Read what others have to say
Below are just some of the thousands of testimonials received over the years:
“Charlie Hind is a Master Craftsman by every definition of the term. His
ability to engineer these wooden sweet potatoes is unmatched anywhere in the
world, and his technical expertise in making musical instruments is among a rare
breed. As an expert woodworker myself, I am amazed at the superior fit and
finish of his wooden sweet potato ocarina. It has an almost magical feel. This
ocarina is a wooden treasure, and the Museum would do well to acquire one for
its collection.”
--Lee Chesson, Board Member of The North Carolina Museum of Traditional Pottery
"Your hand-carved sweet potato ocarina arrived today safe 'n' sound. It is a
beautiful-looking and beautiful-sounding instrument; I love it! It's already on
display...I've been comparing yours to my (other maker) ocarinas. I notice they
have a slight "breathiness" when playing the very highest notes, whereas yours
responds absolutely clearly and effortlessly throughout its range."
“This is an outstanding instrument. The workmanship is second to none. All the
notes of my tenor ocarina are tuned perfectly, and the wood imparts a much
warmer quality and tone than other materials. The enclosed fingering sheet is
easy to understand even if you are not particularly musically inclined and even
if you don't read music at all. I would not hesitate a moment ordering again.
The cost is very reasonable considering the years of pleasure you can expect
from this wonderfully sounding, portable instrument."
"I just wanted to let you know that I received the Soprano Sweet Potato
today. It is really beautiful and sounds great. I don't know what I am doing yet
but love the tone I hear when I blow into it. So many ocarinas are annoying when
you hear the high notes. Not this one. Your workmanship is amazing too. I love
it. And thanks for sending it so fast."
"I received the Alto, absolutely stunning! Superb quality as usual with
beautiful tone. Thanks kindly!"
"I bought one of your teeny-tiny ocarinas at a craft show in Myrtle Beach some
years ago and have enjoyed it very much. Time to get one with a deeper more
mellow sound. I exalt in your craftsmanship and musicianship...the intonation
was perfect even on that very small ocarina. You give a great gift to the world.
Thank you.
PS. I just ordered a tenor. Yeehaw!"
“The craftsmanship of your work is superb, and they are truly works of
functional art. Thank you again for your kindness and courtesy."
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for building a beautiful
instrument. I bought your double ocarina and am continually astonished by your
creation. I have played a number of ocarinas and the intonation is always
questionable. I cannot imagine how you got the two chambers to be so well in
tune. The unisons are perfect! I also love the tone quality, and the fingerings
are all very comfortable. The wood is beautiful; the feel of the mouthpiece is
wonderful. A perfect instrument! I am a composer and one of my hobbies is
designing and building instruments. Your Double Ocarina is an inspiration to me!
Thank you!”
"The Tenor Ocarina is absolutely the most beautiful and finely crafted
instrument I've ever seen. The quality of construction, the perfection of sound,
and the attention to detail is so evident in your workmanship.”
“I appreciate your friendly and professional communication and the way you
personally offer any additional assistance and education to help your clients be
totally pleased with their purchase.”
“My husband, a professional musician, was so happy to receive your ocarina as a
gift from me and has been playing it ever since! The accompanying drawstring bag
is a special touch, and the songbooks I ordered from you are just terrific. I
originally bought this for myself, but gave it to my husband as an anniversary
gift because I remembered how much HE wanted one FIRST! Well, now I want one of
your gorgeous wooden ocarinas--and I'm about to order it! I'm recommending your
products to everyone who wants to enjoy playing an AWESOME instrument lovingly
made by a master craftsman. Thank you so much."
"Thank you for the fast delivery. Your bass ocarina is the nicest looking
instrument that I have ever held in my hands. Thank you very much.”
"I received the tenor ocarina on Friday, and it is a beautiful creation. It's
amazing that someone is doing something this creative and unusual with such high
standards. The quality and tone are excellent. I'm generally "picky" about such
things. This instrument is beautifully made; I have no complaint whatsoever. I
have played with it since it came. I've gone through the songs in the book I
purchased with it. I'm going to enjoy this for a long time."
