The Eb and Bb clarinets are part of the same woodwind family, with many similarities. They look virtually the same and use the same fingerings. But when you look more closely, you can see that there are many important differences, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Eb clarinet is smaller, playing at a higher pitch than the Bb. They have a different timbre from one another, with the Eb tending to sound more shrill. They\u2019re also used differently in ensembles. The Eb is more difficult to play in tune, and usually costs more than a comparable Bb.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bb clarinet is the standard instrument to play, and is recommended as the instrument to begin learning on. When comparing the Bb and Eb further, additional differences become apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Table of Contents<\/p>\n