Choosing the Right Oud: A Guide to Types, Styles, and What to Look For

So you’ve decided you want to buy an oud – congratulations! You’re about to embark on a rewarding journey with this beautiful instrument. But you might be wondering, “Which oud is right for me?” As you start shopping around, you’ll quickly discover there are different types of ouds (the most common being Arabic and Turkish ouds, plus others), each with its own characteristics. There’s also a range of prices and build qualities, from beginner-friendly models to professional handcrafted masterpieces. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first – many first-time buyers spend months listening to sound samples and researching, only to end up confused by the subtle differences​. This guide will break down the key things to know, so you can choose an oud with confidence. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a pro adding to your collection, we’ve got tips to help you make the right choice.

Understanding the Different Types of Ouds

The two main categories you’ll hear about are Arabic ouds and Turkish ouds. They are very similar in how they are played, but they differ in size, tuning, and sound profile – much like cousins in the same family. Choosing between them is one of the first decisions to make, as it influences the sound you’ll get and the style of music you might play.

• Arabic Oud: This is the oud used in the Arab countries (Middle East and North Africa). It typically has a slightly larger body and a longer neck. As a result, the Arabic oud produces a deep, warm, and resonant sound. Its tone is often described as earthy, mellow, and soulful – perfect for the expressive, lyrical melodies of Arabic music​. The construction usually features a thicker wooden soundboard, which adds to the richness of the tone​. Common Arabic ouds often have 11 strings in 6 courses, and they are usually tuned to a relatively low pitch (for example, a standard Arabic tuning is C F A D G C, with C as a low bass)​. This lower tuning contributes to that round, bassy sound. There are also regional variants of the Arabic oud (like the Iraqi oud, Syrian oud, Egyptian oud), but these are minor differences – overall, if you get an Arabic-style oud, you’ll have that characteristic deep sound and traditional look. Arabic ouds often have beautifully decorated soundholes (called rosettes) and inlay designs, highlighting the instrument’s artisanal heritage.

• Turkish Oud: The Turkish oud is popular in Turkey and also in some parts of Greece and the Balkans. At first glance, it looks very similar to the Arabic oud, but it’s usually a bit smaller and lighter in build​. The body is slightly more compact and the neck may be a tad shorter. Don’t be fooled by the smaller size – the Turkish oud packs a punchy sound. It is known for a brighter, more vibrant tone with a slightly higher pitch overall In fact, Turkish ouds are typically tuned a whole step higher than Arabic ouds (for example, one common Turkish tuning is D G B E A D)​. This higher tuning, combined with a shallower body depth, gives the Turkish oud a lively, sparkling voice – the sound is clear and carries through in ensemble playing​. Turkish music often has fast, intricate melodies, and the design of the Turkish oud (including sometimes a slightly slimmer neck) caters to that agility. If you love the sharp, energetic sound in Ottoman classical or Turkish folk music, this style of oud is ideal. Some players also find the slightly smaller size comfortable to hold, especially if you have a smaller frame.

• Other Ouds (Persian and others): Beyond the Arabic and Turkish ouds, there are a few other types. The Persian oud (often called Barbat in Persian) is used in Iran. It’s quite similar to the Arabic oud, generally with a smaller body and only 10 strings (5 courses). Its sound is somewhere in between Arabic and Turkish – warm but a bit more muted. There are also ouds made in other regions (for example, ouds in North African countries like Morocco or Tunisia, or in Central Asia) which have their own local tweaks. However, as a buyer, your main choice will likely be between an Arabic-style or Turkish-style oud, as these two dominate the market and cover most musical needs.

So which type should you choose? It really comes down to your personal musical taste. If you adore the deep, poignant sound in Arabic songs and want that slow, soulful resonance – an Arabic oud will make you happy. If you prefer a brighter, more playful sound with crisp notes (or plan to play a lot of Turkish/Balkan tunes) – a Turkish oud might be the better fit. Neither is “better” than the other; they’re just different flavors. Many experienced players eventually end up owning one of each to enjoy both styles! For a beginner unsure of their preference, listen to recordings of both types: the difference will be immediately clear​. Go with the sound that moves you more. Remember, both types share the same musical DNA of the oud – fretless, expressive, and beautiful. You can play any music on either oud, but the instrument’s inherent voice will lean either deeper (Arabic) or brighter (Turkish).

Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Oud

Aside from the type of oud, here are other important factors and tips for choosing the right instrument for you:

• Sound & Tone: The most important factor is that you love the sound of the oud you choose. Every individual oud, even within the same type, has its own slight character. If possible, listen to sound samples or demos of the exact instrument (or model) you’re considering. Do you prefer a darker, bass-heavy sound or a clear, treble-rich sound? Within Arabic ouds, for instance, some might sound mellower while others are louder or more balanced. Trust your ear – the oud’s voice should inspire you to play. After all, you’re buying it for that mesmerizing sound!

• Craftsmanship & Wood: Ouds can be factory-made or handcrafted by luthiers. A well-built oud will not only sound better but also be easier to tune and more comfortable to play. Look for a sturdy construction with good wood quality. Common woods for the bowl (back) are walnut, maple, rosewood, or mahogany. For the soundboard (top), cedar and spruce are favored for their resonance. Turkish ouds often use lighter woods like maple or spruce, enhancing brightness​. whereas Arabic ouds might use denser woods like walnut for warmth​. The choice of wood influences the tone, but as a newcomer, you don’t need to obsess—just know that a higher-quality instrument generally uses better dried woods and will age well, sounding even sweeter over time. Decorations like mother-of-pearl inlay and intricate rosettes are a bonus that make an oud visually stunning, but focus on build quality first. A plain-looking oud crafted with excellent skill will outperform a fancy-looking but poorly made oud any day.

• Playability: Especially for beginners, an oud that is easy to play will make learning enjoyable. Important aspects of playability include the action (string height from the fingerboard) – it should be low enough to press comfortably, but not so low that strings buzz. Also consider the neck thickness; Turkish ouds sometimes have a slightly slimmer neck which can be easier for fast play​. If you have smaller hands, you might find a Turkish oud or a shorter-scale oud easier to handle. However, many Arabic ouds are also very comfortable – it varies by maker. If you get a chance to hold or try an oud, see how it feels resting on your thigh, how your picking hand falls into position, etc. It shouldn’t feel like a huge unwieldy thing; it should invite you to play. Remember, unlike a guitar, the oud has no frets to guide finger placement, so initially it takes practice to play in tune – but don’t worry, your ear will develop quickly with practice, and the fretless freedom is worth it!

• Strings & Tuning: As mentioned, Arabic and Turkish ouds use different string sets due to different tuning tensions​. If you buy an Arabic oud, use Arabic oud strings; Turkish ouds need Turkish strings. This is because the higher Turkish tuning puts more tension, so the strings are gauged differently​. Using the wrong type can make the instrument difficult to tune or even risk damage. When buying, check if the instrument comes with the appropriate strings and maybe an extra set for replacement. Good strings can noticeably improve the sound, so it’s worth investing in quality oud strings down the line.

• Beginner or Professional Level: Be honest about your level and goals. If you’re a beginner or on a budget, there are many affordable ouds (often made in factories or workshops) that are great to start with. These might not use the highest grade wood and might have simpler decoration, but they can still sound lovely and will definitely be enough to learn on. Just ensure it’s from a reputable seller who sets it up correctly (so that it’s playable and well intonated). If you’re a professional musician or want a top-notch instrument, you might consider a luthier-made oud. These are handcrafted, often taking many months to build, and can be pricy – but the attention to detail in sound and feel can be outstanding. The difference is akin to a factory guitar vs a custom luthier guitar. There are famous oud luthiers in Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, etc., whose instruments are played by the masters. However, you don’t need a $5000 oud to enjoy playing – many intermediate-level ouds in the few-hundred-dollar range are very satisfying. As you improve, you can always upgrade later.

