Conducting Batons

A little history

Since its consolidation as a basic tool of musical direction at the beginning of the s. XIX, the baton has undergone an important evolutionary process in relation to its morphological appearance. The craftsmanship applied to this musical accessory in its beginnings, based on the use of valuable materials and exquisite goldwork details, has been replaced by lightness and balance in a constant ergonomic search that allows an optimal adaptation to the conductor’s hand. From its elaboration in the hands of a master craftsman as a unique and exclusive piece for each director, it has become a mass-produced product by large companies specialized in musical accessories, leading to the depersonalization of the piece. However, there are still luthiers who dedicate their work to the artisanal construction of these accessories, as is our case. At PAEZ MUSIC we carefully take care of each creation as an exclusive and irreplaceable piece that will accompany the musical director’s mastery throughout his musical life.

Our Conducting batons

Despite the fact that throughout the history of the baton this accessory presents disparities in its morphological characteristics, today we find a trend towards its standardization. The modern baton that we work in the PAEZ MUSIC workshops is presented in the following basic form: a generally conical, light rod or shaft with a certain flexibility attached to a superimposed handle in multiple shapes and materials. The configuration of our batons is mainly subject to five basic aspects: shape and size of the grip, size and total length of the accessory, weight, material of construction and flexibility of the rod. Likewise, the balanced state is presented as one of the characteristics most demanded by the community of directors today and that in PAEZ MUSIC we take into account

1. HANDLE

There are multiple Anglo-Saxon terms used to name this part of the baton: bulb, handle, hammer or grip. Its translation into Spanish goes through the handle or handle and is presented as the element in charge of holding the accessory by the director’s hand. For this reason, at PAEZ MUSIC we offer a varied range of shapes with the aim of an optimal adaptation to the hand. The materials most used for its production, due to its lower weight, are cork and wood in its various types.

Although the customization of these accessories was already a fact in the first batons, new technologies allow streamlining and perfecting these processes. A suitable place for this engraving is the handle that, through pyrography or the action of the laser machine, allows the design chosen by the director to be made on its surface. From PAEZ MUSIC we want your baton to be unique and irreplaceable, that is why we offer you the option of engraving your name on the piece.

2. ROD

In English stick or shaft (stick or axis in Spanish, respectively), it is a rod with a mainly conical shape to which the grip is attached and is made of various materials: wood, carbon fiber and fiberglass. Of these materials, fiberglass is the one with the greatest flexibility and resistance. Carbon fiber has a lower grammage, but its flexibility is low and it does not allow a totally conical constitution. Probably, the use of wood represents the most economical and light option in weight, but with the passage of time it may present a certain tendency to bend.

Its measure increases proportionally with the total length of the baton and the diameters of its ends oscillate between 5 mm –on its thickest side–, and 1 mm at the tip. With regard to color, we can lacquer it white for better visualization by musicians in dark performance environments, such as auditoriums. Instead, you can choose to leave it in its natural color.

3. LENGTH

The total length of the baton that we make, which comprises the sum of the rod and the handle, ranges from 300 mm to 450 mm in length (approx.). Currently, we manufacture batons in four lengths: 30, 35, 40 and 45 cm. However, if you want to request your special measure, CONTACT US.

4. WEIGHT

The weight is established as one of the characteristics that has evolved the most throughout the history of the baton, showing a constant decrease until establishing itself as the favorite choice of conductors those manufactured below 20 gr.

5. BALANCED

Every baton has a point of balance. Coming from the English term balanced, it refers to the state of the baton in which, when suspended perpendicularly on a finger, its weight is distributed equally at both ends. The balance point is usually very close to the grip. It is a feature that is highly demanded by conductors today, as it softens the sensation of the weight of the baton and allows it to act as an extension of the arm itself.

• Flexibility: the rod must be sufficiently rigid during the direction (there must be no vibration at the tip) and that it has a certain flexibility so that in the event of a collision with the music stand during the direction it does not lead to its breakage. For this, the most flexible are fiberglass.
• Length: there is a popularized exercise to know the correct length of your baton, which consists of placing it on the forearm in a 90º position and checking that its tip coincides with the ring finger (approx.). Therefore, perform this exercise with a tape measure and the result will help you to know what total length you should choose.
• Grip: the ideal would be to personally test the various types of grips to find out which one best suits your usual grip position. However, measuring your thumb will help you better choose a handle. Regarding the material, cork provides greater lightness and roughness to the touch, while wood offers greater grip consistency.
• Weight: the baton is configured as the extension of the conductor’s arm, so it should allow light and fluid movements. For this reason, the use of a baton less than 20 gr is recommended. However, there are directors who prefer more consistent batons. It’s a matter of preferences! From low to high you can choose: wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber.
• Balancing: the balance point of the shaft should be close to the grip. If, on the other hand, you do not care about this aspect, you can prioritize the weight of the baton. Do not balance the baton, it will allow you a greater lightness.
• Color: choose mainly the standardized white color, unless the natural color of the baton is desired.