Plastic vs Ceramic vs Purple Clay vs Porcelain Ocarinas: Which Sounds Best?

If you’re shopping for a soprano ocarina, one of the biggest questions you’ll run into is:
Does the material really matter?

In this comparison, we take a close look at four soprano ocarinas made from different materials:

• Plastic

• Ceramic

• Purple clay

• Porcelain

Each instrument was recorded using a ribbon microphone with sound treatment in the room to minimize reverb. This setup allows you to hear the natural tone of each ocarina as clearly as possible, without the room coloring the sound.

All four ocarinas featured in this comparison are available from STL Ocarina.

Why Ocarina Material Matters

The material of an ocarina can influence several aspects of playing:

• Tone color (bright vs mellow)

• Air requirements

• Ease of playing in tune

• Volume

• Durability and weight

While design and craftsmanship matter more than material alone, material does affect how an ocarina feels and responds.

Plastic Ocarina: Lightweight and Durable

The plastic soprano ocarina is the least expensive option in this comparison, and it’s also the lightest and most durable.

Pros:

• Very durable and travel-friendly

• Lightweight

• Great for outdoor playing, beginners, and casual use

• Often available in themed designs (such as Zelda-themed ocarinas), which also makes it fun for collectors

Tone & Playability:

• Requires a bit more care to play in tune

• Tone is slightly breathier than the others

• With proper air control and practice, intonation is absolutely achievable

While the tone may sound less refined to trained ears, the plastic ocarina still has its place—especially for beginners, travel, and everyday use.

Ceramic Ocarina: Balanced and Visually Striking

The ceramic soprano ocarina offers a nice middle ground between affordability and refinement.

Pros:

• Visually appealing designs

• Easier to play in tune than plastic

• More refined tone than plastic

Tone & Playability:

• Requires more air than purple clay

• Less breathy tone than plastic

• Tonally closer to purple clay than plastic

Ceramic ocarinas are often a great step up for players who want better tone quality without moving into higher price ranges.

Purple Clay Ocarina: Warm, Mellow, and Comfortable

The purple clay soprano ocarina stood out for its low air requirements and comfortable feel.

Pros:

• Requires the least amount of air

• Easier to keep in tune on higher notes

• Slightly softer volume

• Darker, more mellow tone

• Matte finish offers excellent grip

Because it takes less air to play, long phrases feel more comfortable. This makes purple clay a favorite among players who prioritize tone control and comfort. The natural clay aesthetic also appeals to those who appreciate simple, organic design.

Porcelain Ocarina: Bright, Loud, and Elegant

The porcelain soprano ocarina is the most expensive option in this group and delivers a noticeably different playing experience.

Pros:

• Bright, clear, and projecting tone

• Loudest of the four

• Elegant, refined appearance

Tone & Playability:

• Requires the most air

• Harder to sustain long phrases due to air demand

• Brighter and more piercing sound than the others

Porcelain ocarinas are excellent if you want a strong, clear projection—especially for performance situations where volume and brightness help the instrument cut through.

Final Thoughts: Which Ocarina Material Is Best?

There’s no single “best” material—each type of soprano ocarina serves a different purpose:

• Plastic: Best for durability, travel, and beginners

• Ceramic: A balanced step up in tone and refinement

• Purple Clay: Great for control, comfort, and mellow tone

• Porcelain: Ideal for bright, loud projection and performance

It’s also important to remember that individual instruments vary, even within the same model and material. Two ocarinas made by the same maker can still feel and sound slightly different.

Which One Did You Like Best?

Did one of these materials stand out to you? Could you hear the tonal differences? Personal preference plays a huge role in choosing an ocarina, and the “best” one is ultimately the one that feels and sounds right to you.

If you’re shopping for a soprano ocarina, this kind of comparison is a great way to narrow down what characteristics matter most to you—tone, comfort, volume, or durability.

Happy playing 🎶