Reeds Vandoren Reeds: IF you use them Which Ones

[6441]

This is a simple question for those who use Vandoren reeds. You may choose one or two that you like best. Any comments you have related to the question about Vandoren reeds are welcome.

 

[davidk]

For me, it depends on the mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces work best for me with the classic cuts (blue box, V12, V21), others with the jazz cuts (Java, ZZ,V16). I've mostly used Java Reds, but I use Java Greens on my newest, brightest mouthpiece. My 10mfan Robusto seemed to me to work well with blue box, but even better with Hemke reeds.

 

[6441]

That makes a lot of sense! I only have one alto and one soprano, but I do have a lot of mouthpieces for the alto.

 

[GCinCT]

I’ve been using the Java Green for a long time. I’ve tried the red, V16 and ZZ, but I still prefer the green. I’ve never tried any of the others. I suppose I should at some point, but I’m very happy with the green.

 

[malteof]

I settled on V16 with my Meyer clone for alto. I try to aim for a Phil Woods type of sound and this got me closest

 

[6441]

As someone who's been playing for like ten minutes, I shouldn't even be experimenting, but I do. I read something today here about V21, and I happened to have one, so I tried it. Very different sound, but a bit harder to play for me. I also have played the Blue 3, and although it's a little more effort, the sound is more stable, in long tones. Fascinating, these differences, b ut I'm sure I am slowing the learning process a little. Or you might say, "searching for my sound".

 

[nigeld]

Whenever I buy a new mouthpiece (which is too often), I try various reeds to see which feel best.
I currently use Vandoren blue reeds with my polite bari mouthpiece, La Voz with my shouty bari mouthpiece, Vandoren Green with my tenor Lawton, and so on.

 

[Terrytoolpath]

I like what I hear when using Java reds,, the opinion of my audience may differ somewhat

 

[Jeanette]

Never used Vandoren, perhaps I should try

Jx

 

[s.mundi]

They are subjective.
I use Green Java for tenor and Red Java for soprano

 

[Ne0Wolf7]

For classical music, nothing can beat the traditionals for me. Its the only reed that helps me get a clear, pure tone.
For jazz I use the V16s because my mouthpiece is also the V16 mouthpeice from vandoren, I havn't mustered up the time and money to experiment yet.

 

[Alice]

I like to use Vandoren Blue with my Alto, when I can get them (I buy from a local music shop) because they are just a little bit harder and my notes play cleaner than the same strength of Rico.

 

[6441]

For jazz I use the V16s because my mouthpiece is also the V16 mouthpeice from vandoren.

I never associated the two, because I haven't used the V16 mouthpiece much. That may change soon, because it's about to be refaced.

 

[thomsax]

I've been using V16 tenor reeds. I like thick reeeds. The best way to find out what Vandoren reeds that are the best for you is to buy some and try out. What's works for me, don't works for you!?!?!

 

[David Roach]

I pretty much only use Vandorens on soprano; V21 on close tips, Java Green on more open tips.
On Alto I like Java Green, but if I were to play classically again, I would use either Blue Box or V21.
On tenor, I am really used to Java Green, but I have come to dislike their characteristic 'fizziness' and I don't like any of Vandoren's other tenor reeds, so I prefer Daddario Select Jazz.

 

[6441]

D'Addario are what used to be Rico? Yes, I see.

 

[MandyH]

I only use Vandoren on my clarinet.
Rico Royals on my saxes.

Strangely I found the rico royals "stuffy" on my clarinet (even though i have a D'addario mouthpiece on the clarinet)

My teacher loaned me a Vandoren during a lesson and I've never gone back.

 

[InWalkedBud]

I like greens because they're similar to Rigotti Golds, but a bit softer, darker, and more readily available.

 

[Skip Monroe]

For me, it depends on the mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces work best for me with the classic cuts (blue box, V12, V21), others with the jazz cuts (Java, ZZ,V16). I've mostly used Java Reds, but I use Java Greens on my newest, brightest mouthpiece. My 10mfan Robusto seemed to me to work well with blue box, but even better with Hemke reeds.

Yes, I've had the same observation regarding certain Vandorens performing better on a given mouthpiece.
For instance, the Java Greens seem to be a little more responsive with a little more "buzz" on my tenor Morgan Excalibur versus the ZZ and the Java Red.
However, the Java Red seems to match up better with my tenor Sakshama MBI clone.....but I have not experimented very much with the other varieties of Vandoren reeds and this mouthpiece.
I like the Vandoren "Jazz Mix" 4-Pack as a convenient option to put the various Vandoren reeds to the test.

 

[Jules]

I've been using V16 tenor reeds. I like thick reeeds. The best way to find out what Vandoren reeds that are the best for you is to buy some and try out. What's works for me, don't works for you!?!?!

I always thought of V16s as 'rock friendly' reeds- I used to use them on my old Dukoff when playing with Swampthings (a rather grungey blues and rockabilly street band I played with for many years)