Ocarina Materials Explained: Plastic vs Ceramic vs Purple Clay vs Porcelain

When many people first discover the ocarina, one of the biggest surprises is just how many different materials ocarinas are made from—and how different they can sound. Hearing various ocarinas played back-to-back reveals that each material brings its own unique character to the instrument.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the four main materials used to make ocarinas—plastic, ceramic, purple clay, and porcelain—and explain how each one affects durability, sound, and overall playing experience.

All of the ocarinas featured here are made by STL Ocarina.

Plastic Ocarinas: Durable and Travel-Friendly

Plastic is the most affordable and durable material used for ocarinas. If you’re looking for an instrument you can take anywhere without worrying about damage, plastic is hard to beat.

Why choose plastic?

• Extremely durable and impact-resistant

• Lightweight and easy to carry

• Ideal for travel, outdoor playing, and beginners

• Great option for younger players

Plastic ocarinas are perfect if you want something you can toss in a backpack and take on adventures without stressing about accidental drops.

Ceramic Ocarinas: Clear and Focused Sound

Ceramic is the most common material used for ocarinas. It strikes a balance between beauty, tone quality, and accessibility.

Why choose ceramic?

• Produces a clear, focused, and refined tone

• Available in a wide variety of designs and finishes

• A great step up from plastic for players who want better sound quality

Because ceramic ocarinas are more fragile than plastic, it’s important to handle them with care. If your ocarina comes with a neck strap, using it is strongly recommended—especially when you’re still getting used to the fingerings and hand positions.

Purple Clay Ocarinas: Warm, Professional Tone

Purple clay ocarinas are often considered professional-level instruments. They are prized for their tone quality and expressive potential.

Why choose purple clay?

• Produces a rich, warm, and resonant sound

• Excellent for expressive playing and performance

• Favored by many experienced ocarina players

For many players, purple clay becomes a go-to instrument because of how responsive and musical it feels. The natural clay finish also provides a comfortable grip during longer practice sessions.

Porcelain Ocarinas: Bright, Elegant, and Expressive

Porcelain ocarinas offer a beautifully bright and unique sound with an elegant visual aesthetic.

Why choose porcelain?

• Produces a bright, clear, and projecting tone

• Visually striking with classic blue-and-white or decorative designs

• Well-suited for performance and solo playing

Like purple clay and ceramic, porcelain ocarinas are more fragile than plastic and should be handled with care. Many players enjoy porcelain for its distinctive tone color and refined feel.

Choosing the Right Ocarina Material for You

Each material has its place:

• Plastic: Best for beginners, travel, durability

• Ceramic: Balanced choice for most players

• Purple Clay: Warm, expressive tone for serious players

• Porcelain: Bright, elegant sound for performance and solo work

Your ideal choice depends on what you value most—durability, tone quality, aesthetics, or performance characteristics.

Final Thoughts

Listening to different ocarina materials side by side is one of the best ways to understand how much material affects tone and playing experience. While design and craftsmanship also play major roles, material is often the first big decision players make when choosing an instrument.

If you have questions about which material might suit your playing style or goals, feel free to ask. New ocarina tutorials and reviews are released regularly.

Happy playing 🎶