The Hornwood™ light orchestral retains its shape from the tip back, however Freer has deliberately chosen to eliminate the taper in the back. This increases the back weight feel of the stick just enough to help it rebound quicker which you can really feel in playing doubles such as 4 stroke ruffs in Lt. Kije and 7’s in Scheherezade. By making this model out of Hornwood™, Freer is also able to increase the weight of the stick without increasing size and bulk. Their Hornwood™ is very dense and hard and adds a couple grams of weight as well. The feel is something like rosewood or ebony but without the excessive vibration and low pitch that come with those woods. It is also extremely durable and will likely last you a lifetime if cared for properly. Really a perfect stick for ANY soft playing that requires clarity.