Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet - Low C & Low Eb

I am new to clarinet and particularly bass clarinet. That being said, I love this instrument. It plays well, feels good, sounds good.

The only negative thing is the cork on metal interface joints get dark and also transfers to the cork grease. Not sure if that is a Backun thing or just metal on cork. It seems a little better after playing for a few weeks and wiping the residue off.

Finally, I purchased the low-C. Just an FYI if you don't already know, it is considerably larger than the Eb (Yamaha 221 is what I was looking at in person). I use extra caution to not bump into things or accidentally drop parts.

Thank you Ear Spasm for all the videos!

First of all, many thanks to Michael for the wonderful support, letting me try out multiple bass clarinets, giving some pointers and being a great, welcoming guy.
The Backun Alpha is the first bass clarinet I’ve ever owned myself. I’ve been on a school Yamaha bass for the past year or so, and while it held up OK, it had some consistent tonal and structural issues that I had to compensate for to keep in check. This in turn slightly diminished my ability to focus solely on tone and technique. The Alpha solves all of the stuffiness and key action problems the Yamaha had. It is a wondrous instrument that I am excited to play for years to come! To anyone considering the instrument it is WELL WORTH IT, and the process is made extremely easy at Earspasm. Thanks a ton Michael!

Upon first hearing about the alpha, I knew it was going to be a serious consideration of mine when instrument hunting. I hadn’t known about Backun until I bought an alpha soprano a little over a year ago, and after falling in love with that instrument I was excited to hear that they had finally made a bass clarinet. This bass does not disappoint.

The ordering process was simple and I received the instrument a little over 3 weeks after placing the order. There was a slight delay in communication and shipping but I was kept in the loop and reassured by Mr. Lowenstern about the status of my order. The delivery went smoothly and the instrument was fine upon checking for any issues.

I’m a real fan of the case, it immobilizes the instrument completely and has some space left inside for reeds, a swab, and other small necessities. The two outside pockets are roomy and I really dig the backpack straps on the other side of the case. The keywork and body of the instrument feels nice and durable, the silver plating really makes it feel premium. Ergonomically this bass feels comfortable to play, and I’m particularly a fan of the pads and thumb rest. Playing it feels easy, the intonation is superb, it resonates amazingly for a synthetic instrument, and response is great among all registers. The low register just growls and feels satisfying to play. I’m a returning player who hasn’t touched a bass in years so I still need a lot of practice to make the most of the instrument.

I’ve only had this for a month at the time of writing this, and it’s everything I could’ve wanted in a bass and then some. It’s a dream that was 9 years in the making fulfilled. Ordering from Earspasm was great and I would certainly do it again for my next clarinet. I can’t recommend this instrument enough and I look forward to the many years of enjoyment I’ll get from playing this behemoth.

After an 11 month wait It's here! I bought the Alpha low C. I love the vibrato and resonate timber of this instrument!! I'm transitioning from a Vito semi plateau Alto Clarinet that I've been playing for 48 years. I didn't realize what limitations the Alto had until taking the plunge to "move up" to the Bass. I must have been compensating with a stuffy, leaky instrument for at least 40 of those years. Having an instrument that doesn't leak, plays so well in all registers is a pure joy and I've only had this new instrument for 2 days!!! The only "downs" are 1.) not receiving a standing peg as advertised in your online youtube review and 2.) the neck tends to wobble when going over the break and there is no way to tighten it down as my Alto did. Maybe the neck issue is something that Backun will be able to address in future models.

I bought a Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinet in February 2026.

I played bass clarinet in high school and college prior to graduating in 1976. After taking 30+ years off for a career, I joined a community band and resumed playing a major brand plastic student model bass clarinet. Later, I was fortunate to afford a quality, professional instrument that was the kind of instrument you would not want to play outside on hot or cold days. For many years, I told myself if anyone ever made a good "plastic" low C bass clarinet, I would buy it. For me, Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinet is that instrument.

This instrument is sometimes described as a "student" model. I would not recommend it for a young student. The instrument is a mechanical marvel (nightmare?) and poor care would result in a lot of problems. The triple register key is very complicated.

This instrument is big and heavy. The case is 9 inches longer than my other bass clarinet. This horn from Earspasm played great right out of the box. A big plus is the low "pinky" notes are much better in tune than my expensive French made wood instrument. I try to take excellent care of my instruments but since I bought this horn, I have broken a spring and knocked off a key "cork". (Backun uses rubber cushions instead of cork.) After 6 months, it has developed 2 clicking keys that need some additional cushions. Even good horns need care and maintenance.

This is a great instrument. Plays well in all registers. Sounds great.

As someone who has played a high-end professional Selmer bass clarinet, this almost plays identical. The ease of playing throughout and the tone is amazing and comparable. Not a fan of the mouthpiece it came with, but with the right mouthpiece it is amazing! Would recommend to anyone!

Michael takes great care in the quality of the instruments he provides. When I received this Bass Clarinet, it came with multiple helpful accessories and quality that was not just out of a box, but adjusted to perfection. He also reached out on several occasions to check in on the instrument and if I had any questions or concerns. The instrument has such a beautiful sound and consistency, even in the usual “trouble spots” where you expect the occasional stuffy sound or sticky pads.

Michael,

When we first spoke several months ago, I was inquiring about purchasing a b flat plateau clarinet that I thought would be helpful with my arthritic right hand fingers.

