I know that music isn't normally written for alto clarinet, but I might have a chance of getting one. What are some of the physical differences(i.e. embouchere,key work) as opposed to Bb sop. and Bb bass.clarinets.

Size-wise, it's about halfway between the two. If your hands are small, you might have issues, though less so than with a bass. Though your username implies that you are a guy, and guys don't usually have hand-size issues as much as girls do.

Embouchure wise, i think it's more like bass clarinet, though depending on if you have a curved or straight neck, the angle could lean more towards either one. However, i could be totally, wrong, I haven't played alto very extensively. I found it easier to play than my friend i was stealing from, who plays soprano and was playing alto for clarinet choir.

Altos tend to be finicky. Because they are less commonly used, and fairly rare, they tend to not be kept up as well, especially if you are getting it from a school or something.

Have fun- Alto clarinet is awesome!

Just as a reference....I've started playing alto clarinet, and so far, I haven't found any difficulties with my hand size and fingering the clarinet. I have VERY small hands. My ring finger is a size 4 1/2! Good luck, and enjoy! Be persistent!

I own two! They both sound bad! I have plastic one and a wooden one. I've tried many different mouthpiece, and they don't have a good sound. Part of it is that repair don't have a clue what the specs are as far as pad height, and they don't use alto-clarinet pads. They use pads that are "almost" the right size in many cases. I spend enough time seating pads on my bass clarinet and contras and have given up on the altos, though this post might inspire me to try again...

I've only heard one person who ever sounded good on one, and they made first chair in the state for several years in a row. It's easy to place in all-state auditions because of it's rareness. I've also judged HS region band contests where there was just 1 alto player trying out! They made it!

Finger size is not an issue because there are no real holes to cover. Good luck!

most clarinet choir music has a part for alto clarinet, of course. also, it seems that many of our concert band pieces have an alto part, as well- but nobody plays them, as our director hates altos and refuses to have them in teh band. so i had an alto-cue-solo once! it was cool!

altos are fun.

Thanks! Obviously I started this post a while back, but eneded up getting a piccolo(flute)instead!