Comparison of ocarina styles and construction materials

The ocarina is a wonderful instrument made in different styles and from different materials. With so many choices available, it can be confusing when trying to buy an ocarina.

Here's my basic advice: buy them all!! Buy every single ocarina you come in contact with. I have over 30 of these wonderful flutes in my house, and you should too. Just kidding :) I don't seriously encourage you to buy a truckload of ocarinas. If you're trying to decide on an ocarina or few, hopefully my thoughts can help.

I would categorize the ocarina into the following basic styles/categories:

  • Transverse (Sweet Potato,Zelda Style)
  • Inline

Ocarinas are made out of the following materials:

  • Clay
  • Wood
  • Plastic
  • Metal

Ocarinas also come with a varying number of finger holes (tone holes). How many holes is best?

I've broken down my comparison into several pages to make it easier to read:

For a more detailed look at different styles of ocarina go to the: Ocarina Styles page.

For some discussion on number of ocarina holes, go to the Ocarina Holes page.

For a more detailed look at the different materials that ocarinas are made of, including the plusses and minuses of each, go the to: Ocarina Materials page.

For my personal analysis and recommendations, go the to: Ocarina Analysis and Recommendations page.

Next: The different Ocarina Styles.






Ocarina Ocarina Links

Ocarina Quiz

Compare Ocarina

Basic Ocarina Styles

Ocarina Holes

Ocarina Materials

The Clay Ocarina

The Wood Ocarina

The Plastic Ocarina

The Metal Ocarina

Chromatic Ocarina

Ocarina Squeak

Expressive Ocarina

Ocarina Recommendations










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