Lately, however, they’ve extended their product range into a new market: students and advancing players. However, there’s no “A” clarinet version of the Alpha (or Beta), and while this is understandable due to potentially low demand, I actually think there is a real need for a quality, affordable, synthetic A clarinet in the marketplace. Backun Clarinets; Sort by: Brand. When designing the Alpha clarinet, Backun also considered the fact that professional players might not be comfortable taking their main instrument to perform outside. Honestly, I would say this is pretty normal with this material, and perhaps it’s time for this instrument to have its first tune up. So when it arrived, I played my clarinet a bit with the original barrel and then swapped in the new barrel. It will be up to the individual player to decide what they are going for but I think it sounds great. But others simply prefer the feel (myself included) or just like how it looks. This is a light, free blowing super fast clarinet for pop and jazz if you have a jazz mouthpiece and a flashy ligature. One dealer said to me that it's really cool to have a Backun barrel, but I suppose it only matters to people who even know about this product. Can you suggest a new wood barrel and wood bell? Clarinets - Backun Protege Bb: Color (), Weight (4.8 lbs), Release Date (), Brand (Backun). Jupiter JCL700NA Student ABS Bb Clarinet : Body material: ABS Keywork: Nickel-Plated Silver Keys: $1000: Read Full Review Below: 9. *Free Shipping Order Minimums: $25 in Nevada, $150 for Contiguous USA States. Sometimes, a clarinet (regardless of who the manufacturer or the price point is) comes in needing 20 minutes of adjustments and then the very next one can require 2 hours! Many sections also feature cork treatments and black felt to match. I only have to bring one bag along now–even when I have my laptop with me–and it weighs a lot less. Professional Setup Every Backun Model Q Clarinet we send out to a customer is not released from us unless it has been completely setup in our shop first. Clarinet prices. The Alpha was designed for entry level players, but is also intended to be an option for professionals to take outside when needed. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet Silver Keys at Amazon.com. Product description The Backun Alpha clarinet is the result of years of research and development and the desire to give student clarinetists an affordable instrument that won’t be … After using it for a while I actually find that I prefer this option to my larger BAM cases. Do yourself a favour and get this bag. Specs: Standard fit. As with Backun, investing in a Henri Selmer Paris is more like committing to the craft of playing clarinet as opposed to picking it up as a hobby. The Backun Alpha and Beta Clarinets, while somewhat more expensive than similar instruments in the market, deliver a complex, versatile tone, great design features, and, of course, the iconic Backun appearance we all know and love. The following pictures show what a chromatic scale from low E to middle B-flat look like on my Buffet Festival and then the Backun Beta. As a newbie into the world of all things clarinet, a good respected resource is important. He is also an active performer, recording artist, and music educator currently living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Less than $400: Like most musical instruments, clarinets aren't exactly cheap, but you can find some reasonably priced models if you're not looking to play professionally. Every time I returned to the more “dark” and “covered” sound of my Festival, it just felt less interesting. Got an Alpha today. In fact, you can find very basic clarinets designed for new players that cost as little as $50 or $100. The Backun Alpha clarinet is an amazing instrument! If you get a chance to try one, don’t miss it! Read more…, Paez Music reed cases feature hand-crafted wooden exteriors, custom laser engraving options, magnet closure systems, storage for between three and ten reeds, and humidification options for their newest model (the Apertur HC). A family business with humble roots as an instrument repair shop, Backun Musical was founded by Morrie Backun in 2000. Like their Italian supercar counterparts, many have been left drooling in their midst. As Morrie Backun himself said in Episode 37 of the podcast “if you have a beautiful piece of wood, why would you want to [stain it? You have tested the areas of concern that conform to my ideas as a new student. Their instruments are so iconic that even an untrained eye can recognize them instantly from the back row of the largest concert halls. It’s been a blast to play, and I’ve been using it daily for me for the last four months. Vocalise CG Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece by Hawkins & Backun, Mon-Fri 9:30-6:00 | Sat 9:30-4:00 | Pacific. They are a few dollars less than the nickel plated ones even! Let me know what you think. Compare Compare Items. But they are really expensive. Using a patented process, carbon fibre is fused to the precision machined core, resulting in a clarinet with the robust projection and unmatched intonation that Backun is known for. My location in Washington State puts me close to Canada. When matched with a MoBa barrel and bell it apparently plays fantastically well, so much so that Corrado Giuffredi uses it all the time with his orchestra. Or $29 /month^ with 36 month financing* Limited Time. Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet: Body material: blend of synthetic material Keywork: nickel or silver: $1020: Read Full Review Below: 8. Purchase your new Backun Model Q Clarinet through Kessler & Sons Music using First Mutual Finance and receive special 24 Month, 0% Interest Financing! How did you get such a deal? You might be asking, “are these clarinets just enticing eye candy, or do they offer a compelling choice for the advancing student and professional alike?”. Read honest and unbiased product reviews … Feature wise, the Model Q will not be available with the automatic Low F venting mechanism employed on the Model F and the MoBa models. ]”, Both instruments are available in nickel and silver plating. Although it's a woodwind it was first developed in the early 1700s to solve a brass instrument problem: the difficulty for the era's trumpets (which lacked valves) to play the high or "clarion" register. After dropping the Backun twice while juggling my phone, coffee, and music folder I started looking for a better solution. Also features a rubberized handle, durable zipper closure system, an outside pocket, and a handy space inside for … Shop and save on our amazing selection of Backun Bb Clarinets at The Woodwind & Brasswind. If you like Backun, I say go for it! It would be nice to have as an optional add-on, along with other elements of Backun’s keywork improvements such as the low F vent. Thanks. Good buy. About the Clarinet. In under 1 minute per instrument I do the following on the Alpha, Beta, and my R13 Festival: (These exerpts were played with a D’Addario X25E mouthpiece, Legere European 3 strength reed, and a Peter Spriggs Ligature. When I do take it in I might have some of these pieces replaced with nylon out of personal preference, but it’s unfortunately going to take away from the all-black look! Learn how your comment data is processed. These three books, all by past Clarineat Podcast guests, will help you Read more…. The mid A is always painfully sharp. The company gave me a new one for free twice. Having said that, I am surprised at how few musicians, teachers, or retailers hrte in the Puget Sound area know of Backun Clarinets. Stay up to date with the new product announcments and Special Discounts available only through our newsletter! There are things I would change. Congratulations on purchasing your Backun Clarinet, we are confident it will provide you with years of playing enjoyment. This instrument allows you to play straight through without restriction, but still handles with grace and ease even the softest dynamic passages. It was a taste of something new and refreshing. The Backun Model Q clarinet features the pure performance in line with the MoBa Artist Series clarinets but in a price that is more within professional clarinet reach! Backun clarinets are pretty good from all the articles I've read and from some of the instruments that I've played. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Yamaha YCL250 is a more popular clarinet, based on its reviews. Save 10% on your next accessory purchase with code “Clarineat” at checkout. (Disclaimer: I am not a scientist). If you check the “studio” section they sometimes have great clearance prices on items. Thanks for the insightful review of the Alpha. Backup clarinet to 2 wooden clarinets. Too often players are convinced that they have to spend far more than they need to in order to get the best. £1500 - £2500 (6) £5000 - £10000 (6) £1000 - £1500 (2) £400 - £500 (2) £2500 - £5000 (1) 4.9. I analyzed the above recordings with the spectrogram in Adobe Audition and I have to say that the results were remarkable. The Alpha, with its synthetic body, is highly resistant to cracking. Most New Backun Clarinets are eligible for free shipping. Backun sells their bells directly at http://www.backunmusical.com. (PS: If you’re not familiar with what a Spectrogram is, you are forgiven. The Backun Bell, with standard Voicing Groove, was designed to meet the needs of student and intermediate players by improving the overall tone and response of the instrument. $550 here in Anacortes Washington. An aesthetically and practically tasteful touch on both instruments is the use of black Valentino pads, which are highly durable and seal very well. Thank You, they have included an e-flat lever as an add-on on the website for the alpha, Hi I bought a beta about a year and a half ago. It is worth noting that the mic was a bit too close and this is the reason for the volume difference between some notes on all 3 instruments.). Regardless, it’s great to have the option and it’s a testament to Backun’s commitment to