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Re: 2019 Backun Mouthpiece

Author: JTJC
Date: 2019-05-21 19:25

I’ve recently bought a Backun Vocalise model G from a UK retailer.

I found sound, articulation and intonation very good on my Yamaha CSG IIIs. However, I wonder whether the tuning of the Vocalise hasn’t been set somewhere above 440, possibly nearer 441. This might explain Backun’s claim of “lock in on an even pitch range between 440-442”. The table is flat and I measured the length of the lay at around 18mm.

My main issue with the mpc is the physical characteristics. The rails on my G are uneven, with the left one being slightly thicker than the right. (from what I've seen that doesn’t seem to be that uncommon on mpcs.) The lay is also uneven for much of its length, with the left rail having a slightly longer length at each measuring point. This might be expected, though undesirable, with a mpc made in a traditional way, where uneven pressure on abrasive paper cause one rail to be cut more than another, thus causing the difference in rail thickness and uneven rails. However, these mpcs aren’t made that way. While the unevenness of the rails is noticeable when playing it doesn’t seem to affect things that much. I’ll have to see if I can live with it.

In addition to the lay there are also a couple of areas where the finish of the mpc isn’t as good as I would have expected given the stated manufacturing processes - “on a highly advanced nine-axis CNC machine and finished in a unique done-in-one machining program that combines the milling and lathing processes without the need for a second setup or recalibration.” Internally, at some points there is additional material in the angle where baffle and sides meet. I don't know whether this affects anything. Also, there is a slight step where baffle meets the bore. These features are in contrast to the lettering on the mpc (Vocalise, Hawkins Backun), which seems perfect.

Given the manufacturing processes used to make the Vocalise (machines, software, material etc) all Model Gs ought to be the same. The flaws/characteristics I’ve observed in my copy should be present in all others. How’s your Model G?

I would have expected from something made by CNC to be to a higher standard. I don’t find my G to be any better than a standard Vandoren, worse in some ways. Maybe I was expecting too much and there are limitations to CNC machining, whether intrinsic or manufacturer induced (time/cost limitations, the need to differentiate top pro models from lower cost ones, etc). Whatever the reasons might be, the results, as judged by this G suggest some hand finishing is necessary. It’ll be interesting to see whether the CNC models in this price range that will be coming from other makers (Grabner, Behn etc ?) will display similar manufacturing ‘characteristics’.

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2019 Backun Mouthpiece new

Mrdi

2019-02-14 00:51