Ergonomics, musical instruments designed for the player

To be ergonomic means that something is designed to fit the human body, and Pure Ocarinas place ergonomics as first priority.

The physical design provides good support points

The ocarina can be challenging to play, as they have two thumb holes, the second of which must be opened without dropping the instrument. Pure ocarinas provide you with good support points to make it easier for you to play the high notes.

How to use the cappello of an ocarina. The right index finger is placed vertically against the body of the ocarina to support it while playing the high notes

Their finger holes are angled to fit the hand

The finger holes on Pure Ocarinas are individually angled to align well with your hand. In particular, the left thumb hole is angled so the finger may rest flat. In order for the 3 point grip to be effective, the left hand must be quite vertical, so the left thumb hole has been angled to make this easier to do.

The right thumb hole is angled to provide positive support to the finger, and a ridge is provided to move the pivot farther from the hole, and make the hole easier to open. The finger hole edges are also softened, to increase player comfort.

A demonstration of correct left hand posture when using the cappello of an ocarina. The hand is oriented vertically, with the left index finger touching the body of the instrument in a vertical orientation. In this position it can effectively support the instrument

The right thumb hole opened by straightening the right thumb, and rolling the finger off the hole

Instrument weight is balanced in two axis for player comfort

Pure Ocarinas are carefully balanced on two planes, primary and secondary. These allow you to support an ocarina with only a few fingers. The balance planes are as follows:

The primary plane runs between the right thumb hole and the right tail of the ocarina. This allows you to support the instrument using only the right thumb and pinky when held parallel to the ground.

The primary balance plane of an ocarina runs between the ocarina's tail (the thin part) and through the right thumb hole. It allows you to support the instrument with only your right thumb and pinky when the instrument is held parallel to the ground

The second plane runs between the left pinky hole and the mouthpiece. Note that this plane can only be used when the pinky hole is placed on the side of the instrument.

The secondary balance plane of an ocarina runs between the mouthpiece and left pinky hole. It is only useable when the pinky hole is placed on the side of the instrument, and allows the ocarina to be supported using just your lips and left pinky. However this plane is normally used in combination with the primary to offer additional support

Supporting an ocarina using the secondary balance plane. The ocarina is balanced between the left pinky hole and lips

The mouthpiece is angled to reduce hand tension, and shaped to fit your lips

The mouthpiece of these ocarinas is angled and long enough to provide good, comfortable hand posture, without squishing your hands too close to your face.

The tip of the mouthpiece is also designed to fit your lips, being thin and having a rounded edge. This is especially useful on multi-chambered ocarinas, as it makes it easier to blow the desired windway.

An ocarina mouthpiece with good ergonomic design should have a rounded edge to match the curvature of the lips, instead of digging into them
Ocarina mouthpieces with a square edge are bad for ergonomics as the human lips are curved, and a square edge will dig into them for no reason

Finishes are chosen to provide great playing feel

As common ocarina playing technique requires sliding fingers over the surface of the instrument, the surface finish of an ocarina effects how it feels to play.

Pure Ocarinas are offered in plain and shellac finishes. As these have a rougher surface, fingers grip less, and sliding movements are thus easier.

Plain finishes have an additional advantage as ocarinas are made from earthenware, which is is porous. This porosity absorbs finger moisture, which keeps them dry and makes sliding movements easier to do.

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