Sunday, October 31, 2010
10/31/10 update - Firing
Sorry for the long absence, everyone! It's been an absolutely crazy time - you wouldn't believe! It's been hard just managing to keep up with TON, let alone updating blogs.
Okay, so lets see, where to start... well, for starters, I haven't been home for -ages-. At first I was expecting only a short trip to Hua Hin and then Bangkok - which in itself was already taking up too much time than what I was comfortable with - but then my dear old Great Aunt died. :/
No, no need for condolences, as she was over 110 years old (I'm being serious here - the only reason I didn't give an exact age is because our whole family lost count). No one was particularly sad. Don't get me wrong, we all loved her, but it was really just time for her to go, y'know? No one wants to live that long.
And so, my return to my cozy home had been delayed because of I had to attend what was quite possibly the most cheerful funeral I'll ever attend. While there, up in the North-East extremities of Thailand, the rest of my family convinced my to stay for the Buddhist day festivities, some weeks from the funeral (along with other things afterward. Famly stuff). I really ought to have declined and gone back home... but they're my family, they're important to me, and I really don't do enough with them as is. At this point I'm stressed. I should have been home two months ago, working away... I bet I've got so many impatient people waiting to tear me a new one...
ANYWAY, thankfully, my secondary workshop is also here, and an ample supply of clay. While it's uncomfortable, at least I can do what I do best. I currently have a few of them firing! One has been paid for in advance while five others will be getting sold. These are real beauts, I tell you. Lovely sound on each and every one. Also going to be experimenting with a unique firing method, so wish me luck with that!
Also, I understand that people are eager to see some multichamber ocarinas from me. Well, I apologize for hiding them from you all, but I am just such a picky perfectionist that I want only my best to be seen. Lousy habit, I know. Here, let me see what I can find for you guys.
Anyway, thank you to everyone for reading and for being patient! Goodness knows all these delays are driving me absolutely crazy. :/
Take care.
Okay, so lets see, where to start... well, for starters, I haven't been home for -ages-. At first I was expecting only a short trip to Hua Hin and then Bangkok - which in itself was already taking up too much time than what I was comfortable with - but then my dear old Great Aunt died. :/
No, no need for condolences, as she was over 110 years old (I'm being serious here - the only reason I didn't give an exact age is because our whole family lost count). No one was particularly sad. Don't get me wrong, we all loved her, but it was really just time for her to go, y'know? No one wants to live that long.
And so, my return to my cozy home had been delayed because of I had to attend what was quite possibly the most cheerful funeral I'll ever attend. While there, up in the North-East extremities of Thailand, the rest of my family convinced my to stay for the Buddhist day festivities, some weeks from the funeral (along with other things afterward. Famly stuff). I really ought to have declined and gone back home... but they're my family, they're important to me, and I really don't do enough with them as is. At this point I'm stressed. I should have been home two months ago, working away... I bet I've got so many impatient people waiting to tear me a new one...
ANYWAY, thankfully, my secondary workshop is also here, and an ample supply of clay. While it's uncomfortable, at least I can do what I do best. I currently have a few of them firing! One has been paid for in advance while five others will be getting sold. These are real beauts, I tell you. Lovely sound on each and every one. Also going to be experimenting with a unique firing method, so wish me luck with that!
Also, I understand that people are eager to see some multichamber ocarinas from me. Well, I apologize for hiding them from you all, but I am just such a picky perfectionist that I want only my best to be seen. Lousy habit, I know. Here, let me see what I can find for you guys.
A Panch triple in the key of Alto C.
Panch double in Soprano Eb. Sadly, this one is still moist and so cannot be fired yet. Next firing, though!
Anyway, thank you to everyone for reading and for being patient! Goodness knows all these delays are driving me absolutely crazy. :/
Take care.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Prices?
I've had this question a few times from people, so I am giving a list of pricing details which I am currently working with. Currently, custom orders are closed, so this price list should give people something to think about until then.
