How to Choose the Right Ocarina for You

Your Guide to buying the best Ocarina

Overview

The Ocarina buying guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to purchase this ancient instrument. With its origins dating back to ancient China, the ocarina has been played by people around the world for hundreds of years. In this guide, we will look at the various types of ocarinas available, the different factors to consider when buying one, and how to care for your ocarina once you make your purchase. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this guide will help you make the best decision when it comes to buying an ocarina.

Key features

  1. Type - The type of Ocarina to purchase is the first decision to make, as there are a variety of shapes and sizes available. Smaller Ocarinas are easier to transport and play but can be more difficult to keep in tune. Larger Ocarinas have a fuller sound and greater range of notes, but are heavier and bulkier.
  2. Material - The material an Ocarina is made of will have a huge impact on its sound, as well as its durability. Ocarinas are typically made from ceramic, plastic, or metal. Ceramic Ocarinas are the most popular and tend to have the best sound quality, but they can be fragile. Plastic Ocarinas are lightweight and more affordable, but their sound quality can be lacking. Metal Ocarinas are more durable and have a brighter sound, but they are more expensive.
  3. Tuning - It is important to purchase a Ocarina that is in tune, as playing an out-of-tune instrument can make it difficult to learn, and can sound unpleasant. Most Ocarinas are tuned to a chromatic scale, which means they can play all 12 notes of a full octave. Ocarinas that are in tune with a particular key are also available.
  4. Decoration - Many Ocarinas are available with decorative designs, such as etchings, engravings, paintings, or glazes. These decorations can enhance the appearance of the Ocarina, but can also add to its cost.
  5. Price - The price of an Ocarina will vary depending on its size, material, and decorations. Smaller and simpler Ocarinas are usually more affordable, while larger and more ornate Ocarinas can be more expensive.

See the most popular Ocarina on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability: Ocarinas are portable instruments that can easily be carried in a pocket or bag, allowing you to practice and perform on the go.
  • Easy to Learn: Ocarinas are relatively simple instruments, and can often be learned in a short amount of time.
  • Versatile: Ocarinas can be used to play a wide variety of musical styles, from traditional folk music to contemporary pop.
  • Affordable: Ocarinas are generally less expensive than other wind instruments, making them an accessible choice for any budget.
  • Durable: Ocarinas are made from durable materials like ceramic and clay, making them long-lasting and able to withstand plenty of use.

Cons

  • Price: Ocarinas can be relatively expensive instruments, especially for higher quality models.
  • Size: Ocarinas are typically small instruments, which can make them difficult to play, and may require more frequent tuning.
  • Durability: Ocarinas are delicate instruments, and may not survive drops or other impacts.
  • Availability: Ocarinas are not widely available in stores, so they may be difficult to find and try out.
  • Sound Quality: Ocarinas may not produce the same range of tones and sounds as other instruments, limiting what music can be played.

Best alternatives

  1. Harmonium - A traditional wind instrument with a keyboard and bellows.
  2. Kazoo - A small wind instrument with a membrane that vibrates when you hum into it.
  3. Tin Whistle - A small, flute-like instrument made of metal or plastic.
  4. Recorder - A woodwind instrument with a mouthpiece and fingerholes.
  5. Xun - An ancient Chinese vessel flute made from clay or ceramic.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Ocarina - Wind instrument made of clay or ceramic, often in the shape of an egg or a sweet potato.
  • Ocarina Tuning Kit - A kit for adjusting the pitch of an ocarina.
  • Reed - A thin piece of material inserted into the mouthpiece of an ocarina.
  • Cleaning Brush - A brush used to clean the inside of an ocarina.
  • Fingering Chart - A guide that shows how to play the notes on an ocarina.
  • Carrying Case - A protective bag for carrying and storing an ocarina.
  • Strap - A strap used to hang an ocarina around the neck to play hands free.
  • Fingering Hole Covers - A set of removable covers for the fingering holes of an ocarina.
  • Mouthpiece - A mouthpiece made of plastic or metal for an ocarina.

Common questions

  1. What is an ocarina? An ocarina is a wind musical instrument, usually made of ceramic or plastic, which is shaped like a sweet potato and has finger holes. It produces a unique sound and is traditionally popular in many parts of the world.
  2. Why should I buy an ocarina? Ocarinas are easy to learn, can be played with both hands, and can be used to play a variety of music. Ocarinas can also be a great conversation starter, and they make great gifts.
  3. What sizes and materials are available? Ocarinas are available in a variety of sizes, from very small to large. They can also be made from different materials, such as ceramic, plastic, glass, and metals.
  4. What type of ocarina is best for beginners? Beginner ocarinas are usually made of plastic and have fewer finger holes than more advanced models. This makes them easier to learn and play.
  5. What accessories do I need? Other than an ocarina, you may want to purchase a bag for carrying the instrument, cleaning supplies for the ocarina, a stand for displaying it, and music books or online tutorials.
  6. Where can I buy an ocarina? You can purchase an ocarina from music stores, online retailers, and even some specialty stores.

Trivia

An interesting fact about Ocarina is that it was invented in the 1800s! It is believed that the earliest type of ocarina was invented by a German man named Johann Schweikert, who lived in Vienna, Austria. He created his instrument from a type of clay called “Kaolin” which is still used by ocarina makers today. This type of ocarina became popular in the early 1900s and is still beloved by musicians from all over the world. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.