Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet Overview

The Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet is a performance-focused wooden clarinet designed as a serious step-up instrument for advancing students, college players, and educators who need professional materials and dependable setup at a practical price point. This example is built from unstained, naturally-aged cocobolo, the same wood source Backun uses for its professional and custom instruments, and it is outfitted with a New Traditional Barrel and Backun Bell for a familiar response and projection.

Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet Specifications

• Key: Bb
• Body: Unstained naturally-aged cocobolo wood
• Bore: Poly-cylindrical
• Tone holes: Standard tone holes
• Keywork: Drop-forged and hardened; triple-strike silver plating
• Posts: Gold plated
• Springs: Traditional flat springs
• Pads: Custom black leather pads
• Features: Adjustable thumb rest with neck strap ring; alternate left-hand Eb key; New Traditional Barrel; Backun Bell
• Finish: Silver-plated keywork; natural (unstained) wood body
• Serial number: PR4557
• Case: Durable backpack-style case
• Accessories: Cork grease, swab (no mouthpiece)

Condition & Setup

This instrument is in excellent condition and appears to have been a display model, with no visible signs of play. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested to confirm proper mechanical function, sealing, and regulation.

Who the Protégé Bb Clarinet Is For

The Backun Protégé Bb Clarinet is a wooden step-up clarinet built to give advancing players and working educators a professional-style platform for study, ensemble playing, and daily teaching. The cocobolo body and poly-cylindrical bore are intended to support a focused core with strong projection, while the New Traditional Barrel and Backun Bell help deliver a familiar clarinet feel across registers.

This model stands out in its category by combining premium exotic hardwood, pro-level finishing and setup, and modern ergonomic features such as an adjustable thumb rest with neck strap ring and an alternate left-hand Eb key. It is a practical choice for players who want a serious wood clarinet for college, doubling, or long rehearsals without moving into full custom pricing.

Common Questions About The Backun Protégé

Is the Backun Protégé suitable for college or pre-professional playing?

Yes. The Protégé is designed as a high-performing wooden step-up clarinet, with pro-style setup, a cocobolo body, and upgraded components (Backun Bell and New Traditional Barrel) that meet the needs of many college and serious ensemble players.

What does cocobolo wood change compared to plastic or composite clarinets?

Cocobolo is a dense exotic hardwood commonly used on professional clarinets. Compared to plastic/composite bodies, it typically supports a more complex overtone structure and a more responsive feel, especially in dynamics and color changes.

What player-friendly features does this Protégé include?

Key features include an adjustable thumb rest with a neck strap ring for load management, an alternate left-hand Eb key for technical passages, custom black leather pads, and a durable backpack case for transport.

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