I made a basic and informal video about changing Oud strings. It just gives the very basic idea. This is a video for beginners, and the most important thing to remember is just to be very careful when performing these instructions. Always loosen any string to are about to adjust in any way, especially when adjusting the action as shown at the end of the video.
I usually change each Oud string one by one without taking all the strings off the Oud. Either way is ok, I just prefer to take them off one at a time. Changing strings one by one can be a bit tricky because you have all the other strings in the way and it becomes difficult to put the string in the pegs. It also doesn’t really matter which order to replace the strings. I change string one by one because I don’t like the idea of all the string tension leaving the Oud. Taking off all the strings is ok and does not cause damage to your Oud according to forum discussions I have read about this. I also like to leave strings that in tune so that I have a pitch to make reference to when bringing the new string up to the correct pitch. This way I keep tuning the new string while replacing the others and this allows the strings to stretch and adjust and saving more adjustment time in the end.
Step 1.
Take off string you want to replace. Unwind peg to loosen string all the way. Then untie the loop tied to the bridge.
Step 2.
Tie a new string to the bridge. Put the string through the hole on the bridge from the left side of the bridge, loop it around as though tying a knot. Add another loop as needed, and pull tight. (See video for clearer explanation)
Step 3.
Tie other side of the string to the corresponding peg. You may need to cut the new string a bit so that you don’t have too much extra string to wind onto the peg. Don’t cut it too short. (See video for details).
Step 4.
Wind peg until new string is at the correct pitch. Pull your strings gently sideways as to stretch out the string so that it adjusts and keeps pitch faster. (Do not pull string away from Oud, pull sideways). Retune as needed.
Buying Oud String Sets
It is easy nowadays to find Oud strings. Just go to…
I have been using Aquila strings for the last few years. I really like their warm sound. Recently I have been having intonation problems with the nyglut treble strings. Sometimes one of the pair is not in tune with the other one as you go higher up on the finger board. This is becoming frustrating as it has happened consistently over the last few purchases of string sets. I will probably contact Aquila directly about this problem and update you about it in the future. Other than that, I really like these strings more than nylons.
I tend to change my strings once or twice a year. I just like to have a warm worked-in sound.
Good luck everyone. If you have any suggestions for changing Oud strings that people can benefit from please write them in the comments section.
Is there any particular order which peg takes which string?
I’m just going to replace my first string set, but looking at the order i got directly from shop – i can’t figure out idea behind the string -> peg correlations.
I’m going to have to make a video about the peculiarities of Arabic Oud string arrangement. This is a question that often comes up. In short, if I were you I would string the strings like a guitar pegbox, the high strings from the furthermost right side of the pegbox and the lowest strings on the furthermost left side of the pegbox.
Hello everybody!
I have bought an oud about one month ago, and today I changed the strings which had lost most of their silver coating and sounded dull to me. Replacing the strings was not that difficult, I know the procedure from classical guitars, but I made an experience I do not want to repeat. I took off all strings, because the fretboard (Fretboard? What frets? How do you name this correctly?) needed some polish too.
I started restringing from the lowest string to the highest. Not recommended !!! Doing that the lower strings already mounted cover most of the four upper pegs, thus making it difficult to even find the pegholes. Adjusting the new string on the peg for less friction on the sides of the headstock is also nearly impossible unless you have a crochet needle! Although I believe it is always good to have one at hand, you can also use it to adjust the strings at the bridge for higher action when they already have some tension.
I hope you can benefit from my first oud stringing experience!
Thanks for sharing that Klaus, that is an excellent point.