Choosing an Ocarina: Top 10 Questions to Ask
Now that you’ve decided to buy an ocarina, the question is which one to choose. With hundreds of ocarinas to consider, in different shapes and sizes, made of plastic or clay or wood, some with four holes and others with twelve … With so many ocarinas to choose from, choosing the right one can be difficult. Ask the following ten questions. When you can answer them with confidence, you are ready to choose your new ocarina.
1. What kind of music would you like to play? If you want to play simple, slow melodies, any ocarina will work. If you want to play technically difficult and fast music, most will not work for you. Be sure to watch a demo or listen to sound samples of the ocarinas you are considering. Make sure the ocarina you are considering can play the kind of music you want.
3. Do you like the sound of it? Have you heard this ocarina in a live performance? Probably not … but do you at least have your recordings to give you an idea of their sound?
4. Where would you like to play your ocarina? Do you hope to play for others? Will you act publicly? Do you want to be able to play with other musicians without the need for microphone amplification? Most ocarinas are calm and submissive. Some ocarinas have a good playback volume and can be easily played in public without the need for amplification.
5. How do you like the way it looks? If you think your ocarina is impressive, it is very likely that you will wear it more, show it more to family and friends, play it more, progress faster and faster and enjoy it much more.
6. What style of ocarina do I want, transversal or in line? Ocarinas come in two basic styles, line and cross. The transverse ocarinas (like the sweet potato) are played like a Boehm flute where the flute is held at an angle perpendicular to the head. Inline ocarinas are played like a recorder or clarinet where you would blow along the flute. I find the online style to be more comfortable when playing for extended periods of time.
7. Do you want an ocarina made of wood, clay, plastic or metal? Some thoughts. Clay can crack or break if dropped. The pretty wooden ocarinas are beautiful. Metal ocarinas are rare, but some are remarkably impressive. There are a lot of cheap plastic ocarinas … toys. Some plastic ocarinas, however, are premium instruments made from high-tech plastics such as polycarbonate.
8. Are you a big fan of the video game Zelda The Ocarina of Time? If so, you might want an ocarina like the one Link plays.
9. Where will your ocarina go? Would it be nice if your ocarina could fit in your purse or pocket? Will you hang it around your neck? Do you want to take it climbing or caving? Will you be careful when wearing your ocarina? When it comes to portability, not all ocarinas were created equal. Clay ocarinas can crack or break. You can’t put bulky ocarinas in your pocket. Without a neck strap, you cannot wear it around your neck.
10. How many support materials (learning materials, music books, inspirational music, etc.) are available for the ocarina you are thinking of purchasing? How much help will you want to learn to play? Remember that ocarinas have a limited tonal range. Sheet music and music books should fit the tonal range of the particular ocarina you play. If you want choice and variety in your music, choose an ocarina that has complementary products to support your progress.
