Post by Walden on Nov 11, 2011 9:53:58 GMT -5
In the 19th Century an experiment was done, and apparently worked, where a clarinet mouthpiece was affixed to a gourd, to form an ocarina-like instrument.
I can see two problems with this. One is moisture accumulation. It would accumulate fast in the body of an instrument like this, and probably require removal of the mouthpiece to dry it out. The second is, the ocarina appeals to beginners and amateurs, but a clarinet takes a while to learn how to make a proper sound with it. I played clarinet in 6th grade band. Even if you didn't, you likely heard those squeaks from the band room, during beginner band practice, or at the Christmas recital, and know what I mean. The fipple-flute is just a lot simpler to get started on.
I can see two problems with this. One is moisture accumulation. It would accumulate fast in the body of an instrument like this, and probably require removal of the mouthpiece to dry it out. The second is, the ocarina appeals to beginners and amateurs, but a clarinet takes a while to learn how to make a proper sound with it. I played clarinet in 6th grade band. Even if you didn't, you likely heard those squeaks from the band room, during beginner band practice, or at the Christmas recital, and know what I mean. The fipple-flute is just a lot simpler to get started on.
