Backun Essence Barrel (Bb/A Clarinet) - Cocobolo/Grenadilla

Just in time for Backun's 25th Anniversary, the Backun Essence Barrel is now available. Designed in collaboration with New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinetist, Anthony McGill, the Essence Barrel (and Clarinet) is part of Backun's renewed focus on the "New American" sound (my words, not his), which is to say that it has a warmth, but contains enough mid-high partials to soar over an orchestra when needed. Metal rings, once pooh-poohed by Morrie Backun make an entrance here, and they are the "secret sauce" that transforms Backun barrels' more typical dark tone into this delightful hybrid of dark and "ping". I like them! Cocobolo vs. Grenadilla? Cocobolo is a slightly less dense wood, which tends to disperse some of the mid-high partials in your sound. Now, this is subtle — it won't turn Richard Stoltzman's sound into Karl Leister's sound. Note: These barrels fit only Backun, Buffet, Royal, and Uebel clarinets—but not Selmer. Contact me if you'd like to try one for your Selmer. Please have a look at my Trial Policy for details on barrel trials. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me an email!