Alternative names: Ud, Al-ud, Oud Sharqi (as opposed to the Oud Arbi), Barbat (In Iran) - see under Barbat for Iranian variant.Origin: Middle East, over 5000 years ago.Tuning: D2, G2 G2, A2 A2, D3 D3, G3 G3, C4 C4.Strings/Courses: Usually 11/6, but sometimes 13/7 or 10/5Further notes: There are also Iraqi Ouds with 13 strings, adding an extra higher course to the Arabic type, and Egyptian Ouds without the single lowest course. Nylon strings.Scale Length: 600-620mm for the Arabic oud. There is however quite a wide range used by different luthiers.   Oud Arbi Alternative names: Oud RamalOrigin: Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.Tuning:Strings/Courses: 8/4Further notes: Not to be confused with the similar Kwitra from Algeria.Scale Length: Oud Bashir Alternative names: Iraqi Oud, Ud BashirOrigin: IraqTuning: C#2, F#2 F#2, B2 B2, E3 E3, A3 A3, D4 D4Strings/Courses: 11/6 or 12/6Further notes: Has a floating bridge and open soundholes. Developed in Iraq and made famous by the Oud player Munir Bashir.Scale Length: About 600mm Oud, Turkish Alternative names: UdOrigin: Middle East,...