Author: J. J.
Date: 2006-08-14 19:08
I will admit at the outset of this post that I've never been taken with Backun products to begin with, but I was very excited to try these models, since it would be the first time any Backun products would be combined with an instrument designed for them.
The main impression I will go away with is one of confusion. I liked the fact that there were three models of instruments, both for pricing possibilities and because you could get an insight into what they view as a progression of better quality or options. I thought all of the models were very well in tune, which I expected and liked. I liked the fact that different models came with different combinations of barrels and bells, giving the clarinets at least the impression of greater versatility. The keywork and mechanism were good, but didn't in any way blow me away.
I was confused why there was no alternate Eb key for the left hand. I would consider this an obvious need for any new professional models these days. There was an interesting trill key added, one that extended downward from the C#/G# key that would facilitate right hand trilling on these notes, aleviating some of the difficulty of trilling with the pinky in the left hand. I can see that it would be useful in some situations, but you have to change the angle of your right hand so much to use it, even if you have large hands, that I would imagine it doesn't offer much advantage over just using your left pinky (or having an alternate Eb key).
As far as sound goes, it's difficult to tell in an exhibit room, but the quality was okay. By and large, it sounds and feels like a Leblanc. It's very even over the registers and note-to-note, which is great, but I think that anyone who likes current Leblancs will like it and those who don't will not.
I have no doubt they will update this model and/or come out with a new model within the next year and a half, but I was left wondering why this clarinet was introduced now. For me personally, it offered no tangible advantages over current models from other companys or even current Leblanc models.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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