The ocarina is a beautiful vessel flute instrument that is believed to have existed since the dawn of humanity as it is commonly made of clay; however, the modern ocarina we know today was invented in 1853 by a 17-year-old musician named Giuseppe Donatiis.
If you’re new here, Hi! I’m Nostalgia. While I took music all through school and watched many musical programs, I wouldn’t have known about this instrument if not for Pokemon 2000, as the instrument was used to summon the legendary Lugia. I was reminded of it way later in 2014 when I wanted to get back into music as an adult, but wasn’t sure if I should restart something I dabbled in (keyboard, drums, clarinet, viola), or to try something new. As an anime fan, Zelda regularly comes up in the community thanks to the game “Ocarina of Time”, so I considered the instrument. I personally always love unique or uncommon hobbies like parkour and archery. I bought my first plastic Focalink (Stein) back then and was eager to play. Unfortunately, living in a small apartment with my family made it a little embarrassing to practice, so I later picked up electric guitar. It is pretty quiet unplugged, which helped me say consistent, and thus I was able to pursue my childhood band dream. I created an anime/jpop cover band full of rookies like myself, and thus our name, Chromatic Dreamers.
Fast forward to 2025. I made the dream happen, and I got to do a few more gigs after that, but then I had a spiritual awakening and returned to my Christian faith seriously. I wasn’t sure which church to go to, but a non-denominational church plant in the city over reached out to me and I served there for 8 months playing my electric guitar. I then joined a local Baptist church. They were eager to have more musicians, but I didn’t feel guitar would suit hymns well, nor did they like electric instruments, thus me dusting off my ocarina and learning to read sheet music more proficiently to assist.
After about 5 months, I finally had the guts to try the clay/ceramic one I bought on Amazon. I know Amazon ocarinas have a bad rep, but I did my research and knew which brands and models to avoid. I ended up with a very cool and pretty looking DHwebWLP one. At least in my case, I had something reputable to compare it to, and it definitely sounded better than the plastic one I’ve been playing. Sadly, the 2nd or 3rd time I brought it to church to play, as I walked over to greet a member before service, my ocarina slipped off the thin, cheap necklace it comes with, and it cracked on the floor. It was still playable thankfully, but the chip was right by the mouthpiece. Thus, I bought 2 more of them, just in case they became unavailable on Amazon in the future (and I also got some real thick lanyards so that would never happen again). If anything, I considered these my training wheels as I got more comfortable playing a heavier, ceramic ocarina, and thankfully I did cause I would have actually cried if that happened to a professional ocarina that I paid more and waited long for.
Fast forward almost another year, and I considered playing in other places or even creating a service to play these hymns, so I was ready and willing to invest in a higher end ocarina. If it would sound better, or make certain techniques easier to learn, I’m all for it! So I started browsing the big brands (Songbird, STL), but I liked the designs from Stein the most. When I first thought about buying, I noticed it would include a $36 shipping cost, thus it would be stupid to just buy one. I was preparing to move and had to put my finances elsewhere, so I waited a couple more months. I ended up ordering 2 ocarinas for a total of $209 USD, $248 CAD. For reference, the one I got on Amazon was only $40 with free shipping. It’s pricey, but I know it’s a good deal and a good investment. Not to mention, if I were to play another instrument like clarinet or saxophone, a starter instrument would cost at least $500, but here I was getting 2 reputable ocarinas for half the cost! But what really sucks is that I can’t see, feel, or try out an ocarina before I buy it.
When I first picked up guitar, my first was second hand from a classified site, and my second was bought during lockdowns so I could only do curb pick up. While they did their part as I was learning, my favourite guitar was the one I stumbled across while browsing a music store, and once I had it in my hands and gave it a try, it just felt right. I couldn’t let it go! I told my friend to make sure I didn’t buy anything, but he was unsuccessful. The model probably wouldn’t have caught my eye online, but I fell in love with it in person, and I got to play it at my first gig. It’s true that every guitar ‘feels’ different, because every guitar is different, and even the same model can be different since they’re made of wood. Thus why most guitarists would never buy until they get to hold and play it first.
So with that in mind, I had to wonder…..perhaps there was a small shop in my city that I wasn’t aware of. I really wouldn’t mind buying from a local seller if it meant I could make more informed decisions and/or save on shipping. I’ve been a passive lurker on The Ocarina Network Facebook group for a while, and I would regularly see some new and beautiful designs on there. I wasn’t sure if the people posting them were makers or collectors, but I knew those weren’t the designs I would see on the big 3 ocarina sites (Stein, STL, Songbird). Where were they getting these from?? I had no idea!! But I wanted to find out.
So I submitted a question….’Did you guys have a list of reputable sellers, and/or did they know of any sellers in Toronto/Canada?’ The answer to both was unfortunately ‘no’. They informed me there was no list, and the one seller we did have (Ocarina Caro) moved to the States. I mentioned in my post that if there wasn’t a list, I would happily make one because that’s what my blog is all about- filling the hole in resources and learning materials for beginners and musicians like myself. I couldn’t find a good, in-depth article on Japanese music theory, how to read guitar tabs, how to start a band, nor a list of band rehearsal studios in my city, so after I dug hard to find those things myself, I made an article sharing my discoveries to make it easier for the next guy. So yes, I started making this list the very same day. And though it took a couple days, I found one other small Canadian maker/seller (North Star Ocarina)!
Special thanks to Sweet Potato Flutist (@sweetpotatoflutist) who dropped an amazing list with links on my post as it allowed me to jump right in. She plays the ocarina along with other wind instruments, so check out her Instagram or Youtube if you have the time! And just when I thought I was done, Sophie Underwood dropped another list with a whole lot of smaller Asian makers that would have been very hard to find without her assistance. Thanks to everyone in the community who recommended a brand or told me about themselves as this list hit over 70 makers in just 5 days! <3
And if you’re curious about how ocarinas were made like I was, you can check out this video from Noble or this video from Seongtoo to see how they’re made in branded shops, OR check out 鍾承諺 (Chung Cheng-yen) aka Shoodoman‘s TikTok videos (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4) to see how they’re made by independent artisans. Chung Cheng-ye only picked up the ocarina in 2024, but has become a very passionate enthusiast since, and he’s been taking various classes and making friends in the ocarina sphere. I’m sure he’ll open his own shop one day soon!
ABOUT THIS LIST
1. THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST. By that, I mean it includes their brand name and real name, their location, links to their website, social medias and shops, a few photos of what they sell, and an about/bio section if they have one available. Thus, you can easily browse to see what’s available, see what speaks to you, and find their links to buy from them. If you are a seller/maker and would like to be included or would like your information to be changed or removed, please email me at chromaticdreamers@gmail.com.
2. THIS LIST ONLY CONTAINS ARTISANS & REPUTABLE SELLERS. That means they are individuals or groups who put their time, effort, and pride into every instrument they sell. Chinese brands that you can easily find on Amazon/AliExpress/Temu tend to be mass produced by who knows who, and in turn, tend to be out of tune, airy, and hard to play. The ocarina community greatly warns against them as they can greatly frustrate and discourage beginners. While those ocarinas can be good for someone who just wants to cosplay as Link (Zelda) or who wants to do a whimsical photoshoot in the woods, an individual who is more serious about learning the instrument should avoid them. Some brands that are known to produce low quality ‘instruments’ are: Ocarina Wind, Cheffort, Ohuhu, Awef, and Zagic.
