Lute

Oude

Arched back fret less lute (el'oud). Pear-shaped body of 17 equal sized ribs with geometric vine design of inlaid dark wood. Spacers and alternating squares of ivory and wood. Ribs inlaid with mother of pearl laid in letters to form English/Arabic verse. Ribs converge at bottom at small semi-circular piece of wood. Unvarnished belly with inlaid ivory and wood edging of alternating stars and squares. Soundhole has ornate carved rose and wood and mother of pearl edging. Frontal string holder - wood & ivory veneer. Plate of inlaid wood angled just above string holder. Short neck, fret less with star/square inlaid edging, and inlaid wood and mother of pearl diamonds all over. Slightly curving peg-box; four original ivory pegs, four ivory replacements; two wood replacements. Lateral faces of peg-box - inlaid with wood & mother of pearl. Peg-box back divided into six squares containing mother of pearl & wood inlay. Twelve strings in six double courses: two wire and four gut. Excellent condition - restored. Ebony nut wood with light brown varnish. Paired inscription in English and Arabic.

Arabic/English verse reads: From the land of the sunrise/ Of legend, of Beauty/ Bring my sweet melodies/ Angels may sing/ To the praise of Columbia/ Famed o're the waters/ To gracious America/ Tune every String/ Constatine Makana, Beyrout 92/ Hail to the sailor bold/ Honors immortal/ shed from the days of old/ Follow his name/ Strike my cords skillfully/ Happy I'll be/ Giving rich melody/ Columbus to thee.

Arched back fretless lute. Back inlaid with ivory, sayings in Arabic and English. 12 strings in 6 courses. Ivory and wooden violin-type pegs. Neck and pegbox heavily inliad with reddish-brown wood and ivory. Light brown varnished finish. Excellent condition - restored.

Further information can be found on music cards