Finally, an affordable lightweight Low C Bass Clarinet with exceptional intonation and out-of-the-box playability. The Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinet utilizes the same acoustical design and durable key mechanism found on the Q Series Bass Clarinet to provide artists with an instrument that brings the lowest bass clarinet notes to the masses. Alpha Bass Clarinets feature a neck and bell that are crafted from brass and hand-finished, providing a vibrant tone and incredible projection. From a lightweight proprietary body to hardened and triple-strike plated key work available in durable nickel or bright silver plating, Alpha Low C Bass Clarinets help bass players standout in the classroom, studio or outdoor concert venues.
Two Case Options for Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinets:
Choose between a sturdy ABS hardshell case for rental fleets, schools and travel that securely stacks and stands in both vertical and horizontal positions, or a stylish lightweight ballistic nylon backpack case for those on the go.
Detailed Specs
Approx. Weight
9kg
Features
Proprietary and lightweight two-piece precision machined body
Sculpted under-cut tone holes with over-cut vented “wings” for optimized airflow
Elegant key work with triple-strike plating (in nickel or silver finish)
Neck and bell crafted from brass, yielding a vibrant tone with great projection
Mechanics
Triple register mechanism for unrivalled tuning
Articulated G# mechanism
Low C mechanism with ergonomic balanced action
Advanced adjustment screws that allow players to fine-tune their optimal setup
Adjustable ergonomic thumb rest and neck strap loop
Pads
Custom black Valentino pads that are exceptionally durable
Includes
Alpha Bass Clarinet Neck
Alpha Bass Clarinet Bell
Backun Low C Bass Clarinet peg
ABS Hardshell or Ballistic Nylon Backpack case options
Polishing cloth
Large double-sided kite-style swab with dual pull tabs
Cork grease
Backun Warranty
Mouthpiece Kit includes Backun Protégé Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece, fabric ligature, cap and reed
Case Options
Alpha Low C Bass Compact Backpack Case
Alpha Low C Bass Compact ABS Case
BACKUN ALPHA LOW C BASS CLARINET
Get the Low Down
Register Mechanism: Triple register/Bb mechanism for unparalleled performance and intonation throughout the upper register.
Thumb Key: Comfortable angled register key touch-piece for seamless register shifts.
Locking Middle Section: Hassle-free adjustable joint-locking mechanism ensures proper action and performance every time the instrument is assembled.
Thumb Rest: Ergonomic adjustable thumb rest with curved lip and neck strap loop that supports easy reach of the intuitive roller-enhanced Low Eb, C# and C thumb keys.
Key Work: Precision CNC machined key work that is hardened and triple-strike plated for incredible durability.
Product Reviews
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 84 reviews.
As an amateur returning to playing after a break I took my old beginner bass clarinet in for a tune-up and decided to try out an Alpha that was in stock at the store after reading great reviews from Earspasm. Well after just a few minutes of playing and I was in LOVE!!!
The Alpha absolutely catapulted my sound and tone… even got a few nice complements from few different band members on my sound with my new Alpha bass. I’d never thought I would ever have been able to play in the upper clarion and altissimo registers but the Alpha makes it so much easier and in tune, even for this amateur.
Paired with a Vocalise G mouthpiece, Rovner versa ligature and Legere reeds (use a variety of different ones).
The more I play it, the more I love it. Thanks Backun for making a great horn!
Moving from a school bass clarinet to this has been among the more noticeably brilliant contrasts in my musical career. The Backun Alpha bass clarinet is truly wonderful and for its price, revolutionary! Thanks a ton for designing this beauty, and huge props to Michael Lowenstern at Earspasm for helping me decide! Much love.
The Backun Alpha afforded me the ability to acquire a professional quality bass clarinet at an extremely attractive price point. The instrument plays beautifully with great tone, intonation and responsiveness. The included Protege mouthpiece is also nicely responsive and free blowing. Perhaps someday I'll graduate to the 'Q' model, but as a doubler and small combo player the Alpha does everything I need it to do, and will really help me develop my abilities on bass.
I was looking to get my own bass clarinet and was looking for a used clarinet, when my stand mate told me about Backun’s bass clarinet. I did lots of research. Watch videos from earspasm to others reviewing the bass. They were all consistently give great reviews. I had to get one. Today I tested the bass at the music store and I can not stop playing. It sounds amazing. So much easier to play and in tune right out of the box. Thank you Backun family for creating an amazing and affordable bass clarinet.