Playing in a community band, I need as much help as I can get.
Your first and immediate response was to get a bass clarinet. You said something like (It's like a plateau clarinet, and all of the keys are covered." Well after several conversations, lots of searching along with more questions, I made my first journey to the snow covered streets of Brooklyn  to try the different models. On my return visit, I became a proud owner of my new BackunAlpha bass clarinet. 

One month later, I am very happy with the purchase, taking lessons, and now can really be a doubler. Because of your patience, guidance, and attention to detail, I'm a happy "cowboy." I've been playing it at least once daily, and the tone is exactly what I was looking for. 

Thanks very much for your help. It is clear that you care deeply about your customers and their instruments. 

Richard Bookbinder

saved my life worth every penny amazing service

I recently realized that my bass was way out of adjustment. The repair tech at ClarinetFest in Fort Worth used a hammer and bent keys just enough to make the horn play well enough so that I went home with it. My bass is currently with David Saul here in Lakewood, CO getting properly set up. David's set up will cost me $250+. After David is done with my bass, we may talk about changing out at least some of the foam pads (which just suck up the sound). Better pads may make the horn sound better. Michael, if you want to set up instruments prior to customer purchase, I suggest you send them out here to David Saul in Colorado . You'll have to charge more for the product you sell, but the only alternative with any real integrity is to tell your customers to take their new instrument to a repair tech of their choice for proper set up. Your customer (that's me) will have to pay for a first rate setup.

Still, the Alpha is a great value for the money. Just last night I was practicing on my Ridenour hard rubber bass. I wish my Alpha was made of hard rubber instead of ABS plastic. The hard rubber is a much better material to make clarinets out of.

Nothing to dislike; service is excellent, The instrument is everything I hoped it would be! I am looking forward to many years of playing.

This is a beautiful horn. It played great out of the box.The only problem I have had with it was the extra keys for my pinky. They really help to get from here to there on the low end. If I could afford it, I would have another as an alternate.

I purchased my Eb Alpha Backun Bass Clarinet back in April. I am a saxophonist with several high-end instruments who decided to take up the Bass Clarinet. My purchase from Mike was based on his product recommendation, my desire to get a "good" instrument at a price that wouldn't drain my wallet and the fact that Mike personally provides the set-up. As someone new to Bass Clarinet, having Mike review the set-up was important to me. After spending considerable time with my Backun over the past 3-4 months, I can say that I've been really enjoying the experience. I am getting a good sound out of the instrument across the entire range of the horn. Very happy with my purchase. Would definitely consider purchasing another instrument with Mike in the future.

I got my low c bass a couple days ago, and brought it to my first day of band camp. So yes I was planning on marching with the low c bass. However I am not very experienced with low c basses, and was struggling to put the thing together. Fortunately my band director was a bass clarinet player and was able to help me figure it out. And I actually almost broke my brand new instrument when the bottom joint fell out of the top even though there really wasn't that much Greece on the cork. However because Backun was awesome and put screws everywhere, it was fixed easily and I brought it back out on the field. However the instrument itself was much heavier than I expected and my thumb was really having a hard time supporting the instrument especially when trying to go from set position to horns up, so for anyone trying to march this instrument, make sure you spend some time getting used to the instrument before marching with it. And make sure you clip your neck strap to the bottom joint no matter what because that will come out if you don't.

My new low Eb Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet feels like it cost more than it did. I play in a community band and my director along with many in the band commented on how good it sounds. I liked my previous and first b.c. purchased in 2010 (a new Yamaha 221II) but my new b.c. does not make me work as hard plus I get a better sound. The Backun Alpha b.c. is a wonderful instrument.
Michael Lowenstern/Earspasm answers questions quickly and clearly and the instrument plays perfectly right out of the box! I highly recommend Earspasm.

Quick shipping, clear communication, great instrument.

After placing my order , I received it within 3-4 weeks. It arrived damaged free. My discussions with Michael on the phone and later by email were very informative! The Alpha is very free blowing, responsive, and built like a tank! Thank you Michael and team!

Dealing with Mike was very easy and the instrument arrived quickly. Highly recommended. The Alpha itself has been a stunning instrument and truly plays like a high end Pro clarinet. The nylon backpack case is a really nice fit out for the instrument and is very secure.

Love my new Backun alpha bass clarinet. I always appreciate the amazing service from Michael at Earspasm.

We just received our bass clarinet a couple of weeks ago. The instrument had been brilliantly set up, and played flawlessly straight out of the box.

I have done some work on clarinets before and I can really see how brilliant a job has been done here.

Thank you very much.

I've had other bass clarinets and kept felt myself wanting more - more low notes, more volume, better key work. That was especially pronounced after getting an opportunity to play a Buffet Prestige bass clarinet and be surrounded by other musicians with those instruments. I wanted that sound, but never had the funds to make it happen. Enter the Alpha! It is easy to play. It has a tremendous sound (and that roaring low C I've always wanted). The key work feels as good as any of my other professional grade instruments. And as a saxophone player, I find myself more worried about wood instruments and that isn't a problem here.

This was also my first purchase with Earspasm and it will not be my last. I greatly appreciate the personal perspective (and humor) in all of the product descriptions. The instrument showed up setup beautifully and the communication throughout the process was everything I could have wanted. Thank you!

TL;DR - This is a professional grade powerhouse of a bass clarinet for way less than anything else of it's caliber. Get it from Earspasm and trust that you'll have a good time.

I love my new Backun Alpha low C bass clarinet! It’s a delight to play and I’m slowly adjusting to all the new keys and fingering nuances. The ordering process was easy. Michael answered emails promptly. Very happy with entire process and end result!

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.