Skip to product information
NaN of -Infinity

Backun Q Series Bass Clarinet

Backun Q Series Bass Clarinet

The Backun Q Series Bass Clarinet. Over 25 years in the making.

When I met Morrie Backun back in the 1990s, he was making clarinet barrels, and had just started making bells. He told me he was thinking about designing a Bb clarinet. But Morrie is a bass clarinetist (betcha didn't know that!), and knew that he would, someday, make a bass clarinet. He promised that he'd make me one. So I waited. (I'm glad I didn't hold my breath, either.)

But, it has finally happened. The Q is the first of several bass clarinets that Morrie Backun has on the docket. I am proud to say I provided some input into its development.

What's to love about the "Q"

I flew out to Vancouver to play the first prototype back in August, 2023, right after it was finished. Its response, intonation, and sound took my breath away. Free-blowing, but easy to control. Even timbre across registers (which got even better after we worked on some of the tone-hole undercutting together), and loads of character.

The keywork, which all of you know is something I'm a real stickler about, was terrific. I made a couple ergonomic suggestions to Jeremy Backun (Morrie's engineering-genius son who helps design all of the fitments for their instruments), and within hours, he had a replacement prototype for me to try. Like, he put the key on the instrument and said, "Okay, what do you think of this?" — and it was better, so it went onto the instrument. (Those of you who stand when you play will thank me for the adjustment to the thumb rest. I asked if they'd call it the Lowenstern Ergo-5000 Thumb Rest‚Ñ¢, but they said no.)

The case is a custom job designed by Marcus Bonna with input from Joel Jaffe and me. Small, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed, it has an external strap system made to hold the K+M Bass Clarinet stand.

They also didn't re-invent the wheel when they didn't have to. They took some of the best designs from current manufacturers: an automatic third register key just for throat Bb, rods (instead of long keys) for the side trill keys (no more leaky pads from out-of-adjustment keys), an articulated C#/G# system, and if I get my way, an optional built-in system to clip on microphones, and route cables. THANK YOU LORD.

And it goes on and on. They are building this instrument thoughtfully, with lots of little details that no one else has thought of.

"When will you have one of these in stock?"

Right now it's looking like I will have these in regular inventory sometime in the fall. I still have a few more recent orders from customers to deliver, but those are thinning out, so it's looking pretty good that they'll be "freely" available starting then.

I already have had a few instruments that were up for grabs, specifically the Grenadilla gold-post and Cocobolo instruments, so it's kinda happening already.

Pre-order NOW if you want a spot in the queue.

If you would like to order an instrument now, just so you are "in line" so to speak, you can do so below. Again, I don't have shipping dates, but I do know that they are in full production and I have ordered a lot of them! If you want yours soonest, this is the way to do it.

FEATURES:

  • Your choice of aged Cocobolo or Grenadilla
  • Triple-plated keywork (in silver or gold)
  • Undercut toneholes with overcut vented “wings” on the lower joint (this is kind of a big deal)

MECHANICS:

  • Triple register mechanism for throat Bb tuning
  • Articulated G# mechanism
  • Adjustment screws on damn near everything
  • Adjustable thumb rest and neck strap loop

PADS:

  • Custom black leather

INCLUDES:

  • Q Series Bass Clarinet Neck — silver plated
  • Q Series Bass Clarinet Bell — silver plated
  • Bass Clarinet peg
  • Custom Marcus Bonna Compact Low C Bass Clarinet Case with integrated bass clarinet stand straps (stand not included)
  • Polishing cloth
  • Large double-sided swab with integrated weight
  • Cork grease
  • NOTE: Mouthpiece is NOT included. Fortunately I sell those here if you need one.

    FAQ:

    Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
    A: I'm hoping to keep one of these in stock as a demo, so if you would like to come over, you're welcome to give it a try!

    Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
    A: Yes, it comes with the standard 2-year Backun warranty against cracks, etc. 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.

    Q: If I decide to return it, do also I have to pay return shipping costs?
    A: Yes. And you will also want to insure it!

    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.

    Q: Can I at least hear it first??
    A: Yep. Listen below!

    Wood/Plating
    Regular price $9,360.00
    Regular price $0.00 Sale price $9,360.00
    Sale More coming soon!
    Shipping calculated at checkout.
     More payment options
    View full details

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 9 reviews
    100%
    (9)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    0%
    (0)
    T
    Tobnias Hoffmann
    Amazing instrument!

    I have received my Backun Model Q bass clarinet in October 2024 and since then I am enjoying to play it a lot. I am a saxophone player who doubles a bass clarinet and the instrument is simply perfect. Well balanced and even in all registered, superb tuning and a beautiful tone. I am so glad to have purchased this bass clarinet. Also the service of earspasm and Michael were great. He took care so well about everything and was always there to answer question. I can strongly recommend him and his services!

    Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
    O
    Owen Ganor
    WOW!

    I'm still in the break-in period for this bass, and it keeps getting better by the day. It is truly the best bass clarinet I have EVER played. Its evenness and intonation is absolutely incredible, and the tone is beautiful. It was definitely a change in resistance from being used to a Prestige, but nothing some harder reeds couldn't take care of. The case is fantastic as well- the stand straps are brilliant. There were a few adjustments I needed to make, but the quality of the instrument made it easy. I couldn't be happier with this bass and purchasing it from Michael at Earspasm. Bravo to all those who worked on bringing this horn to life! This bass has made it so much easier to make music!

    S
    Steven Marsh
    Backun Q Bass = Superb !!

    Very happy with the Backun Q bass clarinet purchased from Earspasm! This is an amazing instrument with a great sound, accurate intonation, and solid feeling key work. The instrument was set up very well, as promised. It is a joy to play! If you are also transitioning from a low Eb bass clar. to a low C model, the “Finger Fitness” etude pages for low C bass clarinets by Kristen Denny-Chambers that Michael recommends are very helpful.

    E
    Edward Pelczar
    A superior bass from a superior business

    The Backun model Q Bass clarinet is far superior to my previous instrument including not 'fighting' with me so much in the upper register. It was also evident that it had been setup for me by a technician - there is a feature where the alignment between the upper and lower joints is set via an adjustment **** - this being already setup was much appreciated. There was one minor issue where the 'forked' fingering for the lower Eb (1st line of the staff) or the Bb above the staff was not quite in adjustment, but giving the appropriate **** a quarter turn or so fixed that. I have in mind ordering additional Backun instruments in the future, and plan to order them through your business.

    R
    Rob Oetman
    Thrilled!

    This instrument is a joy to play! I couldn't be more pleased that I got it and that I got it through Michael at Earspasm.