You may get lucky like I did when it comes to buying ocarinas on Amazon, but there is no guarantee. It’s definitely worth checking out Sam’s updated video on whether we should buy ocarina’s from Amazon as it includes an audible demonstration, along with pros and cons between reputable makers and ones you can find on Amazon or AliExpress. I was a witness to the drama mentioned at the start of the clip. I previously interacted with the now-banned member as he shared a picture of a lanyard he made, and I bought one just like it…and then I realized we had the same ocarina! Days later, while I was in the middle of my final clean up and inspection, I saw he made a post defending the ocarina we had but the comments were negative, so I shared my video where I played in church alone and with a backing track to see if I was out of tune or they were hearing something I wasn’t. Thankfully, the reviews were positive, but when I later saw his tuning clip, it really didn’t do the instrument justice. I respect and appreciate Sam for following through on buying and testing out the ocarinas, and even buying 2 since I said they were consistent.
I initially had TNG listed under brands to avoid as many threads seem to have disappointed buyers who warn against them, but when I shared my link on Reddit, many Redditors defended the brand and said they really should be included. Cris Gale, a very famous ocarinist, commented and said she played many ocarinas from Stein/TNG and find them comparible. She explained ‘TNG’s US distributor, STL, has lots of models (especially their recent designs) that prioritize aesthetics over playability imo, but this has nothing to do with TNG Taiwan’s designs’ and ‘The main reason for the debate is that some members of the community strongly dislike TNG’s US distributor, but that doesn’t really have anything to do with TNG Taiwan.’ She added that in general, brands that have many models will prioritize their high end, professional models, so it’s unfair to compare apples (high end) from one brand to oranges (low end) of another brand. I think we should also have grace as every ocarina is different, so we can’t expect a handmade item to be perfect all the time. They may also get damaged during shipping. So as long as the makers are passionate and people can generally testify of their quality, I want them to be included.
3. THIS LIST ONLY CONTAINS ACTIVE SELLERS/DISTRIBUTERS OR SHOPS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL OF REOPENING. Initially, I started this list including every maker and brand I came across. I got many, many recommendations, way more than I thought was out there!! …but I couldn’t find anything online about most of them. Some may only have a single post of someone who managed to get their hands on one, or a single forum thread of someone asking about them. While it took some digging, it became clear that some were makers from over 50 years ago, and some are a local shop in a rural village in some foreign country. Since The Ocarina Network has now started their own complete list, I’ve decided to center my list on makers and brands that are active and have an online presence so people can see their catalogue, ask them questions, and buy from them with ease.
If you are more interested in unique, antique, or foreign-only models and brands, I would recommend joining The Ocarina Network or the Global Ocarina Community Facebook groups as people are always making ads for rare or out-of-production ocarinas they own. At least this way, I can really focus on keeping an eye out for new shops and ensuring the information here is updated. Therefore, I have removed retired/late makers like Alan Albright, Anita Feng, EWA, Fiehn, Giorgio Pacchioni, Mathieu, Mezzetti, etc, along with Japanese makers that I couldn’t find any official online presence for like Anon, Healing, Hisashi Kayama, Orion, Pecorino, Sora, and Watanabe. You may be able to find them through one of distributers or sites listed below like Ocarina House, Part’Ocarina, or STL, but I have opted not to give all those brands a section if they don’t have an online presence to contact or order from them directly.
4. IF YOU ARE A NEWER OR SMALLER OCARINA MAKER, YOU ARE INVITED TO THIS LIST! Whether you’ve been around for 5 years or just a month, and whether you sold 100 ocarinas or just 3, you’re an ocarina maker to me. The only conditions to joining this list is that you have a public storefront, such as a website, Facebook page, or Etsy shop, and that you’ve made at least a couple sales with positive reviews. I was a newbie guitarist with no experience at one point, so I’m super thankful to the hosts who took a chance on me so I could gain experience and evidence to then get more gigs and bigger opportunities. Just like they helped me, I want to extend my hand to other musicians who are passionate about their creations, but just need a little boost to really take off. As long as you’re ready for a little more attention, I would love to add you! <3
Anyways, let’s get to it!
ACTIVE SELLERS & BRANDS
AB Ocarina (Alexandre Barré) [France]
WEBSITE: abocarinas.com
INSTAGRAM
“An artisan, passionate musician, and trained visual artist, I have been crafting ocarinas since 2022. My journey began after discovering the Japanese shakuhachi and attempting to reproduce it in ceramic—only to realize how complex and fascinating the making of ceramic wind instruments truly is.”
Aketa Ocarina [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.aketa.org
OFFICIAL RETAILER PRIMA GAKKI
According to Google/The Ocarina Network forum, “Founded in 1928, Aketa is a legendary Japanese ocarina manufacturer famous for creating the world’s first fully chromatic 12-hole ocarina in 1948. Crafted from select Japanese clay, these instruments are celebrated for their distinctive, earthy, and mellow sound compared to modern, highly precise western designs”. They don’t appear to have an actual shop, but you can find resellers on eBay and other websites.
Angel [Korea]
WEBSITE: www.angelco.com
Anemoi Ocarina (Tom Vanopphem) [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.tomvanopphem.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“Born in 1990 in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. At the age of 8, he discovered the ocarina through the popular Japanese video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. For many years, he believed it was only a fictional instrument that existed within the game, but he was deeply fascinated when he learned that it was real. Tom began playing the ocarina in 2004 and specializes in the triple ocarina, a multi-chamber instrument that allows for a much wider musical range than a standard ocarina.
He has performed internationally across Europe and Asia, including appearances in France, Italy, China, and Indonesia, earning high praise. His first visit to Japan came in 2014, after being invited to perform at a concert in Kobe. Captivated by Japanese culture, scenery, and the warmth of the people, he originally planned only a short stay but eventually decided to settle permanently in Japan. In the summer of 2018, he released his first self-produced album On My Way. On September 22, 2021, he made his major debut with Universal Music Japan through the official album Bittersweet, featuring ocarina interpretations of songs by the legendary Japanese band DREAMS COME TRUE. The project was officially recognized and supported by the band themselves. He also performed the ocarina parts and recorded multiple tracks for the Japanese TV drama Aozora Beer (NHK). He has appeared on numerous popular television programs, introducing the charm of the triple ocarina to a wide audience.
During his years in Japan, Tom had the rare opportunity to study directly under Hatano Toho (波多野杜邦), the inventor of the triple ocarina. Under his guidance, Tom learned the art of ocarina making and now handcrafts his own instruments, which he sells under his original brand, Anemoi Ocarina.”
Antplat (Anton Platonov) [Russia]
RETAILER INSPIRE UPLIFT
FACEBOOK 1 | FACEBOOK 2 | INSTAGRAM
“Our musical workshop ANTPLAT had been created by maker Anton Platonov, he makes musical instruments since 1997. We develop, make and sale ancient and folk instruments: double pishik, aulos, peaseflute, different kinds of Caucasian open flutes like Circassian kamyl.”
