Backun Lumiére Basset Clarinet in A

Now, I hear you coughing on your drink looking at the price on this. Yes. It's expensive. But if you need it, you know who you are. And if you need a modern Basset Clarinet, this is the one to beat. Even, in-tune, ergonomically comfortable, and sounds like a clarinet — only it goes to low C. Mozart, you're welcome.

And this thing is a Lumiére through-and-through. Which means I'll just cut and paste what I wrote about the Lumiére clarinet here:

The Backun Lumière is a brand new design, and is part of Backun's "Custom" line of clarinets. All of Backun's custom instruments and parts are hand-made in Canada (where many of the other Backun instruments are designed and built in Canada with parts sourced from various locales...including Canada).

And by "brand new design," I mean it's not just how the thing looks, but the whole instrument was designed to improve the response and scale — what Backun calls the "Backun Scale," which makes me wonder if this is a new mode they're teaching in Music Theory, but I digress. One thing you'll notice immediately is the automatic low F vent. On some instruments like the Buffet Legénde and the Selmer Muse, the low F vent is manually activated with either a separate pinky key (Buffet) or right thumb (Selmer). On the Lumière, it's automatic, and it works beautifully. Low F, you are no longer flat.Lumiére

There are other nice features that simply just feel good in the hands, like Backun's newly redesigned arched trill keys which feel nice and beefy but not heavy. Hell, the whole instrument feels nice. If you were blindfolded, you'd feel the difference before you put the instrument in your mouth.

Tone holes have been positioned to reduce the chances that you'll get water in your keys, custom-made pads designed to improve the seal and longevity, and are quieter than most pads you'll see (or hear).

Backun's Basset Clarinet comes with a newly-designed Marcus Bonna case that holds both the regular lower A clarinet joint and the Basset Clarinet joint. Not sure where you'd just get the lower joint of the A clarinet but if you've got one laying around, cool. (Kidding: Morrie sells just the lower joint of this Basset Clarinet, and if you're interested contact me.)

Special Features and Specs

It features carbon-fiber tenon rings — not metal — which have both a practical and aesthetic purpose: they look great and they will not get loose in dry weather.

Another amazing feature is the register key with a voicing pin. This is a thin little pin that is attached to the register key pad. How it works is something Morrie Backun could explain if you give him 45 minutes and a pot of coffee. I have no idea how it works, but it works. This, plus the special Lumière double-voicing groove bell makes going over the break smooth like butter.

Comes with

• 65mm and 66mm Lumière barrels
• Lumière bell with voicing groove
• Custom Marcus Bonna case
• 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: Come on over. I've got all my shots :)

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: Nope! 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, but please contact me first for the shipping cost. I will adjust the cost based on your actual address. International shipping costs vary, and range between $300-500 USD. Please note that you will be responsible for any Customs Duties.