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The Kadamani brothers from Syria in Istanbul.

What can be said about the “Kadamani brothers”?

Once upon a time in Syria, (circa the turn of the century), three brothers were born in Syria. Salim the elder, Tawfiq, and Iskander. The younger brothers migrated to Istanbul (the capital of the Ottoman world at that time). There they opened up a shop making ouds and printing Ottoman music manuscripts. Salim also made ouds and furniture in Damascus where he stayed behind. 

I’ve restored Kadamani ouds before. One for Ara Dinkjian, and one for a friend. They made instruments that rivaled the Nahat dynasty in terms of sound and ornamentation. Very high-quality builds, intricate inlay work, and complex geometry on their bowls, more so than Nahat. For example, this bowl has a curve where the forearm turns in making it comfortable on the right arm.  Like Nahat ouds, they had some modest designs, but also highly ornate “Amiri” instruments. (adorned for “princes”). 

This oud maintains most original parts with the exception of the bridge which was replaced because it broke immediately after installing strings. and the rosette, which was absent upon acquisition.  The sound is nothing short of phenomenal. Full, resonant, punchy, warm, and generous.