4 minute read
A few years ago, when I lived in North America, I didn’t fully appreciate how easy it was to find the best Oud strings. Walk into any decent music store or hop online — options everywhere.
Now that I live in Japan, finding good strings is a little more challenging. And that challenge recently sent me down an interesting rabbit hole.
I decided to save some money and ordered a couple of inexpensive Oud string sets from China. In an upcoming YouTube video, I’ll tell you exactly which strings I bought, what happened when I put them on my Oud, and whether they were worth the savings.
For now, I’ll just say this: not all Oud strings are created equal.
After years of experimenting with different brands, gauges, and materials, I’ve learned a few things that may save you some frustration — and money.
What Makes a Good Oud String?
Most beginners assume all Oud strings are basically the same. They’re not.
A quality string set directly affects:
- Tuning stability — how quickly and reliably your strings hold pitch
- Tone quality — the richness, warmth, and clarity of your sound
- String lifespan — how long they last before the tone goes dead
- Playing comfort — how the strings feel under your fingers
- Overall instrument responsiveness — how alive and dynamic the Oud feels when you play
When you play a truly good set of strings, you can feel the difference immediately. The instrument opens up. Notes speak faster. The tone has depth.
Many professional Oud players eventually move toward strings originally designed for lutes, specifically for their consistency, tone, and craftsmanship.
The Professional Option: La Bella Lute Strings
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with La Bella lute strings purchased from Strings By Mail. The results have been excellent — rich tone, smooth response, and noticeably higher quality control than many standard Oud string sets.
That said, I don’t recommend this route for beginners.
Building a custom string set requires experience with gauges, scale lengths, and tension. If you’re newer to the instrument, the effort and guesswork involved will likely outweigh the benefits. A ready-made, purpose-designed set is the better starting point.
The Best Oud Strings for Most Players: D’Addario EJ95A
If you’re looking for the best balance of quality, reliability, and price, my recommendation hasn’t changed:
D’Addario EJ95A — Arabic Oud Strings
Designed specifically with Arabic Oud players in mind, this set performs consistently across a wide range of instruments. I’ve personally used it successfully on:
- 61.5 cm scale Ouds
- 58.5 cm scale Ouds
It’s also the set I most often recommend to students who are changing strings for the first time, because it settles quickly and behaves predictably — no weeks of painful re-tuning while you wait for new strings to stabilize.
👉 Shop the D’Addario EJ95A here
Turkish tuning players: D’Addario also makes a dedicated Turkish Oud set. Make sure you order the right one — the Arabic and Turkish sets are different, and it’s an easy mistake to make.
Ready for an Upgrade? Try Pyramid Lute Strings
If you’ve been playing for a while and want to step up your string game, Pyramid lute strings in Arabic tuning are worth exploring. They’re well-regarded among advanced players for their warmth and precision.
You can save 10% at Sala Muzik using my coupon code:
NAVIDGOLDRICK — 10% off anything in the store
👉 Shop Pyramid Lute Strings at Sala Muzik
Quick Reference: Which Oud Strings Should You Buy?
| Player Level | Recommended Strings | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Intermediate | D’Addario EJ95A | Consistent, affordable, settles fast |
| Advanced | Pyramid Lute Strings | Richer tone, higher craftsmanship |
| Professional / DIY | La Bella Lute Strings (custom set) | Maximum control, requires experience |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re changing strings for the first time or you’ve been playing for decades, the strings you choose matter more than most players realize. A bad set can make a beautiful Oud sound dull and lifeless. A great set can make even a modest instrument sing.
Start with the D’Addario EJ95A if you want a reliable, no-fuss option. Explore Pyramid or La Bella when you’re ready for more.
And stay tuned for my upcoming video where I put those cheap Chinese strings to the test — the results might surprise you.
Have you ever bought a set of Oud strings that completely surprised you — for better or worse? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to hear what strings other Oud players are using.
For further reading: check the Ultimate Oud Buyer’s Guide.
