The Backun Alpha is, hands-down, the best student Bb clarinet on the market. It sounds like a professional clarinet, and I honestly would challenge you to hear a significant difference from 3 feet or 300 feet.
While most student clarinets tend to be a little more resistant, a little less flexible, and a little less durable, Backun uses high-quality materials, especially in the key work—which is the area most student instruments break down. And, it is one of the most free-blowing student clarinets I've ever tried.
The Alpha is a synthetic instrument, so it's lightweight (compared to a wooden clarinet—not a piccolo), and isn't susceptible to weather and humidity like wood is. So you can march with it. Even if it's snowing. Or raining. But in those cases I pity you.
This Alpha I carry has nickel keys. Note, the Nickel Alpha does not have a left-hand pinky Eb/Ab key.
Resistance: 6/10, Medium
Playing the Alpha has a terrific feel for a resin clarinet. It's got a middle-of-the-road sound, with a nice splash of brightness in the clarion register. With its medium-light resistance, you will have a balance of tonal flexibility and center to the sound that holds its core.
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 Alpha with the Uebel Classic and the Royal Classical Limited. The Uebel and Royal have a bit more resistance, which is partly the design, and partly the material (both the Uebel and Royal are Grenadilla wood). These two alternatives' slightly added resistance—while still both considered "Medium." When listening to the sound examples of all three, listen for the dynamic variations, especially with the extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
Extras
And, if you want to turn your Alpha up to 11, you'll want to check out the Backun barrels in stock. These barrels can continue with you even after you've upgraded your clarinet (all the way up to the most expensive Lumiére or Buffet or Selmer or whatever!) so it's a great investment. Just sayin'
If you're looking for a starter instrument that won't hold you back, the Alpha is one of the best games in town. Again, this version of the Alpha has nickel keys, which will net you about $225 savings.
Don't believe me? That's cool. Try it for 7 days, and if you don't like it, send it back. But please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
Specs:
- Bore: Backun Bore w/Under-Cut Toneholes
- Pitch: Bb
- Material: Proprietary Synthetic Material
- Pads: Custom Black Valentino
- Key Style: Backun Design, Silver-Plated
- Barrel: Alpha Stock Barrel — 65mm
- Mouthpiece: Backun Protege Mouthpiece with Rovner Dark Ligature + Legere Synthetic Reed
- Case: Alpha Hard-Shell Case
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.