Bon Ocarina [Korea]
WEBSITE: bonocarina.co.kr
Benvenuto Fecchio aka Museo/Laboratorio l’Ocarina [Italy]
According to Google, “Benvenuto Fecchio and his family still actively make ocarinas and small clay whistles! They operate the Museo/Laboratorio l’Ocarina (also referred to informally as Ocarina del Po) located in Grillara (Rovigo), Italy, nestled in the Po River Delta. The workshop is well known among ocarina enthusiasts for hand-molding traditional Italian instruments using local river clay, which is locally called tivaro.”
Bom’s Ocarina
WEBSITE: boms-ocarina.com
INSTAGRAM
Bretti [United States]
WEBSITE: brettimusic.com/shop
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“Fine, handmade, professional-class wooden xun, ocarinas, and gemshorns.”
Chaang Ocarina & Pottery [Thailand/Japan?]
WEBSITE: chaangocarina.weebly.com
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/ChaangOcarina (not currently selling)
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
“Chaang Ocarina was established in 2013 after few years of research and product development. The ocarina producer,Makoto Kageyama, has been working as a potter for over 30years. With his love for pottery and music, he has started making ocarinas and started Chaang Ocarina Pottery Studio in Bangkok Thailand. Chaang Ceramic was originally established in 2003 at Kasama, Japan, under the brand name, 想想窯 (sousougama). We carry on the designs and tradtion of Japanese style pottery with a little touch of Thai flavor. Our ocarinas and products are all handmade and free from toxic chemicals such as lead oxide and cadmium. We pride ourselves in fine craftsmanship and product quality. We have received the Community Product Standard มผช No. 930/2556 in October 2025.”
Chen Ching [Taiwan]
“Chen Ching is a renowned Taiwanese ceramic artist and master ocarina maker. His instruments are highly prized in the ocarina community for their exceptional, warm resonance and elaborate finishes, often incorporating materials like real gold, silver, and sea shells into their glazes. Because Chen Ching is a renowned artist whose pieces take weeks to meticulously handcraft and decorate, his ocarinas are considered luxury instruments and are priced significantly higher than mass-produced models. A typical 12-hole tenor ocarina, for example, is priced around $2,700 to $3,000 USD.” (Google)
Clacol (Claudio Colombo) [Italy]
WEBSITE: www.clacol.it
YOUTUBE
Claytone [Japan]
WEBSITE: claytone.jp
OVERSEAS WEBSITE: claytone.jp/overseas-oder
CONDOR [Korea]
WEBSITE: www.icondor.com
Dinda Ocarina [Thailand]
WEBSITE: dindaocarina.com
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/DindaOcarina
“The ocarina is an ancient musical instrument that has been around for more than 10,000 years from archaeological finds. The earliest era was only a terracotta whistle by the Maya. It’s a toy for children. Make a special sound Fae. Currently, it has been developed to have universal notes that can be played together with other instruments. by developers all over the world I also love the unique sound and shape of the Ocarina. And when I was an art student, I worked in ceramic art and studied and understood the process of creating ceramic works very well. Besides, I was able to play music since childhood. I got to know Ocarina on the first day. With a friend’s recommendation, try making Oricana. I started studying and later found out that it was an Ocarina. From the first day I got to know you I’ve been doing it until today. When I make clay that can have sound I enjoy and relax. It’s something I can’t stop. Ocarina’s world is still very wide and deep.”
Doodki Music [Kazakhstan]
WEBSITE: doodki.com
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/DoodkiMusicWorkshop
YOUTUBE
“Welcome to Doodki! My name is Vladimir, and I’ve been making musical instruments in my workshop for nearly a decade. My passion lies with ocarinas, cherished for their rich timbre and unique playing experience. These instruments are easy to master, making music accessible even to beginners. I’m designing my ocarinas to be easy and intuitive to play, so you can enjoy making music right away. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m always here to help!”
Dragon Ocarinas [United States]
WEBSITE: www.dragon-ocarina-s.com
SQUARE SHOP: dragonocarinas.square.site
FACEBOOK
“Music can provide much enjoyment, comfort, and pleasure. Our ocarinas play well even in the rain! You may think you have no musical ability, but if you just follow the instructions and practice, you will find yourself playing easily. Each ocarina comes with a neck cord and an instructional songbook in ocarina notation – dots and circles. Our contact information is on every song. It’s up to you to learn and practice. It’s easy! You can play anywhere. To maintain, just replace the 2 mm cord when necessary and keep your flute clean.”
Empty Instruments [Italy]
OLD WEBSITE: www.emptyinstruments.it
NEW WEBSITE: huacaocarina.com
FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
“My name is Giuseppe Siggia , I was born in 1987 and grew up in Turin, Italy. Since I was a child, music has been a fundamental part of my life. At twelve, I began studying classical guitar, a path that opened the doors to an ever-expanding universe of sounds and, over the years, led me to explore instruments from very different cultures and traditions. Over time, I’ve developed a passion for ethnic instruments and flutes from around the world, studying and playing the bansuri, recorder, didgeridoo, numerous percussion instruments , and many other instruments. This ongoing musical exploration has led me to develop a multi-instrumentalist approach, always driven by curiosity for new timbres, new performance techniques, and new expressive possibilities. At the same time, I have created various artistic projects and musical collaborations, ranging from rock groups to electronic productions, up to sound experiments in which acoustic instruments and timbre research merge into a personal language.
Alongside music, I’ve always cultivated a strong passion for the visual arts . Drawing and painting have accompanied me since childhood, and over the years, this exploration has naturally extended to sculpture and ceramics, allowing me to combine artistic expression, craftsmanship, and experimentation. Although the Huaca is now the heart of my research, my work is not limited to this instrument. In my workshop, I also make single ocarinas, ceramic flutes, and other experimental instruments, maintaining the same artisanal approach and attention to quality construction. My first encounter with the Huaca dates back to 2012, when a friend introduced me to an instrument made by American ceramist Teri Sugg, which I had purchased in the United States a few years earlier. It was an experience that profoundly changed my way of thinking about wind instruments. I was immediately fascinated by its deep timbre, the harmonies produced by the multiple chambers, and the ability to create soundscapes completely unlike those of the instruments I had played up until that point. It was an instrument that seemed to breathe with the player. I’d never experienced anything like it.
Fuka Ocarina (Madoka/つがみまどか) [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.fukaocarina.com
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
“Hello. I am an ocarina maker from Japan. I began this journey in 2020. Initially, I focused on developing lightweight ocarinas that were easy to play, specifically designed for Japanese women. In recent years, I have also been developing ocarinas that satisfy professional players. Above all, my instruments are characterized by a wide variety of designs, and custom designs are also available. “Fuka” ocarinas are designed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.”
Gewa Music [Germany]
WEBSITE: gewawinds.com/en (OCARINA PAGE)
Ginga/North Ginga Ocarina (北の銀河) [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.gingaocarina.com
Giorgio Cataldi [Italy]
Rumour has it, he is retired, but if you message him on Facebook, he may make you one?
