Are these ocarinas the same as the one in Zelda's "Ocarina of Time"?

Yes and No. The Nintendo ocarina is based on what I call the "traditional 10-hole ocarina. This kind of ocarina has been around for a long time. In the US they used to be very popular in the early part of this century when they were known more commonly as "sweet potatoes". The traditional ocarina was invented by Guiseppe Donati in the 1860's, in Budrio, Italy.

I've noticed, on looking closely at Zelda's ocarina, that the fingering pattern would be physically impossible to play, but the overall shape is very much like the real ocarinas. And, more importantly, the music that my traditional ocarinas make is truly "magical".

No! In fact, it is one of the easiest musical instruments to play. Anyone from about six years old on up, can play one. Each of my ocarinas comes with an easy-to-read fingering chart and song book.

The quickest type of ocarina to learn is the 4-hole necklace ocarina. With only four holes to worry about, it makes finding the notes easier. However, I believe that in the long run, the 10-hole traditional is the easiest to play. This is because the fingering pattern is very, very straightforward. You simply start with all holes covered and then lift up one finger after another (starting with the right little finger) to play the major scale. This simple fingering makes it much easier to pick out tunes of your own.

There are three kinds of glazes available. A matte off-white, a glossy forest-green and a deep blue with interesting color variations. The blue glaze doesn't have the black leaf pattern design painted on it. To see samples of these glazes, look at the pictures of the soprano and tenor traditional ocarinas.

No. However, if you would like to be able to paint your own design on your ocarina, you can request that I leave the glaze undecorated. When you receive your ocarina, you can then paint a design of your own, using acrylic paints.

What kind of ocarina has the best sound?

This is a matter of taste, of personal preference. Listen to the sound samples to find out what appeals to you the most.

The most popular size of the traditional ocarinas is the alto size. It is more comfortable to hold than the soprano or tenor, if you have average adult-sized hands and fingers. Children would find the soprano more comfortable. Anyone with especially large fingers would find the soprano a bit of a squeeze.

These measurements reflect the approximate length of each type. Although they vary slightly, this gives you some idea of their overall size.

Because the ocarinas are made from high-fire stoneware clay, they are much stronger than either earthenware or porcelain. Also, because they are an enclosed shape (no rims or edges) they are doubly strong. However, it should handled with care like any instrument. I recommend making or buying a bag to keep it in if you take your travelling -- even an old sock with help protect it!

How do I order over the net?

You can pay by credit card over the net. The safest way is to send me two e-mails: one with the first half of your credit card number, the second half with the rest of it plus the expiration date. Or, you can call me at 425-557-8764 and provide the credit card number over the phone.

Of course it varies somewhat, but I use the US Postal Service to send all packages Priority Mail. Your order will arrive in most US locations within two to three days. Overnight delivery is available for an extra charge. Contact me by email to find out about next-day deliveries or overseas mailings and their costs.

Periodically, while playing your ocarina, moisture will build up in the mouthpiece. This is typical of any wind instrument. To clear it out, cover the sound hole on the underside of the ocarina, then blow through the mouthpiece with a strong blast of air.

To clean the ocarina, it can be washed with soap and water. It can even be put in the dishwasher, if you prefer.