Johann Christoph Denner invented the clarinet in Germany around the beginning of the 18th century. By adding a register key to a folk instrument called the chalumeau, Denner was able to extend the range of the instrument significantly. Over time, additional keywork and airtight pads were added to the clarinet to improve tone and playability. It has a single-reed mouthpiece, a straight cylindrical tube with an almost cylindrical bore, and a flared bell.

During the late baroque era, composers such as Bach and Handel were making new demands on the skills of their trumpeters, who were often required to play difficult melodic passages in the high, or as it came to be called, clarion register. Since the trumpets of this time had no valves or pistons, melodic passages would often require the use of the highest part of the trumpet's range, where the harmonics were close enough together to produce scales of adjacent notes as opposed to the gapped scales or arpeggios of the lower register. The trumpet parts that required this speciality were known by the term clarino and this in turn came to apply to the musicians themselves. It is probable that the term clarinet may stem from the diminutive version of the 'clarion' or 'clarino' and it has been suggested that clarino players may have helped themselves out by playing particularly difficult passages on these newly developed "mock trumpets".

Today, the clarinet is used in both jazz and classical ensembles, as well as in chamber groups, folk music, and as a solo instrument.

New barrel design produces a focused tone and quick response.
Nickel silver keys.
New bell design aids in projection and improves intonation in lower notes, allowing for the consistency and confidence in learning things correctly the first time.
Valentino pads are more durable, easier to repair, and less sensitive to temperature changes than other pads making them the student model choice.
Matte finish simulates the actual grain of wood while providing the advantage of a durable ABS resin material. Students will no longer feel uncomfortable playing their plastic model next to other students with wood models.

The Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet is the result of years of research and development and the desire to give student clarinetists an affordable instrument that won’t restrict their development. Made from a proprietary synthetic material chosen for its excellent tonal qualities, the Alpha also gives professional players an instrument that they can confidently use for performances where a wooden instrument might not be appropriate.

Available in Nickel or Silver plated keywork
Each Alpha Bb Clarinet comes with
- one Alpha 65mm Barrel
- one Alpha Bell
- a Mouthpiece Pack including a Mouthpiece, Ligature and Mouthpiece Cap
- a Custom Backpack Case.

Grenadilla wood body.
Silver-plated keys.
Gold-plated key posts create a distinctively elegant look.
Adjustable thumb rest increases player comfort.
Undercut tone holes aids outstanding intonation and response.
Power-forged keys for excellent durability.
Innovative bridge key design eliminates jamming or breaking of the bridge key.
Needle springs provide faster key action and excellent feel.
Resonance chamber “cutout” inside the bell allows for excellent projection of the tone.
French style case with cover for a small transport size.

Grenadilla wood body.
Sculptured, nickel-plated keys provide a more clear and focused tone and are a good alternative for people who have an allergic reaction to silver-plating.
65mm barreldesign produces a focused tone and quick response.
Bell Design aids in projection and improves intonation in lower notes, allowing for consistency and confidence.
“Blue” steel spring material gives the keys a lighter touch and feel while producing a smooth, quick action.
Straight tone holes with tapered undercut provide outstanding intonation and response.

The Backun Beta was designed as an intermediate wooden clarinet for those taking the first leap into playing grenadilla. Whether you’re a young artist picking-up a clarinet for the first time, or a well-seasoned player, the Backun Beta offers exceptional tone, uncompromising craftsmanship and an affordable price, all in one outstanding instrument.

Crafted from premium, aged granadilla wood
Available with silver or nickel keywork
Backun Beta Clarinets come with
- a Beta grenadilla barrel
- a Backun grenadilla bell
- mouthpiece pack (including mouthpiece, ligature and cap)
- cork grease and a swab
- a hardshell case that withstands school lockers and the harrowing trip home to practice.

An affordable professional instrument, the Protégé Bb Clarinet is the next logical step between beginner and Artist models. With its uncompromising tone, impeccable intonation and a unique acoustical design, the Protégé redefines what an aspiring player needs in a clarinet.

Available in Cocobolo or Grenadilla woods, with Rose Gold, Gold or Silver plated keywork
each Protégé Bb Clarinet comes with
- one Protégé Barrel in 65mm length
- one Protégé Bell
- a Pochette Case and Case Cover.

Tapered tone holes with hand-tapered undercut for optimum tone quality, intonation, and uniform response throughout the instrument’s range.
Bridge key design eliminates damage to the bridge key mechanism.
Select grenadilla hand-crafted from prime wood stock for optimum stability.
Integral tone holes are carved directly into the body of the instrument, achieving uniform resonance and response as well as rich tone color.
New bell design: The taper inside the bell is more open to provide for a round, full sound.