Wow. Just wow. I am going in to 9th grade and made the top band at my highschool and I wanted to have an instrument for summer and also an upgrade, so me and my grandma did A LOT of research and talked to lots of people and decided this was the best option. We had it ordered to music and arts just for me to try it. I spent about 30 minutes in the practice room and it absolutely amazed me. I have tried out a lot of instruments before and this is hands down the best quality, price, and looking instrument in general. I walked out of the practice room and said how much I loved it and it was purchased on the spot. While writing this I am currently on my way home and plan on practicing for the rest of the week. Thank you backun for making such a great quality instrument.
Best impulse buy ever.
I've seen Backun barrels and clarinets in the past and thought they were so beautiful. 2 years ago, I heard that Backun would be making bass clarinets. I followed the stories of people who were on the waiting list, and was excited to hear their reviews as the clarinets finally hit the marketplace. I kept thinking, "Some time, I would love to try one. "
While at my local music shop picking up whatever little thing I needed that day, the tech told me that they actually had 2 of them in stock and asked if I would like to see them or try them out. I declined, afraid that I would fall in love on the spot and not be able to walk away.
Fast forward a few weeks.
I have a performance on Friday (the day after tomorrow as I write this), and I have been working on a passage that I just cannot get under my fingers. I know my current horn needs to be serviced, but out of frustration, I drove over to the store to just tell myself that I'm not a good player, it's not the horn's fault. I told the tech, "Today, i want to try one. I brought my mouthpiece and reeds and this piece of music that is a complete stitch in my side." He kind of smirked at me as he brought out the Alpha, showed me to the practice room and casually said, "It's a good horn".
I sat down in the practice room, and I was NOT prepared for how lovely and ergonomic the Backun was under my fingers. Where the keys fit, especially the pinky keys was SO much more comfortable than any bass clarinet I had ever played on, and definitely better than the one I have been playing for almost the last decade.
I pulled up the passage that has been giving me fits for weeks (upper register triplets for days) and it just flowed out of this instrument. I was almost in tears, thinking "It turns out I'm not actually a terrible bass clarinet player." All the alternate fingerings that this passage required, the clarity of the upper register - everything was right.
I have griped to so many people that composers really shouldn't write upper register stuff for a bass clarinet - "it just sounds like a stuffy saxophone at that point, write it for the clarion register, that's where bass clarinets shine" has come out of my mouth on multiple occasions. Playing this horn, of course the clarion register sounded wonderful - and my Ridenour does too, but the upper register blew me away. It was a rich open sound that I've never had from my horn.
Between the upper register and the phenomenal ergonomics, my decision was made right then and there. The picture commemorates the moment in that practice room where I gave in and bought it (even to the shock of the technician) - and took it with me to rehearsal that very evening. Even other band members noticed that my fingers weren't stretched to cover the keys, and that my tone was wonderful and clear.
I know I will love this horn for many years to come.
The Alpha Bass Clarinet gives players an excellent instrument at an affordable price, students through professionals can play this instrument. I am so impressed with how easy this instrument is to play and the beautiful sound. Thank you Backun for continuing to reinvent the clarinet (And bass clarinet!)
Absolutely awesome instrument! I am extremely happy with this bass clarinet, and it easily hangs with instruments 4 times its price. I’m also proud to support a Canadian company.
Love this instrument. It has a rich beautiful tone and jumps between registers with ease. It’s one of the best options on the market for a Bass Clarinet. I recently bought mine at the 2025 TMEA Convention and while I do love this instrument I have one complaint. The Left Side Additional Low Ab/Top Space Eb key is held together with a small plastic dowel and mine during transport home seems to have come loose and already needing replacement.
Store owner replied:
Hello Gage, thank you very much for your recent purchase of an Alpha Bass Clarinet! For further assistance in replacing the part, please gather your original purchase receipt and visiting the following webpage to complete a warranty claim: https://backunmusical.com/pages/warranty.
If you have any additional questions or require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know at sales@backunmusical.com!
I have taught high school band for almost 30 years. We have always wanted a low C bass clarinet for pit orchestra and upper level wind ensemble repertoire but the cost of such an instrument made it impossible for us to purchase a decent instrument...until now.
