🎵 BACKUN Llopis Signature Eb Mouthpiece — The Universal Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece from a Requinto Virtuoso
The BACKUN Llopis Signature Series Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece is the first signature Eb clarinet mouthpiece in the Signature Series lineup, created in collaboration with Javier Llopis (pronounced “Yo-Peace”), an internationally renowned Spanish clarinetist and pioneer of solo requinto performance. This mouthpiece solves the main challenge of the Eb clarinet: it evens out the instrument in such a way that the altissimo and articulation become easy, mimicking the feel of soprano Bb and A clarinets. With a 1.20mm open tip, Open/Long facing, and A-Frame baffle, crafted from Spanish marble hard-rod rubber — the Llopis Signature is universally suited to orchestral, chamber, wind ensemble and solo Eb playing.
🎶 Sound Characteristics
The Llopis Signature is a mouthpiece that changes your relationship with the Eb clarinet. It provides effortless response, altissimo control, and precise articulation, making the “little beast” comfortable and predictable to play.
✔️ Evens out the instrument — the mouthpiece evens out the Eb clarinet so that altissimo and articulation become easy, mimicking the feel of soprano Bb and A clarinets
✔️ Effortless response — A-Frame baffle with Open/Long facing and Open tip promotes effortless response without extra effort
✔️ Altissimo control — the upper register becomes accessible without complex alternate fingerings, with clean and stable sound
✔️ Precise articulation — clear, controlled attack across all registers, from pianissimo to fortissimo
✔️ Universal versatility — equally suited for orchestral, chamber, wind ensemble and solo Eb clarinet playing
🔧 Design and Technology
The Llopis Signature is the first Eb mouthpiece in the Signature Series lineup, representing the future of clarinet mouthpiece design: A-Frame baffle combined with BACKUN’s cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
✔️ A-Frame Baffle — a unique baffle design developed by Richard Hawkins for the Signature Series. The A-Frame optimizes airflow, providing effortless response, clean altissimo and controlled articulation
✔️ Open Tip Opening 1.20mm — the open tip provides a free, resonant sound with full volume and projection
✔️ Open/Long facing — the long facing combined with the open tip provides flexibility and dynamic range for different playing styles
✔️ Spanish marble hard-rod rubber — a unique material chosen specifically for the Llopis Signature. The Spanish marble colour reflects the artist’s heritage and provides optimal acoustic characteristics
✔️ 9-axis CNC machine — crafted on a highly advanced 9-axis CNC machine using “done-in-one” technology (milling and lathing in one program without recalibration), ensuring exceptional precision and consistency of every piece
✔️ CAD/CAM design and 3D prototyping — designed using advanced software and tested with 3D printing technology
⚙️ O-Rings System
✔️ Self-lubricating O-Rings instead of traditional cork — all Backun Signature Series mouthpieces feature rubber O-Rings instead of cork. This provides improved durability, reduced maintenance and a stable fit on the barrel
✔️ Three O-Ring sizes included — medium O-Rings are installed by default and fit a majority of Eb clarinet barrel tenons
💡 Tip from Hawkins: to re-lubricate O-Rings, use a drop of almond oil or a tiny bit of cork grease on the inner wall of the barrel top tenon to improve ease of use
📊 Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Key | Eb |
| Series | Signature Series |
| Model | Llopis (JL) |
| Artist | Javier Llopis (Tenerife Symphony Orchestra; Tenerife Clarinet Fest) |
| Designer | Richard Hawkins (Professor, Oberlin Conservatory) |
| Tip Opening | 1.20mm — Open |
| Facing | Open / Long |
| Baffle | A-Frame |
| Material | Spanish marble hard-rod rubber |
| Pitch | A=440–442 with a standard-length Eb barrel |
| Engraving | “JL” on the table |
| Tenon | Self-lubricating O-Rings (3 pcs, medium size installed) |
| Manufacturing | 🇨🇦 Backun Musical Services, Canada — 9-axis CNC |
📦 What’s Included
✔️ Llopis Signature Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece (1 pc)
✔️ Medium-sized self-lubricating O-Rings (3 pcs)
✔️ Small flathead screwdriver for O-Rings (1 pc)
✔️ Mouthpiece patch (1 pc)
✔️ BACKUN warranty
🎯 Who Is the Llopis Signature For
✔️ Orchestral players — stable intonation, easy altissimo and controlled articulation for Eb clarinet orchestral parts
✔️ Chamber musicians — balanced, even sound for ensemble performance
✔️ Requinto soloists — full dynamic range and expressive tone for solo concerts
✔️ Wind ensembles — projection and clarity for concert bands and wind ensembles
✔️ Clarinetists who find the Eb “doesn’t fit” — the mouthpiece evens out the instrument, making it comfortable even for those who previously avoided the Eb clarinet
✔️ Advanced students — effortless response and altissimo control help master the Eb clarinet faster
📊 BACKUN Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece Comparison
