Arabic Oud

The Oud instrument is the most iconic instrument of the middle east. With its dramatic mellow tone, it is more popular than ever. It is a tear shape strings instrument with 11 strings, divided into 6 courses. Think of guitar, but of the middle east. The oud is mostly common in North Africa, the Arabic peninsula, and the middle east. It is special for its deep warm, deep, and romantic sound. Read more…


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Original price was: $499.00.Current price is: $449.00.

Arabic Oud is the most popular kind of Oud. It is popular from the Middle East throughout North Africa, for its romantic sound. Oud players love it because of the warm, bass timbre it produces. The differences between the Arabic Oud and the Turkish oud are mainly the size. In the Arabic Oud, the bowl is larger, and on the neck slightly longer.

Whether you are a guitar player or just curious about the Oud, Arabic Ouds are a perfect choice. With the classic sound and design, this is an instrument that is joyful to play. Explore through our different models and styles, we have an Oud for every budget. From Egyptian ouds to Shami ouds and everything in between, our edit of Arabic Ouds boots has something for everyone.

Arabic Oud parts and structure

The Arabic Oud typically has 11 strings. A single bass string with five pairs of strings. Playing the Oud is traditionally done with a pick, called ‘Risha’. In the past, it was made of eagle feather but today mostly plastic. With the Oud you are able to play the ‘Maqam’, which is the set of scales of Middle Eastern music. The fretless fingerboard of the Oud, allows playing microtones, that are the foundation for the Maqam music. 

When it comes to tuning, the Arabic oud is tuned different from Turkish or Iraqi ouds. One of the popular tunings is: C-F-A-D-G-C. It is the most common tuning, which most players use. 

How to Play Arabic Oud?

If Arabic music interests you, or you are on a journey to explore new instruments, the Arabic Oud is a fascinating instrument. Playing the Oud isn’t hard, with video lessons available online and all required Oud strings accessories are available in our shop.

The recommendation is to find a local teacher to help you with the first few steps in the Oud. Holding the risha (pick) correctly, and holding the Oud in the right way, will save you hours of practice later on. Since Arabic music uses microtones which are not common in western music, it will help if you start listening to Arabic music. Musicians like Abdel Waheb, Munir Bashir, and Farid-El-Atrash are a great inspiration.

A personal tip on buying an Arabic Oud

Hi, I'm Daniel the owner of Ethnic Musical. As an Oud player myself, buying an Oud remotely isn't a straight forward task. There are many makers and shops out there, and the big selection might be confusing. With over 12 years dealing ouds, I realized the most important part is that an Oud goes through a complete setup. That includes checking the Oud is comfortable to play, and that the pegs work is done properly.

We work closely with the finest makers in the Middle East. Each Arabic oud goes through a professional inspection and setup before it ships, to make sure you enjoy a perfect hand-made Oud. 

Reviews

Reviews

662 reviews
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Concert Arabic Oud Pamela Mother of Pearl by Feramis Usta

I am very happy with my oud. It arrived well packaged, wrapped, and in it's case. Upon opening and initial inspection I observed it was well made, it tuned easily, the tuning pegs turn with ease and the strings are great. The Mother of Pearl is beautiful and the finish on the oud looks wonderful. After playing it I really began to hear how wonderful it sounds. I took it a to my local luthier for a professional inspection and he said "it is well made" and "a beautiful piece of work." Thank you Daniel for taking care of an unforeseen delay at customs and being responsive and timely throughout the entire process. This is my second oud purchase form Ethnic Musical. I will continue to buy my ouds from Ethnic Musical and suggest others do as well because of the high quality instruments, professional service, and fine craftsmanship!

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The Real Arab Book - VOL 1
Dirk Kilian (Langenselbold, DE)
The real arab book is great

I bought teh real arab book Vol. 1 and I love it. A great collection of oriental music!

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Turkish Lavta Rosewood PRO
mihai ciolpan (Nicosia, CY)
What can I say more?

My hole experience dealing with Ethnic Musical was excellent. The quality of lavta, the quickness of shipping, the price, everything is worth at least 5 stars. We are talking about a premium company with premium products. The standard is very high.

G
Arabic Oud Mahogany & Maple - Cedar Top
Genti Zhitia (Vienna, AT)
Super !

Service, order shipment, communication everything was fine ! Best regards from Vienna

S
Shami Oud Black Walnut
Scott Element (Calgary, CA)
Awesome Oud!

I am so blown away with every aspect of this finely crafted instrument. Everything was delivered on time and flawlessly. I also love the gig bag. If I ever consider an upgrade will definitely be back ISA.