Wood shaft batons are created on a mini-lathe with superior high-speed turning tools.  Each 11 - 13 ½” long shaft is created from a solid piece of birch or poplar and its finish is sanded by hand with 2000 grit sandpaper.  The wood shaft is left in its natural color.  Maple shafts are available by special request and are a bit stiffer as well as darker in color than polar and birch.

 

The baton handles are turned on the lathe and can be made from several different kinds of domestic or exotic woods (see price listing for choices).  Sanded to a glossy shine, the handles are either left natural or are stained for consistency in appearance.  Several different shapes are available: egg, large egg, teardrop, large teardrop, and variations of teardrop (sometimes referred to as elliptical or lantern).  Handles range in size from ½ to ¾ inches wide and between 1½ and 2½ inches long.  Longer or wider handles may be created if desired if a photocopy of the shape is sent along with the order.

The handle and shaft are dry fitted and tested for balance--usually balancing at the point where the handle meets the shaft or slightly further down the shaft.  The former creates a very light-feeling baton while the latter provides for a subtle feeling of weight at the tip of the baton.  When necessary, weight may be added to the butt of the baton handle to provide the proper balance.  The weight is made from solid brass, sanded and polished to a bright shine.

 

The wood shaft batons then receive two coats of premium semi-gloss lacquer with a light sanding between coats.  The result is an artistic piece of woodworking that is ideal for conducting.

Wood shaft

•   Domestic wood handles (Maple, Cherry, Exotic Cedar, Walnut, or Poplar): $26 each *	Maple $26.00 Cherry $26.00 Exotic Cedar $26.00 Walnut $26.00 Poplar $26.00
•    Exotic wood handles (Honduras Rosewood, Redheart, Purpleheart, Zebrawood, Padouk, or the favored Walnut/Maple laminate (combo)): $28 each * ( Call 309-556-3268 for availability of these woods!)	Honduras Rosewood $28.00 Redheart $28.00 Purpleheart $28.00 Zebrawood $28.00 Padouk $28.00 Walnut/Maple laminate $28.00

Graphite shaft

•    Domestic wood handles: $36 each *	Maple $36.00 Cherry $36.00 Exotic Cedar $36.00 Walnut $36.00 Poplar $36.00
•   Exotic wood handles: $38 each * ( Call 309-556-3268 for availability of these woods!)	Honduras Rosewood $38.00 Redheart $38.00 Purpleheart $38.00 Zebrawood $38.00 Padouk $38.00 Walnut/Maple laminate $38.00

Shipping and handling (inclusive of insurance)

 

 

All batons with handles smaller than 7/8 inches include an attractive clear, plastic tube with a logo label attached. They are shipped in a USPS approved mailing tube or, in the case of larger orders, sturdy cardboard boxes with packing around the plastic tubes.

 

 

 

 

For large orders please allow me with several weeks notification.  In cases where a specific style or size handle is preferred, please be prepared to send a photocopy or life-size drawing of exactly what you want.

 

Money Order or Cashiers Check will be the only acceptable form of payment.

All orders must be prepaid before they are shipped.

 

Please send payment to the following address:

 

Roger Garrett

17 Cashel Drive

Bloomington, IL 61704

 

I can be reached at Illinois Wesleyan University:

Phone: (309) 556-3268

Email:  rgarrett@iwu.edu

Graphite Shaft Batons

Graphite shaft batons are a combination of wood handles joined to a graphite shaft mad especially for this application.  These shafts are not fishing pole tips; rather, they are designed to exact thicknesses and tolerances especially for conducting.  The graphite is stronger and more durable than wood.  And, while this kind of baton is favored by many teachers for their beginning students, it is also a material chosen by many professional conductors and teachers.  Every graphite shafts is finished in glossy white and joined to the specified handle that is finished in lacquer.