The OUD is played and enjoyed throughout the Near and Middle East and North Africa and is gaining a following in other parts of the world, also. It is fretless and has a deep beautiful mellow sound like no other instrument. The OUD has 11 strings and has various tunnings depending on the type of OUD and style of playing. I always use the best strings, LaBella OU-80 .
Damage can result from over tuning.
Traditionally, the OUD was played with an eagle's feather but is now played with a long plastic plectrum. There are two basic styles, Arabic and Turkish. The Arabic OUD is usually heavier in weight and is artisticly embellished with various beautiful inlay, however this is not to say that this is a rule. The Turkish OUD is lighter in weight and is much simpler in appearance. Both, however, are beautiful instruments.