ocarina chamber shapes

Ocarinas - clay whistle flutes, sweet potato. Ceramic musical instruments.

Ocarina Chamber Shapes


Below are diagrams showing some of the ocarina chamber shapes that may not work well for an "ordinary" one octave range ocarina.


(Click on pictures for a larger view)

diagram 1

Chambers with a pronounced narrowing may exhibit a "pitch jump" effect on the higher notes in the octave. This is done deliberately by some makers for this effect.
Figure A shows a stem-like channel that divides the chamber.
Figure B shows a circular wall that has a small center opening.This also may have a pitch jump if this opening is too small.

diagram 2

Figural ocarina (sitting cat)
Figure C Sculptural ocarinas have odd-shaped chambers which might also have the pitch jump effect.
Figure D To eliminate this, widen the connecting channel (blue arrows)

ocarina depth

The whistle assembly or voicing needs space or depth beneath it to work properly.
Figure E This ocarina's chamber is too shallow. The higher notes may sound squeaky.
Figure F This ocarina's chamber has plenty of room below the voicing.




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