Our Baton User Vol.3｜PICKBOY Batons Chosen by Professionals

When I decided I wanted to become a conductor in middle school, my father bought me a beautiful PICKBOY baton from a small music store near our home. That baton is a bit long for my physique, so I rarely use it in concerts, but it is a precious baton full of memories, so I always carry it in its case. And I use it at those crucial moments.

I especially like to use the CARBON GRAPHITE series batons. They have minimal wobble and afterimage, allowing me to convey the subtle expressions I feel.

When conducting a symphony orchestra, I use the NC-D 350mm and NCS-B 360mm depending on the orchestra's composition. Their lightness and seamless integration with the arm, enabling a wide range of expression, are their greatest attractions.

Also, for performances involving singers such as opera and operetta, I use a round-shaped cork baton. My favorite is the NCS-F 350mm, custom-made for me. Holding the round cork between my fingertips and giving smooth conducting movements allows me to accommodate the singers' free “play.”

This happened at an overseas conducting competition, where I used the FT-150D 380mm that my father gave me in the finals. I told the stage manager "no music stand" because I was conducting from memory, but for some reason, even the conductor's podium was removed, which shocked me on stage. However, thanks to the baton being longer than usual, the orchestra members smiled and said, "It felt like you shrank, but the longer baton made it easier to perform."

The first time I encountered a PICKBOY baton was when I was a child. The principal conductor of the local symphony orchestra (Guanajuato, Mexico) used PICKBOY and gave me several as gifts. Since then, I have really liked the design and ease of use.

For opera works and large symphonic repertoire, I use NC-H and NCS-B (carbon fiber). When the ensemble is smaller, I prefer to use NCS-K (360mm).

The appeal lies in its well-balanced feel, easy-to-grip handle, variety of lengths, and lightweight materials.

My European debut in 2014 was conducted with a single PICKBOY baton. I have tried various models and lengths so far, and I always carry multiple options to choose the best one on site.

As a conductor, we often don't realize how fatigued our arm joints are. For many years, I suffered from elbow neuralgia and sought solutions by trying batons from various countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Germany. The decisive moment came in Vienna. A Taiwanese conductor lent me the PICKBOY FT-150H. That experience completely transformed the way I conduct. This year, I purchased the only one available in Paris, and I declared with confidence, "A new chapter has begun."

The one I am currently using is the FT-150H, the lightest baton I have ever held. Its design inspires me to pursue even lighter models that enhance the freedom of gesture and the precision of conducting.

The lightness and operability of PICKBOY greatly reduce arm tension, making it an indispensable presence on stage. The sense of balance and control allows for complete focus on communication with the music and orchestra, freeing the body from physical strain.

After a long time of being recommended but hard to obtain, I finally found the brand and was able to confirm its capabilities. PICKBOY has always been by my side as an essential presence in my expression on stages and artistic projects around the world.

José Salazar, selected as Classic FM's "Rising Star of 2025" and also serving as a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is rapidly expanding his presence as an internationally acclaimed conductor. Demonstrating his talents in both concert halls and theaters, he has recently been active with major organizations and venues such as the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra.

Former Jet Parker Artist of the Royal Ballet and Opera of the UK, and former Artistic and Music Director of El Sistema Greece. Combines a passion for the arts with talent for creating innovative programs and collaboration. In the 2025/26 season, will conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall for the first time, and is also scheduled to perform with ballet companies in London, Tokyo, Birmingham, New York, and Athens.

Born on Margarita Island, Venezuela, began a musical path through El Sistema. The artistic values nurtured there continue to be the foundation of international activities today.

Mainly uses FT-150S2 (Fiberglass).
NCS-B (Carbon) is also used.