Importance Of Choosing The Right String For Oud. All About Oud Strings

 Oud strings are available in a wide range of costs and materials these days. In this article, we will explore what are oud strings, how to choose the right oud string and why choosing the right oud string is important.

What Are Oud Strings Made Of?

Nylon

The most usually used Oud strings are nylon strings. There are two types of nylon strings: ordinary nylon and rectified nylon. After discovering that some plain nylon strings were causing tone issues, some businesses developed corrected nylon strings (ex. not sounding in tune). A rectified nylon string is regular nylon that has been evaluated for excessively thick or irregular segments and crushed down and molded to perfection using sophisticated technologies. This method is employed on the high strings, often known as treble strings. Light metals like as copper, silver, or nickel are used to wind bass strings. As a result, words like copper-wound, silver-wound, and nickel-wound will be used. Thin strands of nylon are drawn and twisted using the components indicated above to make these strings.

PVF

PVF strings are a fluorocarbon alternative to nylon strings. This substance is commonly found in fishing line. They also make excellent Oud strings. In comparison to Nylons and Nygluts, they produce a brighter tone. They're also lighter and thinner than they were previously. They're worth a go, particularly if you enjoy a loud tone or play Turkish Oud.

Nylgut

Aquila Strings is the exclusive manufacturer of Nyglut strings, which are patented. It's a material that claims to have all of the advantages of nylon, PVF, and gut without the weather sensitivity. The Aquila Nyglut string set is suggested for Ukuleles. Nyglut has a murky white color, whereas Nylon strings are transparent. Silver or copper coiled bass strings will be used.

How Many Strings Does An Oud Have?

The oud is a pear-shaped wooden instrument with 11 or 13 strings. It normally contains double strings all the way down to the lowest string, which is usually single.

How To Choose The Right Oud String?

Each oud is unique, and what works well on one may not work well on another. Manufacturers may offer multiple different sets categorized by tension, tuning, scale length, or a combination of these characteristics, and they may utilize ambiguous terminology that confuses rather than clarifies. Alternatively, they may just supply a single set. But it's truly a "best-compromise" on their part, which is understandable given the wide range of ouds available. These sets may be ideal for your instrument, as well as your individual needs and preferences. They are, however, sometimes a compromise. Continue reading for details on tunings, scale length, tension, and materials. The only guaranteed way to figure out which strings are optimal for your oud is to try a few different sets.

The Importance Of Choosing The Right Oud String

Choosing the right string type is a crucial aspect of playing the instrument. Resonance, form, and streigns are all characteristics that can drastically alter the sound. It is possible to insert strings that degrade the sound of the oud, and in certain cases, the oud itself. Within a month of being installed, some strings might completely damage the oud's face.

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