The tap-baton is a beautiful instrument that allows the conductor to seamlessly flow from conducting to tapping without the worry of breaking the stick. Tap-Batons are made with a 1/4" (.6 cm) diameter maple shaft, a drum-stick-like tip, and Brazilian Kingwood handle. It is approximately 14" (35.6 cm) long, balanced where the handle and stick meet, and meant to be used as a baton that can be tapped as a metronome without breaking the stick while still creating beautiful music. This is a great gift for the director who breaks a baton now and then.