Nelson Riddle has already been listed here as being a Blackwing user, but this relatively new photo (with Blackwing in tow) bears mentioning him again. Among well-known Blackwing users Riddle was one of the few who went so far as to mention the 602 as being one of his favorite tools. From Arranged by Nelson Riddle (Alfred Music Publishing, 1985):
Pencils should be of very soft lead, so that a minimum of pressure is needed to convey the marks to the paper, but the lead should be dense enough to be able to carry a sharp point, since clarity is essential. My favorite pencil is the Blackwing #602, by Eberhard Faber, but there may be many brands equal or superior to the Blackwing.
I wonder if Eberhard Faber ever took notice when such endorsements were made, especially since it may have translated into actual sales given Nelson Riddle’s notoriety and popularity. Let’s hope they at least sent him a few “thank you” boxes.
Kevin said:
Well spotted Sean. Riddle notes there may be other possible contenders to the Blackwing. The pencil that I have that comes closest but still does not exceed the Blackwing 602 in writing performance is the remarkable Eagle “Draughting” 314. One major advantage of the 314 is the round barrel and larger diameter, making it a dream to sharpen in almost any class of sharpener….it just never misbehaves.
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Sean said:
Thanks Kevin. I have a few of the 314s but I haven’t tried them for music yet. The larger diameter does make it comfortable to hold…
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Matthias said:
Thanks for this.
That’s an unusual way to wear the pencil behind the ear, I have never seen it this way round…
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