• Try Before You Buy (if possible): If you happen to live near a shop that sells ouds or know an oud player, test-playing an oud can be incredibly helpful. Not only do you hear the sound directly, but you also feel the instrument’s response. Play a chromatic scale to see if the intonation is good up the neck (the fretless fingerboard should be correctly calibrated). Experiment with loud and soft picking to gauge dynamic range. If you’re new and can’t play much yet, have the seller or a friend play it for you. If buying online, purchase from a trusted music store or luthier who has sound samples and a return policy, just in case. The good news is that many online retailers specializing in world instruments are quite attuned to customer needs and will help you choose.

• Accessories: Don’t forget to get a proper Risha (pick) for playing your oud. It’s essential for getting the right attack on the strings. They come in plastic or horn and different stiffness; you might try a few to see what feels best. Also, consider a padded gig bag or hard case to protect your oud – its bowl back can be a bit awkward in regular guitar stands or cases. Some ouds come with a case. A digital tuner that can handle alternate tunings or even better, a reference app for oud tuning (since the intervals differ from guitar) is helpful for beginners. Lastly, a low stool or footrest can help position the oud comfortably on your lap while practicing.

Now, let’s address the big question: Which oud should you buy? Here’s a quick recap to guide you:

• If you love deep, warm tones and plan to explore Arabic/Middle Eastern traditional music, go for an Arabic oud. You’ll get that classic sound and look. Ensure it’s a reasonably well-made one so it stays in tune and sounds good – it will keep you motivated to play.

• If you prefer a brighter sound or have an affinity for Turkish/Armenian/Greek music, a Turkish oud is your best bet. Its lively tone will bring those genres to life. You might also appreciate the slightly smaller form factor.

• If you’re not sure, listen to audio comparisons (many are available on YouTube and music sites). The difference in sound is usually evident​. Choose the sound that resonates with you emotionally – that’s the one you’ll enjoy playing the most.

• Set a budget and try to get the best quality in that range. A rough guide: a basic beginner oud might be a few hundred dollars or less. A good intermediate oud might range around $300-$700. Professional, luthier ouds can go $1000 and way up. But price isn’t everything – a well-set-up $300 oud can beat a poorly set $600 one. Research brands or ask for recommendations from experienced players or sellers.

• Consider the visuals and feel as secondary factors. It’s nice to have an attractive instrument, and you should like how it looks to feel inspired. But prioritize sound and playability first. That said, if two ouds sound equally good to you and one has gorgeous mosaic inlay that you love – there’s nothing wrong with letting the heart decide!

• Think long-term: A solid, decent oud can last you many years. If you’re serious about learning, it’s worth getting an instrument that will not frustrate you. Don’t go for the absolute cheapest unknown oud on eBay – those often have problems that even a pro can’t fix easily (warped neck, bad tuning pegs, etc.). It’s better to spend a bit more for a reliable instrument from a known maker or shop. You’ll enjoy your practice sessions so much more when the oud holds tune and sounds sweet.

Embrace Your Oud Journey

Buying your first oud (or a new oud) is an exciting step. Remember that each oud has its own personality – when you find the right one, it will “speak” to you and encourage you to play. Once you have your oud, take the time to get acquainted: learn the proper holding position, experiment with the risha technique, and start exploring simple melodies. It may feel foreign at first (especially if you come from guitar – the fretless fingerboard takes some adjustment), but stick with it. The reward is huge: you’ll be able to create those mesmerizing sounds we discussed earlier, and partake in a musical tradition that spans continents and centuries.

Lastly, know that by choosing to play the oud, you’re joining a community of passionate musicians around the world. From local Middle Eastern music enthusiasts to Western musicians incorporating the oud into new genres, there’s a wide network of people keeping this instrument’s legacy alive. There are online forums, tutorials, and possibly teachers in many cities – so you won’t be alone in your journey.

In conclusion, picking the right oud comes down to understanding the types (Arabic vs Turkish) and finding a well-made instrument that fits your preferences and budget. Take your time, use your ears, and consult reputable sources. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll have in your hands not just a beautiful lute, but a source of endless musical inspiration.

Ready to find your oud? Explore our curated selection of quality ouds – whether you seek the deep voice of an Arabic oud or the bright song of a Turkish oud, we have options to suit beginners and pros alike. Start your oud journey today, and soon you’ll be making music with this enchanting “king of instruments” by your side!