Bert: I haven't seen a oud since the Gulf War. My father played violin, guitar piano and banjo. The only instrument I ever saw decorated war the banjo the skin had an exquisite india ink drawing of a Gypsy musician and dancer on it. I have seen painted guitars. Don't know about the sound though. Mine in sans decoration. The case bears bumper stickers and such but I do have a nylon soft case that has all the ports I saw in the navy on it in india ink. My friend has a banjo he puts the Civil War reenacmets he's attended on much in the manner the average soldier did in those days with battles etc. Reguards, Neil