The Backun Bravo Bb Clarinet, is a very high quality clarinet. The intonation, tone and keywork is excellent as usual. I actually think this clarinet is quite wonderful actually. I had two buffet R-13s for 20 years, which were stolen from my car, and because I had the Backun bells and barrels before, I decided to try the clarinet. For $2000, it is NOT really an “advancing student” clarinet, because it was equal, and or, surpassing my Buffet R-13, which cost now about $3700. I consider is a professional level clarinet. The only thing I would like is the 2nd side key to protrude slightly, as opposed to being “flush”, since, in certain passagework, such as the Debussy: Premiere Rhapsodie, the “c” trill is a little hard to find on the fly—as well as other trill passage work. It’s a design choice, not a weakness whatsoever.
I would recommend parents just jump over student models, since, for the price, this is not too expensive, and could last to some of higher orchestras and bands in the country. Thanks for Backun for making an excellent clarinet. Clarinets I have played of similar quality are usually $3000-$4000. You are getting a great deal.