Higurashi Ocarina [Japan]
WEBSITE: higurashiocarina.com
“Born in Tokyo. Director of Higurashi Ocarina Research Institute. Self-taught in ocarina making techniques. In 2005, published the ocarina making manual “Handmade Ocarina” (Ikada Publishing). Has produced numerous excellent ocarina makers (including professionals) through ocarina making classes he has organized. During his youth, he traveled through India, Nepal, and other places with his ocarina as his companion. He also posted photos of plants he observed on Facebook. He composed an ocarina piece inspired by the captivating “Japanese snake gourd flower.” He continues to pursue the rich tone and effortless playability of the ocarina .”
Imperial City Ocarina [China]
WEBSITE: imperialcityocarina.com
“Song Wei was born in northeast China in 1967. He began his career as a ceramics artist in 1983 at the Shenyang Ceramics Institute, developing a wide variety of both porcelain and purple clay pieces. He has displayed his work at pottery conventions in Beijing and has been featured on programming run on the National, Liaoning Provincial, and Shenyang Television Stations. Song Wei has also participated in a variety of other artistic conventions and other activities across China. He is currently a member of the Liaoning Province Artists’ Society and the Shenyang Artists’ Society.
In 1998, Song Wei broadened his clay artistry work to include ocarinas, xun, and the mankou xun. By 2007, he was making these clay instruments full time. Song Wei makes ocarinas of many different shapes and sizes, from small pendants to 12-hole sweet potato style ocarinas, to double and triple chambers, all the way to a quadruple chambered ocarina. All of Song Wei’s ocarinas and xun are made from purple clay 紫砂 (literally, purple sand), also known as Yixing clay because it is mined near the city of Yixing in Jiangsu Province. Purple clay is significantly more porous than many other types of clay used to make most ocarinas, being higher in sand content. Purple clay’s porosity makes it well suited for the making of teapots. Song Wei prefers purple clay because of the more resonant and mellow sound it produces in an ocarina.”
J.R Ocarina [United States]
Jigu/Jiegle (吉古陶笛) [China]
Kinfolk Ceramics [United States]
WEBSITE: kinfolkceramics.myshopify.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK
(Website is sold out, but Facebook page is active)
Lyrish (ライリスト社) [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.lyrist.co.jp/ocarina
YOUTUBE
Musique de Terre (Olivier Gosselink) [France]
WEBSITE: musiquedeterre.fr/en/instruments
“I make a wide range of ocarinas, starting from simple ocarinabirds of one octave, to ocarinabirds with three voices with bourdon, via transverse Italian style ocarinas, simple or multi chamber,and pebbles ocarinas with English 4 holes fingering: Handcrafted in every way, each ocarina is treated meticulously from the stamping, the shaping and the tuning up to the glazing. Forms and colours evolve in the course of the firings. My training as a classical flute player (1st price of flute at the conservatory of Toulouse) allows me to have the feeling of what makes up a balanced and well playable instrument. Coming from a family of potters, I am familiar with manifold techniques applied in this universe. I founded my workshop in 1987.”
Night [Japan]
WEBSITE: ocarina.co.jp
FACEBOOK
Noble [Korea]
WEBSITE: www.nobleocarina.net
YOUTUBE
‘Noble Ocarinas are crafted by a South Korean instrument company founded in 2003 and headed by Choi Bonseok. They are globally renowned for their “Night by Noble” plastic Alto C ocarina—a highly durable, matte-rubber-finished instrument highly favored by both beginners and professional players.’
North Star Ocarina (Kelly Hems) [Canada]
Oberon Ocarinas [United States]
WEBSITE: www.oberonocarinas.com
FACEBOOK
“We know the warm feeling we get when we come across something thoughtfully made and unique. We both have a nostalgic memory of when we first encountered the ocarina, a ceramic vessel flute, and the wonder it caused. We want to invoke those feelings in others, and ultimately expand that feeling in ourselves by further exploring the possibilities of the craft.
It is the relative immortality of clay, and the idea of how they might add to someone’s life story, that is a big part of our drive to create our Oberon Ocarinas, and to make them worthy as heirlooms. We are aware of the longevity of clay, how once fired it cannot be formed in such a way again. The instruments are little pieces of us, and when they go out into the world and travel through time we want them to become unique characters in people’s lives, with as much potential as instruments and keepsakes as we can put into them.”
Ocarina Budrio (Fabio Menaglio) [Italy]
WEBSITE: www.ocarina.it
Ocarina Caro [United States]
OLD WEBSITE: ocarinacaro.weebly.com
CURRENT WEBSITE: www.ocarinacaro.com
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/ca-fr/shop/OcarinaCaro
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK
“My name is Caroline Soucy and I began my ocarina-making journey when I was 16 years old. I was amazed by the pocket-sized wind instrument very popular with the video game Zelda: Ocarina of Time. As a flute player, I naturally wanted to know more about ocarinas and I started making them. It was a revelation as I had thought it was just a fantasy video game instrument! In my time making ocarinas I have sold them all around the world, always improving my techniques and making better and better quality instruments. I love to make sculptural flutes such as dragons and wolves. Music is my passion and I hope you can join me in this journey of ocarina playing. Musically yours, Caro”.
Ocarina House [Japan]
WEBSITE: ocarina-house.com/index.html
According to Google, “Ocarina House Japan (オカリナハウス) is one of the largest specialized ocarina retailers in Japan. Operated by Telemann Gakki (テレマン楽器) based in Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture, it offers a vast selection of Japanese and international ocarinas, accessories, sheet music, and instructional materials.The platform is a key resource for the ocarina community, helping players find specific models and answering questions about materials, breath capacity, and tuning. While Japan is home to several distinguished ocarina makers, players on forums often discuss these specialized designs compared to entry-level instruments.”
According to a TON member, she was able to get many of her Japan or Korea exclusive ocarinas through this website. They sell Aketa, Night, Sakura Kobo, Popolo, Ti Amo, Aulos, Focalink, Kimura, Mano, Pieta, Sora, Yoshitsuka, Tsubasa, Osawa, Thousand Leaves, Higurashi, Elmigaro, Rubato, Yoko, Mori, Menario, Kowloon, Galaxy, Hayate, Gin, Minazuki, Miyazawa, Kimono, Kazahana, Hiromichi, and TNG ocarinas.
Ocarina King [The Netherlands]
WEBSITE: www.ocarinaking.eu
FACEBOOK
“OcarinaKing.eu is part of FluteShop.eu, a company based in The Netherlands. Our goal is to provide ocarinas that are accurately tuned, and have a great tone. We are confident that our ocarinas can be considered as real musical instruments, unlike many other ocarinas on the market. Our ocarinas are suited for both beginners and experienced or even professional players, and we always make sure to sell them at the best possible price for European customers. Currently we provide a selection of the finest ocarinas from the most established brands in the world when it comes to high quality ocarinas: STL Ocarina, Songbird Ocarina, Focalink / Stein and Soundscape. Their ocarinas are manufactured with great care and attention to detail. Accurate tuning and great tone guaranteed!”
