Can you answer some questions I have about Eb (e-flat) clarinets?

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Question:

This is my 6th year playing Bb clarinet and I'm REALLY interested in taking up the Eb clarinet!. I like it's sound and I'm ready to try something different than the common Bb clarinet!.

I know it's smaller and has a higher range of notes, so now I'm wondering:
-are the keys exactly the same and in the same place!?
-are the fingerings for notes different or the same!?
-are the notes read differently, or is the key signature different!?
-is it more difficult to play!?
-is it harder to learn!?
-will knowing the Bb be helpful!?

Tell me anything else you know, if you'd like!.
Thanks for the help/advice!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It is exactly the same as the Bb clarinet--it's just smaller!. The keys, fingerings, and written music are exactly the same!. It is a bit more difficult to play because of the smaller mouthpiece, and intonation problems!. Higher notes in general tend to be harder to keep in tune, and just a slight adjustment with the embouchure affects the tuning a lot!.
Good luck!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

That's actually the only clarinet I haven't played!. I did play alto clarinet, which is also in the E flat key signature!. Almost all fingerings are the same in the clarinet family, the only difference I can think of is low D flat, which probably isn't on the little E flat anyway!. From what I've seen, it isn't much different than a b flat, aside from the size and key!. It shouldn't be a problem for you after you get used to the mouthpiece!. Be prepared for some squeaking the first few times you play though, it's awkward to switch from a larger mouthpiece to a small one!.Www@QuestionHome@Com