The 8 Best Ocarinas of 2022
Ocarina – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The ocarina is a wind instrument that can be made of ceramic, wood or plastic, whose sound can resemble that of a flute. However, it has a less elaborate design, as well as a variety of soft and bass nuances, which will depend on the number of holes present in the instrument. For example, the Ammoon 3YA002 is an ocarina with a blue ceramic body that incorporates 12 treble tones and can be played or used as a decorative element due to its similarity to that of the Zelda saga. Similarly, Stl Ocarina Zelda is a synthetic instrument with 12 holes, which will allow you to develop a series of high tones in C major.
The 8 Best Ocarinas – Reviews 2022
There are many ocarinas offered on the market, but not all of them are suitable for the same performances. In this sense, the important thing is to carefully verify the models that capture our interest to choose the right one. Next, we present eight ocarinas commented among the best of this year.
Zelda Ocarina
1. ammoon Ocarina 12 Holes Ceramic Alto C Wind Flute
When reviewing the different portals specialized in musical instruments, you will find that this Ammoon model is not only one of the most commented, but it is also recommended as the best possible ocarina.
This Zelda ocarina has a very attractive design due to its ceramic manufacture, previously polished and varnished in an intense blue color. In addition, it has well-cared finishes in each of the 12 holes and mouthpiece area, which show the high level of quality of the product. It is also worth mentioning that this ocarina has an approximate weight of 216 grams, so you can handle it very easily and without causing discomfort in your hands.
On the other hand, regarding the complementary elements attached to the product, the first is a score with pieces that are easy to interpret for any amateur musician. In the same way, a string is incorporated so that you can carry the instrument on your neck.
Rated as the possible best ocarina of the moment, this model has positive and negative aspects of interest that we have summarized here.
Pros
String: A holding string is incorporated so that you can hang the instrument from your neck and protect it from falls.
Cleaning: You will only need a soft, damp cloth to quickly clean the ocarina, making it a simple process.
Sheet music: The addition of a sheet music will help you quickly start practicing the instrument.
Weight: It is a light weight ocarina, which you can manipulate without getting tired.
Cons
Usage: This ocarina might function more as a decorative item, so playing it may not hit notes with great accuracy.
Ocarina Stl
2. Stl Ocarina Zelda Tenor C 12 holes plastic
Among the best ocarinas of 2022 we find this model with a modern design in blue, which has managed to capture the attention of beginner and professional musicians. It is a synthetic manufacturing equipment with well-cared finishes in the joints of the faces and a pleasant soft touch, which allows the musician to enjoy a pleasant grip at all times.
In addition, it is worth noting that the polymer of the body of this ocarina is a light material, so you can hold the instrument with your hands during long practices, without generating fatigue due to its weight. Likewise, it is one of the cheap options on the market.
On the other hand, we must comment that this Stl ocarina has a total of 12 holes, so you can enjoy the same number of notes, as well as a wide variety of rhythmic combinations in the well-known C major scale, each of them with a good level of tuning and sharpness.
Stl could well be the best ocarina brand, so the positioning of this model is not surprising, whose pros and cons we show you below.
Pros
Holes: When playing this ocarina, you will achieve a wide variety of tones thanks to its 12 holes.
Synthetic body: Its plastic body is resistant and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Tuning: With this instrument you will enjoy well-tuned sounds, despite the sharpness of the notes.
Weight: The body of the instrument is quite light, so you can handle it easily.
Cons
Bag: The absence of a transport bag is missing to protect the body of the instrument.
12 hole ocarina
3. Kmise Ocarina 12 tone Alto C with stand
There are models with really attractive features, so it is not surprising that after reviewing the options on the market you wonder which is the best ocarina. In this sense, many musicians recommend this model made by Kmise, with which you can play a large number of tones with sharp or soft nuances, as you wish.
Among other aspects to highlight about this 12-hole ocarina, we have its attractive green design, well-cared finishes and pleasant soft touch. Also, its approximate weight of 381 grams is light so you can hold the structure during a whole practice without your hands getting tired.
In addition, this ocarina incorporates a base to place the instrument on any surface, a practical storage and transport bag, removable fastening string and a convenient sheet music notebook.
This model is a good option for those who do not know which ocarina to buy. More details below.
Pros
Security: A practical rope is incorporated so that, during practice, you can hang the instrument from your neck. Thus, you will prevent it from falling unexpectedly.
