Considered to be the ‘king of instruments’ in the Arabic world, the Oud certainly is an instrument worthy of our attention. Let’s take a look at a few of the main features of this traditional instrument which is capable of producing truly enchanting music.
How Old Is the Oud?
It certainly would not be a lie to say that the Oud is a very old musical instrument. If you asked someone how old the Oud is, you would likely hear a variety of answers. Some would say that it is the ancestor of the Pharaohonic Egyptian Nefer, however, others may tell you that it is the forbearer of the Persian Barbat. Whatever you choose to believe, one thing is for sure, the Oud is an instrument with a long, rich and intriguing musical history.
What Is the Design of The Oud?
The Oud has a hollow body with a rounded back. The open side of the back is often called the rosette. Once you have had the pleasure of seeing an Oud, you will likely find it easy to recognize the instrument again. In general, there are two main elements that will have you instantly recognizing this beautiful instrument:
– It has a pear-shaped body
– It has a fret-less neck.
There are a few more defining features which you can look out for when admiring this traditional instrument in all its glory. Firstly, it has 11 strings. You will see 5 pairs of strings whereas the lowest string is set by itself. Secondly, the instrument tends to have 1-3 sound holes, these are normally either circular or oval in shape. Finally, the peg box is bent from the neck at a 45-90 degree angle.
What Does the Name Oud Mean?
In Arabic, Oud literally means a thin piece of wood, like the shape of a straw. Perhaps this refers to the wooden plectrum which traditional players use with the instrument, or it may be a nod to the thin strips of wood which the back is made up of.
What Types of Ouds Exist Today?
If you decide to buy yourself an Oud, take Oud lessons with an instructor and learn how to play it (which we highly recommend by the way) you would soon learn that Ouds today fall into three main categories. These categories are Arabian, Persian and Turkish. The Arabian Oud category tends to include the Iraqi Oud, the Egyptian Oud, and the Syrian Oud since they are all similar.
In general, an Arabian Oud will be larger than a Turkish or Persian Oud and will give a sound which tends to be fuller and deeper. The Turkish Oud, being tuned one whole step higher than the Arabian, gives a shriller sound. The size of a Turkish Oud will be around 58.5 cm long, whereas an Arabian Oud would be around 61 to 62 cm.
Of course, as would be expected in today’s modern music scene, Ouds are also available as electro-acoustic or as electric.
Certainly, the Oud is a traditional instrument with a rich history. If you have never had the pleasure of hearing this instrument we strongly advise you to take the time to listen to an exert beautifully and melodiously bring the instrument to life.
If you wish to purchase an Oud be sure to speak with reputable suppliers who are very familiar with this instrument type and can advise you on the ideal choice for a beginner. In addition, it’s always best to organize Oud instrument music lessons so that you can truly get the most from your wonderful new purchase.