 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-12-25 14:43
I just saw Michael Lowenstern's demonstration of the Backun Q clarinet.
What can I say... it looks like Backun copied here and there for its clarinet, I also found it funny how Michael elegantly glossed over the case, which is so small and gaunt that the pieces touch each other.
If it had been any other review, I think he would have panned it mercilessly.
As for the attachment of the stand, I find it just plain ridiculous
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2023-12-25 18:23
I will reserve judgement until I play one...which I probably won't anytime soon. However all the manufacturers 'borrow' successful design ideas from each other. Looking at his review it does have unique features, it's not just a cut and paste horn like I understand the Royal Global stuff is. "Overcut" toneholes, keywork shape, undercutting design, all seem new.
As for the case it's a Marcus Bonna Compact. It's a fine case but I'm not sure why they decided not to use Bam like all their Bb horns. It may be the only case on the market that fits the keywork though. I know I had to customize my Bam case to fit my Selmer 67.
Have you played one? I know they have been at Midwest and possibly some other trade shows. Michael does say he bought the entire first year of production already so I guess if anyone wants one they are buying from him though.
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Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2023-12-26 01:50
Hello and Happy Holidays all.
I wanted to clarify a few points. Specifically about the case. The Marcus Bona case is designed to suspend the instrument, unlike many others. Simply stated keys not resting on "trays" is beneficial to keeping instruments in adjustment. In "real life" the keys do not touch. The video/photo makes the parts look closer than they are....Likely because of camera angle.
Cases are very personal and no matter what make, model or features.......Everyone will have their own preferences. I don't think Michael glossed over the case.....To the contrary, he simply likes it, I believe. Anyone who actually knows Michael realizes he does not gloss over anything and is a very serious person about his reviews (despite the lighthearted presentation)
As for the case with an outer stand strap, it is designed to be unobtrusive if a player does not want to use the straps. I will say that the vast majority of players testing the instrument have really appreciated that feature and the case in general, with several asking about purchasing the case for instruments they already have. Different tastes for different players......No one size fits all in cases.
I always suggest people try different instruments and determine what works best for them. Instruments are very personal and the feel, response, tuning and sound will be different for various people. I think it is wonderful that there are a variety of makers working hard to produce quality instruments, so players have several choices.
Try them all.....in person if possible and see what speaks to you........Now back to the Eggnog and baking:-)
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
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Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2023-12-26 02:06
Hello DNBoone and happy holidays
I hope that you have a chance to try the Q Bass and always appreciate feedback and suggestions.
I am not sure where you got the idea that dealers would not have Q Bass Clarinets. Earspasm - Michael Lowenstern did place a significant very early order after testing and consequently will be receiving first production instruments as delivery starts, which many players are eagerly awaiting.
Perhaps that has confused some people. Simply put given the huge volume of orders, this will take some time.
We have received a tremendous amount of orders worldwide so "feeding the food chain" will take time......The response has far exceeded expectations and initial production estimates. The instruments have now been shown at several important world shows and tested by many artists, players, and technicians to outstanding response and acclaim.
Hope that helps a bit and we are working hard to meet the outstanding orders and market demands.
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2023-12-26 03:29
Attachment: case01.jpg (1040k)
Attachment: case02.jpg (1062k)
I think a protective case is not a personal taste
Once again, I find it difficult to understand why a so minimalist, almost spartan case for an instrument of such importance
It's simply isn't up to the mark (and frankly, I don't think it's up to the mark to hold a professional high-end instrument)
A lot of people probably like that case... well, so I would sell it right away and buy something else
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2023-12-26 06:36
Hi Morrie, gorgeous horn... and thanks for the register tube.
Clearly there is personal choice, and subjective and objective measures for any product.
I would note in pictured case the supports for the left ends of the joints do not seem to be fixed at the ends opposite the clarinet joints. This "may or may not" allow movement. Whether the joint could drop out under a jolt I don't know.
I had a friend who bought the marcus bonna triple clarinet case and accidentally dropped it. One of the upper joints popped off the support and was floating loose in the case. In my world there would be redundancies etc for the worst-case scenario.
I ended up looking around for an old FEL orly triple case as it compartmented the joints, was relatively light and offered reasonable protection. Downside large case similar in size to the heffalump Leblanc triple case that I have. Yet the LeBlanc case has heaps more storage space, I can also fit a flute and piccolo as well as three clarinets.
I have a buffet case for a D clarinet, a piece of garbage really the lining does not hold the joint in place at all. I have cut out the lining and raised it. So what looks like a robust protective case is not....
Leblanc alto and basset horn case bottom joint left side keys wedge against the hard case on the side that rests against the ground when put down, what tha.
I have replaced them with buffet cases that I have modified the lining.
