The Q is the "Buffet R13" of Backun's line. Morrie would probably shoot me for writing that, but it's kind of true: it has a familiar French feel, albeit with the features we've come to appreciate about Backun instruments — the in-line trill keys (no more water in your Eb, thank you!), precision-cut tone holes (so pads seal perfectly), carbon fiber joint ring, triple-plated keywork.

This is the Second Generation Q (2021), which means Morrie completely redesigned the bore based around the Lumière, and it now ships with Lumière bells and barrels. Flagship DNA at a civilian price point. This second-gen also features upgraded black leather pads and a left-hand pinky Eb/Ab key.

If you're coming from an R13, this is probably the gentlest on-ramp to the Backun universe. It won't feel alien.

Available in Grenadilla or Cocobolo. Grenadilla is what 95% of professional clarinets are made from — harder, denser, more projection. Cocobolo is its Central American cousin: 19% softer, 13% lighter, warmer tone, easier to blend. The "cocobolo cracks more" thing is a myth — it actually has lower shrinkage coefficients than grenadilla (see our FAQ for the data). Different sound, different vibe, not better or worse. If you're not sure which one you want, read our Cocobolo vs. Grenadilla primer before you buy.

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.