'ud

(oud). Arab LUTE, known since the 7th century. It has gone through numerous subtle changes in construction and numbers of strings (always in pairs), but it has retained a fretless fingerboard. The instrument is plucked with a PLECTRUM, and like modern guitars, tortoiseshell or a similar material is glued to the body near the SOUND HOLES to prevent damage from the pick.

The 'ud came to Spain during the Moorish occupation, and its introduction paved the way for the development of the European lute, VIHUELA, and guitar. It left with the Moors at the time of their expulsion.

The original 'ud had a pear-shaped body, whereas more modern instruments have an almond-shaped one. The modern 'ud comes in various sizes and has a shorter neck than the European lute, with four to six pairs of strings and three sound holes.