I became aware of the oud early on, after hearing the music of multi-instrumentalists Sandy Bull, Davy Graham and David Lindley. I was reintroduced to the instrument upon seeing Hamza El Din open a couple of Grateful Dead shows, but it would be many years before I attempted to play one (and even then, I found it so uncomfortable to hold that I decided it wasn't for me).

When my wife started belly-dancing, I took up Middle-Eastern drumming and studied with some of the best in the area - but for some reason, they all suggested that I take up the oud! Eventually, the opportunity to buy one came up and I thought I'd give it a try. I actually learned to play it a bit but found that it was causing me physical problems (pain in the shoulder and numbness in the wrist) so I did some research on alternatives and decided that a solid-body electric oud might be the answer. Viken Najarian was highly recommended and I liked the look of his instruments - besides, he lives within driving distance!

This oud is strung with six courses, tuned CEADgc(low to high). I normally played it through a Roland AC-60 amplifier. I sold this oud in 2010.