Thanks, Ladies & Germs, it's great to be back in Mudville with you cats... or is that vile in back with you Mudcats...

OK, so I made myself believe that I had won the lottery and went to Lark and bought a Turkish Oud/Al Oud/'Ud. I think I got gyped [sic] since mine didn't have the little fishline frets. So I got some scotch tape and some picture hanger wire and now it plays just like my 12-string guitar when a fat string is broken. I got it tuned to C#F#BEAD and glued those pesky pegs in since they kept slipping on me (the hammer didn't work, either.) I was going to try the BEDDED tuning, but nobody wanted to try it with me.

THe maker forgot to lacquer the face of the instrument, so I liquored then lacquered the lute. There were two extra holes in the damn thing, but the bungs from wine casks fit just right. Of course, I then had to file down the bungs so my plectrum could get to the strings. That required more lacquer and liquor and lots of sanding. There was no room to put in a pickup, so I duct taped that bad boy to the side as well. I can't wait to hear it!

I never realized that it was a kit...

It sounds a lot like a cross between a violin and a banjo now. And maybe a tuba. Soon, like an electric tubanjolin!

But seriously, folks...

Not since Custer has a man been so humbled by those surrounding him. It is my pleasure to be here with you!

Having said that, it's clearly time to go make dinner.

BTW, now that I have the damn (la)O/ud, can anyone recommend someone in the SF Bay Area for lessons? There are some people referenced through Lark, but I was kinda hoping to find someone in the south bay.

Miss you more, Noudie

PS. I will send some tabulature of official "Noudie Bar Chords" to the person that presents the instructor reference ultimately chosen. Or maybe not, if you consider that a better present.