Ocarina Kobo Nagomi (オカリナ工房 和) [Japan]
WEBSITE: nagomi-ocarina.jp (Ocarina Directory)
FACEBOOK
“Welcome to the Nagomi Ocarina Workshop website! Nagomi Ocarina Workshop has been making and researching ocarinas since 1989. Ideally, to create an ocarina that feels good to play, the performer should participate in the creation process, making an instrument that suits their own breathing. Our workshop aims to create instruments that satisfy our users, bringing out the unique tonal characteristics of the clay and finishing each one by hand. While producing and selling ocarinas at affordable prices, we are also working to popularize ocarina making through workshops and other activities. Due to their structure, many ocarinas have difficulty producing the highest notes or have inconsistent intonation. Performers use various techniques to compensate for these shortcomings. Our workshop conducts extensive research into production theory and ocarina structure to help performers achieve the sound they envision. Enjoy the soothing sound of the ocarina in our bustling modern society. Ocarina Workshop Nagomi Kazuo Nishizawa”
Ocarina Luna Celta [Mexico]
Ocarina Workshop [United Kingdom]
WEBSITE: www.ocarina.co.uk
OcarinaCollection (Zilei, JieGle) [China]
WEBSITE: ocarinacollection.com
“As an online ocarina purveyor, OcarinaCollection stands not just as a gathering place for premium instruments, but also as a platform where we fuse artistic elegance with melodious whispers for ocarina enthusiasts worldwide. Each ocarina, more than a musical instrument, stands as a masterpiece crafted by artisans, narrating tales where heritage intertwines with contemporaneity, forging a universal bond among enthusiasts. Upholding the “Craftsman’s Spirit,” our partners shape each note hole and texture by hand, between clay and flame, imbuing life into the ocarinas. This process, from selection to firing, and meticulous tuning, is not mere manufactering but an art of artistic creation. Amidst explorations, we were graced to collaborate with JieGle and Zilei, distringuished Chinese brands, whose exceptional craftsmanship and nuanced tones shine brightly within our curated ensemble”.
Ocarinas Arcoíris (Rainbow Ocarina) [Chile]
WEBSITE: www.ocarinas.cl/index/Bienvenida_.html
“Since 1976, our work has focused on creating a product that has identity and is functional: high quality in the manual work, application of original art techniques and designs; improvement of the sound, variety of tones, scales and registers. The ocarina was the most widespread wind instrument made of fired clay in Pre-Columbian America. As before, it continues to be reproduced today in a great variety of forms.”
Ocku [Indonesia]
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/Ocku
Ogawa (Kenji Ogawa) [Japan]
WEBSITE1: www.fl-oca.com
WEBSITE 2: ogawaocarina.stores.jp
ENGLISH: www.fl-oca.com/eng/ehanbai.htm
“Crafted by Japanese maker Kenji Ogawa, Ogawa ocarinas are highly prized, handmade instruments known for their delicate craftsmanship and unique tone. Typically priced around $250+, they require specific breathing techniques and handling, and have garnered mixed reviews.” (Google)
Website bio “As you can see by looking over my web site carefully, I make ocarinas, but that is not to make a living. I make them just for my own performance. However, while teaching ocarina making or playing through this web site or in classes, or while performing in various places, a lot of people have asked if I am willing to part with any of the ocarinas I make myself. Although it doesn’t change my basic opinion that you should make your ocarina by yourself, I decided to part with some of the ocarinas that I make as musical instruments to play myself (not for business). I was persuaded by someone who told me that not everybody can go as far in making their own ocarinas. The ocarinas that I am selling are made for my own use. I stick to and pursue my ideal timbre as much as I can. I simply don’t guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with this kind of ocarina. However, I am sure you will be able to play it if you study the timbre and the music.”
Osawa (Satoshi Osawa) [Japan]
“Designed in collaboration with virtuoso Satoshi Osawa and manufactured by Focalink/Stein, Osawa Ocarinas are renowned for their clear, consistent tone and low breath requirements. The line ranges from affordable, high-quality ABS plastic beginner models (around $30) to professional, hand-crafted ceramic triple ocarinas (costing up to $700).” (Google)
Part’ Ocarina
WEBSITE: part-ocarina.com (French website)
This site includes a list of ocarina manufacters that you can browze and find their site to buy from. It also includes a blog, news feed, scores/tabs, and forums.
“Part’Ocarina is a French-language online community and resource hub dedicated to the ocarina. Launched in February 2023, the platform offers educational guides, instrument reviews, and news for ocarina enthusiasts.” (Google)
“A bit of history…It all started in 2011 when Link created the website “Partition Ocarina”, a website allowing to create tablatures for ocarinas and to share with the community. Then, in 2020, I (joebertin) created Jocarina, a site similar to Partition Ocarina but more modern and that I had designed in my own way. Today, in 2023, after almost 2 years of work, we merged Partition Ocarina and Jocarina to create a single, more modern, more innovative, more thoughtful site” (The Ocarina Network)
Plaschke Okarina
WEBSITE: musik-plaschke.it
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“Welcome to Plaschke Instruments. We, Alex and Manuel Plaschke , are the third generation to run our family business in Algund . What began around 170 years ago with the construction of woodwind and brass instruments is today a globally renowned name for masterfully crafted instruments. With Alex’s extensive training in Vienna, we combine deeply rooted heritage with state-of-the-art craftsmanship.
Made from 100% terracotta or fine woods . Our instruments are climate-neutral, free of harmful varnishes, and precisely tuned electronically . Unique sonic magic from South Tyrol. Sustainability isn’t a trend for us, it’s a lived tradition. We treat our instruments exclusively with natural oils . In keeping with the principles of a circular economy, every valuable piece of wood finds a new purpose with us, and each instrument undergoes meticulous quality control before leaving our workshop. We build instruments for life – timeless, authentic, and full of truth.”
Popolo Ocarina [Japan]
WEBSITE: www.popololobo.com
(Must buy through other sellers/retailers)
“POPOLO is the Italian word for PEOPLE in English. POPOLO Ocarinas is a brand launched by Taniguchi Kobo in Ibaraki Prefecture, a workshop with extensive experience in ocarina making, with the aim of creating “ocarinas that everyone can play.
The features of POPOLO are as follows: 1. Use of Shigaraki clay, which shrinks less and has a finer texture. 2. Product design that prioritizes ease of sound production and balance. 3. Meticulous temperature control during firing to ensure excellent water absorption. 4. Each grade has its own distinctive and elegant exterior. 5. Professional finish with minimal individual variation”
Posch (Kurt Posch) [Austria]
WEBSITE: www.ocarina.at/index.htm
“As a self-taught ocarina maker, I build the classic concert ocarina. From the very beginning, my goal has been to create ocarinas with a refined sound, perfect tuning, and balanced intonation. I build the Budrio model, the Plus model with the leading tone B, and ocarinas in every key. Commissions for custom models continually provide new inspiration for my work. In an experimental project, I am working on double ocarinas and piccolo mouthpieces made of clay for transverse flutes. This work is a challenge for me, and the exchange with musicians and ocarina makers from around the world is a welcome help. I enjoy sharing my knowledge in ocarina-making workshops to show others that this simple instrument can exert an incredible fascination.”