Occasionally I would put up an ocarina with a price-tag that may be higher or lower than that of my regular price - for instance, the ocarina which I had placed for sale earlier went for $130 despite not being undercut. This is due to special differences in each ocarina - as an example, the last one had a very special tonal quality I loved and admittedly I was not too keen on parting with it (though I'm now glad it's going to an ocarina-loving person who will hopefully give it a better home and use it to its fullest potential).
Thank you for reading, and for those interested in my instruments; have a think about this price list for the time being. I will be opening commissions in due time.
All the best,
Panch
12-hole ocarina in the key of Alto C
Straw-fired instrument - $100This is a basic ocarina which comes without undercut holes, meaning that they can be a bit large at the higher end of the scale.
Undercut - + $20Undercutting is the process of making holes in a manner which makes them smaller. Undercuts are especially good for small hands which may have difficulty covering the holes. All of my personal ocarinas are undercut, which I - despite my larger fingers - prefer both aesthetically and in practice. I feel it makes a large difference to the comfort and playability of an ocarina.
Split holes - + $5 per hole (specify holes to be split)When a fingering hole is split into two holes for aesthetic and practical reasons. This allows for the player to more conveniently half-hole rather than to memorize and utilize accidentals - those who utilize accidentals without concern, such as myself, may still prefer some fingering holes to be split for the touch of sophistication it lends, aesthetically.
Ovular holes - + $5 per hole (specify holes to be elongated)Those with thinner fingers or a unique sense of style may opt for a more elongated hole, extending it in the same direction as your fingers and therefore making the hole thinner and easier to cover. Only a short extension can go a long way in thinning a fingering hole.
Subhole positioningI much prefer the visuals and practicality of single-handed subholes, played using the right index and middle finger. Those who do not feel the same way can request another common subhole placement where the left and right middle fingers are each used to play a subhole. I offer this free of charge.
Occasionally I would put up an ocarina with a price-tag that may be higher or lower than that of my regular price - for instance, the ocarina which I had placed for sale earlier went for $130 despite not being undercut. This is due to special differences in each ocarina - as an example, the last one had a very special tonal quality I loved and admittedly I was not too keen on parting with it (though I'm now glad it's going to an ocarina-loving person who will hopefully give it a better home and use it to its fullest potential).
Thank you for reading, and for those interested in my instruments; have a think about this price list for the time being. I will be opening commissions in due time.
All the best,
Panch
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Baffles, anyone?
So, I've been looking around on Ocarinaclub and I decided that I really want to experiment with baffles.
For those who don't know, baffles are walls build inside an ocarina (normally around the voicing) to isolate the voicing from the fingering holes - which generates stronger acoustic energy, which could mean stronger, non-airy high notes! I concentrate on really strong, bold low notes, which means my high notes can sometimes be a little difficult to play without practice... maybe if I get this baffle thing down pat, then the ocarina will be perfect?
So! Has anyone played around with these before? I know that at least two makers (Dunster and Spencer) have used them, so there's definitely success stories to be told there. On top of that, many Xuns have been using them for centuries! Unfortunately, I don't know what Dunster's or Spencer's look like, so I'll just have to build one from scratch - though that's how I made my first ocarina, so I really shouldn't complain.
If anyone has any thoughts on baffles or have tried them/wanted to try them before, be sure to give me your thoughts!
I think I'll go run off to make one now, actually...
For those who don't know, baffles are walls build inside an ocarina (normally around the voicing) to isolate the voicing from the fingering holes - which generates stronger acoustic energy, which could mean stronger, non-airy high notes! I concentrate on really strong, bold low notes, which means my high notes can sometimes be a little difficult to play without practice... maybe if I get this baffle thing down pat, then the ocarina will be perfect?
So! Has anyone played around with these before? I know that at least two makers (Dunster and Spencer) have used them, so there's definitely success stories to be told there. On top of that, many Xuns have been using them for centuries! Unfortunately, I don't know what Dunster's or Spencer's look like, so I'll just have to build one from scratch - though that's how I made my first ocarina, so I really shouldn't complain.
If anyone has any thoughts on baffles or have tried them/wanted to try them before, be sure to give me your thoughts!
