You have a choice in versions of The Black Folder and the new Choralex Compact folder, and can select the version with the features that you need.

The Black Folder
There are two versions:

DELUXE (product code: ECBF) and
STANDARD (product code: EBF)

There are three options you can add to your folder:

• the removable ring adaptor (A)
• double cords (C) and
• transparent leaflet pocket (P).

At the bottom of any folder's description page will be all combinations of folder and options - for you to price by adding the item of interest to the shopping cart.

Choralex Compact
At the end of 2004 we launched a smaller full-featured folder called the Choralex Compact, which has been very well received! It already includes a clear pocket and 2 pencil holders, and can be further upgraded with:

• the removable ring adaptor (A)
• double cords (C)

The following details describe the Adaptor, Cord, and Pocket options:

A removable 3/4-inch (19 mm) ring adaptor can be easily attached to The Black Folder when you need it, using the small holes at top and bottom of the adaptor, and the two cords in the middle of the hinge. Note: our new Choralex Compact folder is designed to take a 1" (25mm) ring adaptor.

2, 3 or 4-Ring Adaptors Q: Why 2 & 4? A: Countries around the world have different standards for hole-punched paper. We send 3-ring adaptors unless otherwise requested, but have 2, 3, and 4-ring adaptors ready in various formats for countries everywhere. If you are moving up to The Black Folder from years of making do with the heavy, unstable and unsatisfactory solution of common ring binders, you may have an existing investment in published music that has been previously mutilated by a hole punch. You may also do your own arranging or have downloaded arrangements and be using standard size paper formats. Don't staple your music and crinkle through concerts, hole-punch it and use these ring adaptors. Also, to quickly swap sets of music, get two adaptors (ie. for first and second sections of a concert program). The adaptor doesn't even have to be affixed to the folder - just pre-load the adaptor with the appropriate set of music and place it in the folder. The weight of the pages is supported by the folder and the bottom cross strap limits it from sliding downward if you hold your folder at a higher angle when not attached by the centre loop of cord. Why carry a whole concert's music for hours when you could swap in the second half at intermission? Taking out and re-installing the adaptor is quite easy with a few instructions: To take out the adaptor: First, find the elastic cord that loops over centre post of the hinge at the top and remove it. Slide the adaptor off of the cord Replace the loop of cord over the centre post of the hinge again. To install the adaptor (note that if you have purchased the ring adaptor option, we'll ship it already installed) First, find the elastic cord that loops over centre post of the hinge at the top and remove it. Pass this loop of cord through the back of the small hole in the bottom of the adaptor. Then, pass the cord up along the adaptor, through the middle of each of the rings, and then back down through the small hole at the top. Now re-attach the loop over the centre post again and position the adapter to rest in the middle of the folder. People sometimes use other methods. However, we find that the installation above allows the adaptor to rotate somewhat to the left and right, which permits maximum access to the remaining cords, for music that is not hole-punched. Some key benefits are the following: These are not just ordinary 3-ring adaptors, they are minimum-weight 'Hi-Tech' design. We know how crucial every ounce can be by the end of a long concert. If you are giving a concert involving a great deal of music, you can put each half of your concert programme in an adaptor and just drop the collected music into the folder for that portion of the concert. Individuals can do the same thing, to use one folder for several choirs. This may be a good option for university choirs too, for professors to make sure that all serious choral scholars have easy access to a Black Folder that can be used for several choirs, throughout the student academic choral experience and beyond. As a "required text" item, it is a fraction of the cost of other texts, and it will probably get a lot more use! It may also be a good option if your music is photocopied or self-arranged. I am assuming that no one is undercutting our colleagues and profession with illegal photocopies. Please clean up your music library before investing in our folders. Back to: Top of page

More cords double the standard number of elasticised cords The standard number of cords is 10. You can purchase a cord upgrade to 20, if you think that your usual number of scores in a concert will be more than 10. This does not increase the size of the folder; the extra cords are simply affixed along the existing notches in the hinge so that each of the original strands becomes a double strand. The cords are like tiny Bungee® cords, with many rubber lengths encased in a woven synthetic sheath. They're strong and durable. Back to: Top of page

Clear Leaflet Pocket Large clear plastic pocket affixed right on the front of the left inside expandable pocket. Information is visible through the transparent pocket... you no longer need to pull your concert programme out of a pocket to find (and show the audience that you don't know) what you're singing next...it's easily accessible to read through the plastic with this handy option. This is for directors to hold rehearsal planning notes Church choirs - for singers to hold service leaflets For any singers, to hold programme containing concert order and/or special directions for changes in choir standing position, etc. storing name tags, tuning fork, pitch pipe, liquorice? This pocket keeps the information secure, visible through the plastic, and right at the front to be discreetly accessible... Back to: Top of page