When new strings are installed, the string ties at the bridge may settle lower as the strings are brought to playing tension. This can reduce the clearance above the fingerboard and cause buzzing.
This is a normal part of setting up freshly installed oud strings and does not usually indicate a defect in the instrument.
The same thing can happen when you receive a new oud or whenever you replace the strings later.
Why Can New Strings Buzz?
Unlike a guitar, which typically uses a separate saddle to establish string height, traditional oud strings are tied directly around the bridge.
When the strings are first installed, their ties are secured around the bridge, but they have not yet reached their final working position.
As the player gradually brings the strings up to playing pitch, tension increases and the string tie loops can rotate or settle lower around the bridge.
If a tie sits too low, the corresponding string also sits slightly lower above the fingerboard. This may leave too little space for the string to vibrate freely and can produce buzzing.
This is why the issue commonly appears during the first setup and tuning of a new oud, or immediately after installing a fresh set of strings.
Why Isn't This Adjustment Completed at the Factory?
At Tarablic, the strings are installed and properly tied before the instrument leaves production.
However, the final position of the string ties depends on the strings being brought to their normal playing tension and beginning to settle.
New strings stretch considerably during their first tuning sessions. Their position around the bridge can therefore change after installation.
For this reason, the final string-tie adjustment is a normal part of bringing freshly installed strings into playing condition.
It is similar to the small setup adjustments musicians make after restringing other types of instruments, but the traditional oud bridge uses the string tie itself to help establish the required string clearance.
How to Stop the Buzz
Gradually tune the oud to playing pitch, then play each course and listen for buzzing.
If a string is too close to the fingerboard:
- Hold the oud securely.
- Rest your thumb lightly on the bridge as an anchor.
- Place your index finger under the string tie.
- Gently lift and roll the tie slightly upward and forward.
- Retune and test again.
Important: Adjust the string tie only. Do not press down on or move the bridge.
Adjust All Six Courses
When setting up newly installed strings, check all six courses, even if only one or two initially produce noticeable buzzing.
Adjust all six courses so the string ties sit at a consistent height across the bridge. This helps maintain consistent string height and clearance across the instrument.
What Changes After the Adjustment?
The bridge itself remains exactly where it is.
What changes is the position where the string leaves its tie around the bridge.
By lifting the tie slightly, the string sits a little higher. This creates additional clearance between the string and the fingerboard, particularly around the area where the fingerboard meets the body of the oud
Only a small increase is normally required.
That additional space allows the string to vibrate without contacting the fingerboard and producing unwanted buzz.
You May Need to Do It More Than Once
Fresh strings continue to stretch and settle during their first tuning sessions.
Because of this, a tie that has been adjusted once may move slightly again as the string settles.
It is normal to check the strings again and, if necessary, repeat the
adjustment once or twice.
Once the strings and ties have settled into their working positions, this adjustment normally does not need continued attention.
The Same Applies When You Replace Your Strings
This is not limited to a newly purchased oud.
Whenever you install a new set of strings, the ties start the settling process again. After bringing the new strings to playing tension, check their height and reposition the ties if necessary.
Think of it as part of the normal restringing and setup process of a traditional oud.
Important
The bridge is fixed to the soundboard and should not be pushed, pulled, raised, or repositioned.
Your thumb is used only as an anchor to give your index finger control.
The actual adjustment is made by gently lifting and rolling the string tie loop upward around the bridge.
If buzzing continues after the new strings and their ties have been properly settled and adjusted, then the cause may be something else, and the instrument should be inspected before making any other adjustments.
A small string-tie adjustment is a normal part of preparing freshly installed oud strings for playing and can make the difference between a string that contacts the fingerboard and one that has the clearance it needs to vibrate freely.