My understanding is that these are not soft cases, which I avoid due to in my perception the virtual lack of protection.
At the end of the day it may be a sensational case or not, the real question is the testing that has been completed to ensure it is fit for purpose....
How do you feel it will not protect the instrument?
I have provided my examples above.
Cheers
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2023-12-26 10:12
Hi Morrie,
From Michael Lowensterns website he claims he ordered the first 12-18 months of production.
https://www.earspasm.com/instruments/backun-q-bass-clarinet
"But rest assured, if you order one from me, you will get it before any other dealer even has one in stock. (Yes, I’m serious. I liked them so much, I snapped up the first 12-18 months’ worth of production for this instrument.) "
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-12-26 10:44
Does anyone know where to find simple specs of the case (dimensions, weight)? The Marcus Bona website doesn't list them as far as I can tell and contacting Backun became too much of a maze for this simple info.
Thanks
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-12-26 22:23
I think that the most important thing with a bass case, is that all parts are held securely and with the joints held at their ends and not resting on the keywork. All the rest is just landfill. Hence I like the look of this Marcus Bonna case.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-12-26 23:54
Clarsax,
Looking at the image gallery of this case, I see what you mean.
I don't have an issue with how the joints are suspended but I don't really see any case around it.
Looks like a "Naked & Afraid" overall survival rating of about 4.5
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2023-12-28 00:59
Attachment: IMG_0424.jpeg (621k)
I played a prototype at the Midwest Clinic and thought it was an excellent instrument.
I appreciated the triple Bb mechanism and the thumb low Eb instead of it being a D as it is on the Buffet Prestige. It felt very easy to play difficult orchestral excerpts. It’s also for sale under the 9k price point putting it within reach of more people compared to the Selmer and Buffets.
The Bam Trekking case as mentioned is bulky and the joints almost always slide. The High Tech is nice but is nearly 2x as expensive. If I didn’t have a wiseman, I’d definitely be using a Bonna maybe the high tech if I didn’t care about money.
I think we should celebrate makers like Backun, Uebel and Royal for bringing excellent options to the market that are sorely needed.
I attached a picture of the case from Bonna’s website.
James Garcia
Bass Clarinet/Clarinet III, Des Moines Symphony Orchestra
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2023-12-29 05:13
I would have to agree with you on the wiseman. I have had mine for 15 or so years. Fits a bass and two clarinets. Lots of use and little wear.
Adding to my previous comments the shoulder straps started fallling off the original buffet bass case shortly after new. Good design should have a number features as per my previous comments many case designers need to take a long look at what they are doing.
Suspending at the ends has many advantages, but only if it actually protects the horn, as per my previous comments. There are a number of simple design solutions that would reduce/eliminate the chances of the joint falling out and/or prevent further damage if it did. Good design should consider and include such.
Fantastic horn
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2023-12-29 10:27
I'm always on the search for the perfect bass clarinet case...
What "perfect" is can change. I used to nearly always play both bass and soprano, now I play only bass most of the time, so I don't want an unnecessary larger case that could fit a soprano too.
Everything is a compromise between size, weight, protection and price. What "compromise" you go with depends on the situation.
I have a Wiseman (older model, not the carbon fiber). I eventually got another case because it's pretty heavy. Other bass+soprano cases like the Bonna and Bam Hightech weigh almost exactly the same (i.e. they are all relatively heavy).
The Wiseman also has another downside and it's the shape that hurts my back (I walk quite a lot with it). This is why I didn't buy the much lighter carbon fiber Wiseman case, as it would improve one issue but the other would remain the same.
The shoulder straps are fine but not the most comfortable.
It is still a great case, I can sit on it and even stand on it with the clarinets inside and nothing happens. It hasn't happened in a while but I would still use it if I'm traveling in "rough" conditions.
For normal use I now take two very small cases, even though not having to use two cases is the main reason I got the Wiseman in the first place.
>> I think that the most important thing with a bass case, is that all parts are held securely and with the joints held at their ends and not resting on the keywork. <<
Not exactly true. Imagine a huge case with rigid outer shell, and a very thick (say two meters) foam, with the bass in a close fitting pocket in the middle. Nothing would happen to it (not putting it in a car press...). As long as nothing bends, it is best to have the most area supported (over simplification but the basic idea). How it's supported overall matters much more than whether it's at the ends or not.
Post Edited (2023-12-29 10:31)
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-12-29 12:46
Given that the " One size fits all" approach to bass case design tends to amount to something of a " One size fits nothing properly " dilemma, I would like to see a design that comes with a selection of foam blocks that Velcro securely in place and so can be tailored to the individual instrument to provide support in all the key points.
The Bonna case may actually be very well designed, but it doesn't inspire confidence in its appearance. It could surely have something of a padded devision between the joints, if only to offer piece of mind .
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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