STL Ocarina (Musical Instrument) Review and Giveaway!!!

Spectacular Gift Shopping Guide!!!

Day 14!!

If you're looking for a unique gift, or an inexpensive musical gift for someone, I have just the thing...an Ocarina from STL Ocarina! "What is an Ocarina?" you ask? Well, it is somewhat like a recorder, but more unique, and very pretty sounding!


"The ocarina is an ancient instrument. The first known ocarina-like instrument appear about 12000 years ago. The ocarina’s origins can be traced back to many different cultures. In South and Central America, the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas all developed and performed on clay ocarinas which were often shaped like birds or animals. Ocarinas shaped like birds and animals could also be found in India as early as 5000 BC. China had its own form of ocarina called a Xun which was more rounded and egg-like in shape.  
During the first and second World Wars, servicemen often were provided with a pocket-sized ocarina to boost moral. As a result, the ocarina gained popularity in America as well as in Europe. However, due to rising interest in the recorder, the ocarina soon became unknown to the general public. The ocarina has also gained recognition in Asia, particularly in Japan, thanks to the efforts of ocarina master Sojiro. He has released several recordings and continues to perform internationally."


Let me tell you, the Ocarina makes beautiful music! If you don't believe me, listen to the first 15 seconds of this video!

I was sent 2 Ocarinas for review: a 12 Hole Plastic Soprano Ocarina for Beginners, and the 4-Hole Blue Dolphin Ocarina. Both of these are more for beginners, and come with fingering charts to help learn how to play. I liked that they also have neck straps attached, so you can carry the Ocarina around with you and practice whenever you feel like it! I haven't learned a whole song yet, but I am working on it...hopefully soon I'll get it down! It seems very easy to learn, and both my little sisters have enjoyed playing with the Blue Dolphin Ocarina! 

This would make an excellent gift for someone who is already interested in musical instruments, or perhaps even someone who isn't...I mean, who wouldn't enjoy being able to make beautiful music on a lovely little instrument like the Ocarina?! There are so many benefits...inexpensive, small, easy-to-learn...yet it really does sound gorgeous!


STL Ocarina offers many types of Ocarinas, in a variety of colors, shapes and player levels! You can also get online Ocarina lessons!

STL Ocarina is giving an Ocarina and Guidebook to one of my readers!!

Mandatory Entry-

Go to STL Ocarina and tell me your favorite Ocarina!

Bonus Entries-

2 entries-Become (or be) a public follower of Hope's Cafe. Leave 2 comments.

1 entry-Follow me (Pilgrim86) on Twitter. Leave a comment with your Twitter name.

1 entry-Tweet this giveaway. This may be done once daily. Leave a comment with a link to your Tweet.

1 entry-Enter another of my giveaways. Leave a comment for each giveaway you enter.

3 entries-Blog about this giveaway. Leave 3 comments with a link to your post.

Extra for duration of Spectacular Gift Shopping Guide!!

3 Entries-Add my "Spectacular Gift Shopping Guide" button to your blog sidebar. Leave 3 comments with a link to your blog.

1 entry-Follow STL Ocarina on Twitter. Leave me a comment.

This giveaway ends Monday, November 8, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Please leave a valid email address in each comment, as this is how the winner will be notified. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents only.

Disclaimer:I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review. I did receive product for the purpose of review.  All thoughts and opinions are mine. All quotes taken from the STL Ocarina website.