Ocarina question...
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Ocarina question...
So I was wondering how well those really cheap South American ceramic ocarinas play (the pendant style ones). Liiiiiike... this one: http://larkinthemorning.com/product.asp ... Ocarina_E_. How's the intonation, and how big is their range? I'm actually going to get a Mountain Ocarina sometime, but i was wondering about these. Well, thanks!
-Me
They play about like what you'd expect from a hollow ball of clay with some holes in it. Many of them are relatively in tune with themselves (at least you can recognize the tune you're playing), but it's a total crap-shoot as to whether they'll be at any standard pitch. But they're intended to be fun, and they are. It's just important to remember that a precision-made instrument is a very different beast, and not to be discouraged by the 'folksie' nature of these things.
Most of these have a range of an octave plus a note or two. The small ones are very high-pitched and shrill.
On the other hand, if you already play a little or you are really concerned about starting off on the right foot, I'd put the money toward a Mountain Ocarina. After all, the M.O. polycarbonate soprano is only $20.
Most of these have a range of an octave plus a note or two. The small ones are very high-pitched and shrill.
On the other hand, if you already play a little or you are really concerned about starting off on the right foot, I'd put the money toward a Mountain Ocarina. After all, the M.O. polycarbonate soprano is only $20.
- CountryKitty
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An octave + 1, as well as sharps and flats.
Got one three years ago...bought a large one because at the price I expected small to be teensy and shrill. Turned out to be a Low D--6" from mouthpiece to pendant loop, 5" across, 3" thick. Can't say for absolute sure that it's concert pitch, but I also have a Whistlesmith Low D and the lowest notes are the same to my ear.
The M.O. polycarb is probably lighter to carry around your neck.
Got one three years ago...bought a large one because at the price I expected small to be teensy and shrill. Turned out to be a Low D--6" from mouthpiece to pendant loop, 5" across, 3" thick. Can't say for absolute sure that it's concert pitch, but I also have a Whistlesmith Low D and the lowest notes are the same to my ear.
The M.O. polycarb is probably lighter to carry around your neck.
- CountryKitty
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- Thomas-Hastay
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Come closer Grasshopper and listen to ancient wisdom of Ocarina here...
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