Pure Ocarina (Robert Hickman) [UK]
WEBSITE: pureocarinas.com/index
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
“My name is Robert Hickman. I discovered the ocarina in roughly 2008 and immediately found a liking for their ethereal tone. My interest in the ocarina is that of a musician. The transverse ocarina is a highly capable musical instrument and fully chromatic over its sounding range. I started making ocarinas in 2011 and my current design has evolved with my skill as a musician. Being both a player and a maker allows me to understand exactly what is needed to make a great ocarina. As my musical ability developed I noticed areas in which the instrument was limiting me, and modified it to work around them. This process continues to the present day, and as such Pure Ocarinas are a continually evolving product. To me ‘Pure’ signifies a number of things. In a literal sense the ocarina has a very pure/ethereal tone. It is also ‘pure’ in its simplicity, a hollow lump of ceramic with holes. However in capable hands, this simple thing is able to produce beautiful music. I mostly play Irish, Welsh and similar traditional folk music, and enjoy its social aspects. It is fun to be able to play in group music sessions with others I’ve never met before, and learn new tunes from other musicians.”
I first stumbled across Pure Ocarina when looking for additional resources on how to play the ocarina. You can find almost everything you need, from music notation and fingerings for every scale, and even audio clips to practice playing by ear. Robert Hickman has also released a method book called “Serious Ocarina Player”. So definitely check out his site if you’ve been looking for other learning resources for the ocarina!
Homeland Ocarina/Ray Ocarinas (Zhou Zilei/Ray Chou) [China]
Referral Website: part-ocarina.com/ocarina/liste
RETAILER CCSBUY
YOUTUBE
“Ray Ocarina is a popular line of handmade, ceramic ocarinas crafted by maker Ray Chou in China. Known for their heavy build and rugged, professional-grade quality, they range from single-chambered models to complex triples. Players favor them for their accurate pitch and comfortable, ergonomic playability across both high and low notes. Because Ray Ocarinas are highly prized in the ocarina community for their specific tunings and beautiful finishes, they can be sourced directly through specialty music outlets. You can explore the exact specifications of his various handmade models and tunings using the Part’Ocarina List or browse the Part’Ocarina Second Page catalogs.” (Google)
Rough Ocarinas (Gabriele Orlando) [Italy]
Sakura Wayta/Ocarina Peruana (Cesar Morales) [Peru]
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK
(Personalized/Custom Ocarinas – Order through FB Messenger or Whatsapp)
Savage Ocarinas (Austin Dress) [United States]
WEBSITE: savageocarinas.com (Not currently available)
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
“Ocarina maker in Savage Maryland. I specialize in making pit fired ocarinas.”
Schwarz (Karl Schwarz) [Austria]
RETAILER LISBON MUSIC SHOP
RETAILER MUSICIAN.AU
“The first known mention to Karl Schwarz dates from 1679 mem Moln, Austria. In 1981 the company received the quality certification of Austria. Nowadays it is dedicated to the manufacture of instruments such as berimbaus, kazoos, ocarinas, plunger flutes, percussion spoons and bread flutes. It is a family business in which all stages of production are supervised by family members. The production is handcrafted and follows the best manufacturing practices of old European instruments.”
Seongto Ocarina [Korea]
WEBSITE: en.seongtoocarina.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE VIDEO
“Hello, I’m Jeonggeun Oh, the maker of Sungto Ocarinas. My journey in this craft, driven by my love for clay and its sounds, has surpassed 20 years. The ambition to perfect my craft has long since flown away, and now I simply cherish the blessing of being able to engage in this work with a humble heart, gently shaping each handful of clay. Though small, each instrument may become a precious gem filled with deep personal stories for someone. Therefore, I dedicate my utmost care to each piece. As no instrument is perfect, I welcome your feedback and will continue to strive for artistic and practical excellence in my creations. Thank you.”
Shih Cheng Ocarina (是誠陶笛) [Taiwan]
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/shih.cheng.ocarina
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
“Shi Cheng Ceramics Painting Tribe and Shi Cheng Ocarina. Promote traditional handmade art, cultivate a new generation of creativity, and create experiences that allow people of all ages to enjoy different sensory experiences, including sight, hearing, touch, creativity, and innovation.”
Simple Ocarina (Kris Yun Li) [China]
“My name is Li Yun, and I am an ocarina maker from China. I started making ocarinas in 2018 and founded the Simple Ocarina brand. The reason I named the brand SIMPLE is because I believe that life should be simple and pure, and the same applies to ocarinas. I love ocarinas and I am passionate about making them. I want to create the best ocarinas in the world and bring them to ocarina enthusiasts all over the world.”
Songbird Ocarina [United States]
WEBSITE: www.songbirdocarina.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“Songbird Ocarinas began when I made my first batch of ocarinas on misty Moonstone Beach in Northern California in 1989. My teacher was a very talented artist named Rena, who made ocarinas in the shape of turtles and dolphins. I traded her a kalimba (thumb piano) that I had made, in return for teaching the basics of ocarina construction. I made a couple, and then fired them on the beach in a driftwood fire, and then cooled them in the ocean. I can still taste that salty, smoky pit fired ocarina, and hear that bright little sound. I was hooked!
I decided to drop my pursuit of a career in videography, and upset the apple-cart by leaving school and car camping for several years, making playing and selling ocarinas and kalimbas. I camped on a beach in Hawai’i, did work exchange at a healing arts school in California, shared studio space with artists in Bisbee Arizona, and lived on the Land in the mountains of the Lost Coast in California. When my parents invited me to join them for a bicycle tour of South France, I jumped at the opportunity. They returned to the States after 10 days, but I headed East.” (…Read her full history here…)
“Eventually I got tired of travelling and performing, and decided to settle down in Santa Barbara, California, because it had beautiful mountains, beaches, a university to study ethnic music, and an arts and crafts market on the beach each Sunday. When the Legend Of Zelda: the Ocarina of Time was released, the demand for ocarinas expanded exponentially, and I hired my friends to help keep up with the demand. In 2007, I and the ocarinas moved to Los Angeles. Songbird Ocarinas is continually striving to make more beautifully sounding and enjoyably playable ocarinas.”
Spencer Ocarina [United States]
WEBSITE: spencerocarina.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“Spencer Ocarina, LLC is artist-owned and operated by Spencer Register in Southeastern North Carolina, USA. My journey as an ocarina maker began in late 2000 when I grew dissatisfied with the quality of an ocarina I had purchased from my local music shop the year prior. Inspired by performances of serious ocarina recording artists, I realized how expressive and nuanced well-made ocarinas could sound. Professional quality ocarinas were typically foreign-made and not easily accessible online at the time, and they were even harder to find outside of the web. As I studied the fascinating history of the ocarina, I was intrigued to learn that the instrument was traditionally made from terra cotta clay and fired in a kiln. Being artistically inclined and having made various clay sculptures in my youth, this discovery naturally led to the conclusion that I should try making my own ocarinas.
Equipped with a growing knowledge of music through piano and trumpet instruction, as well as the support and encouragement of family and friends, I embarked on a grand creative adventure that has brought the pure and enchanting sound of the ocarina to countless souls around the world. Along the way, I have given many public performances and demonstrations, produced various music recordings, and performed live on national television. In 2009, I was granted a US Patent on the internal design of my ocarinas (Patent No. 7799980). Today, I continue to passionately hone my craft in pursuit of a more perfect ocarina. It is my pleasure to continue to share my instruments with the ever-growing community of ocarina players and enthusiasts worldwide.”
