Ouds

Origin of the Oud

The ancestors to the Oud may go back to Pharaonic Egypt. At that time the body was carved from a solid piece of wood. This Egyptian chordophone was called the Nefer. The Persian invaders brought this instrument home and renamed it the Barbet. This solid bodied chordophone continued its eastward expansion into what is modern day Russia, China and Japan. In the fifth century, Persians traveled westward to the Arabian Peninsula to help in the rebuilding of the Ka'ba in Mecca. They brought the Barbat with them. There it became known as an Oud. In Arabic, al ud means 'the Wood.' Referring to this instrument as 'the Wood' reflects its delicate construction.

The Oud underwent a number of changes during the Abbasid Caliphate, or Arab Golden Age. Reportable, the great Iraqi musician Zeriab was driven out of Baghdad and took the Oud with him to Spain. There, by the Moorish Period (711-1492), it finally evolved its characteristic stave body construction. At that time Spain was a great center of learning, science and art. It attracted influential persons from varied cultures. The music played on the Oud reflected the melding of the Greek, Persian, and Arabic cultures. The instrument and its sounds attracted the attention of eastern peoples in the area. Among the many Middle Eastern innovations brought to Europe by the returning Crusaders was the Oud. In Europe the Oud eventually evolved into the Troubadour's Lute.
 

OUDR Rosewood Oud  Body of alternating dark and light rosewood, three rosette sound holes, no frets, pegbox at an acute angle. Includes case. Made in Pakistan  Shipping Weight: 70.00 lbs.  Price: $600.00  Quantity:1 2 3 4 5 6

OUD1 Egyptian Mosaic Oud Includes soft case. Made in Egypt  Shipping Weight: 70.00 lbs. Price: $530 Quantity:1 2 3 4 5 6

OUD4 Egyptian Deluxe Oud  Includes soft case. Made in Egypt  Shipping Weight: 70.00 lbs. Price: $340.00  Quantity:1 2 3 4 5 6

OUDT Turkish Oud  The body is constructed of alternating dark and light woods. Colors of actual product may vary. Call for details. There are three wooden rosette sound holes and no frets. The pegbox is at an acute angle. Includes soft case. Made in Turkey  Shipping Weight: 70.00 lbs. Price: $360 Quantity:1 2 3 4 5 6

OUD6 Egyptian Standard Oud  Includes soft case. Made in Egypt  Shipping Weight: 70.00 lbs. Price: $300.00  Quantity:1 2 3 4 5 6