Review of Newland Custom Batons -- Effortless Control

Newland Silhouette

Newland Custom Batons -- Effortless Control
by Jeff Whitmill

A conductor's baton is one of his tools in trade, an item he uses to communicate his interpretations of tempo, dynamics, structure, emotional flow - the uses are as numerous as conductors themselves.

There's a lot to consider when purchasing a new baton - the size and shape of the grip, the length of the shaft, the balance of it all. How does it respond when you give a downbeat, cue the violas, call for more from the brass or end the piece with a final sweep? How does your arm feel after waving the baton for a 2-hour rehearsal? How about your baton hand - has it cramped from holding the grip for an extended period?

Newland Teardrop

Choosing a baton is a complex undertaking, and conductors often devote longer than you imagine to finding just the right one. And once they've found it, they will insist on that one, and that one alone, for years to come.

Newland Teardrop

I've selected and used and been finicky about batons for 40 years, and I know what I like.

Or, I thought I did, until I took in hand a couple of batons from Newland Custom Batons. I sampled both a teardrop and a silhouette grip, both in hardwood. My first thought was how nicely they fit in my hand. The grips were not so large as to make my hand bulge or feel unnatural.

And the weight was good - no extra pressure dragging on the back of my hand.

The balance felt good, too - it was just an easy item to hold in my hand (and this held true for both batons).

Newland Silhouette

But holding it in one's hand for a bit, waving it around, is not the same as using it in a rehearsal or performance. I had an opportunity to use one (I took the silhouette grip) in a reading a couple of weeks later - and that's where the Newland made me a believer.

I used the baton for about an hour in a reading rehearsal - and it seemed to just disappear. I didn't think even once about it; it felt so completely natural, such a perfect extension of my arm and hand. I've never had a baton feel so "right" - it made the motions of conducting as effortless as I've ever experienced - so much so, that at the conclusion of the rehearsal, I was startled a bit to realize I'd just used a brand-new baton, one I'd never used before.

This effortlessness was made possible by the beautiful construction - by the attention paid to shape, materials, length, weight and balance by the baton maker.

Newland makes custom batons; I thought I might try that out, but I like the samples they sent so much, I may just fixate on them.

There are a lot of good baton makers out there; Newland is one of the best.

The Peterson SC-1 StroboClip Tuner: The Ideal Tuner for Violin

Peterson SC-1 StroboClip Tuner

Introduction:  The Peterson SC-1 StroboClip is the smallest multi-temperament clip-on tuner available today.  Thanks to Peterson's unique virtual strobe technology, it is also the most flexible and accurate portable tuner I have ever tested.

About Temperament: If you have used an electronic tuner to tune a violin one string at a time, you may have noticed that the open strings, when played together, are not in tune with each other.  This is because most modern electronic tuners rely on equal temperament -- which creates perfect octaves but sacrifices the accuracy of the other intervals.  Orchestral stringed instruments such as the violin are tuned in fifths, an interval that can never be made perfect using a traditional electronic tuner that relies on equal temperament.

Peterson Mechanical Strobe 5000-II ($4,800)

About Strobes:  Stroboscopic (Strobe) tuners are the most accurate type of tuner available and can often be calibrated for many tunings and temperaments.  However, traditional mechanical strobe tuners are also heavy and quite expensive.

Enter the Peterson SC-1 StroboClip Tuner, a virtual strobe with the same fundamental advantages of the mechanical strobe, but at an affordable price and highly portable size.

Metal Case

Features:  The Peterson StroboClip offers the same accuracy (1/10 cent) as Peterson's mechanical strobes, along with 28 alternate temperaments including presets for violin, viola, and cello.  It weighs only 1.6 ounces.  It is encased in a brushed aluminum shell for durability, and comes with a padded metal carrying case lined with form-fitting foam, for added protection.  The clip uses soft, rubber pads to protect your instrument's finish.  It comes programmed with 28 sweetener/temperament presets.  A battery saving auto sleep function is an added nice touch.

Fit and Finish:  The StroboClip feels sturdy in the hand.  Its brushed aluminum case is attractive and professional-looking.  The unit sports the highest quality clip I've seen in any clip-on tuner.  The tuner's face rotates easily in two planes;  the joints proved resistant to bending or breaking.  The buttons are rubberized for better grip and are seemlessly integrated.