Right out of the box, this instrument (alpha low C) sounded amazing. Beautiful tone throughout all the registers. Solid craftsmanship with some great design features. It is a solid instrument that should last for a very long time. If you teach high school I HIGHLY recommend this instrument. I play clarinet myself and have purchased a lot of Backun products (barrels, bells, cases) over the years. Once again I am impressed and appreciative!
Store owner replied:
Hello James, thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts on your new bass clarinet! We are thrilled to hear about your experience, and we hope that your new bass clarinet continues to exceed your musical expectations and bring you joy for years to come.
In appreciation,
Team Backun
The day before Christmas, I received a Backun Alpha Low C bass clarinet with silver-plated keywork and a soft case. I play bass clarinet as a secondary instrument and have been using a historical Selmer Déposé Low E (yes, E, not Eb) up until now. I wanted a bass clarinet with a Low C extension that I wouldn’t have to worry about when playing in jazz clubs or traveling.
I’ve tried several plastic instruments, but the Backun is on a whole different level in terms of craftsmanship, keywork, and sound quality. Of course, the short wooden Selmer offers a different tonal dimension and depth, but I really appreciate the strong, focused, and rich sound of the Backun. It’s an instrument I would recommend for jazz playing. The sound is very balanced across the registers and impressively intonationally consistent.
My first impressions were excellent. The keywork and craftsmanship truly deliver something no other plastic Chinese instrument can match. Since it’s unfair to compare this instrument with wooden models costing €10,000–15,000, it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Ridenour Lyrique.
If you’re looking for a professional instrument at a reasonable price, the Backun is a fantastic choice. It’s practical, won’t crack, can be played outdoors in winter, and maintains excellent tuning in all weather conditions. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about it when traveling.
However, if you expect the sound of a plastic instrument to reach the dimensions of a wooden one, you’re better off buying a lightly used Selmer or Buffet Crampon instead. Of course, for a Low C model, you’re looking at a price range of €6,000–8,000.
To sum it up: the Backun is not a cheap student instrument but an affordable professional option. I recommend this instrument as a secondary or backup instrument and to jazz musicians, players in outdoor orchestras, beginners, and teachers alike.
I needed a bass clarinet for doubling and was going to buy a used one. But after doing my due diligence and research I came across this new Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet. I was intrigued at what I was reading and watching. Everything I found online said this was the one to buy, so I just knew I had to have one, and boy were they right! After weeks scouring the internet, I found one available from an online dealer and bought it immediately. Right out of the box it played beautifully. I was worried that my embouchure might not where it needs to be after not playing for many years and was impressed that the Low C spoke so clearly without any practice. Don't wait, order one now! You won’t regret it!! Just wow!!
Store owner replied:
Thank you for your kind words, Brandon! We are very glad to read them, and we hope that you continue to love your new bass clarinet for years come.
After watching Michael Lowenstern's video review of the Alpha bass clarinet, I play-tested one at Midwest Musical Imports in Minneapolis. I was so impressed I pre-ordered one that same day. My Alpha arrived last week, and I couldn't be more pleased! Even though I haven't had the folks at MMI set it up for me yet, I'm even more impressed with how well (and easily!) it plays. Great depth of sound, very even intonation, huge dynamic range, and it's just SO nice not to have to fight the instrument to respond the way I want. I'm very much looking forward to performing and recording on this wonderful instrument for decades to come! Well done, Morrie and crew!
Right out of the box this is a great Bass clarinet! I am happy with the purchase and quality of the instrument. After playing it, this should be the bass clarinet all band rooms!
Out of the case, I knew I had purchased something above an ordinary bass clarinet. The keywork feels solid in the hands, not at all flimsy. There are so many adjustment places to work with to fine-tune the mechanism. Be sure to try at least 3 or 4 different mouthpieces and reed strengths to find the combination the makes you sound the best. The hard shell case is excellent but I may consider getting the backpack version.
Played quite a few Bass Clarinets over the years but never have I experienced an instrument with such a beautiful altissimo register. When coupled with the Backun Vocalise Model G mouthpiece, my tone really flourished. All the way from the highs to the low C, the tone quality of the Backun Alpha is exemplary.
Lives up to everything that has been said about it.
After playing Bari sax and Bass clarinet in college I played only Bari for the last 30 years in a community concert band. I recently purchased an Alpha and am very pleased! The intonation and tone are excellent. The keywork is smooth and comfortable. Great job Backun!
