The ocarina is one of the world’s oldest wind instruments, with a history believed to span over 12,000 years. Variations of ocarina-type vessel flutes appeared independently in ancient cultures, most notably in ancient China and Mesoamerica, where they were traditionally made from clay and used for music, ceremony, and storytelling.
Over centuries, the instrument evolved into many shapes and tuning systems. The modern 12-hole ocarina, especially in Alto C, became the most widely adopted format because it offers a full melodic range while remaining accessible to beginners.
This 12-hole Alto C ocarina is professionally crafted from kiln-fired ceramic and finished with a smooth, durable glaze. Carefully tuned for accuracy and balance, it produces a warm, clear tone with excellent resonance across the full range.
Designed to be beginner-friendly yet expressive, the ocarina is easy to learn. Its fingering system is similar to that of a recorder, making it intuitive for first-time players, while offering a richer, more lyrical sound and a uniquely sculptural form.
About the Brand: Fengya / Focalink / Stein
Fengya, Focalink, and Stein all refer to the same manufacturer — one of the world’s largest and most established ocarina makers.
Based in Taiwan, this workshop has specialised exclusively in ocarinas for decades and is widely regarded as a global benchmark for tuning accuracy, consistency, and playability. Their instruments are used by beginners, educators, and professional players worldwide and are frequently recommended in teaching environments.
This manufacturer is also an OEM supplier for a number of well-known international ocarina brands. While branding, accessories, and packaging may differ, the core instrument itself — including the ceramic body, firing process, tuning standards, and quality control — remains the same. The ocarina itself is identical in quality, tuning, and sound.
Rose Series
The Rose Series is one of the most popular and widely loved beginner ocarina designs from Focalink/Stein. Known for its elegant rose motif and consistently beautiful tone, this model is frequently praised across social media and player communities for both its sound and playability.
This series is available in three colour options — Black, Pink, and Teal — offering a choice between classic and more expressive looks while maintaining the same high-quality instrument underneath.
The body shape is comfortable, well balanced, and easy to hold, making it especially suitable for beginners and smaller hands. It feels secure during play and forgiving during finger transitions, which helps new players build confidence quickly.
The finger hole placement and contour are carefully refined, allowing the holes to sit naturally under the fingers and making them easier to seal properly. This improves tone stability and reduces common beginner issues such as airy or unstable notes.
While a brown rose version is also produced, we chose the cleaner, plain design for this listing. This gives players the option to enjoy the same trusted sound and playability with a simpler, more understated look, for those who prefer a less decorative aesthetic.
Why We Chose the Fengya Version
Among all versions produced by the same manufacturer, the Fengya release offers the widest range of colours and design finishes. Just as importantly, it includes the most comprehensive instruction booklet we have seen on the market.
Although the booklet is in Chinese, the diagrams, fingering charts, playing techniques, care instructions, practice exercises, and song tabs are clear, visual, and genuinely useful — far more detailed than the single-page pamphlets commonly included with ocarinas sold in many English-speaking countries.
We include the original Fengya instruction booklet in the box and also provide our own English explanation and guidance alongside it, so you benefit from both the depth of the original material and clear English support.
By shipping via container sea freight directly from China, rather than small air shipments, we significantly reduce freight costs. This allows us to offer the same high-quality ocarina, with better learning materials, at a more accessible price — without compromising on tuning, sound, or craftsmanship.
Ocarina in China: A Serious Classical Instrument
In China, the ocarina is not a novelty instrument. It has a large, established playing community, with dedicated schools, professional teachers, and a formal graded examination system similar in structure to AMEB/ABRSM for piano or violin.
Students can study ocarina from beginner levels through to advanced grades. From around Grade 4 onwards, the technique becomes increasingly complex and demanding, requiring precise breath control, articulation, tuning stability, and refined musical expression.
Because of this education system, ocarinas produced for school and examination use are built to a much higher standard. Manufacturers like Fengya / Focalink / Stein developed their instruments within this environment, which is why their quality is so consistent and widely trusted.
Tips for a Beautiful Sound
- Use articulation, not just air. Gently shape the sound with your tongue, as if saying “to” or “do,” to help notes start cleanly.
- Keep airflow steady and relaxed. Avoid forcing air; let the sound speak naturally.
- Adjust breath pressure for different notes. Lower notes need gentler air, higher notes slightly more support.
- Make sure finger holes are fully covered. Even a small gap can affect tuning.
- Warm up the instrument with a few minutes of gentle playing.
Care, Cleaning & Storage
- After playing, gently wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
- Allow the ocarina to air-dry before storing.
- Do not rinse or submerge the ocarina in water.
- Store in the included padded bag when not in use.
- Avoid drops or knocks, as ceramic instruments are naturally fragile.
With proper care and relaxed playing technique, this ocarina will reward you with a beautiful, expressive sound for many years.
What’s Included
- 12-Hole Alto C Ocarina
- Wrist string / strap to wrap around your hand, helping prevent accidental drops when adjusting finger positions while playing.
- Black padded travel bag for safe storage and easy transport.
- Original Fengya instruction booklet with clear diagrams, fingering charts, practice exercises, song tabs, and care instructions, plus our own English guidance provided alongside.