Clip with Rubber Pads

Usability:  Because the StroboClip seems to need a secure attachment to the instrument to give accurate readings, I experimented with a few different options for placement.  My first choice was to attach it to one of the pegs.  However, I was also able to secure it to the pegbox between the pegs on a full size violin.  Once in place, the clip felt very secure and its rubber pads did their job protecting the violin's finish.

Stroboclip attached to pegbox

Reading a virtual strobe proved much easier than I had expected.  Simply, if the two rows of box patterns above the note name are moving to the right, the note is sharp.  If the movement is left, the note is flat.  When a note is in tune, the rows stay in place or shift back and forth only slightly.

Response time proved very quick; this tuner kept up with note changes played at a fast pace better than any tuner I have used.  To test precision, we compared the Stroboclip's readings to the output of a mechanical strobe costing over $2,000. The results appeared to be identical.  Further, the 1/10 cent accuracy (equivalent to 1/1000 of a semitone) makes this tuner useful even to advanced players striving to perfect their intonation in every register.

And, best of all, tuning the four strings of the violin separately yielded perfect fifths between the open strings -- a first in my experience with portable electronic tuners.  In fact, the results were as good as those produced by a trained ear.

Stroboclip attached to peg

Conclusion:  Most beginning violin students rely on tuners to tune each string separately.  Learning to hear intervals and to play two strings at once, necessary for tuning in fifths from just one reference pitch, takes time to master.  Traditional electronic tuners by other manufacturers yield a violin that is never truly in tune with itself.  The Peterson StroboClip SC-1 produces perfect fifths even when each string is tuned separately.  For this reason alone it is the ideal tuner for the beginning violin student.  Advanced players will enjoy the quick response, impressive accuracy, sweetened tunings, and temperament built for strings, as well as the unit's professional look and sturdy, compact form factor.

About Peterson Tuners:  Peterson has been manufacturing tuners since 1948 and has a reputation among musicians for quality and innovation.

Price:  The StroboClip SC-1 retails for $89.99.

Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs: Hearing Protection that Fits

Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

Introduction:  Earplugs may not be the most fashionable accessory that you wear to a concert or gig, but they may well be the most important -- that is, if you want to protect your hearing and help avoid the long-term complications of too much noise.  Loud noise over a lifetime can cause severe hearing loss.

Single Mack's SafesSound Ultra Earplug

About Noise:  Loudness is measured in decibels.  Ordinary conversation takes place at about 60-70 decibels, while a motorcycle hums along at 100 decibels.  A loud rock concert checks in at 115 decibels.  And I am convinced that the NAMM show -- the biggest exhibit of music products in the United States, and featuring the world's loudest cymbal (tested hourly to make sure it is still the loudest) -- is even louder than that.  The amount of noise that can damage your hearing is generally thought to be sustained exposure at over 90-95 decibels, or sudden exposure to impulsive noise at over 140 decibels (such as gunfire).  An increase of one decibel is generally an imperceptible change, while a 10 decibel increase is twice as loud, and a 20 decibel increase is 4 times as loud.  Playing certain instruments is also loud enough to damage your hearing.  For instance, violin checks in at 82-92 decibels, cello at 85-111 decibels, and a symphony at fortississimo can be as loud as 135 decibels.  Higher frequencies are more damaging.  (Put a check in the winner's column for the violists and cellists among us).  

Mack Stack

About the NRR:  Packages of earplugs come stamped with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) rating that indicates how much they can cut the noise entering your ear if optimally fit.  The NRR is measured in decibels.  However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended subtracting 50% from the NRR of any foam or silicon mass-produced earplug.  Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs have an NRR of 32.  Thus, their actual noise reduction may be as low is 16 decibels.  However, a 16 decibel decrease is still quite a large reduction in volume and can take most loud noises below the damaging level.  Therefore, even if they don't perform as well as advertised, these foam earplugs can still protect your hearing.

Fit and Finish:  Mack's Safesound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are some of the best foam earplugs I have tried.  First, they are skin colored and less noticeable.  Also, they fit my ears and actually stay in place, creating a seal that can last overnight.

