OUD

oud
one of the oldest musical instruments in the region.
Its name, al-oud, is thought to come from the Arabic word for "the wood" and is said to have made its way to Europe via North Africa.
Some consider the oud to be a descendant of the ancient Egyptian nefer, while others trace its origins to the Persian barbat. It is also recognized as the predecessor of the European lute. The oud holds a central place in Middle Eastern music traditions.

Oud Design:

The oud produces sound through vibrations within its hollow body, which is characterized by a rounded back enclosed by a flat soundboard.
The back is typically made up of 15 to 25 wooden strips.
The open side of the back, known as the rosette, helps project the sound.
The oud has two distinctive features: a pear-shaped body and a fretless neck.
The body often has one to three sound holes, usually decorated with intricate designs that don’t affect the sound quality.
Its overall shape resembles a large gourd, and it’s constructed using thin wooden staves, while the upper part is made of lighter wood.

Key Features of the Oud

Strings: Usually, The oud has 11 strings, with 10 paired together and one single string.
F,A,D,G,C,F
Peg Box: The peg box is bent backward at an angle of 45-90 degrees from the neck.
Sound Holes: Typically, the oud has one to three sound holes, either oval or circular in shape.
Body: The instrument has a staved, bowl-like back, giving it its characteristic shape.
These features contribute to the oud’s unique sound and its timeless appeal in the world of music.

Oud Musicians