There are 2 types of Oud makers: factories and luthiers. Factory built Ouds encompass low-end, mid-range, and high-end Ouds, but are known generally for their cheaper low-end and mid-range Ouds. The construction of these Ouds may be supervised, designed, or inspected by a Luthier but will not likely be put together by the Luthier. Most of these Ouds may sound the same, but there may be a few cases where you find a really excellent sounding one. It is the same with most factory built instruments these days. Low-end Ouds will naturally use less expensive tone woods, and be less ornate. Expect to pay between $200 and $600 for low-end factory built Ouds. Luthier built Ouds are usually mid-range to high-end instruments. These are instruments where the Luthier has put a lot of time and consideration into. Each Oud created will be one of a kind with its own personality and character. The Oud will have been assembled by the Luthier himself and will be constructed out of tone wood that is of higher quality. These Ouds can be highly customized to your choice. They need not be ornate, but they can be as ornate as possible as well. What really makes the difference is the time and love that went into each instrument. Expect to pay between $800 and up for a Luthier built Oud. The sky is the limit. Read & learn more at http://www.oudforguitarists.com