I came across this nice little resource on MikeOuds forums the other day. I’ve been waiting for something like this for a while.
This is a nice little site that translates the intro pages to Jamil Bashir’s Oud method. I’ve always wondered what the intro pages say about the Oud. The translation isn’t amazing, but it’s good enough to get the idea.
What I’m working on
There are a few projects that are in the air these days. I’m brainstorming some videos for people who want to learn how to play taqasim. Here’s what I’ve already done on the subject:
The Secret to Taqasim: Jins Rast
Six Mini Scales that Make up Maqam Music
I’m also doing some research for an eBook I am writing about the Godin MultiOud. But why write about the MultiOud? I guess you’ll just have to wait to see what I have planned. Here’s what I’ve done on the MultiOud before:
Godin MultiOud Review
Heavy Metal Oud
In addition, I’m getting together some repertoire that I want to record as either a demo disc or a full album. This is long overdue. But I’m excited to have met a talented sound engineer who is excited about working with me (www.amksounds.com). I hope to get a fresh set of ears for this recording.
Experimenting
Have you ever tuned your Oud down a whole step? The old school guys like George Michael, and Farid Al Atrash used to do this a lot. There are some theories as to why… but now a lot of people just think Ouds sound better tuned down. I don’t know yet, I’ve tried it a few times, and I like what I’m hearing.
What do you think?
The tendency these days is to tune to a higher frequency, as to sound brighter, like some European ensembles/orchestras are doing. (So I hear… anyway). Also, music is being engineered louder and louder.
Is it just my ears enjoying a change from the norm, or is it something else? You tell me.
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