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.
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).
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. That said, I freaking LOVE the sound of this Lumière. I'm buying one for myself.
TL;DR: This thing looks and feels premium, and it has a sound and response to match. But like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Resistance: 6/10, Medium
Playing the Lumière, I feel an instrument that pushes back slightly more than average, which results in a resistance that is pleasant but not overbearing.
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 Légende with a more free-blowing (less-resistant) clarinet like the Buffet R13 or the Selmer Privilege. You'll hear the difference, especially with the dynamic extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
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 BAM Trekking 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: 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.