Instructions for Using Foam Earplugs

Before discovering the SafeSound Ultras, my earplugs of choice had previously been Mack's silicon earplugs, because they were the only ones that would stay in my ears.  Their noise reduction is 22 decibels -- lower than most foam earplugs -- but at least they stayed in place (more or less) with minimal irritation to the ear canal.  The SafeSounds also are soft, with a slightly tacky surface, and less irritating than other foam earplugs I have used.  They also seemed to reduce noise better than any other earplug I have tried.

Earplug fit and comfort is very individual.  Thus, sometimes you need to try a variety of styles and brands to find one that fits comfortably.  Also, following the instructions as listed on the package can help those who have had difficulty using foam earplugs.  (See instructions at right for foam earplugs). 


Conclusion:  Wearing earplugs at loud concerts and other noisy events, and even while practicing your instrument, can help protect your hearing over the long term.  Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are an excellent option for hearing protection and especially worth a try for those who typically have difficulty with earplug fit.

Price:  A pack of 10 pairs can be purchased for about $4.00 online.

EVEREST Flamed Maple Wood Pattern Shoulder Rest: Beauty, Durability and Great Fit

Everest Shoulder Rest 4/4-3/4 Flamed Maple Wood Pattern

Close-up of Wood Pattern

 Introduction: While exhibiting at NAMM this year I had the pleasure of meeting the inventor of the Everest Shoulder Rest --  a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and an engineer.  As he explained certain features of his design, I realized how much technical thought had gone into producing this product.  With its sturdy feet, designed to avoid excessive contact with the sides of the violin, and shape engineered to fit the human body, this rest has found a home in music shops across the country -- and, at an affordable price.  In my studio, I have used the traditional black colored body (along with the brightly colored versions that the kids love) especially for students with long necks, or who have had difficulty finding a comfortable rest in the past.  Often, the Everest is the only one that actually works for them.  Shoulder rests are a bit like shoes -- when they are comfortable, life is good.  When they are not, playing violin can be quite uncomfortable.  In addition, I have noticed that the Everest works particularly on small sizes, a real benefit to both teacher and student.

Thick Padding

Fit and Finish:  The Everest line all share the same overall shape, pad, and foot design.  But the Flamed Maple Wood Pattern Rest is a real stand-out, with its professional grade good looks.  Although made of plastic, the wood looks real, and does not suffer from expanding and shrinking like the real thing.  As with the other Everest models, the padding is thick and comfortable yet grips without slipping.

Everest Foot

While the Everest feet may have a bit of an industrial look to them, they have been engineered for minimal contact with the violin to avoid altering or muffling the sound.  Further, unlike feet by other manufacturers, Everest's black feet are very durable -- I've never seen a single foot fail -- unlike rests where a tube of plastic that eventually wears out is the only thing protecting your instrument from getting scratched by the shoulder rest.  In my experience, Everests are, in general, very durable.

RoHS Compliant

RoHS Compliance:  The Everest is RoHS Compliant.  RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance is actually a European standard not required for imports into the United States.  Its stamp should guarantee that a product is free from certain hazards including Lead and Mercury.  Shoulder rests often come in contact with skin, and so it is good to know that users of the Everest need not worry about lead exposure.  It is an often overlooked but real truth that many imports into the United States that are used by violinists in close contact with skin may actually contain dangerous substances -- particularly lead.  This danger extends to rosin, which produces dust that can be inhaled, as well as to chinrests and shoulder rests.  In my opinion, it is worth considering, when comparing a brand to an imported generic knock-off, whether safety is worth the added expense of the "real thing."

Usability: Like the rest of the Everest line, this one fits easily and grips nicely, even when there is very little lip to the ribs of the violin.  Typically, it stays in place nicely without sliding.  Although it does not offer tilt, I have yet to find a tilting rest where the tilt can be locked in place.  In fact, after just a bit of playing, these tilting rests often end up with the tilt in the opposite direction of where I had it set.

Everest Bottom View

Conclusion:  Offering beauty, durability, and excellent fit, the Everest Flamed Maple Shoulder Rest is truly the total package.

