Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet - Low C & Low Eb
Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet - Low C & Low Eb
April, 2025 Update: I have a stack of the Low Eb instruments available, as in: I can ship them to you tomorrow. If that's your jam, then feel free to snag one!
And, I'm almost done shipping Low C Alpha pre-orders, so if you want one of those instead, the wait time is now pretty short!
Now back to our regularly-scheduled program:
The Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet — like the Backun Model Q, it’s a game-changer.
(Possibly even more of a game-changer.)
The Backun Model Q is poised to level-up the bass clarinet. More in tune, more resonant, more comfortable, more value.
THE ALPHA SHARES ITS ENTIRE DESIGN WITH THE MODEL Q. BUT IT’S SYNTHETIC.
It uses same neck, bell and key work (though the Alpha bell/neck/key base metal is brass, while the Q has a nickel-silver base). The only other difference (besides being plastic) is with its pads: the Model Q uses Pisoni leather pads, while the Alpha uses Valentino synthetic pads.
Like the Model Q, Backun also didn’t re-invent the wheel when they didn’t have to. They took some of the best designs from current manufacturers: an automatic third register key just for throat Bb, rods (instead of long keys) for the side trill keys (no more leaky pads from out-of-adjustment keys), an articulated C#/G# system, and a first-of-its-kind bridge stop which allows you to set the exact position of the two joints as you like it, and then every time you put together the instrument, you don’t have to find the “sweet spot” ever again.
IN MY OPINION, THIS IS SIMPLY THE BEST SYNTHETIC BASS CLARINET ON THE MARKET. YES, IT’S BETTER THAN KESSLER.
There is zero question that this instrument is way better than the Kessler Custom. But then again, it’s over $1,000 more expensive. I’ll still carry the Kessler instruments for the foreseeable future for those who are looking for a best lowest-cost instrument.
WAIT, BUT IS IT BETTER THAN THE ROYAL MAX?
That’s a tough one, since the Royal MAX is quite a different-feeling and different-sounding instrument. I think time will tell which instrument more players prefer. I know a LOT of people who adore the way the MAX plays and feels, so I’m hesitant to commit to that answer at the moment.
WHAT ABOUT THE CASE?
The case is a well-designed (but somewhat large) ballistic nylon backpack case. It protects the instrument very well, and has lots of storage space both inside the case and in two outside pouches. I know I need to get a photo of it up here on the site. That's coming.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me!
FEATURES:
- Synthetic body is very resonant, but which will never crack from weather changes.
- Triple-plated keywork (in silver) – note, while I’m not initially stocking it, the nickel version is available as a special order.
- Undercut toneholes with overcut vented “wings” on the lower joint (this is kind of a big deal)
MECHANICS:
- Triple register mechanism for throat Bb tuning
- Articulated G# mechanism with the ability to turn this feature off with the twist of a screw.
- Adjustment screws on damn near everything Adjustable thumb rest and neck strap loop
PADS:
- Valentino
INCLUDES:
- Q Series Bass Clarinet Neck — silver plated
- Q Series Bass Clarinet Bell — silver plated
- Sitting peg — silver plated (Note: Backun decided to not offer the Alpha with a standing peg after all. If you've watched my 2024 video review, you'll hear me talk about the instrument coming with one, but alas...plans changed from prototype to production.)
- Ballistic nylon backpack case
- Polishing cloth
- Large double-sided swab with integrated weight
- Cork grease
- Mouthpiece
- Fabric ligature
FAQ:
Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: We won't have these in stock unti mid-summer at the earliest. If, after then, you'd like to schedule time, we will try to keep one in stock for trials!
Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard 2-year Backun warranty against cracks, etc. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.
Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help.
Q: If I decide to return it, do also I have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Yes. And you will also want to insure it!
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs are not included in this cost, and you likely be responsible for those when the instrument enters your country.
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I absolutely love this instrument. I was a bit worried at first as I love my Buffet 1180, especially the sound but I was getting frustrated by having to fiddle around and find the ‘sweet spot’ all the time. This was especially during orchestra when the wood kept ‘shifting’. The Backun doesn’t do this, it’s so easy to play and reliable. All the high notes I need to hit I can with ease and I can spend more time on technique rather than worrying if the note will come out. The sound isn’t compromised either - I actually think it sounds better. Earspasm are great, keeping me updated with delivery. Definitely worth the wait.
Just received my Backun Alpha Low E flat bass clarinet after many months wait and it was definitely worth the wait. As Michael says, the Alpha is better than the Kessler. Good tone, solid keywork, and I'm finally able to confidently hit the high C in Stars & Stripes Forever. Also seems to be easy blowing. Highly recommend this instrument for anyone looking for a good balance of performance and price. I also have the Backun Alpha soprano clarinet and have become a fan of the modern synthetic clarinets. Thank you Backun.
the Alpha is pretty amazing and comparable in many ways to my Buffet! i got it for mostly outdoor concerts (it's likely to rain or have sudden temp/humidity changes in the pacific northwest) but it sounds good and plays well enough to be an every day horn .... until my Q shows up! Honestly, I'm a little surprised at how good it is. And working with Michael is always a pleasure. He makes it a point to always be approachable.
Being new to bass clarinet-switched from soprano clarinet-my experience with these instruments is limited. But with the first horn I acquired I was shocked at the incredible difficulty of getting the Clarion registered to speak. Although my long-term sight has been set on a Selmer Privilege, I definitely was looking for an immediate step up in quality. Michael recommended the Alpha, and for me as a jazz player the E flat would be just fine. Well, I have to say I’m experiencing a great improvement. The mechanism is fast and solid. But even more amazing is that those clarion notes now speak 10 times more easily! What a relief! And while my experience again with the bass is limited, this truly does feel like a professional instrument under my fingers. This was a great purchase!
Michael Lowenstern & Earspasm have gone beyond every expectation insofar as client / customer service, not to mention that the Backun Alpha Low-C Bass Clarinet is an extraordinary specimen of any bass clarinet.
I am a doubler (tenor & soprano saxophones are my main instruments) so take this review with that in mind. I have been playing on a Buffet Prestige (1193) for the past years, which is a spectacular horn, as we all know - the "industry standard" if you will. At the NAMM show 2yrs ago, I first tried the Backun Alpha, as well as both models of the Q Series bass clarinets (Grenadilla & Cocobolo wood) models. I fell in love with all of them, in particular the Cocobolo Q-Series and the Alpha. The resonance, intonation and free-blowing aspects of the instruments were very impressive. I found that all aspects of both horns compared to or exceeded the Buffet 1193 and that the intonation was markedly better (on both the Alpha & Q). This year at the NAMM show, I tested the Alpha once again and was sold. I had already per-ordered one from Earspasm at that point and was 100% sure that I'd made the right choice.
Though the wait was long, Michael kept me (and the other waiting-list per-order clients) abreast of progress. When he received the shipment of over 100 Alpha basses, he sent out pictures and a numerical order of delivery list, which was impressive. I just got the horn a couple days ago and though it had been regulated and adjusted at Earspasm & play-tested by Michael, something happened in shipping that effected the low-F# key mechanism, making it bind. I contacted Michael about ti and we jumped on a video call so he could see what I was talking about. On that call, he offered to pay for the repairs with my local repairman or pay for return shipping back to his shop for repair. Wow!
I had the horn adjusted today and it plays like a dream... beyond my expectations!
Thank you Michael...!!!