Transport: Thanks to the incorporation of a case with a grip handle, you can take the ocarina anywhere with comfort.
Sheet music: The attached sheet music will help beginners to practice easier.
Sounds: With this instrument you will enjoy various high and soft tones, to create pleasant melodies.
Cons
Color: If you are looking for an option that comes in several colors to choose from, you may have to continue reviewing models.
wooden ocarina
4. Wykdl Holes Ocarina High Grain Wood Flute
If you are looking for a wooden ocarina with a compact and lightweight design that offers practical handling when performing, transporting or storing, you will be interested in this model from the manufacturer Wykdl.
This is an easy-to-play woodwind instrument, as it only features a total of six holes, which means that the player will not have to exert much effort when blowing. In the same way, he will be able to have a better control to develop the open and closed notes.
On the other hand, we have the simple aesthetics of this ocarina in which an oval body and slightly elongated neck stand out. Likewise, there are the artisan cut finishes arranged in this equipment, which have managed to capture the attention of users. In addition, with this ocarina you will get tones of the C scale, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
If you want a compact and easy-to-play ocarina, we invite you to review the details of this model.
Pros
Holes: You will enjoy better control of the instrument because it incorporates six holes.
Weight: Thanks to its light body you can hold the ocarina for a long time without your hands getting tired.
Cleaning: It is possible to maintain the shine of your ocarina easily. You will only have to apply and rub almond oil or some wood product on the surface.
Sounds: With this ocarina you will get high and low tones suitable for beginners or professional musicians.
Cons
Size: Its compact size could be a bit messy to handle for some people with large hands.
ocarina flute
5. Atlas TA 917 Ocarina 12 holes abs
This is a wind instrument with great manufacturing attributes, positively valued in the different specialized purchase portals. In fact, there are many users who consider that this could be the best value for money ocarina.
It is an instrument made of ABS polymer, which is a robust, rigid body material with a pleasant soft touch. In addition, its chemical composition does not include toxic agents, making it a completely safe plastic to be in contact with your mouth when blowing.
It is also worth mentioning that this ocarina flute has a total of 12 holes, so you can play various high and low notes without complication. Its body offers an ergonomic grip and, thanks to its weight of only 99.8 grams, you can handle it for long periods of time without tiring your hands. In addition, the instrument has a pleasing aesthetic due to its pink color.
Learn more about this ocarina made by Atlas, positioned among the cheapest.
Pros
Weight: You will be able to hold the ocarina for a long time without your arm getting tired because it is a light instrument.
Holes: With this 12-hole ocarina you will play various sounds due to its large number of notes.
Safety: The polymer used is free of toxic agents, so allergic reactions due to contact will not be a problem.
Cleaning: Due to its synthetic condition, the cleaning process is much simpler.
Cons
Decoration: Unlike other models, this one does not include any decorative element on its body.
Other products
6. Aklot 12 Holes Ceramic Alto C Ocarina
Another of the options highlighted in this list of recommended products is this ocarina made manually with clay and exposed to a professional baking technique, which gives the structure rigidity and a higher level of resistance in the event of an unexpected impact. In addition, the exterior has been lacquered so that you can enjoy a pleasant soft touch and an attractive aesthetic.
On the other hand, you will like to know that this ocarina incorporates twelve holes, which are convenient for those who are starting to use the instrument, because they will have to make less effort when blowing.
In addition, the sounds obtained are quite clean and harmonic, since the equipment has been previously tuned to improve your user experience. Thus, you will be able to play various styles, practice transitions and improve your speed when blowing, making it a suitable equipment for children and adults.
Those looking for a 12-hole ocarina might find the positives and negatives of this model appealing.
Pros
Bag: A storage and transport bag is incorporated so that you keep the ocarina protected.
Instruction manual: You will be able to clarify your doubts regarding the use of the instrument thanks to the attached instruction manual.
Holes: Since it has six holes, the child will make less effort when blowing.
Pendant: You will have a special area for you to place a cord so that the child can hang the instrument from the neck while playing.
Cons
Blowing: You will need to control the intensity of the blowing or else it might sound a bit shrill.
7. Brtthye 12 Holes Ocarina Ceramic Flute
Brtthye is a brand with a long history in the music market, which presents us with this 12-hole ocarina, whose body has been handcrafted with high-quality raw materials, such is the case of the ceramic used and worked manually.