Spirit Song Ocarinas (Lori Bletsch) [United States]
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Spiritsongocarinas
INSTAGRAM
“Hello! I’m Lori, and I make ocarinas. Spirit Song Ocarinas is all about sharing the love for these magical little whistles. I make a folk version of this ancient musical instrument, using a process passed down orally and adapted to living on the road. My ocarina journey began as the “design girl” to my husband’s business back in 1999. He made the ocarinas, I carved designs in them, and for years we traveled to different Renaissance festivals making and playing our flutes. The birth of Spirit Song Ocarinas came after his death in 2016, when I began making solo ocarinas. I make pendant and transverse ocarinas as well as historical replicas of vessel flutes and whistles. With the exception of a modern electric kiln and some of the tuning systems, the methods and tools that I use are as close as possible to those used by ocarina makers for thousands of years. My designs are similarly inspired by ancient art and symbolism. All of the work I do is filled with so much love, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to share it with you. Thank you!”
Stein/Focalink/Fengya [Taiwan]
WEBSITE: www.steinocarina.com
Note: Same maker, but localized. Stein is for European market, Focalink is for Japanese market, and Fengya is for Chinese market.
“The ocarina is a beautiful instrument which in the past has been limited in range, thus restricting the number of songs that could be played. Development of multi-tubed ocarinas solved this limitation, but also created new problems in harmonizing volume and airflow. With considerable time and dedication, the Focalink International Limited research and development team perfected precise manufacturing techniques. In addition to expanding the ocarina’s range, rigorous testing during development and stringent quality controls during production opened a new world in ocarina performance. These improvements include better tone, more consistent volume and smoother phrasing. These innovations have made Focalink the ocarina of choice for many renowned ocarinists. Focalink, being a leader in international ocarina manufacturing, presents high quality products with individualized customization. Our professional team is open to a customer’s every request. Focalink pioneers a new era in exploring the possibilities of multi-tubed ocarinas.”
STL Ocarina [United States]
WEBSITE: www.stlocarina.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
Stonewhistle (Hans Houkes) [Netherlands]
WEBSITE: stonewhistle.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“At the age of 15, I discovered my passion for crafting small pendant-style ocarinas. I spent many years perfecting this art, but as time went on, my interests evolved. In the past 15 years, my focus shifted towards creating new instruments. I aimed to design easy-to-play, low-sounding instruments that resonate deeply with the heart.
At Stonewhistle, I combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Using my old-school skills alongside 3D printers for precise cast molds, I create instruments with unique shapes and perfect tuning. This blend of old and new ensures that every instrument is both authentic and finely tuned, making each one truly special. Watch how I build these instruments. My goal is to create beautiful, great-sounding instruments that are easy to play and enhance the relaxing and healing benefits of sound.”
Sunny Yuen (HKOcarina) [Hong Kong]
WEBSITE: sunnyuen.wix.com/hkocarina (not currently running)
FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
Story: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOcarinaNetwork/posts/10156837226533464/
*They do create ocarinas, and have sold them for $1000s, but not sure if they have a shop to purchase from. They also operate the Honk Kong Children’s Ocarina Band*
Takashi Ocarina [Taiwan]
WEBSITE: www.pankuolong.url.tw/ocarinas.htm
“Takashi Ocarina are handcrafted ocarinas made from clay. Each ocarina is hand-sculpted by Takashi and undergoes multiple meticulous tuning processes to ensure accurate pitch and optimal resonance. With years of experience in ocarina making and playing, Takashi understands the needs of ocarina players and incorporates these into the design of the Takashi Ocarina. A warm tone is a characteristic of the Takashi Ocarina. Its excellent sonic response and easy-to-use design satisfy both beginners and professional players. Takashi Ocarina are made using Japanese white clay , Taiwanese yellow clay , and Taiwanese red clay . To preserve the original color of the clay, in addition to firing, Takashi Ocarina uses non-toxic Japanese varnish or natural palm wax for protection; no other colored pigments or paints are used. The natural color of the clay is the color of the Takashi Ocarina.”
Terakudo Studio (Jules Terakudo)
Thomann Music
WEBSITE: www.thomannmusic.com/search_dir.html?sw=Ocarina
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
(Note: They sell a variety of other instruments as well)
“Thank you for dropping by, and for your interest in the history of Musikhaus Thomann. My name is Hans Thomann, and I have been the managing Director of Thomann since 1990. The company was founded by my father Hans Thomann, senior, in 1954. From the time I was 12 years old, he made me part of the business step by step. For the Thomann family, music has always been a passion and a central pursuit in our lives.
I am originally a precision instrument engineer and a wind instrument maker by training. I was quite young when my father put me in charge of the company, and he gave me a lot of invaluable advice to guide me along the way. One of the things he told me and that has proven the most valuable is to always listen to the customers, and learn from them. Even though the world has changed so much since then, our motto is and will remain: Our customers determine our decisions.
I’m proud to say that even with 1.660 employees we’re still an independent family-owned company. The shared passion for music is what connects us, and it characterizes the way we do things at Thomann.”
Thousand Leaves (Minoru Chiba) [Japan]
WEBSITE: thousand-leaves.net/ocarina.html
“In 1999, inspired by the performance of ocarina player Sojiro, he began playing the ocarina. In the same year, he also started making ocarinas in pursuit of his ideal tone. He has produced 13 CDs to date, mainly original compositions. In 2007, he named his workshop Thousand Leaves and further dedicated himself to ocarina making. He is self-taught in both playing and making. He has no prior musical experience with the ocarina. For his CD works, he handles the entire process himself, from composition and arrangement to recording. He approaches the ocarina from various angles, from instrument making to music production, pursuing the unique charm of the ocarina.”
Ti Amo (Masakazu Yoshida) [Japan]
AMAZON (May be official store, but their shop sells shower mats..)
RETAILER FAVOURABLEJAPAN ON EBAY
“Ti Amo is a prominent Japanese ocarina manufacturer known for crafting highly ergonomic, ceramic instruments. Their Alto C models feature slightly smaller, concave holes and divided semitone holes to make playing and fingering easier for beginners. The brand is celebrated for its clear, sweet sound and natural breath curve.” (Google)
TNG Ocarina [Taiwan]
WEBSITE: www.tngocarina.com
NOTE: The ocarina community is mixed on this brand. Initially, when I did some searches on who to avoid, TNG popped up a few times, and others have commented they are inconsistent. After sharing the article on my Reddit thread, many people have defended the brand and said I shouldn’t be there. I was informed this brand makes a lot of models for STL, some have shared that their Taiwanese models are of better quality, and some have explained that their professional models are great in comparison to their cheaper or pendant models (as is the case with many big brands). Either way, since many have defended and praised their name, and also shared videos of themselves playing and raving about them, I wanted to include them.
“TNG was established by the founder Mr. Wu Tian-Si in 1972. For over thirty years, he had devoted to the ceramic vase industry. Nowadays, most companies in the industry had moved to Mainland China for further development, but TNG still insisted in staying in Taiwan and put more effort in the development and manufacture of ocarina. His sons went to Japan for several times to learn the experience about producing ocarinas from well-known masters, for example, Sojiro, Kenji Ogawa, and injected new life force into the artworks.
