When it comes to the rich, resonant world of the Oud, each style offers a unique sound and character. Recently, many players have contacted us about the transition to an Iraqi-style floating bridge Oud. Let’s dive into the nuances of this distinctive instrument and explore its pros and cons.
What’s so special about floating bridge ouds?
The Iraqi Oud stands out in the world of ouds, primarily due to its floating bridge. This feature significantly impacts the instrument’s sound, offering a more punchy and clear tone compared to Turkish or standard Arabic Ouds. The floating bridge enhances the instrument’s resonance and projection, making it an excellent choice for live performances and recordings.
Understanding the Sound
The primary distinction of the Iraqi Oud is its ability to cut through the mix, providing clarity and presence. Musicians who perform live or record in studios often prefer this quality, as it ensures their instrument stands out, delivering a crisp and vibrant sound.
To truly appreciate the sound of an Iraqi Oud, you can listen to the recordings of Munir Bashir or Dhafer Youssef, both are a legend in their own style. Both oud players are known for their mastery of the Iraqi Oud. Their performances showcase the instrument’s potential, highlighting its ability to produce sound with remarkable clarity. Interestingly, Dapher plays a 7-string Oud, so he can play both the low C and the high F of the Oud. Another thing worth mentioning, is that Munir plays his own manufactured Oud with a shorter scale of about 57cm. Quite unusually in the oud world.
Style and Versatility
While the Iraqi Oud’s sound is distinctive, it’s essential to understand that choosing between an Arabic Oud and an Iraqi Oud is more about personal preference and musical style than a matter of better or worse. For instance, Khaleeji music, prevalent in the Gulf region, often favors the sound of the Iraqi Oud due to its ability to deliver the punchy tones characteristic of the genre.
However, this doesn’t mean the Iraqi Oud is limited to specific styles. Its versatility allows it to be used in various musical genres, providing a fresh and unique sound that can complement different musical arrangements.
Tuning Flexibility
One interesting aspect of the Iraqi Oud is its common tuning in high F-F. This tuning can offer a different playing experience and can be particularly appealing for musicians looking to get higher tones out of the Oud. However, it’s important to note that this tuning that this tuning is not obligatory, and players can experiment with C-C or D-D tunings to find the one that best suits their style.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When considering an Iraqi-style floating bridge Oud, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on your musical needs and preferences. The primary advantages include:
- Enhanced Clarity: The floating bridge provides a clear and punchy sound that stands out in both live and recorded settings.
- Versatility: Suitable for various musical genres, including Khaleeji music.
- Projection: Excellent for performances where the Oud needs to cut through the mix.
On the flip side, some players might find the sound too bright or lacking the warmth associated with other Oud styles. It’s a matter of personal taste and the specific sound you seek in your music.
In conclusion, the Iraqi-style floating bridge Oud offers a unique sound that can add a new dimension to your musical instrument collection. Whether you’re drawn to its clarity, versatility, or the challenge of experimenting with different tunings, this instrument has much to offer. As always, the best way to understand its potential is to listen to recordings and see how it resonates with your musical style.
At Ethnic Musical, we’re here to help you explore and discover the best instruments to suit your musical journey.