Likewise, said material is exposed to high temperatures inside an industrial oven so that it acquires greater resistance, while irregularities are eliminated with the external polishing process. In this way, you will enjoy a really nice smooth touch. Regarding its appearance, the piece was varnished and decorated with some strokes that give life to a plum tree.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that this instrument is suitable for professional use and is even acquired as a collector’s item due to its attractiveness. In addition, it is an easy device to handle thanks to the ergonomics and lightness of its body.
Here, the details of this 12-hole ocarina made of ceramic and with great visual appeal.
Pros
Use: You will be able to use the instrument without limitations, since it is suitable for amateur or professional musicians.
Manufacturing: You will enjoy harmonic sounds wrapped in a very natural way, given by the ceramic’s own resonance.
Aesthetics: This instrument can be used as a collector’s item due to the attractive design of its white faces and decorated with delicate lines.
Holes: Thanks to its 12 holes you can play several high and low tunes.
Cons
Size: The size of this ocarina is likely to be a bit large compared to other models.
8. Techson Ocarina Alto C Plastic Children’s Instrument
With this Techson ocarina, the little ones in the house will be able to start in the world of music, since it is a suitable instrument to develop various styles, rhythms and articulations with precision and speed. All this is possible thanks to the fact that the equipment has been provided with a total of 12 holes.
Although it is more complex to play the instrument with more holes, these will allow you to have a greater number of high and low notes. In addition, you will be interested to know that when you play this ocarina, you will enjoy a windy sound that resembles that of a recorder.
With regard to the body of this ocarina, it has been made of pink rigid polymer with a pleasant touch. In addition, its weight of only 109 grams is light for the child’s hands, so you can hold it for a long period of time without causing fatigue or discomfort.
Here are the pros and cons of an attractively designed beginner ocarina.
Pros
Weight: Its light body can be easily manipulated without causing fatigue in the hands of the musician.
Body: The polymer used for its manufacture is resistant and has a pleasant touch for a comfortable grip.
Holes: This ocarina has 12 holes, so you will enjoy a greater number of notes for your performances.
Cleaning: Its body and mouthpiece are easy to clean, so you do not need to spend a lot of time on this process.
Cons
High Notes: Some people say that high notes eventually get a bit harsh, but with practice you can smooth them out.
Shopping guide
If you have decided to venture into the world of music with a wind instrument like the ocarina, you will have to start by reviewing the different options that the market has for you. Remember that there are a number of differences between the main models regarding the type of manufacturing material, number of notes, among many other aspects. Therefore, the most convenient thing is to make a guide to buy the best ocarina. Thus, you will know what are the quality indicators to evaluate to acquire an instrument that really suits your interpretive needs.
Grades
Ocarinas are characterized by having a series of holes of different sizes distributed on their faces, on which you must place your fingers and, when blowing through the mouthpiece, you must cover or uncover them. In this way, you will generate the sounds. In this sense, keep in mind that all these holes represent the musical notes, so the sound variations to be made will depend on them. Therefore, the issue of the number of holes present in the instrument must be incorporated into your comparison of ocarinas.
For example, when reviewing the most popular models on the market, we will find designs with six and up to twelve holes, aimed at beginners and professionals, respectively. This is because, the more holes they have, the greater the musician’s domain must be to develop the tunes. Therefore, an ocarina with 8 or 12 holes requires more effort and control when blowing through the mouthpiece. However, the range of high and low tones will be much more varied.
Transport and storage
The ocarina is generally an instrument with a compact format, which is easy to transport or store. However, its structure tends to deteriorate easily, since we place the instrument inside the backpack, in the car, closet or drawer, leaving it exposed to friction with other objects. In this way, with the passing of days, the ocarina will begin to lose its attractiveness and could even break or dent, depending on the material with which it has been made.
Perhaps initially you are concerned about how much a kit that attaches this type of element costs, but you should take into consideration that using a bag or case for our instrument, more than a luxury, is a necessity. Also, if you buy the item separately, the cost may be higher.
In any case, you should try, as much as possible, that the selected model incorporates a rigid case with a secure closure or a textile bag provided with a cord, clasp or velcro. Thus, you will keep the instrument protected when you are not using it.
Manufacturing
Getting a good and cheap ocarina is possibly the goal of many musicians who are passionate about this instrument, but for this to be possible it is necessary to know in detail the type of material used for its manufacture. Remember that the durability of the ocarina will depend on the high or low level of quality of the raw material, as well as the harmony of its sounds. In this sense, we can find a wide variety of ocarinas on the market, built with synthetic materials, ceramics or wood.
