The oud is better known as the king of the instruments for all the musical genres in the Middle East. It is both an ancient and iconic instrument there and is known for creating soulful melodies and rich tones. The selection of oud needs a discerning eye and ear before picking one for your musical needs. If you wish to know how to pick the oud like a pro, there are many things that you need to consider. Our guide for today will walk you through each step of the way to help you choose the perfect instrument.

The Anatomy of the Oud

Before you start the selection process, you need to know about the important components of the oud itself. An oud has the following components that affect its performance.

• Bowl (Body): The rounded back of the instrument is made from multiple strips of wood. All these strips are joined together with glue. There are different types of wood like walnut, rosewood, or mahogany are used. The type of wood affects the tonal quality and resonance.

• Soundboard (Face): This part is made from the thing cedar or spruce to determine the tonal clarity and sound projection.

• Neck and Pegbox: Oud’s neck is made to be smooth to offer comfortable fretting. As for the Pegbox, this is where all the tuning pegs are housed to allow stable tuning.

• Strings: Most ouds come with either 11 or 13 strings which are grouped in pairs called courses. The string is either nylon or metal, which affects the instrument’s timbre.

Decide on the Type of Oud

There are different variations for oud based on the regional demands and each offers its unique tonal dimensions. Still, these are the 3 main types of Oud for those who want to pick like a pro.

• Arabic Oud: This one is known for its deep sounds and is most commonly used in the Middle East and North Africa. The slightly larger body of this oud allows for a full-bodied tone.

• Turkish Oud: This one creates a sharper brighter tone but is smaller compared to Arabic Oud. As the name suggests, it's mostly popular in Turkey and Greece.

• Irani Oud: A floating bridge design is the main characteristic of this oud which helps it create a unique sound with increased sustain.

You must choose the type of oud based on your musical style. An Arabic oud is ideal for traditional and classical genres whereas a Turkish Oud is ideal for contemporary and fusion styles.

Examining the Craftsmanship

An oud that is well-crafted will offer better sound quality and will be long-lasting. One must always check these things in their craftsmanship.

Wood Quality: The bowl must be made from dense and aged wood for increased resonance.

Finnish: The finishing must be of high-quality varnish that is free from any blemishes.

Glue Joints: The seams between each wooden strip must be seamless – a hallmark of quality.

Inlays: An oud can have an ornamental design to increase its beauty but an oud with too many inlays results in muffled sounds.

Assessing the Sound Quality

The look of the oud doesn’t matter as much as its sound quality. You need to ensure these steps to test the sound quality.

• Pluck on each string individually to listen to its sustain and clarity. Only a good quality oud will produce a consistent tone for all its strings.

• To check the resonance, play basic chords and melodies on the instrument. The sound from oud will fill the room.

• Any buzzing sounds indicate there is an issue with the string action or there is an improper neck alignment.

• Take the oud and tune it before playing for a few minutes A premium-grade instrument will retain the tuning without needing too many adjustments.

Check The Playability

Comfort while playing is paramount when picking an oud. You can test the playability of these 3 aspects.

• Neck Width: Check to see if the neck is too narrow or too wide for your hand. A well-proportioned neck offers comfort for finger placement.

• String Action: The distance between the soundboard and strings must be perfect. It should not be too high or too low to cause buzzing sounds.

• Weight and Balance: Hold the oud in your hand and determine its balance and weight. A well-balanced oud will feel natural in your hand.

Balancing Your Budget

There are many price ranges when it comes to ouds. From budget-friendly pieces to premium handmade instruments, the price varies.

• Beginner Ouds are priced in the range of AED 735 - AED 1,835. They are ideal for students but the instrument will lack the tonal depth.

• Intermediate Ouds are in the price range of AED 1,835 - AED 5,505. They offer better sound quality with their finer craftsmanship.

• Professional Ouds start at around AED 7,340 and go higher. These are masterpieces that are handmade to offer exceptional tone, aesthetics, and durability.

Buy From a Trusted Source

Always choose a seller that is known for their quality instruments and excellent customer service. Whether it’s an online store or a physical location, ensure the store has a return or an exchange policy. Check for the reviews from the store’s past customer buyers.

The one best store in this regard is Melodica Music Store in Dubai with a variety of Ouds for anyone to pick.

Our Final Say

Picking the right oud is a matter of art and science. You need to understand the anatomy of the oud itself, test its sound, and assess its craftsmanship to meet your musical needs. No matter what your oud playing level is; beginner or seasoned, you must take your time to find the right oud. It will improve your playing experience and connect you to the rich musical heritage of this ancient instrument.