Through the development of countless oud pieces that traverse the Middle East states and Arab World, oud music captivates audiences around the world due to its intricate patterning and distinct tonal characteristics. The oud’s adaptability in many genres of Middle Eastern music, ranging from maqamat to popular songs, causes it to remain one of the most unfamiliar instruments of all time. With oud players frequently traveling vast distances to perform magical shows across foreign lands, this iconic string instrument leaves a lasting impression on those it reaches with its soothing sounds. The lute oud has a deep, resonant sound that lends itself well to traditional Middle Eastern music.

Are you looking for the right oud strings to create your next masterpiece? From finding the perfect note to crafting a sound that resonates with you, choosing the right oud strings can make all the difference. With endless options on the market ranging from classic gut strings to modern synthetic varieties, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

What Is Oud? How Many Strings Does an Oud have? And How Do Oud Strings Sound Like?

The definition of oud is that it is an Arabic lute instrument with a unique sound. The oud’s body is composed of eleven oud strings and commonly has wooden tuning pegs, which contribute to its characteristic vibrato-like tone. It has a pear-shaped body with a long neck and 11 strings placed in six courses. Oud has an oval body, sometimes with a wood or animal-skin cover, and can be either fretted or fretless with up to 11 strings, with some options in 12 strings and 10 strings. The oud produces an ambient, story-telling sound that makes it an excellent accompaniment to many genres of traditional music.

Oud strings set it apart from any other string instrument. Its sound is uniquely recognizable and always captivates the listener’s attention. From concert halls to street performances, oud strings create a melodious and rhythmic harmony that adds passion and emotions to traditional Middle Eastern music. Its rich, warm tones bring forth an ancient, mysterious beauty all its own. The tones are deep and filled with presence, even with their few strings. Oud strings never fail to impress in all types of settings, making them one of the most beloved instruments by many music enthusiasts around the world.

How to Play Oud?

To play ouds effectively, you will need some basic knowledge of how to hold the instrument and how to use your fingers and plectrum (pick) for plucking the strings. Generally speaking, oud players sit with the instrument at a 45-degree angle across their laps and rest their right hand near the upper part of the neck for higher notes or near the lower part for lower notes.

The tones produced by the lute oud have a deep, low register that can be quite powerful when played with some force. It is also capable of producing notes in a higher register. It is an extremely versatile instrument.

Three Types of Ouds

• Arabian oud

Featuring a dark-hued body and intricate wooden inlays on the top and back, this classical lute is the perfect accompaniment to traditional Arabic musical styles. Usually, the Arabian oud is bigger and creates a fuller, deeper sound than the other two types of ouds.

• Turkish lute

The Turkish lute is a popular instrument throughout Turkey and is often regarded as one of the most crucial components in traditional Turkish music. Constructed with a lighter pear-shaped body and 12 strings tuned in intervals of perfect fourths, it is capable of producing a higher and brighter tone, making it an invaluable asset for music makers around the globe.

• Persian barbat

The Persian barbat is an ancient, plucked-string instrument that dates back a few centuries. It is highly sought after for its unique sound and sweet compositions, possessing one-of-a-kind nuances from the acoustic resonance of its slightly protruding frets, smaller size, and longer neck.

Alice Oud String Set AOD111 11-String Oud String Set

Finding string sets made of the highest quality materials and carefully crafted to produce a beautiful sound can be challenging. Luckily, you can rely on the Alice AOD111 Oud string set. Designed for concert use, it features even vibrations, good responsiveness, and rich harmonics. These oud strings are made of clear nylon, wound with silver-plated copper, and coated with anti-rust material. It has three options for 10/11/12-string oud, so one must suit you!

Conclusion

Oud instruments are gaining in popularity worldwide due to the intriguing nature of their sound. If you also need strings for all types of instruments, from classical to traditional Chinese to western, then Alice is your one-stop solution. They make every string worth playing, so you can focus on making beautiful music. Get ready for professional quality sounds each time—regardless of if it’s your first or hundredth time picking up an oud!