I purchased this Alpha bass clarinet at a Backun clarinet event in Atlanta. I already own a Model Q bass, and had heard great things about the Alpha, but was really pleasantly surprised when I first played a few notes on the Alpha I eventually purchased. The Alpha has a great sound, projects well and is comfortable ergonomically. It also has great consistency and intonation. This will be a great instrument for doubling as well as outdoor playing.
I literally just received it tonight (darn you UPS for delivering my clarinet so late!). I had about an hour to play my new Backun Alpha Low-C before my husband went to bed. LOL. All I can say is WOW. I was previously playing a Leblanc Contra Alto Clarinet (paperclip) full time. So, my first noises (and they were noises, not music, ugh) on the clarinet were a bit harsh due to me overblowing the bass. After about an hour of just tinkering around on it, I was getting the hang of some of the changes I will have to make to be successful and sound good on this bass. I have a learning curve, only because I have to teach myself how to play a smaller clarinet. First impression is it is an amazing clarinet and I can't wait to practice more. As my control of the clarinet improved, I felt it responding very easily from pp to ff! I could play a low C pp with a nicely centered tone and it just responded immediately. The triple register key is a game changer! Even the altissimo range (something I am not too comfortable with) felt much easier for me. Gotta get working on that range so I can play the Beethoven Trio I just transposed for 3 bass clarinets.
Thank you Mr. Backun for creating an amazing bass clarinet that an amateur like me can afford and throughly enjoy. I know I will play this for many years. I am so glad I made the switch from contra to my new Backun Alpha Low-C Bass. Thanks again, Jim in Palm Springs, CA, USA.
Easier to play than my Yamaha 221II. Happy I spent the money. Better sound, easier to play over the break. I played 2 octaves of C major scale, and I was convinced. Such a difference.
I absolutely ADORE my Alpha low C bass clarinet! As a bass clarinet player and teacher, I've played many! The easy adjustment screws, durable pads, intuitive keywork, and incredible intonation make this bass clarinet amazing! Not to mention professional level key system on a synthetic instrument, which is perfect for outdoor municipal band in the summer. I know next time I am able to get my school a new instrument, a Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinet is on the top of my list.
I was worried about my wood bass clarinet in the cold. This winter has been particularly cold for long stretches (I'm in Ottawa), and I was worried about my bass clarinet cracking. I tested one of my student's Alpha, and was struck by the tone, tuning, and response. I rented one, and was so impressed with its performance at concerts that I bought it out. I love the fact that I'm not worried about opening a case at a show, and seeing a cracked instrument, and it holds up to every musical situation that I've thrown at it so far!
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever played before.
As a student who is a senior, in the past years of being in band I usually worked with instruments such as Yamaha. When I heard about the Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet which was a cheaper option for me to buy for my college career, I immediately said yes. When I first played this instrument, I knew it was smoother than any I’ve played before. I really enjoyed how easy it is to maneuver your fingers and how the tone just wants to make you melt away. Overall, I love this instrument, and this will stay with me throughout college and even after. I can’t wait for the years to come with this amazing instrument and see how it greatly impacts my playing.
This is a significant upgrade over my prior instrument. The conductor of the orchestra I play in complimented the sound of the new instrument. I am very pleased.
It's hard to believe this thing is only ~$4000! For the price, this thing beats out every Privilege and Prestige I've ever tried to date. If you're a doubler, educator, on a tight budget, looking for a new toy to play with, doesn't matter! The Alpha is your best bet.
A mechanical marvel.
This Backun Alpha bass clarinet has filled my long time wish for a quality "plastic" low C bass clarinet at a reasonable price. My initial impression ... this horn is built like a tank. No skinny, flimsy rods. The keys are strong and heavily built. Almost everything has an adjustment screw. No worries about cracked wood. It plays well and sounds great. I have great expectations for this instrument. Time will tell.
For the price I think this is an amazingly great instrument. Does anyone have any experience on silver or nickel-plated action ? Does it really mater when you are playing . I know there are a lot of opinions about this question overall, but practical experience ?
It plays beautifully; great tone; very long - I'm short so I have to problem solve how to reach the mouthpiece. Looks like a thick cushion is going to be in my gig bag from now on lol.
Instructions on how to put it together so it aligns properly would have been appreciated.
The instrument is excellent at an accessible price, good sound. The weight is appreciable. The mechanics are good but could be improved on the low notes. Unfortunately, the finishings also need improvement. Twice the damping felt pads on the lower part have come off.
