The PaGu Process


When I started making batons in 2007 it was important to learn how and why we as conductors choose the batons we use. I then started my own research project by which nearly 400 conductors were measured and given 5 batons to choose from. What we learned is that nearly 90% of the time conductors chose a handle that was about the size of their thumb and a stick length that was about the length of their forearm. From that point forward, we have fitted thousands of conductors with our system yielding much success.


We build our batons to order to allow for each musician to determine for themselves where the balance point should be based on the size of their hands, how they were taught, what types of groups they conduct, and many other factors.


As you go through this process, you may want to have a ruler, paper, and pen handy.


  1. The Grip- How do you hold your baton:

The way we hold our batons is based on a few factors:

  • Who taught us

  • Geography

  • Experience

  • Comfort

  • Batons that we have had access to

These pictures represent four of the most common grips I have seen: basic fulcrum, tension free, behind the collar, and in-line.


  1. The “Fit”- Choosing the right handle:

The contour, length, and width of a baton handle are important for comfort. PaGu Batons offers a wide variety of handles that are designed for different hands and grips. Use our measuring system to find the right handle for you.


FYI: In 2014 we introduced our first flat-spot baton which is changing the way we think about the shape of a baton handle. When conductors feel a flat-spot baton, they choose them 10:1 over all other models.


Side note: If you find a shape you like, but the size is not quite right, you may choose our Maestro Service which allows you to design or change any handle to your specifications.



3. Length of Stick- Choosing the correct shaft length:

The length of the shaft beyond the pinch point is perceived by the conductor as either too long or too short based on three factors:

  1. The first baton they ever used

  2. The length of their forearm

  3. The size of the groups they most often work with


Use our fitting system to help you choose the correct shaft length. If you plan on using the baton for groups less than 40 members or a choral ensemble, subtract 1” (2.5 cm). If you plan on using the baton for groups larger than 70 members, then add 1” (2.5 cm).


4. Balance- Deciding where you want your balance point

Perhaps the most critical part of building a baton is the balance point. This will give the conductor the perception of a baton being “heavy”, “light”, “responsive”, “dead”, and other adjectives we’ve heard over the years. Ultimately, the balance will directly impact the music making experience for the conductor. You don’t want to think about the baton, you just want to be an extension of yourself.


At PaGu Batons, we specialize in balancing the baton at the optimal spot for complete control allowing the conductor to be free from thinking about the baton when making music.


Use the chart below to determine where you would like the balance point on your baton. The numbers represent where the baton would balance or float. This chart is not exactly to scale but is a good representation:

  1. Tension Free- 1” (2.5 cm) up the shaft to put all the weight in at the tip of the baton. This for folks that like to tuck the handle deep into the palm which pushes the fingers further up the shaft. It is also great for those who hold the baton basic fulcrum but want a lot of weight at the tip.

  2. Basic with tip weight- 1/4” (6 mm) up the shaft for folks with large hands (1” or wider thumb width) who hold onto the shaft and want it balanced on their index finger. OR conductors with smaller hands (less than 1” wide thumbs) who like a bit of tip drag when holding basic fulcrum.

  3. Basic Fulcrum- balanced where the shaft meets the handle. This is the most common configuration. If you grip the handle behind the collar this will give you a little tip drag.

  4. Behind the collar- 1/4” (6mm) back from the shaft onto the handle is for those who hold the handle and want the instrument balanced on their index finger or if you hold it on the shaft it will put some weight in the palm of your hand making the baton feel heavy.

  5. Palm weighted- This will put all the weight of the instrument in the palm of your hand. No tip weight.



Add Comment

TOP