I think I'll go run off to make one now, actually...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Pay no attention. I'm rambling.
Oh man oh man oh man have I got a brilliant idea!
Gonna write this down so I don't forget it.
Now, before I go on, I ought to explain what DymondWood is for those who don't know.
DymondWood is a wood/plastic composite, where various layers of wood are impregnated with resin before being layered and compressed together until it's about half its original thickness under intense pressure and heat! The resulting compound has the look and feel of natural hardwood, but is very, very strong, and is resistant to water, shrinkage, expansion and mold. All in all, it sounds like a super-wood to me - though I'll be doing some research into this myself to make sure it's all it's cracked up to be. :)
There's a particular type of DymondWood I'm thinking about with this design - called Charcoal Silvertone.
Google images only turned up images of bows, so I guess it's popular for that. Anyway, take a look at this wood!
Now, isn't that just one of the most beautiful things you've seen? That color is just so subtle and classy! Off-gray, with that beautiful, even grain. An ocarina made from this would be epic to say the least.
I want to make a triple ocarina out of this stuff, and then inlay Paua shells around the fingering holes, rimming (or outlining) them similarly to how Sincere Ocarinas rims their fingering holes with gold lustre. Picture to come on that soon.
This is a Paua shell, by the way!
Now, why the heck do I want to inlay a a shell like that around the fingering holes and in my subhole grooves?
They aren't particularly beautiful, aren't they...?
Maybe not like this - but get a load of how they look when you polish them.
Yeah, I thought so too.
This is going to be one of my prized personal ocarinas when I get around to making it! I can't wait!
Gonna write this down so I don't forget it.
Now, before I go on, I ought to explain what DymondWood is for those who don't know.
DymondWood is a wood/plastic composite, where various layers of wood are impregnated with resin before being layered and compressed together until it's about half its original thickness under intense pressure and heat! The resulting compound has the look and feel of natural hardwood, but is very, very strong, and is resistant to water, shrinkage, expansion and mold. All in all, it sounds like a super-wood to me - though I'll be doing some research into this myself to make sure it's all it's cracked up to be. :)
There's a particular type of DymondWood I'm thinking about with this design - called Charcoal Silvertone.
Google images only turned up images of bows, so I guess it's popular for that. Anyway, take a look at this wood!
Now, isn't that just one of the most beautiful things you've seen? That color is just so subtle and classy! Off-gray, with that beautiful, even grain. An ocarina made from this would be epic to say the least.
I want to make a triple ocarina out of this stuff, and then inlay Paua shells around the fingering holes, rimming (or outlining) them similarly to how Sincere Ocarinas rims their fingering holes with gold lustre. Picture to come on that soon.
This is a Paua shell, by the way!
 |
| Cute, isn't it? |
Now, why the heck do I want to inlay a a shell like that around the fingering holes and in my subhole grooves?
They aren't particularly beautiful, aren't they...?
Maybe not like this - but get a load of how they look when you polish them.
 |
| ... |
Yeah, I thought so too.
This is going to be one of my prized personal ocarinas when I get around to making it! I can't wait!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
9/13/2010 update - Commissioned ocarina!
Okay, so as some of you know, a while ago my kiln decided to be difficult and stop doing what I tell it to. Good news is that this gets fixed in October/November. Bad news is?
I was supposed to be firing an ocarina someone had commissioned.
So I earned a little bit of cash doing other things for a few months, and that's allowed me to come in possession of a few tools I've been eying for some time! Namely, a drill, belt sander, jigsaw, files, wood-carving knives, and then some. I'm assuming most people will guess where this is leading.
That's right. Wooden ocarina time.
I care a lot about those who seek my services being happy with me, so to make up for the lengthy wait, I decided to simply make a new, prettier and decidedly more valuable ocarina free of charge in place of the clay one sitting in my workshop and is now probably weather-damaged. Here is a progress snapshot - I only really started today, though yesterday I was more or less fiddling around with wood and being experimental.
