We at Windysounds know our woodwind instruments. And therefore, we know that the best sounding ocarinas are determined based on the material they are constructed from, the size and the pitch range. These are the factors we have considered when creating our list of the 10 best ocarinas on the market.
Contents
10 Best Ocarinas on the Market:
1. OHUHU ZELDA OCARINA
- Professionally tuned, kiln-fired ceramic instrument
- Glazed in a dark, cobalt blue with metallic detailing in a tri-force symbol
- 12 holes
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Tuned to Alto “C”
- Songbook
- Display stand
- Cord
- Protective Bag
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
This instrument is the best ceramic ocarina on the market. It is an excellent value for the money, particularly for those new to the instrument or music in general. Fully chromatic ocarina that creates a gorgeous and natural sound.
- Easy to learn on, making it perfect for beginner players
- Solid construction provides excellent durability
- Consumers are telling us that this instrument provides a clean and crisp sound right out of the box
- Song list in book provided are basic songs
- Some more experienced musicians found the tuning to be a little off
2. DEEKEC LEGEND OCARINA
- Durable glaze in dark blue with tri-force symbol on neck
- Professionally tuned, kiln-fired ceramic instrument
- Glazed in a dark, cobalt blue with metallic detailing in a tri-force symbol
- 12 holes
- Weighs 13.6 ounces
- Tuned to Alto “C”
- Neck Strap Cord (Random Color)
- Protective Bag
- Display Stand
- Deekec Song Book
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
The Deekec Legend Ocarina is an amazing replica of the Legend of Zelda model. This ocarina will stand the test of time with its durable ceramic construction. A beautiful instrument that is a perfect representation of the legendary game; an ideal gift for any fan.
- Perfect gift for fans of the iconic game
- Consumers are adoring the look of this beautifully crafted instrument
- Very high quality constructed piece
- May not produce a high quality sound
- Some of the notes may come off as a bit airy
3. CHEFFORT 12 HOLE OCARINA
- Professionally tuned, kiln-fired ceramic instrument
- 12 holes
- Weighs 11.2 ounces
- Tuned to Alto “C”
- Protective Bag
- Songbook with finger chart
- Neck cord
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
The Cheffort is the best quality ocarina you can buy. It is made from Kiln fired ceramic, for strength and durability. This instrument is handcrafted to deliver a crisp tone. Easy to play and learn on, this ocarina is sure to please.
- Amazing breath response producing a crystal clear tone
- Ideal for beginner players
- An exact replica of the one Link uses in the game.
- May not be suitable for professional musicians’ play
- Some consumers have complained of some tuning issues
4. FOREST WHISPER BY OCARINAWIND
- Made from straw-fired ceramic
- 12 holes
- Weighs 9.6 ounces
- Professionally tuned to Alto “C”
- Designed to fit in your hand at all ages
- Chinese Jade Neck Strap Cord
- OcarinaWind Song book and Finger Chart
- Ocarina Pouch by “OcarinaWind”
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
The Forest Whisper ocarina is a high-quality instrument that has been designed with the end user in mind. Easy for a beginner to learn, this ocarina is also more than capable to be used in a professional setting. Overall, the Forest Whisper is a great bang for your buck.
- Perfect for professionals and beginners
- Produces a gorgeous, crisp tone
- Buyers are saying that this instrument is very comfortable to play
- Consumers have commented that this instrument may be damaged easily
- May smell from the straw fire initially
5. NIGHT BY NOBLE PLASTIC OCARINA
- Made from plastic, with a rubber-like feel for durability and comfort
- Professionally tune to the key of Alto “C”
- Weighs 6.4 ounces
- 12 holes
- Instructions on how to use
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
This ocarina is an extremely versatile instrument, perfect for any level musician. It is constructed of durable plastic material, making it ideal for transport and the on-the-go musician. The Night By Noble is the best plastic ocarina.
- Fingerholes are extremely responsive to breath
- Beautiful, rich tone that is sure to please even the pickiest musician
- Easy enough to play for a beginner, but quality enough for a professional
- Some players have complained of intonation issues
- The plastic ocarinas may accumulate moisture overtime
6. TOTMC LEGEND OF ZELDA OCARINA OF TIME TRIFORCE
- Professionally tuned to the key of Alto “C”
- 12 holes
- High-quality, kiln-fired ceramic instrument finely glazed in a beautiful dark cobalt blue
- Weighs 12 ounces
- Aesthetically designed that lets you practice various techniques, rhythm and speed
- Neck Strap Cord (Random Color)
- TOTMC Music Book
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
The TOTMC Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time is a perfect instrument for those who are just learning to play. Easy to use with a beautiful look and feel, this ocarina is sure to please any Legend of Zelda fan.
