🎵 BACKUN Alpha Bb Clarinet — Professional Quality for the Beginning of a Great Journey
The BACKUN Alpha Bb Clarinet is an instrument that redefines what a student clarinet can be. Crafted from an ideal blend of synthetic materials for maximum resonance and lightweight durability, the Alpha is the optimal clarinet for the classroom, the concert stage, and the marching field. This instrument has been honoured with the prestigious Music Inc. Product Excellence Award, celebrating BACKUN's commitment to designing and manufacturing affordable instruments built with unparalleled craftsmanship. The Alpha isn't just a student clarinet — it carries the DNA of BACKUN's professional models.
🎶 Sound Characteristics
The BACKUN Alpha impresses with a sound quality comparable to instruments costing several times more. The proprietary blend of synthetic materials delivers a denser, more resonant tone compared to the standard ABS plastic used in most student clarinets.
✔️ Maximum resonance — BACKUN's proprietary synthetic material is denser and more resonant than standard plastic, delivering a rich, full sound from the very first day of playing
✔️ Poly-cylindrical bore — designed with the same philosophy as BACKUN's professional models, ensuring balanced tuning and even tone across the entire range
✔️ Free-blowing response — unlike most student clarinets, the Alpha doesn't create excessive resistance, allowing students to develop proper air support naturally
✔️ Authoritative timbre — musicians note that the Alpha performs on par with models like the Buffet R13 and Yamaha CSVR, which cost several times more
🔧 Construction and Materials
The BACKUN Alpha is the result of years of research and development with the goal of giving student clarinettists an affordable instrument that won't restrict their development. Every detail is designed for the optimal combination of durability, ergonomics, and sound quality.
✔️ Proprietary synthetic body — a patented material chosen for its excellent tonal qualities, weather resistance, and lightweight feel. This is not standard ABS plastic — BACKUN developed a unique blend that significantly outperforms competitors in resonance
✔️ Drop-forged and hardened keywork — mechanism crafted through drop forging with triple-strike plating in nickel or silver, ensuring durability even under intensive student use
✔️ Ringless design — the absence of metal rings on the barrel makes the instrument noticeably lighter than competitors such as the Yamaha YCL-255
✔️ Water-resistant Valentino pads — black synthetic pads provide reliable performance and long service life without frequent replacement
✔️ Cork register pad — for optimal upper register control
⚙️ Mechanics and Ergonomics
The mechanics of the BACKUN Alpha are designed with the needs of both beginners and professionals seeking a reliable outdoor instrument in mind:
✔️ Adjustable thumb rest with neck strap ring — allows adapting the grip for hands of all sizes, from children to adults
✔️ Traditional flat springs — provide reliable and predictable key action
✔️ Removable left-hand Eb key — option available in the silver-plated version for added convenience
✔️ Ergonomic key placement — optimised for ideal finger positioning that encourages good playing habits
✔️ Quiet and precise mechanism — keys operate smoothly, without unnecessary noise or play
📊 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Key | Bb |
| System | Boehm (French), 17 keys |
| Body | BACKUN proprietary synthetic material |
| Bore | Poly-cylindrical |
| Keywork | Drop-forged and hardened, triple-strike plating (nickel or silver) |
| Springs | Traditional flat |
| Pads | Black Valentino synthetic (water-resistant) |
| Register Pad | Cork |
| Thumb Rest | Adjustable + neck strap ring |
| Removable Left-Hand Eb Key | Optional (silver version only) |
| Weight | ≈ 656 g |
| Awards | 🏆 Music Inc. Product Excellence Award |
| Manufacturing | 🇨🇦 Backun Musical Services, Canada |
📦 Included
✔️ Alpha 65mm Barrel
✔️ Alpha Bell
✔️ Backun Hardshell or Backpack Case
✔️ Protégé Mouthpiece Kit (mouthpiece, ligature, reed)
✔️ Cleaning swab
✔️ Cork grease
✔️ Backun Warranty
🎯 Who Is the BACKUN Alpha For
✔️ Students and beginners — ergonomic design, lightweight build (656 g), and comfortable resistance help develop proper technique from day one
✔️ Marching band members — the synthetic body withstands rain, heat, cold, and impacts, making it ideal for the marching field
