Collection: Ergonomic Batons

Adam went to school for Music Education at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. He is a co-conductor for the Mount Vernon Community Band in Ohio, as well as a member of the saxophone section. He is very active in music making, and participates in as many ensembles as he can. 

Adam started woodworking at a very young age, often spending countless hours in the garage with his grandpa (Pops.)  He started woodturning with Pops when he was approximately 10 and immediately became obsessed. When Pops passed away, Adam was given his lathe. He now uses his inherited lathe to create each baton that is for sale. Each baton is incredibly special to Adam because each baton reminds him of his grandpa, and it is his goal to make artwork that would make Pops proud.

Adam's love of music and woodworking come together to ensure that each baton is not only beautiful, but precisely balanced, well made, and as unique as the individual holding it. 

Kelly  graduated from Western Governor's University with a degree in Elementary Education. She is a flute player and a part of the Mount Vernon Community Band. Kelly has dedicated many hours to different crafts, including clay, sewing, and crochet. Anything sewn on the site has come from her personal sewing machine that she got from her mom. When she is not busy with her children, she is usually busy with her animals or making ridiculous Tik Tok videos...

Kelly got her start crafting when she was very young under the guide of her mother. Kelly's mom has always been supportive of the many directions that she has pursued, even when they seemed wild and crazy. Sewing has been a passion of hers since she was small, and to be able to sew for others for a living is a literal dream come true.

Why Choose Garlinger Batons?

There are many beautiful conducting batons available, but if you are looking for an upgrade or something unique, give us a try!

• We use acrylic handles
• We focus on ergonomic and comfortable handle shapes
• Each baton is as unique as the owner!

Each conductor has a unique way of holding their baton that feels comfortable in hand. A Garlinger Baton strives to match the shape of the hand, rather than asking the hand to conform to a shape. 

The nature of the materials that we use causes each baton to be one of a kind. No two batons will have the same swirl pattern, even if using acrylic from the same batch. We also love to do custom work, so please reach out here if you are still on the lookout for your perfect baton! 

What Are Garlinger Batons Made Out Of?

The handles of Garlinger Batons are made from acrylic, while the shafts are made from natural birch or fiberglass. We believe that form and function should work together to create an instrument that is an extension of your arm. Bringing beauty and color to the mundane will give you the confidence to spread the joy of the musical arts!

   

What Shape Conducting Baton Handles Are Available?

Adam, our Master Craftsman, loves to experiment with handle shape! The unique shapes that he turns are focused on giving an ergonomic fit for a comfortable conducting experience. We have broken his creations into four different categories:

  

   

Ergonomic- 

Shapely and curved, Ergonomic Conducting Batons are molded to your hand with multiple points for finger placement. Choose an ergonomic conducting baton if you are looking for a baton that will mold to your hand as though it has always been there. This shape will conform to you rather than asking that you conform to it. 

Pear- 

Ergonomic Pear- 

A mix between our two most popular shapes, the Ergonomic Pear handle sets itself apart from the Ergonomic style by having a rounder end and skinnier middle. The first bump is more of a ridge, giving both the palm weight of a Pear and the finger placement of an Ergonomic.

Traditional- 

It's the shape that you know and love! Our Traditional Conducting Baton shape is smooth as it transitions from the shaft to the end of the handle, often called a teardrop. This shape can suit any grip, while also giving room to showcase the beautiful color of the handle.

Squid-

The name started as a joke, but we couldn't see anything other than a squid head! An offshoot of the Ergonomic shape, the Squid shape has curves in slightly different places that cause it to be our most controversial shape. If you hold your baton with a pinch at the change and wrap either your middle or ring finger around the handle.

What If I Don't Know What I Want?

To help you in your shopping journey, we have created a Baton Style Quiz to point you in the direction of a style that you may like. You can also send us a message via social media or our contact form! Of course, you may have a different opinion than your quiz results, so be sure to shop around and see the different shapes that are available.

What Length Conducting Baton Should I Order?

The short answer: choose what makes you most comfortable! Some conductors prefer a longer baton if they are directing a large ensemble, or a shorter, chamber length baton (under 12 inches) for smaller, more intimate ensembles. The typical conducting baton length will range from 10-14 inches (25-36 centimeters), but they can be as long as 16 inches (40 cm).

The traditional way to measure baton length is to measure your arm from the middle of your palm to the crook of your elbow. Batons around this length will be a good fit for you, however, please choose what feels the best to you!

Where Is The Balance Point Of A Conducting Baton?

The balance point of each Garlinger Baton can be seen in the product photos, and nearly every baton balances where the handle and shaft meet. You may like a different balance point depending on how you would like the baton to feel in hand while in motion. Below are the different points where a baton can balance based on the change point, which is where the handle meets the shaft.

• Forward- baton balances 1” up the shaft to put all the weight at the tip of the baton. This for individuals that like the handle further into the palm which pushes the fingers further up the shaft to reach the balance point. These batons can also be held at the change (where the handle and shaft meet) to add quite a bit of tip weight, if preferred, for a more viscous feel. 

• Basic, with a touch of tip weight - baton balances 1/4” up the shaft for individuals with larger hands who hold onto the shaft and want it balanced on their index finger, or conductors with smaller hands who like a bit of tip drag when holding at the change. This is known to be a livelier set up, meaning it will provide more movement at the tip while still remaining light and nimble in the hand. Many of our batons are weighted this way.

• Change Point - baton balances where the shaft meets the handle, which is the most common configuration. This is the grip that a lot of conductors look for when they hold directly onto the change point or high on the handle.

• Behind the change- baton balances 1/4” into the handle. This is for conductors who hold onto the handle and want the baton balanced on their index finger. If you hold the baton on the shaft it will put some weight in the palm of your hand, making the baton feel heavy. These batons will not have a balance point picture on a stand, as they are actually balanced on the handle.
  
  

How Do I Order A Custom Conducting Baton?

Didn't see what you were looking for in our shop? Contact Adam for a custom conducting baton order! Simply fill out the custom order form with your baton preferences to get into contact with Adam or Kelly. Even if you don't know exactly what you are looking for, we will be able to guide you toward your ideal length, shape, and handle specifications. Most chats happen via email, but we can chat the way that works best for you!

Can I Return Or Exchange My Items?

Adam and I understand that shopping online is difficult, so we gladly accept returns and exchanges. Please contact us within 14 days of delivery so that we can figure out the next steps that we can take to help make you happy!

For custom orders, we do not accept cancellations once the invoice has been paid, as per our agreement (finished product photos will be shared before anything ships). However, please contact me if you have any problems with your order, such as problems that occurred during shipping, etc.

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, the following cannot be returned or exchanged:

• Custom or personalized orders
• Digital downloads

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

How Do You Safely Ship A Baton?

When you buy a delicate product online, you want to make certain that it will arrive in pristine condition. At Garlinger Batons, we safely ship our conducting batons using a PVC container with cotton in the ends to eliminate worry of breakage during the shipping process. These cases are wrapped in vinyl around the middle for a more interesting look than white PVC. 

Where in the world are Garlinger Batons used?

Check out the reach of Garlinger Batons! We are always excited to check off another new state, but will never get tired of shipping another in our home state of Ohio!