Making an Oud

For a while now I've been planning on making an oud. I'm drawn to the instrument in the same way I'm attracted to the guitar. The two go together well, especially in Flamenco music.

I had a top joined from years ago that wasn't suitable for a guitar due to a knot in the wrong place, not a problem for the oud.

For the back ribs I'm using paduak, I had a plank in store but never found a use for it.

I shaped the two blocks and attached them to this bar. Now they are in place I can glue the first rib.