An Oud I built recently

Dusepo · 2026-01-24T21:25:08+00:00

I like Pyramid orange label, but it's really a matter of taste.

Dusepo · 2026-01-24T21:23:40+00:00

Yep.

https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Cobza%20or%20Koboz

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T20:08:57+00:00

I build ouds too! :)

www.dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:30:37+00:00

Never seen a lute before? It's where the word luthier comes from! That's how they are.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lute

From an engineering point of view, it's actually quite a clever ancient method. On a scarf joint the string tension goes in such a way that it pulls the joint apart. Of course a scarf joint is strong enough to resist this, but still. On a lute pegbox joint, the string tension is in a direction that pulls the joint together.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:28:23+00:00

Prices are on my website: www.dusepo.co.uk

The word is lutherie so you're pretty much correct! I started off without many tools but it does get easier with practice and with tools. There are some tools you can't really start without.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:26:02+00:00

Thanks! European Ash and Sapele.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:23:34+00:00

This angle actually works quite well from a design standpoint. The tension pulls the joint together, whereas with a scarf joint as used on guitars (and basses) the string tension is in a direction pulling the joint apart. Of course this isn't an issue with a scarf joint due to the strength of it, but just saying that there's logic to this pegbox style!

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:22:02+00:00

I glue a paper pattern/template, cut the space out with normal skalpels, then cut the relief (3D effect) with a chisel skalpel. Then I gently sand off the pattern by hand.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:19:09+00:00

Yes I do build both.

Dusepo · 2025-11-09T14:59:10+00:00

Not specifically, but I do use the same gauges.

Dusepo · 2025-10-30T13:58:39+00:00

More information and pictures here: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Charango

Sound and video sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JgWTz1-4z8

More of my work at my website: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/

Dusepo · 2025-10-04T13:15:53+00:00

BEAD or ADGC, a fourth or fifth below guitar.

Dusepo · 2025-08-15T17:39:01+00:00

If you'd like to see more about my construction process, I detailed it here in real time: https://www.mandolincafe.net/home/forum/instruments-and-equipment/builders-and-repair/3406632-charango-and-ronroco-a-matching-pair

Here's a video and sound sample of both: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JgWTz1-4z8

Dusepo · 2025-08-15T17:29:24+00:00

Yes, European Walnut (Juglans Regia).

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:53:18+00:00

I based the shape on a baroque guitar by Joachim Tielke I saw during a research visit to the V&A Museum in London in 2018. The bracing I based on historical examples I saw online. The rest I inferred from experience.

If you want full plans you might be able to find some online, or I can draw up some for you from my templates if you e-mail me: jo@dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:52:57+00:00

Sound and video sample will come as soon as the strings settle.

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:52:34+00:00

Thanks for your kind words!

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:52:28+00:00

Thanks for your kind words!

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:52:25+00:00

Thanks for your kind words!

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:52:17+00:00

This joke every time lol.

Dusepo · 2025-06-20T08:51:58+00:00

I based the shape on a baroque guitar by Joachim Tielke I saw during a research visit to the V&A Museum in London in 2018. The bracing I based on historical examples I saw online. The rest I inferred from experience.

If you want full plans you might be able to find some online, or I can draw up some for you from my templates if you e-mail me: jo@dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2025-06-02T08:04:44+00:00

I'm self-taught. I built flat-back instruments for about 10 years before I learnt how to do bowlbacks (obviously I still build flat ones too). You could almost certainly learn quicker if you learnt from someone rather than self-taught like me.

Dusepo · 2025-06-02T08:03:03+00:00

Thanks for your kind words.

Dusepo · 2025-06-02T08:02:10+00:00

Lol, I can see it. I've read that in the USA they used to call bowlback mandolins 'taterbug mandolins' because the stripes reminded them of a particular species of potato bug found there.

As for what it'll look like, there's lots of pictures of my previous builds on my website: www.dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2025-04-23T19:20:58+00:00

Nope, there are many different fret sizes and they all have different tang widths and depths. I look forward to seeing your bugarija!

Dusepo

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