StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Here or AMP? I thought it was more suited to OT.

I'm looking at buying a baton, and if anyone knows of any really good models, please let me know. Advice, etc. about different brands is all welcome.

Currently, I'm looking at the Mollard "Lancio"-type baton, which has a gold- or silver-anodized aluminium handle, which has a unique type of balance. Find more about it here. It balances in the cusp of the handle, and weighs virtually nothing. I like the way the handle is shaped, and it looks like it will fit my hand well.

Anyway, who knows more about these than I do and wants to tell me which model is best? Thanks in advance.

It's mostly preferential, as different batons feel different. I know one conductor who actually modified a baton to have a thick cork candle for extended use in the pit. I believe there was one line at my school (Mahler, I think) that felt good, but was notorious for being fragile.

dude, if you want it, go for it.

the only conducting baton I have ever even really seen much less held was the one my high school band teacher had. It had a cork hanle and fiberglass shaft. a cheap piece of junk compared to what you are looking at.

Death from the Sea wrote:dude, if you want it, go for it.

the only conducting baton I have ever even really seen much less held was the one my high school band teacher had. It had a cork hanle and fiberglass shaft. a cheap piece of junk compared to what you are looking at.

Our band director uses a single-piece wood-carved baton.

The coolest ones I've ever seen are the ones that the middle school band director made. He carved the wood himself and the fiberglass was given to him by a friend and they balanced aboslutley perfectly. Simply amazing.

BOT, Does anyone here have any experience with Mollard batons? I have a friend who just got a new one today, and he loves it.

Yeah, I have a Mollard. 14" cocobolo 'P' with a white shaft. It's pretty good, although I have a longer one that was custom made for me (17 1/2") that I like better. I have a case that I bought from Mollard; the case is really nice.

It's really up to you, though, and how you want the baton to be weighted in your hand. It should be able to balance pretty easily if it's well-made and lightweight on the end (which is something I know I like about batons, but you might like a heavy, bulky end on yours; I have no idea). Anyway, the ideal would be for you to go to a music store and hold different models made of different kinds of wood, to get a feel for what works for you.

And, sorry, but I think this is more of an AMP topic, considering most of the general board population is going to know nothing about baton styles and woods. *moves thread*

Fleet Admiral JD wrote:Our band director uses a single-piece wood-carved baton.

The coolest ones I've ever seen are the ones that the middle school band director made. He carved the wood himself and the fiberglass was given to him by a friend and they balanced aboslutley perfectly. Simply amazing.

yeah but if you make it then it is a custom job, plus it has some sentimental value since you made it.

JD has ordered the baton he so craved Now we have to see how it handles.