Backun Musical Services Ltd. (BMS) is a Canadian manufacturer of clarinets in B and A and accessories, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
History
In 2000 clarinettist and entrepreneur, Morrie Backun opened a small repair shop for woodwind instruments with two employees. After having been commissioned by J. Wesley (Wes) Foster, Principal Clarinet of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to overhaul one of his clarinets, Backun was unable to complete the project, as the original barrel of the instrument was missing. After consulting with Foster, Backun set out to make a barrel from cocobolo wood (Dalbergia retusa), which became the first Backun Barrel. After a short period of making only barrels, Backun then set out to design a clarinet bell in 2001 and mouthpieces in 2004. Gaining international renown for clarinet barrels, bells and mouthpieces, in addition to designing and modifying clarinets by other makers, Backun was approached by Conn-Selmer, which had 2004 acquired the clarinet maker Leblanc, to redesign and develop their line of clarinets. His first complete clarinet in B, which was distributed by Leblanc and Conn-Selmer under the label "Leblanc by Backun".
During the partnership with Conn-Selmer and Leblanc from 2006 to 2010, Backun developed new clarinets and continued to develop accessories for international distribution, which expanded the Backun brand around the world. After the end of the engagement with Conn-Selmer, Backun launched his first custom clarinets at the 2011 NAMM Show, these instruments were of exceptional high quality for professional clarinettists. As the company grew, Backun built in Burnaby, near Vancouver, a modern factory, equipped with the latest CNC machinery and design equipment, including 3D printers and scanners.
In 2012 were produced by 15 employees in the monthly production of 30–40 clarinets and thousands of accessories, largely industrially. According to the intentions of Morrie Backun, the numbers in 2013 should be more than twice as high. To ensure the necessary higher sales, Backun subsequently worked on expanding its international dealer network.
In January 2017, the Eastman Music Company made a significant investment into Backun to acquire partial ownership of Backun Musical Services. This investment allowed both companies to grow significantly in the clarinet market. Today (November 2019), an estimated 50 production employees produce a considerably higher number of instruments and accessories per month, with the brand's global impact being felt throughout the band and orchestra community.
Well-known clarinetists play clarinets from Backun. Some have also been involved in the development of individual instruments and / or accessories.
Products
Backun produces only clarinets with French fingering system (Boehm) and so far only the most common clarinets in B and A. The A clarinet, Lumière model (top model), is also available as a basset clarinet. An existing Lumiere can be turned into a basset clarinet with a separately available basset lower joint.
The following clarinets are in the program:
1. Student model Alpha in B made of synthetic ABS material with 17 keys and 6 rings plus optional Eb lever, with nickel- or silver-plated mechanism
2. Student model Beta in B made of grenadilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon) wood, with 17 keys and 6 rings plus optional Eb lever, with nickel- or silver-plated mechanism
3. Intermediate model Protégé in B, optionally made of Grenadilla or Cocobolo, with 17 keys, 6 rings plus optional Eb lever, silver- or gold-plated
4. Professional model Q Series in B and A made of Grenadilla with 17 keys, 6 rings plus optional Eb-lever, silver-plated As a special limited edition Q Series in B and A made of Cocobolo, like Nr. 5 with 18 keys and 6 rings including Eb lever, gold-plated for certain markets