Setting the highest standards in accuracy and ease-of-use-, TNG is recognized as the leader in designing and manufacturing ocarinas in Taiwan. Now, besides the factory’s own brands, ie. TNG and WPN, we also offer customized service for special inquiries. A few years ago, TNG also developed plastic ocarinas for children learning and schools teaching. Since TNG becomes the leader in designing and manufacturing ocarinas, more and more companies start to copy the designs of TNG. TNG was well-known for producing ceramic vases in Taiwan, but is worldwide famous for producing ocarinas. So, TNG insists the best quality forever in order to service all the ocarina patrons in the world.” (Source: Ocarina.Fandom.com)
Valentin Shkandybin [Russia]
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | VK
“I create and play the ancient musical instruments. Since 2008 I have been making ocarina flutes. The longer I play and study ancient tools, the more I realize the wisdom and largeness of their nature of origin. Our ancestors knew them magical properties and gave them to us. Our task is to pass it on to our descendants. Looking for like-minded people!”
Vento Kanta [Brazil]
WEBSITE: ventokanta.com (Site is marked suspecious atm)
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Wrightsocarina (Kevin Wright) [United States]
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088830162333
FACEBOOK
Woodsound/Namusori [Korea]
OLD WEBSITE: www.woodenocarina.com/index.html
CURRENT WEBSITE: m.blog.naver.com/gocarina
“This is Namusori Ocarina, the pride of Korean ocarinas. It has already been 25 years since we began directly manufacturing and supplying the world’s only high-quality, handcrafted wooden ocarinas under the brand WoodSound. Experience WoodSound, an ocarina that is unbreakable and possesses a warm, natural tone”.
Yimeng Ocarina (沂蒙泥哨) [China]
“The Yimeng Clay Whistle (沂蒙泥哨) is a traditional clay wind instrument originating from the Yimeng Mountain region of Shandong Province, China. With a history spanning over 340 years, this ancient craft transforms simple clay into musical instruments that produce beautiful, resonant sounds.
Made from local clay using techniques passed down through generations, each clay whistle is hand-shaped, air-dried, and kiln-fired. The instrument belongs to the ocarina family — in fact, the word “ocarina” itself comes from the Italian word for “little goose,” tracing its roots back to ancient Chinese clay whistle traditions that traveled along the Silk Road.
In 2014, Yimeng Clay Whistle was recognized as a Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shandong Province, marking an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of this unique art form.”
Yoko
WEBSITE: ocarina-yoko.com
INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
Yoshitsuka [Japan]
WEBSITE: yoshitsuka.rgr.jp/Top.html
INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
“In Japan, in 1928, Takashi Aketagawa developed a 12-hole ocarina that made pitch setting easy. Due to its high level of perfection as a musical instrument, the 12-hole ocarina was subsequently produced by many manufacturers and is now the most popular type of ocarina.
Yoshitsuka Ocarinas have been manufactured and sold since 1998. By giving them an appropriate thickness, they pursue a stable pitch and a mellow, clear tone. They are also highly absorbent, so saliva does not accumulate and make it difficult to produce sound during normal playing. In particular, their tone and playing feel, which shine in “performance” situations, are supported by many players, whether solo or in ensembles.”
Zin Ocarina [Korea]
WEBSITE: www.zinocarina.com
INACTIVE/NOT CURRENTLY SELLING
This is a list of makers or brands who still have a visible storefront or social media pages online, but aren’t actively selling. They are alive, so there is always potential of a comeback. You may also more easily find their ocarina via distributers or second-hand marketplaces since they were in production not long ago. I will be checking every year, so if I notice their shop has become active again, I will move them to the above list.
Alcorn Ocarinas (Jolene Alcorn) [United States]
WEBSITE: www.jolenealcornstudios.com
ETSY SHOP
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Cantare (Takao Hiramoto & Son) [Japan]
WEBSITE: cantare.her.jp/index.html (Not currently available)
YOUTUBE
Casper Ocarina
Epicai Ocarinas (Geoffrey Tjakra) [Indonesia]
Everett Ocarina (Jade Everett)
Hind Ocarina [United States]
WEBSITE: hindocarina.com
“Charlie Hind grew up on St. Simons Island, Georgia. He first began experimenting with making wind instruments in 1975 while a student at the University of South Carolina, where he later received a Master’s degree in music education, with an emphasis in clarinet and viola. Over the years he has designed and built recorders, flutes, xylophones, panpipes, and since 1982, has concentrated on a wide variety of ocarinas, which he sells worldwide through this online shop and gallery. Since 1975 his constant experimentation with wood and sound has resulted in the creation of many new and unique musical instruments. In 1985, after designing and building a pipe organ, he was inspired to come up with a way to make the organ “play by itself.” This led to years of intense study of all types of mechanical musical instruments, culminating in the building of two cylinder music boxes completely “from scratch,” an accomplishment rarely attempted in the twentieth century. Three years later, he created the unique Ocarina Celestina, a hand cranked organ that plays twenty of Charlie’s trademarked inline ocarinas automatically by reading perforated paper rolls similar to those used by a player piano. It is the result of over 1200 hours of work and is the only one of its kind in the world. Today his work is divided between the making of his current offering of ocarinas, continuing the development of new ocarinas, providing personal assistance to customers through email and phone, and maintaining this website.”
Hoffman Ocarinas
Mountain Ocarinas
WEBSITE: mountainocarinas.com
“Our family-owned business, Mountain Ocarinas Inc. – Coda EDC Flutes, has been on pause since we moved from Connecticut to Georgia in order to better support our extended family. For that reason, we are not selling any of our products at this time. It’s been a challenge to start over in a new place with new responsibilities, but I am actively prototyping designs for an improved family of wonderful, tough, pocket-sized inline ocarinas. Later this year, we plan to begin launching these new flutes – one at a time.”
Odami Monster/Ocamonster [South Korea]
ETSY SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/ocarinamonster
Rotter/Ocarina Musikhaus (Johann Rotter) [Austria]
WEBSITE: ocarina.de/
(Can purchase his ocarinas through Thomanns)
FACEBOOK PROFILE | FACEBOOK PAGE | YOUTUBE 1 | YOUTUBE 2
Tenrai Ocarina
WEBSITE: www.tenraiocarina.com
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Terry Riley
Terry Riley majored in Ceramics at the Central School of Art in London in 1970. He began making pottery vessel flutes in 1974. Terry has made his living by designing, making and playing his pottery wind instruments since moving on from his pottery and art teaching career in 1984. In the early 1970’s he developed an interest in the musical potential of ancient South American and early Chinese ceramic instruments which dated back several thousand years. He began experimenting with techniques to re-create the sweet, clear sounds of the original instruments. Years of experimenting with various types of clay, methods of production, firing temperatures and various ‘fipple’ configurations eventually led to the remarkably consistent properties found in his work today. Over the years, thousands of enthusiasts have bought Terry’s instruments – and the popularity of the instruments continues to grow.
KOREAN BRAND/MAKER LIST
I found a list on Reddit which contains a variety of Korean Ocarina sellers, and I’ve included the ones with active websites below; however, the OP and commentors say they may only ship within Korea. I still wanted to include them for any Korean browsers or people who may plan a trip there one day. After I do research to see who ships internationally and has good reviews, I’ll add them to the main list above.