Price:  Violin can be an expensive enterprise for a parent, with $50 shoulder rests, $50-$100 string sets that must be continually replaced, and the added cost of lessons, repairs, instrument rental/purchase, bow rehairs, sheet music, and the list goes on.  The Everest Flamed Maple Wood Pattern retails for $21.99, and is one of the least expensive rests on the market.  In a world of no free lunches, this combination of value and quality is a rare find.

MIGHTY BRIGHT Duet2: The LED Music Light that Outshines the Rest

MIGHTY BRIGHT Duet2 LED Music Light

Introduction:  Musicians often perform in dark environments. Battery-powered LED clip-on lights are an excellent way to provide light for reading music.  However, these clip-ons vary greatly in quality according to brand.  The MIGHTY BRIGHT Duet2 LED Music Light is, without question, the best stand light I have ever tested.  It earns our Simply Violin Stamp of Approval as well as a permanent spot in my gig bag.

Head Switch

Features:  The MIGHTY BRIGHT Duet2 LED Music Light features independent switches integrated into each head that separately toggle between off, one light, or two lights (for a total of four lights).  The unit's high intensity LEDs (rated to last over 100,000 hours) emit an exceptionally bright light that, with proper positioning of the arms, spreads evenly over the music without shadowing or dark/bright areas.  The Duet2 comes with three AAA batteries, but can be used with an A/C adapter, which was not included in the unit that I tested.  The robust clip attached easily and securely to my music stand.  The Duet2 emits 24 lumens at 111 LUX.  (Lumens are a measurement of brightness and lux represents the intensity or concentration of that brightness on a surface area).  For the sake of comparison, most people light their living rooms to about 100 Lux.  The Duet2's light is a pure bright white, without excessive blue.  

Stand Clip

Fit and Finish:  The Duet2 is an attractive unit.  It is completely black, with all its major parts (including the arms) matching in color.  The lights and switches are elegantly and seemlessly integrated into each head. The unit is slim and has a sleek form factor.  It weighs only 3.7 ounces and can be bent to a compact position for storage.  The arms move easily and in any direction, without sticking -- a common problem with other stand lights that use the gooseneck design.

Dual LED Lights

Why LEDs?:  LED (or Light-Emitting Diode) technology has improved remarkably in recent years.  Modern LEDs  can emit quite a bit of light while drawing very little power -- with the potential for a very long life.  Because LED light is colored and very directional, a high quality LED is required to produce a true white light with sufficient spread to evenly illuminate sheet music.  Other stand lights I have tested produced light that still seemed to have some color, often blue, which can make the music seem more difficult to read.  The purity of the Duet2's white light was a welcome change.  LEDs are also typically shock and vibration resistant -- a big advantage for the traveling musician.

Duet2 after 10 Hours in pitch black environment

Usability:  For me, the most important quality in a stand light is that it last through the gig, without excessive dimming.  Often, an LED stand light is on its last legs well before a two or three hour gig is complete.  Therefore, my first test of the Duet2 was to install the batteries and run the light without interruption to see how long it would last.  Remarkably, the Duet2 lasted 10 hours without substantial dimming (at which point we ended the test).  Further, even at the end of the 10 hours, I could still read the music without shadowing or bright/dark areas.  The photo above was taken in a completely dark room at the end of the ten hour test. The slight bit of shadowing apparent in the photo was not visible to the eye. According to MIGHTY BRIGHT, this is because their precisely engineered optical grade lens spreads the light evenly with no “hot spots or shadows.”


Conclusion: The Duet2's even and natural light is easy on the eyes, reducing the eye strain and fatigue that can come with reading music in the dark. With its exceptional performance, lasting power, and elegant design, it far outshines its competition.
 
About the Manufacturer:  Located in California, MIGHTY BRIGHT has been in business since 1985 and specializes in a variety of LED-based products including clip-ons for printed books, USB-powered LEDs, book lights, and even a light for your Kindle eReader. 
 
Price:  The Duet2 retails for $34.99 with batteries.  A version with an A/C adaptor (but without batteries) retails for $39.99.