✔️ Professionals for outdoor performances — many experienced musicians choose the Alpha for situations where a wooden instrument would be at risk: outdoor concerts, pit orchestras, festivals
✔️ Musicians needing a second instrument — a reliable backup clarinet for travel, rehearsals, and non-standard conditions
✔️ Parents choosing a first clarinet for their child — an investment in a quality instrument that won't limit development and will last for years
🏆 Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | BACKUN Alpha | Yamaha YCL-255 | Buffet Prodige |
| Body Material | Proprietary synthetic | ABS plastic | ABS plastic |
| Weight | ≈ 656 g | ≈ 700+ g | ≈ 690+ g |
| Pads | Valentino (water-resistant) | Standard | Standard |
| Mouthpiece Included | ✔️ Protégé Kit | ✔️ 4C | ✔️ Prodige |
| Adjustable Thumb Rest | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Strap Ring | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Awards | 🏆 Music Inc. Award | — | — |
🏭 About BACKUN Musical Services
🇨🇦 BACKUN Musical Services is a Canadian premium clarinet manufacturer based in Burnaby, British Columbia. The company was founded by Morrie Backun, who started with a small woodwind repair shop. When asked to overhaul a clarinet with a missing barrel, he crafted a new one from exotic cocobolo wood — thus creating the very first Backun barrel. Today, BACKUN is a recognised leader in the clarinet world, inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels. The Alpha series was created with the belief that every student deserves a professional-quality instrument.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the BACKUN Alpha differ from other student clarinets?
The Alpha is not made from standard ABS plastic but from BACKUN's proprietary blend of synthetic materials, delivering significantly better resonance and timbre. The drop-forged and hardened mechanism with triple-strike plating, water-resistant Valentino pads, and poly-cylindrical bore all make the Alpha an instrument that won't limit a student's development.
Is the Alpha suitable for professionals?
Yes. Originally, BACKUN designed the Alpha for professionals who needed an indestructible instrument for outdoor performances, pit orchestras, and marching shows. The synthetic body withstands moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical damage. Many experienced musicians use the Alpha as a second instrument alongside their primary wooden clarinet.
Why is the Alpha so lightweight?
The Alpha weighs just 656 grams — noticeably less than competitors. This is thanks to the ringless design (no metal rings on the barrel) and the properties of BACKUN's proprietary synthetic material. The low weight makes the instrument comfortable for children and for extended marching performances.
Can standard barrels and bells be used with the Alpha?
The Alpha features slightly larger tenons than most standard-sized clarinets. Barrels and bells from other manufacturers may need to be adjusted to fit. For best results, BACKUN Alpha accessories are recommended, or consult a specialist.
What pads are used in the Alpha?
The Alpha is equipped with black Valentino synthetic pads that are water-resistant and long-lasting. The register pad is cork. These pads don't swell from moisture and don't require frequent replacement, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
Is a mouthpiece included?
Yes! Unlike many professional clarinets, the Alpha comes with a Protégé Mouthpiece Kit that includes a mouthpiece, ligature, and reed. Students can start playing right out of the box.
What's the difference between the nickel and silver versions?
Both versions are identical in sound and mechanics. The difference is in the key plating: nickel or silver. The silver version also has the option of a removable left-hand Eb key. The choice comes down to personal preference and budget.
Does the Alpha require special maintenance?
Minimal. The synthetic body doesn't require humidifying, oiling, or special storage like wooden clarinets. Simply swab the bore after playing for hygiene and occasionally grease the corks. This is one of the Alpha's key advantages — minimal maintenance with maximum reliability.
🚚 Shipping and Payment
✅ Free shipping across Ukraine from 4000 UAH
🚚 Nova Poshta — 1-3 days across Ukraine
💳 Pay in installments — Monobank, PrivatBank
✅ Official warranty from BACKUN
🇨🇦 Made in Canada — BACKUN instruments
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