Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2017-10-09 17:02
As others have said, over time you should try to get experience in both, so if you're already proficient on bass the Eb would do more to broaden your skills. Can you borrow one to try, and see how you get on with it?
There are some important orchestral Eb parts (see, for example, what's included in Hadcock's Orchestral Studies http://www.nemusicpub.com/store/product.aspx/productId/176/Orchestral-Studies-for-the-Eb-Clarinet/), but less repertoire than you'll find for bass. There are plenty of interesting Eb parts in the wind band literature, where you'd normally find yourself the only Eb player, rather than several players to a part on Bb.
Because of their different contributions to the ensemble the 2 instruments offer very different styles of playing. On bass, you are anchoring the chord structure and providing tonal colour, particularly in the lower end of the range, with occasional prominent solos. On Eb, you will more often be contributing decorative "sparkle", often towards the higher end of the range. The technical challenges are different, in particular correct intonation to blend with the flutes and picc, and control issues.
Both can be rewarding to play. On Eb you're more likely to be noticed - for good or bad!
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The Clarinet BBoard
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