- Consumers are delighted that this instrument is ready to play right out of the box
- Musicians are loving the overall look, feel and sound of this ocarina
- Produces a crisp and clean sound every time it is played
- The instrument can be somewhat loud, so players should be aware if playing around other individuals
- Some have complained that the wind chamber is not balanced, making notes on the higher end of the scale sounding a bit hollow and shrill
7. OCEAN NOTES BY AWEF
- Beautiful and high quality Ice-crack Ceramic design
- Tuned to the key of Alto “C”
- 12 Hole
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Songbook
- Neck Strap
- Protective bag
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
Ocean Notes by AWEF definitely belongs to the cool ocarinas list. The cyan blue exterior compliments the design and sound that this instrument produces. Perfect for a newer player, this ocarina is a product worth checking out.
- Tuned 25 ℃, which standardizes the tone of each instrument
- Consumers are bragging about the high level of quality craftsmanship
- Perfect for beginner players
- May not produce the best overall sound quality
- Manufactured by a brand relatively unknown in the music industry
8. JOY OF WOOD THRUSH BY AWEF
- High-quality, kiln-fired ceramic construction
- 12 Hole
- Tuned to the key of Alto “C”
- Weighs 10.1 ounces
- Songbook
- Neck strap
- Carrying case
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
The Joy of Wood Thrush is a cheap ocarina, but only when it comes to the wallet. A superb value for the price, this instrument is well made to be highly durable. Professionally tuned and constructed to create a warm tone. This ocarina is sure to please, whether you are a beginner or a professional.
- Produces a clear tone with minimal breath
- Feels comfortable while playing
- Easy to learn on and plays beautifully right out of the box
- Some players have commented that the instrument is not that loud
- Others complained that this may be difficult to play
9. GREENTEN 12 HOLE OCARINA
- High quality, kiln-fired ceramic construction
- 12 holes
- Weighs 7.6 ounces
- Tuned to the key of Alto “C”
- Protective Bag
- Music/Score
- Box
- Stand
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
This Greenten 12 hole ocarina is a great gift for anyone who is learning how to play or is looking for a Zelda replica to display. Comfortable and durable, this instrument would be an excellent gift for anyone who is a Legend of Zelda fan.
- Buyers are quite pleased with the quality of the item
- Provides ability for new musicians to learn how to play quickly and easily
- Produces warm and soothing tones right off the bat
- Some musicians were not please with the overall sound of the instrument
- It may be hard to fit into the stand correctly
10. LEGEND OF ZELDA REPLICA ELECTRONIC OCARINA BY THINKGEEK
- Electronic with 2 modes, classic and free play
- Weighs 12.8 ounces
- Plastic and battery operated
- Illustrated Songbook
OVERALL WINDYSOUNDS REVIEW
This Legend of Zelda Replica Electronic Ocarina by ThinkGeek is a great way to get a child interested in the instrument. It is electronic, allowing ease of play for those just getting used to the look and feel of the instrument. This ocarina is also perfect for the avid Zelda fan, or musician looking for a display piece.
- This item features sounds and sounds from the Legend of Zelda game
- Perfect for children who are just learning the instrument
- Two settings, classic plays songs from the game and free-play allows you to play as you wish
- It can be a bit hard to play
- Note selection is limited, even in free-play mode
- Not an instrument that a professional musician would play
THE OCARINA: A BUYERS’ GUIDE
If you are like most people, the first time you ever heard an ocarina was on the Nintendo game Legend of Zelda.
The cool and warm sound was appealing to all ages, and created a crowd of music lovers that would last for decades.The ocarina is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family.
An ancient instrument, the ocarina creates music by a person blowing into the mouthpiece and using his or her fingers to cover or uncover the various holes, allowing beautiful notes to emerge.
When looking to purchase an ocarina, you may be a bit daunted at how to begin the task. What should you be looking for?
How do I tell a good quality ocarina from one that will fall apart easily? What features and benefits should I consider when choosing an ocarina?
