A Brief Perusal of Oud Builders

But first, a few of the gods…

Nahat Family

Without going into detail, these Ouds are reputably the most historically significant and famous Ouds. When you hear ‘Nahat’, your head should spin as though a dog seeing a squirrel (enter popular movie reference). They are two generations of Oud builders based in Damascus, Syria, during the 19th and 20th centuries.Their Ouds are now priceless antiques as there are no extant descendants building Ouds these days.

Manol Venios

Greek Oud Builder living in Istanbul, Turkey during the 19th century. Manol’s Ouds are to Turkish Ouds what Nahat Ouds are to Arabic Ouds. The sound of Manol’s Ouds differ from modern Turkish Oud sounds. Faruk Turunz has made studied the Manol Oud design with great passion in order to recreate this “old oud sound”.

 

Modern Oud Builders and Luthiers (In alphabetical order by last name)

 

Ibrahim Ada– Turkey

A talented Oud maker of the Turkish variety. He also makes an Iranian Barbat as well.

 

Mohammad Arafati – Iran

Arafati is a Persian Barbat and Oud builder. He has created his own unique Barbat, that resembles the modern Oud more closely in sound and construction. His Ouds and Barbats are

excellent quality. Contact orientalinstruments.com as well for more details.

 

Khalid Belhaiba – Morocco

Khalid Belhaiba is known for making Ouds for Said Chraibi. He is located in Casablanca.

 

Georges Bitar – Lebanon

Builds excellent Syrian Ouds, also women’s models. Classic Arabic tone.

 

Mustafa Copcuoglu – Kadikoy, Istanbul

Well priced Turkish Ouds.

 

Emir Degirmenli – Turkey

Ornate and high quality Turkish Ouds.

 

Ismail Fencioglu – Central Canada

A turkish Oud resource for building and repairs in the heart of Canada.

 

Nazih Ghadban – Lebanon

Nazih is an excellent Oud builder whose Ouds have a particular aesthetic quality which is quite unique and original. They are also endowed with a classic Arabic sound. He has video demos all over youtube and a very new website.

 

Richard Hankey aka Dr Oud – California, United States of America

Dr Oud knows Ouds. Based in California, Dr. Oud has published a how-to book on Oud repair and construction. He is very fond of replicating and restoring old Nahat Ouds.

 

Wissam Joubran – Paris, France

Wissam Joubran has Oud building and playing in his blood. He makes one-of-a-kind instruments and they are a labor of love. Probably not the first choice for a beginner, but he is a good reference for those who live in Europe.

Fadi Matta – Jounieh, Lebanon

Unique Lebanese Luthier that ships internationally. Please contact his website for further details.

 

Mohammadi Brothers – Iran

The Mohammadi brothers are currently making Persian Barbats in the style of Ebrahim Ghanbari Mehr, the creator and pioneer of the modern Barbat design. Their quality is exceptional.

 

Michael Moussa – England

Conveniently located in England, Michael produces all Oud styles. His prices are also quite average for high quality Ouds.

 

Viken Najarian – United States of America

Lebanese Oud builder residing in the United States who also builds electric Ouds for those of you who want to rock out.

 

Samir Nassif – Canada

Samir is based in East-Central Canada and is a good resource for Oud building and repair of Arabic style.

 

Yildrim Palabuyik – Turkey

This Luthier makes a range of beginner and advanced models and also provides international shipping.

 

Dimitris Rapakousios – Athens, Greece

A young talented Luthier who makes and repairs all kinds of Greek, Turkish and Arabic instruments. (He built my own Oud so I might be a little biased) Check him out and decide for yourself.

 

Cengiz Sarikus – Turkey

Turkish Luthier that makes traditional and experimental instruments. Joseph Tawadros is known for playing an Oud by Dr. Sarikus

 

Najib Shaheen – New York, United States of America

Famous older brother of Simon Shaheen. A true gem to have living in the United States. Builds and repairs Ouds. He probably doesn’t build Ouds regularly for clients, but he does repairs. Contact him for details

Philip Shaheen – Tarshisha

Philip is pioneering the construction of carbon fibre Ouds. The main body of the Oud is made from carbon fibre with the exception of the soundboard. There are many benefits to this kind of Oud in the modern world. See for yourself:

 

Maurice Shehata – Cairo, Egypt

Very good reputable Egyptian Ouds by a family of builders.

 

Faruk Türünz – Istanbul, Turkey

This Oud builder is definitely one of the most famous in Turkey. Any explanation cannot do justice here. Visit his website. The good thing for beginners in that he offers reduced price Ouds that he will make in any style Arabic or Turkish. Very good price point.

 

John Vergara – New York, United States of America

Another fantastic North American Luthier resource for Oud building and repairs.

 

Matthias Wagner – Germany

A good resource to have if you live in Europe. Wagner is very active in Oud building and creates very impressive models. He knows his art.

 

Helge Zwirner – Germany

A talented and thoughtful Oud builder living in Germany whose love and passion for the Oud is quite remarkable. A good resource for those of you living in Europe.

 

There are many other Oud builders and Luthiers out there. I am sorry if I have not included all. This may be updated but I didn’t think it was necessary because anyone serious about researching to buy an Oud over $1000 should really become active on Mike’s Oud Forums to adequately research and learn about other reputable Luthiers out there. Also check this out: another list of Oud builders.

And don’t forget to pick up other tools that make your Oud sound even better. Check out my recommendations here:

 

>>Now check out part 3: How to buy an Oud in a foreign country and order a custom Oud from a Luthier.→