Our last post introduced many of you to something I ran across on the web a couple weeks ago and wanted more information about. Once mine arrived, I decided to immediately attach it to my music stand and begin using it every day. I will describe the unit itself a little later in this post but testing under fire was my first thought. It went with me to Church that next Sunday and worked as advertised. Each page turn was positive without any hang-ups. Its size makes it very easy to hide from the audience which was important. My accompanist was very interested in the concept and tried pulling on the cord with much enthusiasm. Every page turn was effortless and even though it was indoors with very little breeze, I knew my page would stay in place on my stand.
The next test was at our newly formed Chamber Ensemble rehearsal that same evening. I showed it to my musicians and received varying comments. Some reported that they didn’t need one because they use rubber bands to hold their music in place. Then I asked them if they were able to easily turn their music with rubber bands and of course the answer was No! Another member shared that he always uses clothes pins and asked him if he could turn pages as well as the Wind Wynder and again the answer was No! Old traditions are hard to break.
My Wind Wynder has been constantly on my stand from the day I got it and today I tested it to see if the retrieving device had lost any of its strength. This was one issue I wanted to know for if the spring weakens, its effectiveness would be compromised. Now, after a week of full tension, I do not detect any loss of strength.
Turning pages has definitely become easier for if you follow the demonstration videos, you will very quickly get on to the “roll the page” over routine. The ability to have your music lying flat on your stand is wonderful.
I record daily in my studio and sometime I use a fan during recording. I can’t tell you how many times I have to stop the recording in order to pick up a page that has been blown off my stand while recording. This does not happen anymore because of the Wind Wynder.
Now that you have heard about my “live on stage” testing, I will give you some additional insight into the materials, design and workmanship of the product itself.
Material-
Both the retrieving and base sections are made of very strong plastic like material and have held up well in the last two weeks of use. When plastic is mentioned with products such as this, my first thought is “how long until it breaks”? Rest assure this is a very strong and thick material and unless you try to attach it to something wider than what it was designed for, breakage is highly unlikely.
Design-
This could have only been designed by a working musician! Of course it is black with a simi flat gloss finish which is nearly invisible from the audience. Only one square inch is visible on each side of your stand.
Retrieving and storage section-
As stated before one of my biggest concerns was the life expectancy of the spring which keeps tension on the plastic cord. I have done everything I could do with the retrieving unit including using it as a yo-yo and an archery bow. The retrieving mechanism continues to work without any hesitation.
The Cord-
The material seems to be similar to a heavy monofilament fishing line and from my vast experience as a fisherman I would judge it to be at least 25# strength. This is more than enough strength for even a troublesome sixth grader in band.
Instructions for use-
The first thing you should do to learn more about this outstanding innovation is to visit their YouTube pages for additional instructions and information. Check them out at Wind Wynder
In closing, let me run through my thoughts again on this great invention-
1. It does everything it has been advertised to do.
2. The design could only been developed by a musician who know what unruly pages can do to a performance.
3. Much thought has gone into the design, manufacturing and sale of this unit. Even the inclusion of soft, velour, draw string bag to keep the Wind Wynder from damaging your instrument in its case is included.
4. The material, design and workmanship are outstanding.
5. Even after more hard use than it deserved, my Wind Wynder is still working perfectly.
6. If you have an issue with the price, $29.99 (which I think is very reasonable for such a great product) think back to your last outside disaster during a concert when your music blew off the stand and ruined you concentration.
7. For those who are concern as to the amount of imports into this country from other nations, you will be pleased that this was designed, manufactured and assembled in the good, old USA.
In closing all I can say is that it works and it works exceedingly well.
Be sure to check back for our next post will give you more insight into the work and planning that went into the creation of the Wind Wynder.
