Another innovation.

 Not exactly at home... but I have an update from a while ago that I ought to post.

Inspired by the Ocarina Club's baffle idea, I set out to experiment with the interior shapes of my ocarinas

For those who don't know, baffles are walls built inside an ocarina to redirect the flow of air in a controlled fashion.
As I concentrate on really strong, bold low notes, that means my high notes can sometimes be a little difficult to play without practice - and experimenting with baffles is a way to get around this.

I don't like to sound pretentious or like a know-it-all... but honestly, I feel that this technique is wasted. It's being used on 10-holes and 12-holes - both of which could already achieve their ranges with careful voicing design... I want to do something no other maker has done yet.

Eventually, after a few experiments, I have come up with my own baffle design - a rather sophisticated one which utilizes multiple baffles of varying sizes and shapes to maximize the acoustics of my ocarinas - and using this, I have created an ocarina with extended range, which plays up to low G to high F without issue or tonal degradation. Upon further experimentation, I have no doubt that I can also make a two-octave single-chamber Alto C.

Three methods for this includes a double thumb-hole, cross-fingered final holes, or a keyed hole. Double thumb-holes can be uncomfortable to fluidly slide, however, and having cross-fingered final holes is something I prefer not to do unless necessary, so I feel I should look into finding keys...

Every time I sit down and think of this, I keep coming up with new ideas - I am certain that before long I will have this down.

The potential and the theory is here - I just need the resources.


Until then, everybody, here's the first innovative use of an advanced baffle system.

 
My next firing is very soon. I look forward to showing you all the finished results.

All the best.