| Model | Series | Tip Opening | Facing | Baffle | Material | Character |
| Llopis (JL) | Signature | 1.20mm | Open/Long | A-Frame | Spanish marble hard-rod rubber | Universal, easy altissimo |
| Vocalise R | Vocalise | Close | Short | Traditional | Black hard-rod rubber | Focused, controlled |
| Vocalise G | Vocalise | Medium | Medium | Traditional | Black hard-rod rubber | Balanced, versatile |
| Vocalise H | Vocalise | Open | Long | Traditional | Black hard-rod rubber | Dark, flexible |
🏭 About Javier Llopis
🇪🇸 Javier Llopis (pronounced “Yo-Peace”) is a Spanish clarinetist, internationally recognized as one of the pioneers and most outstanding performers on the Eb clarinet (requinto) in the world. Born in Cullera (Valencia), he studied at the Higher Conservatories of Valencia and Tenerife, earning Honours Awards (Premios de Honor) in Clarinet and Chamber Music. He furthered his studies in Spain, France, Germany and Austria under Alois Brandhofer, Alfred Prinz, Karl Leister, Wenzel Fuchs and Thomas Friedli. Professor of Clarinet and Orchestra at the Professional Conservatory of Music in Tenerife, assistant clarinetist of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. Founder and Artistic Director of the Tenerife Clarinet Fest, founder of the Pícolo Clarinet International Academy. He has performed as a requinto soloist in Spain, France, Austria, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Uruguay, Estonia, Argentina, Mexico and the USA. He collaborated in the design of D’Addario Reserve reeds. His biography is included in Gianluca Campagnolo’s book “Great Clarinettists.” He plays Backun instruments and Légère reeds.
💬 Artist Testimonials
🎵 “As a requinto soloist, I can say that this mouthpiece is a dream come true. For me, it has all the necessary ingredients to enjoy the Eb Clarinet in total comfort. This mouthpiece is one more step in the evolution of this small instrument, taking its performance and versatility to new heights.”
— Javier Llopis, International Soloist and Renowned Eb Clarinet Player
🎵 “You will enjoy this beautiful sounding mouthpiece, perhaps making you love the Eb for the first time, or more than ever before.”
— Richard Hawkins, Mouthpiece Designer and Professor, Oberlin Conservatory
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the Llopis Signature differ from Vocalise Eb mouthpieces?
The Llopis Signature is a Signature Series mouthpiece featuring the unique A-Frame baffle, Spanish marble hard-rod rubber and O-Rings system. Unlike Vocalise models with traditional baffles, the A-Frame provides easier response, better altissimo control and a more even sound across all registers.
Why is this the first Eb mouthpiece in the Signature Series?
Richard Hawkins met Javier Llopis in late 2023 at the Tenerife Clarinet Fest and was so impressed by his Eb clarinet playing that he decided to create a signature mouthpiece that evens out the instrument — it was one of his bucket list projects.
What is the A-Frame baffle?
The A-Frame is a unique baffle design developed by Richard Hawkins for the Signature Series. It optimizes airflow through the mouthpiece, providing effortless response, clean altissimo and controlled articulation. The A-Frame is the key difference between the Signature and Vocalise series.
What reeds work best with the Llopis Signature?
The Llopis Signature is optimized for both cane and synthetic reeds. With the 1.20mm tip opening and Open/Long facing, medium-strength reeds are recommended. Javier Llopis himself plays on Légère reeds. Tip: try a new reed matched to the mouthpiece rather than using your current reed.
Why O-Rings instead of cork?
Self-lubricating O-Rings provide improved durability compared to traditional cork, reduce maintenance, don’t require regular replacement, and ensure a stable, snug fit on the Eb clarinet barrel. Three sizes are included to perfectly fit any barrel.
Is the Llopis Signature suitable for players who find the Eb “doesn’t fit”?
Yes, that’s exactly what it’s designed for. As many clarinetists agree, the Eb clarinet tends to fit some and not others. The Llopis Signature evens out the instrument so you may love the Eb for the first time, or more than ever before.
What pitch does the Llopis Signature provide?
A=440–442 with a standard-length Eb barrel. This is the standard orchestral pitch, ensuring compatibility with most ensembles.
What does the “JL” engraving on the table mean?
“JL” stands for Javier Llopis — the initials of the artist for whom this mouthpiece was created. Each Signature Series model has a unique engraving: JL (Llopis), DS (Shifrin), RH (Hawkins), AM (McGill), CG (Corrado), EU (Euro).
🚚 Shipping and Payment
✅ Free shipping across Ukraine from 4000 UAH
🚚 Nova Poshta — 1–3 days across Ukraine
💳 Pay in installments — Monobank, PrivatBank
✅ Official warranty by BACKUN
🇨🇦 Made in Canada — BACKUN instruments and accessories
SoundsGood — official BACKUN dealer in Ukraine. Shipping across Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro and other cities.
🎵 Order the BACKUN Llopis Signature Eb mouthpiece at SoundsGood — the universal Eb clarinet mouthpiece from a requinto virtuoso! 🎶