For Retailers: Contact Mike Vaughan (email: mike.vaughan@mightybright.com)

Garmin nuvi 1490T GPS: A Musician's Best Friend

1490T Lane Change Assist

Introduction: As a performing musician, I often travel to new places for gigs.  Showing up late or getting lost can spell disaster for a wedding or event.  I have tested several GPS brands and models and have owned and used quite a few -- and, in my opinion, the nuvi 1490T is a cut above the rest.  Why?  Certain features set it apart.

1490T Speedy Route Calculation

Features: The nuvi 1490T shines where so many GPS models can leave you (literally) lost in the dark.  Namely, it acquires satellites almost instantaneously and calculates your route very quickly. Many GPS models struggle when you travel a large distance and may take quite some time to re-acquire satellites (I've experienced up to a half an hour delay in other GPS brands).  Not so with the 1490T, which, when tested on a recent trip from Minnesota to California, adapted almost immediately to a location thousands of miles away.

1490T mounted to Hertz GPS

Then, there is the added lane change assist, which was a lifesaver especially on the California highways.  Although our Hertz rental came with a GPS built-in, so impressive is the 1490T that we turned that Magellan into a stand for the Garmin!  Navigation was also accurate and quick, and it was nice to have speed limits on-screen that change color if you are going too fast.  The unit also tells you what street to turn on, rather than merely indicating how many feet until the next turn (which is a fairly standard feature in most GPS models aside from entry-level units).

3D Map View 1490T

Screen:  The 1490T's screen is a pleasure to behold, with it's wide aspect ratio and bright colors.  Further, the touch screen is extremely responsive, another feature that sets this model apart. In addition, the 3D navigation view is very easy to follow.  In the picture at left, I actually calculated a route from inside a building -- another testament to the strong satellite acquisition prowess of this unit.

Side profile 1490T

Fit and Finish:  The 1490T feels sturdy in the hand, and, while it isn't the thinnest GPS available (with the shift toward Iphone-like form factors for recent GPS releases), it certainly isn't bulky.   

Price:  The 1490T is available for around $250.  Although refurbished models are cheaper, I have noticed some issues with GPSs purchased from less than reputable sources such as screens that have diminished touch sensitivity and freezing of the software.  I strongly recommend buying a new model from an established dealer.

Conclusion:  If you are looking for a GPS that truly gets the job done -- getting you to your location efficiently without hassle -- you can't go wrong with the Garmin nuvi 1490T.  Some of the more newly released GPS models may have more bells and whistles or a thinner casing, but there have been reports that this sacrifices satellite acquisition.  This unit is perfect for anyone who wants a GPS where navigation is truly the priority.

Lisa Berman, Simply Violin

Century Strings Antonio Fiorini Model V650 Violin: Old World Excellence

This exciting new addition to the Century Strings family is made entirely of aged quality spruce and maple in the old Italian style.
 

Ribs

Description: The particular violin we tested was built on a Guarneri pattern.  It was made in 2010.  The violin has a heavily antiqued red/brown oil varnish.  It is tastefully shaded.  The fittings are ebony.  The tailpiece has a fine tuner for the E string.  The strings on the violin are Pirastro Evah Pirazzi G, D, and A with a Pirastro Gold (Label) E.

The violin is artfully hand carved.  The scroll boasts symmetry and beauty.  The overall impression including arching and purfling is exquisite.  It is easy to see the painstaking attention to detail and workmanship. 

Set-up: The violin is well set-up.  The string heights and spacing at the bridge and nut are correct.  The pegs are well fit and the violin is easy to tune.  The back length is 354mm and the string length is a comfortable 328mm. 

Back

Front

Sound: This violin has a big and even sound.  As is expected for a Guarneri pattern, the sound is medium dark and silky.  It is a pleasure to play this instrument.  It speaks well in all registers and is very responsive.

Conclusion: The Antonio Fiorini violin by Century Strings has a list price of $2,500.00.  It is an excellent value and rivals far more expensive instruments in both workmanship and sound.  It is also available in a Stradivari pattern.  This violin would make a wonderful step-up instrument or working instrument for  a professional or a teacher.  For more information on this and other exceptional instruments by Century Strings, visit the website for Century Strings.

Sheila Graves, Violin Dealer