WHO IS GOING TO PLAY?
One of the first things to consider when weighing your options is who will actually be using the instrument.
If you are hoping to buy an ocarina for a child to begin to learn on, it would be best to look for a more durable construction that would be able to withstand a few drops and bumps here and there.
In this instance, plastic would most likely be your best bet because of its longevity and ability to withstand heavy use.
If you are an avid musician, you want to opt for an instrument that is made of wood or stone, as these materials will produce a warmer tone.
For the absolute best sound, most people will choose a ceramic ocarina. These tend to produce the clearest and most crisp sound of all the types of ocarinas.
SHOW THEM WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF
Ocarinas can be made of clay, plastic, wood or metal. The construction of the instrument does not only affect the durability, but the overall sound quality that is produced.
Determining what type of sound you are looking for and what you hope to achieve with your play will weigh heavily when deciding on which material your ideal ocarina is made of.
WHAT KIND ARE YOUR LOOKING FOR?
The Transverse Ocarina is also known as the Zelda or Sweet Potato. This is the most popular of the styles and is the most traditional form.
Your hands are held to the side of your head when you play, similar to how a flute is played.
The Inline Ocarina is held straight out from the mouth, like a kazoo (but with a much prettier sound). Your hands are held on each side of the instrument when playing.
Determine the length of time you will be playing the instrument, as this could greatly shift your attention to one type or the other.
MOUTHPIECE IS EVERYTHING
Another area of the instrument that you should check out prior to purchase is the mouthpiece. The types of mouthpieces available tend to vary depending upon the musician’s style and skill level. An articulated mouthpiece is easier to play, and therefore perfect for the beginner.
It is best to figure out the best mouthpiece that represents your needs to ensure that you are purchasing an instrument that will assist you in creating the best sound possible for your skill level and experience.
HOLES AND FINGER PATTERNS
Also consider the number of holes on the ocarina you are contemplating buying. The number and pattern of holes have a significant effect on how the instrument is played.
And often times, the fewer the holes the more complicated the ocarina is to play. How many holes are covered determine the note that is played, and therefore more holes may be easier for a novice to pick up on.
It would probably be best to look at the finger patterns of the ocarina, instead of the exact number of holes.
Beginners should look for simpler finger patterns when examining their prospective instrument. The more consistent a fingering scheme is, the more intuitive it is, and the easier it is to learn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the ocarina a good instrument for young children?
Although it looks quite simple, this appearance can be deceiving. These instruments are loud and have a high-pitched, piercing tone that may have an adverse effect on listeners or players who are just learning the craft.
Also, it is a wind instrument and these can sometimes be difficult for children as much of the technique involved with playing is inside the body.
Which ocarina should I get first? (Choosing your first ocarina)
First and foremost, ensure that the instrument you are considering is well-tuned out of the gate.
A badly tuned ocarina will have you working twice as hard to achieve the correct tone. Second, do not cheap out on quality.
If taken care of properly, a well-made ocarina will last for a very long time.
So, this is a case where spending the money is worth your while. Other things to consider are the size of your hands, pitch range and the number of chambers.
Why does my ocarina have airy high notes?
An airy high not on an ocarina can be happening for a variety of reasons. First, and most commonly, there is dirt in the windway. Second, you could not be blowing hard enough to get the full tone out of the instrument.
Ocarinas can have an airy sound naturally, and as you become more familiar with the instrument, you should be able to determine how to fix an airy note.
Why does my ocarina squeak on its high notes?
Contrary to an airy pitch, if you blow too hard, your ocarina will create a squeaking sound on the high notes. While this is the most common contributing factor, playing in a cold environment or having a badly tuned instrument can also cause your ocarina to squeak when attempting notes on the higher end of the scale. If you have not yet chosen a musical instrument for yourself, then you can familiarize yourself with our lists of wind musical instruments as a flute or harmonica for beginners.
CONCLUSION
We at Windysounds believe that the best ocarina you can purchase would be the Ohuhu Zelda Ocarina. This instrument is professionally tuned with an authentic and warm tone every time you play starting with the very first note. It is produced to last, allowing you to continue learning and perfecting your musical talent for many years to come. For questions regarding this or any other ocarinas we have mentioned, please contact us by visiting https://windysounds.com/. Happy Playing!