Ocarina 12 Hole Alto C Teal - I purchased it for its $10 discount over a Stein Rose model. Despite its slightly lower price tag, and (assumed) different brand, it plays really well. Even as a complete beginner, I was able to play in tune, with a linear, comfortable breath curve, and even pull off some extended range techniques by Milt. 10/10 for its price and appearance. It came with a basic padded carry bag, beaded strap, and fingering chart/song book.
Minor nitpicks:
1) i did not realise at first, that it was not itself a Stein model (box labeled made in china, seemed generic), as the landing page for ocarinas stated "we proudly carry Focalink Stein (Fengya) ocarinas" which at first read I thought that the whole range was by Stein. Thats partially my fault though, so no stars deducted.
2) The photos of the teal model appear to be AI or slightly modified? It would not hurt to have real photos representing the model, so that folks are not deceived about how it looks. e.g. the crackle glaze pattern in reality is a lot more dense than the edited photos. The photos do not affect the performance of the instrument though so no stars deducted.
The Rose series by Focalink is a beautiful ocarina. I love the cracked pottery look on the teal model. Tone is beautiful particularly on the high notes.
This is a beautiful bass c ocarina; it has a lovely tone. For a beginner it’s a bit of a challenge to get use to (it’s bigger and much heavier than alto c), but with regular practice it gets better. Most importantly it’s perfectly in tune. I’m happy with my purchase
An amazing, high-quality instrument delivered with excellent customer service. The staff assisted me in making a terrific selection. I couldn't be happier!
Little Kalimba Shop came to my rescue today with their speedy processing time and allowing me to pick up same day. This ocarina look beautiful, sounds amazing and everything you did to support me and brighten my day allowed me to accompany my ukulele group with this gorgeous instrument adding a little flare to our music tonight! I'm looking forward to making more memories with this amazing instrument in gigs!
A beautiful instrument, no cracks or scratches. Comes with a little velvet bag, and a beaded cord.
Low and mid notes play beautifully smooth, but the top notes can be more difficult to manage.
Overall an amazing Ocarina that’s clearly well made and of higher quality.
Had a great experience with Melodic Forest. Hankered after a bass, which arrived quickly and is a beautiful sounding instrument. Can’t play much yet, but a quality ocarina is a wonderful thing that can do so much, from slow and other-worldly to jaunty and dashing. Thank you!
My heart was filled with joy when my ocarina arrived in the mail. I love the sound when I play it, and when I hold it, it feels so right. It is truly a beautiful instrument. Thank you, Melodic Forest, for the support and encouragement. Thank you for creating such a beautiful space.
Store owner replied:
Hi Angela,
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your ocarina.
The Focalink Stein series is widely regarded as an industry benchmark for tuning accuracy and is considered one of the most accurately tuned ocarinas available.
Could you please send us a short video of you playing it? We'd like to rule out any transit damage. If the instrument was damaged during shipping and developed a crack, that could certainly affect the sound, although this is quite rare.
Other than transit damage, it is very unlikely that the tuning itself is incorrect. Ocarina is a proper musical instrument and requires correct technique, including breath control, fingering, airflow, and articulation. Unlike many other sound healing instruments, it does not automatically sound good without practice. Even a professional-quality $300 ocarina can sound like a plastic recorder if played with incorrect technique.
Once we receive a video, we'll be happy to have a look and provide some tips to help you get the sound the instrument is designed to produce. If we identify a genuine quality issue or shipping damage, we will of course provide a refund or replacement.
Kind regards,
Tiffany
Very high quality and I love the storage bag that is included. Beautiful sound and look.
My first ocarina. After about 1 hours practice I can play a few songs. I find it easy to play, comfy to hold, no trouble getting enough air to make the alto F sing well. The sound is beautiful. It would sound even better in a room with good acoustics or with a microphone. Very similar fingerings to a recorder so its quite intuitive for me. Im very happy with my purchase. Ill be buying an alto C and probably a bass ocarina soon. The ocarina can play two full octaves of notes which is half an octave less than a recorder, although the highest recorder notes are difficult to play well and very high pitched. Im using my recorder book 1 and that's working just fine for learning ocarina. If you can, buy an ocarina!
Once again, Melodic Forest has delivered.
The parcel arrived, the ocarina wrapped in many protective layers. I was so excited to open the parcel as I could hardly wait to see and hold my new ocarina. Then I "played" it, and my heart filled with joy. I look forward to my music time every day.
I know I am a beginner but it just sounds airy and you can’t hear any difference between the notes. Nothing like the sample sound obviously that was a different instrument. Since writing this review the company has got back to me and I now know I had the wrong technique. So for any people reading this review please be aware that it isn’t the easiest instrument to pick up but worth it if you put in the effort
This is great, beautiful to hold and play. The video i watched said it can take years to master this, now I understand. Some of the notes, when I get them steady, feel soothing, in an ancient way.
Ordering was as easy as can be and delivery was super fast (even living in regional WA!) I loved the packaging and the cord, which I think would look equally good as a necklace (I did not like hanging the Okarina around my neck).
I used to play the recorder 55 years ago. I found the Ocarina very similar in the fingering. It will take a while to really "get" it, but I am looking forward to the journey!
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