They have anywhere between 9 and 12 holes. Single chamber transverse ocarinas have a range of about an octave and a fourth, and Multichamber variants which are discussed later, can extend the range past two octaves. Transverse ocarinas were originally designed as serious instruments, with a linear fingering system similar to that of the recorder or flute, and are fully chromatic. They are held across the body similar to a transverse flute, but are much shorter and more globular in shape.

The transverse ocarina is a 19th century Italian instrument. The history of these instruments has been studied by Susan Rawcliffe and Roberto Velázquez Cabrera, worth looking up if you are interested. However, historically they were made to much higher standards. They are not good musical instruments, and are not worth considering as someone looking to play seriously. These reproductions are of extremely poor quality, with weak sound production and are not tuned. These can be easily recognised by their flat shape, with intricate painted designs and 8 to 10 identically sized holes. The most common version of these today are reproduction tourist souvenirs, going under the name 'Peruvian ocarina', and frequently just 'ocarina'. They appear to have been informed by the natural world, imitating sounds like birds, insects, thunder, wind sounds and rustling leaves. It is hard to understand their musical use, as they differ so much from other musical cultures. Various ancient South American cultures used vessel flutes / ocarinas which as a group can be called 'Pre-Columbian ocarinas', and Mexico also has a similar tradition.Įxactly what these instruments were used for is the subject of debate. Pre-Columbian, Peruvian, and Mexican ocarinas They make great novelty items, but were never intended to be serious instruments. Sculptural whistles are probably the first ocarinas which developed, and nowadays are often highly decorated with coloured glaze. They are produced in various shapes, including those representing birds and other animals.

Sculptural whistles are musical novelty items that can simulate the sound of bird calls and similar. They range from sculptural whistles that only play one note, to concert quality musical instruments.īeing aware of the different types of ocarinas will help you identify the most playable instruments.

There are many types of ocarina, and the term 'ocarina' often refers not to a single instrument, but to anything which makes sound using a hollow chamber.

Twelve hole ocarina tab maker