Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026
Summary:
Are you planning to buy an ocarina in the next few daysâor even the next few hours? Are you wondering how much such a wind instrument costs? How much should you invest in this type of flute to be sure youâre getting a quality model that produces clear, crystal-like tones?
I own around twenty ocarinas that Iâve bought over the years, so Iâve had plenty of opportunities to compare many models at very different prices. In this article, Iâll share what Iâve learned to help you choose the right one.
The price of an ocarina depends greatly on its range and the material it is made from. Well-made instruments cost between $40 and $300.
By reading this short article, youâll get a solid idea of what to budget for an ocarina. The following topics will be covered:
- The factors that affect the cost of an ocarina
- The quality of instruments costing less than $30
- Instruments costing between $30 and $60
- Models costing less than $100
- Ocarinas costing more than $100
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently judge whether the deal in front of you is worth pursuing.
Now, let's take a look at the different prices you might find for ocarinas.
What factors cause the price of an ocarina to vary?
While a classic ocarina will never cost several thousand dollars like a piano or certain brands of electric guitars, ocarina prices can still vary widely. The biggest reason for these differences is the instrumentâs pitch range. A standard 12-hole ocarina can only play 22 different notes, which is relatively few compared to other instruments. Thatâs why ocarinas are made in different sizesâso those 22 notes can sit in different registers. The smallest instruments are soprano ocarinas. They produce the highest notes and are usually the most affordable, starting around $40. On the other hand, bass ocarinas are larger and require more material and precision to build. As a result, theyâre more expensive and rarely cost less than $150.
However, range isnât the only factor that influences the price. The material the ocarina is made from is also important. For example, a wooden model will usually cost more than the same design made from clay or ceramic, while plastic ocarinas are generally the most affordable. In addition, the number of holes also matters: a 6-hole ocarina will typically cost far less than a multi-chamber model. Finally, extras like an instruction booklet, sheet music, a protective case, or a display stand can also increase the final price.
Are there any good ocarinas for less than $30?
If your budget is under $30, finding a good-quality 12-hole ocarina can be difficult. A few models do exist at that price point, but tone quality and intonation can be very hit-or-miss. So I donât recommend themâunless you specifically choose a plastic ocarina. Also, donât expect to find a tenor, bass, or multi-chamber model.
That said, itâs absolutely possible to find a solid, good-quality 6-hole ocarina at this price, or even a pendant ocarina. Itâs better to go for a smaller instrument with fewer musical options that still feels good to play.
What about instruments priced between $30 and $60?
In the $30â$60 range, you can find high-quality 12-hole ceramic ocarinas. This is the average price for alto or soprano instruments. Youâll have plenty of designs to choose from, and some packages may include helpful accessories. This is generally the range I recommend to beginners for a first ocarina because it lets you start learning in good conditions without overspending. If you come across more complex models offered at this price, skip themâthe quality usually wonât be there.
What quality of ocarina can you get for a budget of $100?
A $100 budget is very comfortable if you want to buy an ocarina. Youâll have access to higher-end models from well-known brands, plus entry-level solid-wood options. You can also be more selective about the instrumentâs design and choose something a bit more distinctive. Some tenor ocarinas will also be within reach.
However, high-quality bass ocarinas and multi-chamber models will still be out of reach if thatâs what you have your heart set on. In that case, itâs best to plan on a higher budget to get a truly good instrument.
Which instrument should you buy for over $100?
From $100 up to several hundred dollars, you have the opportunity to buy pretty much any ocarina on the market. That means every available range, plus double, triple, and quadruple models with multiple chambers. Bass ocarinas typically sell for around $200 to $300, while double and triple ocarinas usually fall between $150 and $400 outside of sales.
Get an excellent ocarina at an unbeatable price
Because the ocarina is still relatively unknown to the general public, itâs completely normal to have questions when trying to figure out what a fair price really is. But with the guidance youâve found in this article, youâll be able to make the right choice and select a quality ocarina youâll truly enjoy.
Still, itâs worth staying alert: some sellers artificially inflate the prices of low-end models that donât meet the standards you should expect from a proper ocarina. To avoid that, we recommend buying from the online store Instruments du Monde, an ocarina specialist that offers more than 50 models of this wonderful wind instrument. That way, you can be confident youâre paying a fair priceâlike with this beautiful 12-hole model thatâs perfect for beginners.
Enjoy an unforgettable sound experienceâget this ocarina by clicking on the image below:
Can you tell the difference between an ocarina and other types of flutes? Find out now by clicking here, and you'll never confuse these two wind instruments again.
