Backun Essence Bb/A Clarinet - Cocobolo

I'm taking pre-orders for these clarinets! I have about 12 on order, and deliveries will begin in ~Q1, 2026.

If you’d like to try the clarinet, reach out to me. Trials involve a $120 fee plus shipping, and you’ll have the clarinet for four days. If you decide to purchase, that entire fee is applied to the cost of the instrument. So think of it as a “free trial—with strings attached.”

Ok, now on to our program...

Morrie Backun, never one to rest on his laurels, has been in the workshop designing a new clarinet for "the rest of us." (To be clear, that's my quote, not his.)

The Essence came to be as a result of a listening campaign by Morrie: listening to folks who felt his Q series was too resistant, who found the Lumiere series too expensive, and who felt both were too "Canadian Sounding" (again, my quote, though I don't know what that actually means).

He worked with Anthony McGill from the New York Philharmonic on the playing profile, which is less resistant, and with a tighter "French" core to the sound. He worked with me on the ergonomics of the key work — I'm especially proud of the thumb rest, which was carried over from his bass clarinet line. I guarantee that it's the most comfortable thumb rest you've ever felt on a stock clarinet.

It also comes with both a lined top joint, and unlined top joint. Let's talk about that for a moment. The lining is some proprietary synthetic amalgam that keeps moisture away from the wood, which is very similar to Selmer's EVO bore concept. Less moisture wicking by the wood means fewer top joint cracks. Now, when I played both instrument types, I found them to be quite different, both in feel and sound. The lining felt more resistant, and the tone less "pingy." I wasn't a big fan, but that doesn't mean you won't be, especially if you live in an arid/dry/cold environment where clarinets are prone to cracking. I don't regularly stock the lined version, but that can change if y'all demand it. I listen. Like Morrie, only better.

And if you're here, you're wondering what the difference between the Cocobolo and Grenadilla wood is. Well, it gets esoteric. Besides the color, Cocobolo is 19% softer and 13% lighter than Grenadilla. The decrease in density and weight gives the clarinet a different sound: more warm (because it's slightly softer it absorbs vibration slightly more), and easier to blend with others. This makes it ideal for chamber music and solo/recital playing, yet the "ping" helps carry the sound to the rafters. It's a great combo-platter, IMO.

Resistance: 5/10, Medium

Playing the Essence, I feel an instrument that feels very middle-of-the-road resistance-wise. It's one of the more balanced feeling clarinets we carry.

In general, more resistance in a clarinet design usually keeps the louder dynamic ranges from spreading; the clarinet "holds its core" and focus, but will provide a smaller dynamic range (on both ends, loud and soft) and smaller color palette. A less resistant clarinet typically provides a much wider tonal palette to choose from, but will require more control from the player to control pitch and sound consistency.

When listening for how a clarinet responds to added air pressure and embouchure control, listen to the Weber example (wide dynamic range and color range), then the Berlioz excerpt (wide dynamic range, but narrow color range), and finally the Gershwin excerpt (narrow dynamic range and narrow color range). You will hear how these clarinets respond — for better or worse! — to my input as a clarinet player.

Then compare the Essence with a typical French clarinet like the Buffet R13 or the Selmer Privilege. It feels French...well, French Canadian. 

Special Features and Specs

It features a mix of carbon fiber and metal tenon rings, which help give it its pingy resonance. I guess it's hard to call that a "special feature" since most other clarinet manufacturers do the same, but hey, if it works, it works. 

Another feature carried over from Backun's bass clarinet is the ability to micro-tune key heights. This is a "hidden" feature of these  instruments and is SO FREAKING COOL. Without worrying about mechanism regulation you can independently raise or lower a key height with an adjustment screw (most keys have them) to raise or lower the pitch of a certain note. It also adds or removes resistance of a given note. It's really fun to play with to even out your clarinet to your liking. 

Oh, and it's got that great thumb rest. You're welcome.

Comes with

• 65mm and 66mm barrels (Bb) or 65/64mm (A)
• Automatic low F intonation correction  
• Gold posts (this clarinet does not have a silver post option)
• Removable Left-hand Eb/Ab key (but leave it on)
• Custom Backun case with memory foam
• Polishing Cloth
• Swab and Cork Grease

All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please  read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.

FAQ:

Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!

Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard Backun warranty. 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. Please  read my trial policy for how to handle this issue, should it arise.

Q: If I decide to return it, do have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Not if you live in the Continental US! Because I want you to find the right instrument for you, and doing so online is harder than doing so in-person, I will cover the return shipping. Please  read my trial policy for trial and return rules.

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 Duties are not included in this cost.