Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet Overview

The Backun Protégé Bb clarinet is designed for serious students preparing for collegiate study, as well as teachers and doublers seeking a dependable wooden second instrument. It brings Backun's ergonomic approach and undercut tone-hole design into an intermediate model, while this particular cocobolo configuration adds silver-plated keywork, gold posts, and a left-hand Eb key for a more specialized setup.

Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet Specifications

• Instrument Type: Bb clarinet
• Body Material: Cocobolo
• Keywork: Silver-plated keys with gold posts
• Auxiliary Key: Left-hand Eb key
• Case: Fitted black zippered Backun case with backpack and shoulder carrying options
• Accessories: Cork grease, swab, and cleaning materials
• Country of Manufacture: Canada
• Serial Number: PR-4746

Condition & Setup

This floor model clarinet is in excellent playing order. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. The cocobolo surfaces, silver-plated keywork, and gold posts are in excellent cosmetic condition with only minimal signs of handling. A mouthpiece, ligature, and mouthpiece cap are not included.

Who the Protégé Bb Clarinet Is For

The Protégé is well suited to advancing clarinetists preparing for college, serious ensemble players, educators, and woodwind doublers who want a responsive wooden instrument without moving directly into Backun's professional Q Series. Its cocobolo body supports a warm, colorful tonal concept, while the left-hand Eb key provides an additional fingering option for technically demanding repertoire.

Common Questions About the Backun Protégé

How does the Protégé compare with the Backun Q Series?

The Protégé is Backun's intermediate model for serious students, educators, and doublers. The Q Series occupies the professional range and adds more advanced acoustical and component features for players seeking a primary professional instrument.

What is the benefit of the left-hand Eb key?

The left-hand Eb key provides an alternate fingering that can simplify certain technical passages and improve fingering choices in orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire.

Why might a player choose cocobolo instead of grenadilla?

Many clarinetists associate cocobolo with a warm, colorful tonal palette and appreciate its distinctive reddish-brown grain. Grenadilla remains the more traditional choice, while cocobolo offers a different response and tonal character for players who prefer it.

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