Reeds Vandoren Red Inconsistencies

[Veggie Dave]

I'm wondering if anyone's noticed a change in the consistency of Vandoren Java Red reeds recently? My last two boxes have been noticeably substandard, with the last box not having a single, decent reed in it. Resistance has increased noticeably and the sound is much less bright. I swapped in an old Red and it was great.

It feels like they've changed how they gauge the Reds, or changed the design slightly. Is it just me or has anyone had this recently?

 

[PigSquealer]

I would contact Vandoren and complain.

 

[Veggie Dave]

I would contact Vandoren and complain.

I contacted them (Vandoren Paris) yesterday, after checking on their site that the manufacturing code was legit. I haven't heard anything yet.