The Arbach Oud is made to the highest specifications with superior-quality materials. The innovations we made in its construction give it some unique distinguishing characteristics.
THE SHELL
The shell is constructed from select Canadian hard figured maple, air-dried, quarter-sawn, and aged for at least 15 years.
The ribs have one thickness throughout, and they are bent both lengthwise and crosswise at the same time: a revolutionary first!
THE TUNING BOARD AND NECK
The tuning board and neck are constructed from Canadian soft figured maple,which has been air dried and quarter-sawn, and is at least 15 years old.
Unobstructed strings make tuning the Arbach Oud stable, reliable, and frustration-free.
The wide fingerboard makes it easy to play, with independent string action and buzz-free sound.
A free-standing (movable) bridge allows for total freedom in changing the height, the length, and the positioning of the strings in relation to each other.
The Arbach Oud is built in the first instance with 11 strings – five doubles and one single. However, its design allows for the addition of up to three more strings. Extra strings won’t affect the stability of the neck and the top, or how easy the instrument is to play.
THE TOP
The top is made of select Canadian or European spruce that has been aged at least 10 years and up to 40 years.
The top meets the shell without any of the commonly-used purfling, which adversely affects the quality of the sound.
All the components are joined together with hide glue, and the instrument is protected with French polish throughout, allowing the natural colours of the wood to shine through.
SIZING
The Arbach Oud is larger than standard Syrian or Iraqi ouds. The exact size depends on the model.
We make three models: Concert Edition, Master Edition, and Student Edition. Find out more in our shop.
Overall length: 99-102 cm maximum
Overall width: 40 cm
Vibrating length of strings: 61.5-65 cm (with movable bridge)
Length of body (without neck): 54 cm
Length from neck to join with body: 20-22.5 cm
Weight: variable
Dimensions of case: variable, to fit the oud
Weight of case: variable
Here are a couple of videos showing our oud-making process.