This research investigates the acoustic properties of the oud, an stringed musical instrument , and the relationship of these properties to sound quality. The study analyzed the vibration and sound propagation properties of ten oud samples from various makers and different price levels using quantitative and qualitative methods to characterize the sound. The findings revealed that ouds with loudness and bass characteristics demonstrated high amplitude sound propagation across a broad frequency range. Particularly, it was found that these instruments produced high amplitude sound propagation in the frequency regions of 120 Hz and 180 Hz - 220 Hz. On the other hand, ouds with low sound intensity and weak bass characteristics were seen to have resonance peak points concentrated at very narrow and specific frequencies. It was determined that ouds with high loudness and bass characteristics performed sound propagation with higher amplitude than expected in the 700 Hz region, and that even outside the fundamental resonance regions, there were vibrations present in these instruments, though at lower amplitudes. This data allows us to evaluate the factors affecting the sound quality and performance of the instrument from a broader perspective. Consequently, with the acoustic and psychoacoustic analyses conducted on the oud, it has been demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between the sound characteristics of the instruments and objective measurement methods, and it has been emphasized that sound propagation properties should be carefully focused on in instrument making and acoustics research. By providing important information about the acoustic design and performance of all stringed instruments, this study aims to lay a significant foundation for future research and production processes.

Keywords: Stringed instruments, oud, Sound radiation, Timbre, Psychoacoustics, Instrument making, Modal Analysis