Had an all stater a couple of years ago on contra-Alto, kids compete for the same spot on Eb and Bb. ALL of the kids there (that made the all state band) were playing Eb contra alto. (My kid got 1st chair)

Get an Eb, It sounds better. Don’t waste money on a plastic instrument, do it right and get a selmer 40 or 41.

Now, to the people who are saying it’s not much lower than a bass, that’s only true if you already have Low C bass clarinets, which most people don’t. A standard bass plays to low Eb.

I love low reeds and would have both instruments in my top ensemble if I could afford it.