offering something that actually suits the needs of real players. Does not apply towards Store Used Demos or Used Instruments. The best part (if that’s not enough) is that it converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag–and back–in a matter of seconds. I found that the Backun horns exhibited a lighthearted, bright, playful, and flexible tone. I love it. Click Here for more information on financing program details and to apply! Traditionally, only instruments of the highest quality are unstained (because stain hides imperfections that are often present in entry level horns) so this is a bold move at this price point, and is likely part of the reason that the instruments cost a bit more than the competition. It’s all possible with Légère’s line of synthetic reeds for Bb, Bass, and Eb clarinet. Can a bell really do this? Some of the black felt, while gorgeous, has started to wear down after 4 months of heavy use (1-4 hours a day). Yamaha: 850, CSV & SEV Models Full details on financing page. Backun Musical Services designs and manufactures the world's most sought-after clarinets and revolutionized the clarinet world with our barrels. A wood barrel on the composite body brings an amazing amount of tonal improvement and brings further tonal depth to your clarinet! Many players & teachers feel that modern clarinets sometimes struggle to be able to take large amounts of air… not with the Backun Model Q! The first thing you’ll see when you bring home a new Alpha or Beta, of course, is the case. The Backun MoBa Clarinet Barrel produces a full-bodied dark sound that is incredibly flexible throughout the clarinet’s tonal spectrum. We’ve got your back A sleek cloth exterior, comfortable backpack-style straps, and a durable foam core makes sure that both you and your instrument stay comfortable. So I decided to do a little experiment with something called a spectrogram to find out if there was any way to scientifically and objectively demonstrate the difference. I think these instruments are definitely worthy of consideration by advancing players as a step up horn, and present a compelling option to anyone as a secondary or outdoor instrument. Can you give me the music store where you purchased the Alpha? With a set of truly matched instruments made from the same piece of wood costing up to 25 thousand dollars USD, Backun’s target market has traditionally been clear: they make the best horns, for the best players with the best materials, at any cost. 24 Month, 0% Financing Option Available on New Instrument at Advertised New Price Only. Explore our selection of clarinets, including the CG Carbon, MoBa, Model F, Q Series, Protégé, Beta, and Alpha. An affordable professional instrument, the Backun Protege Clarinet is the next logical step between student and Artist model clarinets. The lack of an E-flat lever is somewhat disappointing, and for me it was especially missed after having had one on my Buffet Festival for the last 15 years. In this situation it’s rather easy to simpy remove the neck strap attachment, but if you wanted to use the thumb rest in a high position with the neck strap you’re going to have to re-adjust the screw each time. Sean has performed as a substitute clarinetist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Red Deer Symphony, The Bow Valley Chorus, and many other local ensembles. As I suspected, the Backun clarinets had significantly more presence throughout the frequency range, started to taper off later, and they went much higher. Demos and Used models can still be financed under standard terms. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Backun Fatboy Grenadilla Bb Clarinet Barrel - 66 mm at Amazon.com. Considerable attention to detail here. The Backun Model Q Clarinet is based on the Artist Series bore and is made on the world’s most advanced manufacturing equipment in order to provide a new level of performance consistency and quality. With its uncompromising tone, impeccable intonation and a unique acoustical design, the Backun Protege redefines what an aspiring player needs in a clarinet. Classic feel and playability The Q Series clarinet offers those who prefer a more traditional French-style instrument the chance to experience the world of Backun. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Backun Clarinet Bell, 6LBCVG, Cocobolo, Traditional, with Voicing Groove at Amazon.com. The Alpha case is a textured black plastic finish, whereas the Beta is sort of a brushed aluminum look. Nickel silver keys. Thank you for your support, listeners like you make the show possible! I’ve been getting great mileage out of this clarinet. Either way, it doesn’t really matter and students will appreciate the comfortable handle, light weight, and the ease at which it will slip into a backpack, locker, or band room shelf. That being said, plenty of big names play Backun. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I didn’t realize how much I used it until I started playing daily with the Beta. 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