In any case, the really important thing is that, if the ocarina is made of plastic, we check that the polymer is free of toxic agents that can cause an allergic reaction on contact. In the same way, it should be rigid and with a pleasant soft touch. For its part, the ceramic equipment will have to have been exposed to a firing process to harden and resist any unexpected impact, while the wooden instruments must be sanded and varnished to offer a better finish.
Instructions and sheet music
When acquiring an ocarina and having it in our hands for the first time, the most logical feeling is that of wanting to start playing it. However, if you are a beginner, you will need a user guide that allows you to familiarize yourself with the instrument, know its parts, the correct way to hold it, among many other aspects. In the same way, it is important to have some scores so that each of the practices is easier. For this reason, you will have to ensure that the selected model incorporates this couple of elements, which, in short, will improve your experience of using the ocarina.
Regarding this topic, you will be interested to know that, in general, this type of instrument is packaged together with an instruction manual with detailed information. In addition, a few other models put at your disposal scores with some themes or basic combinations of soft and sharp notes.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use an ocarina?
To use an ocarina, the first thing you should do is read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the instrument. Then, you can start the first practice. To do this, you must take the ocarina with both hands and direct the holes upwards. Next, place the mouthpiece arranged in the structure between your lips, while your fingers must be placed in each of the holes, as indicated in your manual.
Q2: How to make an ocarina?
To make an ocarina you will need some tools such as sander, drill and gouges, as well as a piece of solid wood, glue and almond oil. In addition, you will have to make a sketch of your project on paper with the exact dimensions of each of the pieces.
Next, take the piece of wood, trace the pattern, start making the cuts, and then smooth the edges. In this way, you can begin to carve with the gouges the pair of plates required for the instrument. Also, it is important that you cut the half lining and the nozzle, which you must then align with respect to the plates.
Another step to follow is the perforation of the airways, for which you will need a fine drill. This way, you can start joining all the pieces with glue. It is necessary to let them rest, as you consider appropriate. In this way, it only remains to sand the imperfections of the structure and apply almond oil to the inside and outside of the ocarina for finishing.
Q3: How to blow the ocarina?
To blow the ocarina it is necessary to take the instrument with both hands and place its mouthpiece in the middle of our lips. In this way, we can proceed to generate blows with different levels of intensity, according to the note we want to achieve.
In fact, the position of the tongue will influence the force of the air outlet that we are exerting on the mouthpiece. For example, if we want low notes, we will need a weak breath that we can project by placing the tongue up. On the other hand, to obtain a high note, the tongue must be placed downwards, which will allow the air to come out with more force.
Q4: How to clean an ocarina?
Ocarinas tend to accumulate saliva inside, which causes a bad smell and bacteria, which is why it is so important to clean said instrument at the end of each practice. It is a simple task, which will not take much time, since you only have to take the instrument and shake it vigorously, so that the saliva comes out through the holes.
Afterwards, you will need to prepare a soapy solution with non-abrasive products. In this way, you can moisten a soft cloth with this mixture and carefully rub it all over the outside of the ocarina. You’ll still need to clean the mouthpiece directly under running water, but you’ll need to blow through it at least a couple of times for best cleaning.
Finally, all that remains is to polish the ocarina’s casing with a dry cloth and apply some specialized product, depending on the type of material with which the instrument has been made.
Q5: How to play the 8 hole ocarina?
To play your 8-hole ocarina, you need to keep in mind that the tones must be marked from right to left, starting with “d” and ending with “do”. Likewise, it is necessary that you have your sheet music and the instruction manual of the instrument at hand so that you can clarify any doubts.
Q6: Which ocarina is better, 6 or 8 holes?
Ocarina designs usually have a variation in the number of holes, so we will find instruments with 6 or 8 holes, each one representing a musical note.
For example, when playing a 6 hole ocarina we will have two notes less, which is convenient for any beginner. For its part, the equipment provided with 8 perforations can offer more complex melodies. In any case, we could not say that one model is better than the other, since both are aimed at different targets.
Q7: Where does the ocarina come from?
Archaeological studies have revealed that the origin of the ocarina dates back to the pre-Hispanic period in ancient Mesoamerica, since various examples of this instrument used by the Mayan culture have been found.
Q8: Which is better, wooden or plastic ocarina?
Although wooden ocarinas offer better acoustics than plastic ones, it is also true that their purchase price is usually a little higher. However, both instruments allow you to play harmonic notes.