Regrettably, I don't know what type of woods these are. The dealer here only speaks Thai and it was hassle enough trying to establish that it was safe to use as a musical instrument, let alone get information on the specific types of wood that he likely only knows the Thai names of.
The shape is a distortion of my regular ACs, inspired in part by elongated ocarinas by artists such as Chen Ching. The wood I have is too thin (about .75") so I had to layer more wood over it, similarly to the banding on Charlie Hind's ocarinas. I have a few scruples with this, as I feel that banding is Mr. Hind's "thing", so to speak, so chances are I won't be making ocarinas in this fashion too often unless I'm commissioned to. Though my first batch of wooden instruments would be done in this style until the woods run out.
As for how I'm finding the wood to work with? I am pleasantly surprised. With the right tools, wood isn't very difficult to work with at all. It takes a bit of getting used to, though. I'm quite sure beyond any reasonable doubt that I am more than capable of producing a voicing just as or perhaps more capable than those of my ceramic ocarinas. Wood is also more easily adjustable than clay and is therefore more versatile in ocarina making - which means that should I continue with wood, I would easily be able to accommodate custom orders for key and breath pressure.
My biggest issue is that I don't have enough money for purchasing a router. About $110 USD ($150 if I include the various router bits) so I need to carve the interior chamber by hand. It's a real killer I tell you - especially since this ocarinas' interior chamber is huge (it's an Eb tenor)! This will take me a couple of weeks to do at least.
Tell me what you think about the ocarina and my pre-order idea, guys! Thanks a lot for coming to look.
I was supposed to be firing an ocarina someone had commissioned.
So I earned a little bit of cash doing other things for a few months, and that's allowed me to come in possession of a few tools I've been eying for some time! Namely, a drill, belt sander, jigsaw, files, wood-carving knives, and then some. I'm assuming most people will guess where this is leading.
That's right. Wooden ocarina time.
I care a lot about those who seek my services being happy with me, so to make up for the lengthy wait, I decided to simply make a new, prettier and decidedly more valuable ocarina free of charge in place of the clay one sitting in my workshop and is now probably weather-damaged. Here is a progress snapshot - I only really started today, though yesterday I was more or less fiddling around with wood and being experimental.
 |
| My apologies for the quality of the picture. Webcam snapshot. |
Regrettably, I don't know what type of woods these are. The dealer here only speaks Thai and it was hassle enough trying to establish that it was safe to use as a musical instrument, let alone get information on the specific types of wood that he likely only knows the Thai names of.
The shape is a distortion of my regular ACs, inspired in part by elongated ocarinas by artists such as Chen Ching. The wood I have is too thin (about .75") so I had to layer more wood over it, similarly to the banding on Charlie Hind's ocarinas. I have a few scruples with this, as I feel that banding is Mr. Hind's "thing", so to speak, so chances are I won't be making ocarinas in this fashion too often unless I'm commissioned to. Though my first batch of wooden instruments would be done in this style until the woods run out.
As for how I'm finding the wood to work with? I am pleasantly surprised. With the right tools, wood isn't very difficult to work with at all. It takes a bit of getting used to, though. I'm quite sure beyond any reasonable doubt that I am more than capable of producing a voicing just as or perhaps more capable than those of my ceramic ocarinas. Wood is also more easily adjustable than clay and is therefore more versatile in ocarina making - which means that should I continue with wood, I would easily be able to accommodate custom orders for key and breath pressure.
My biggest issue is that I don't have enough money for purchasing a router. About $110 USD ($150 if I include the various router bits) so I need to carve the interior chamber by hand. It's a real killer I tell you - especially since this ocarinas' interior chamber is huge (it's an Eb tenor)! This will take me a couple of weeks to do at least.
I'm thinking of perhaps offering a pre-ordered wooden AC for $250... the person contacts me, orders one, and pays for it straight away, and I make it and ship it to him in a month or something like that. I could use the money I get from that purchase to buy myself a router to work on both of these... Is this a good idea?
Tell me what you think about the ocarina and my pre-order idea, guys! Thanks a lot for coming to look.
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