From the first strike of the risha, I knew this oud was different. It’s a genuine masterpiece, the best instrument I’ve ever played, and it’s been quietly transforming my sound and my playing from the inside out.
Playability: The action is impeccable: low and fast without a hint of buzz, yet with enough headroom to dig in. The neck sits naturally in the hand, the balance is effortless, and position shifts feel frictionless. I’m playing longer, cleaner phrases simply because the instrument invites it.
Tone & Response: The voice is vivid and three-dimensional. Lows bloom with warmth, the mids carry a presence, and the highs are glass-clear without turning brittle. Every string has definition; chords separate beautifully, and single notes sit in the air with a round, vocal quality. The dynamic range is huge, whispered tremolos, slides, everything responds instantly and musically.
Clarity: What amazes me most is the consistency across the set. Open courses to the highest positions, the tone stays focused and in tune with itself. Ornamentation pops, microtonal inflections land precisely, and fast runs don’t smear.
This oud is making me better. Because it’s so responsive, it rewards good technique and nudges me toward cleaner articulation and braver phrasing. I’m hearing more detail in my own touch, exploring colors I didn’t know I had, and, maybe the highest compliment, practicing more because it’s pure joy to play. If you’re chasing an instrument that elevates both tone and technique, this oud delivers in a way I didn’t think possible. It’s not just excellent; it’s the kind of instrument that changes your standards.