Learning clarinet first doesn't mean you've learned a "better" embochure. It may mean that you will use a compromised on one or both, which is not a good thing. Optimal embochure on either instrument is far different and you need to note the differences and even practice the switch to avoid problems. Keep note of the angle at which the mouthpiece of the sax enters your mouth.; don't let it point upwards much, like some clarinetists will do inadvertently. Note that the saxophone embochure requires pressure from the sides, unlike textbook clarinet embochure. Don't sink your chin, and try to support the reed with more of the fat of your lip, not too drawn back over the teeth. Fingerings on the saxophone are mostly simple compared to the clarinet. Difficult notes are at the top and bottom of the instrument's range in notes not often used, but these note's mechanisms are often difficult to manipulate compared to any keywork on the clarinet (C#-Bb, palm notes). Octave break C#-D is easier do deal with than A#-B break on clarinet. Due to the saxophone's conical bore shape, it's playing resistance changes more dramatically as you transverse the range compared to clarinet. These are my experiences as a doubler.

Can you name some of the "better" saxophonists that started on clarinet? I'd be interested in listening to some of their recordings....on clarinet?

johnson, i know exactly what your talking about. i had to learn all that stuff the hard way. i guess i've fixed all this stuff without really relizing it over time. i still find myself once in a while having my sax mouthpiece at an angle. johnson you wouldn't happen to be steve johnson out of green bay would you? ~Firk