Today I’m taking a look at a different kind of videogame collectible, a musical instrument. Naturally, this is not just any musical instrument, but arguably one of the most famous musical instruments in videogames, the ocarina. This particular ocarina is modeled after the one found in the videogame where most of us were first exposed to this 12,000-year-old wind musical instrument, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) for the Nintendo 64. The 2011 release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS only helped to increase the instrument’s modern day popularity.

The box the ocarina comes in.

CLD Brands’ ocarina is made from kiln-fired ceramic, covered in a dark blue glaze, with a platinum glaze around the Triforce symbol (the three joined, equilateral triangles from The Legend of Zelda series). Handcrafted and tuned, the 12 hole ocarina you receive can easily pass for a high quality instrument.

The front of the ocarina.

The ocarina measures approximately 6.3in/16cm in length, 1.6in/4cm in height, and 3.9in/10cm in width. It’s a great beginner’s instrument since it’s relatively easy to hold and doesn’t require a huge time commitment to start playing simple songs.

Packaging-wise, you get the ocarina itself, along with a mini manual that includes sample songs, a registration post card, as well as what I can assume is an instrument strap (it’s more like a purple shoelace). Presumably this strap goes through the holes at the sides of the Triforce symbol.

The rear of the ocarina.

As for playing, all purchasers get sent a free PDF manual, Just Call Me Ocarina, which is an expansion of the mini manual. Just Call Me Ocarina includes information on history, manufacturing, and how to play, as well as sample songs to get started. These sample songs include well known arrangements like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Scarborough Fair,” as well as a nice surprise or two, like “Zelda’s Lullaby.”

You can see a bit more about the instrument in my quick look video below:

An Ocarina Ceramic Hand Shaped Display Stand, as well as an Ocarina Waterproof Padded Carry Case are also available if you want to accessorize your ocarina. You can get 90% off the former by following the instructions from the included post card or at the end of the PDF manual.

Although not an official Nintendo product, and thus taking more than a few liberties by associating itself with the Zelda franchise, from the feel to the build quality to the sound, this ocarina nevertheless receives my highest recommendation. It’s easy to play and a fun diversion, Zelda association or not.

Thanks to CLD Brands for the review unit.