I've fancied owning an oud since the Incredible String Band used one on "10,000 Spirits".Only ever seen one for sale and, wouldn't you know, at the time I was broke!
Tried to buy one in Malta a couple of years ago (Malta being as near as I've ever got to North Africa), but to no avail, so bought a baclama (soprano bouzouki) instead.
The search continues!