Vandoren V16 T55

[jgar1]

Hi I've just picked one of these up from the States and was wondering what a good lig and reed combination to use? I'm still quite a novice player so have maybe selected to large a tip for my capabilities, however was a very good price so had to have it! Will I be better with a softer reed for this mouthpiece as a novice or would a harder one be better? Tip is 0.098" Also what lig would be good for this mouthpiece Was looking at the Optimum ligature however this costs almost the same as I paid for the mouthpiece, any idea on a good lower priced one? Was thinking maybe a rovner or BG.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Rovner are OK, but my preference would be for the ligature that is made for the mouthpiece.

I like soft reeds and wide tips so I think it should be fine but my advice will obviously be to get a fairly soft reed. Other people wil no doubt have different but very good advice !

 

[Jimmymack]

The Optimum is the best lig for the V16. I think Vandoren also do a soft ligature but that is quite expensive for what it is. I believe that you can get the Optimum lig without the gold-plated cap and this saves a LOT of money. Otherwise try a Rovner or a BG. The BG works well.

 

[Jules]

if you ever want to be really loud and raucous, try a Francois Louis!

 

[Bobby G]

Bob Green uses and recommends Rovner ligatures, and Alexander Superial 2.5 or Rico Jazz Select 2M or 2H reeds. Personally, I think the reeds you choose will make more difference than the ligature, but some people swear that a ligature makes a lot more difference than I perceive to be the case.

Basically, it's down to whatever works for you, but the reason I like the Rovner ligs is because they don't cost the earth and it's only one screw to tighten. Yup, I'm a lazy cheapskate 😉

Cheers, Bob

 

[jgar1]

Got A few Rico Jazz Select reeds at various strengths to try. Still can't decide on which ligature to buy. It's between the optimum and the rovner eddie daniels. Anyone know anywhere in the north east that stock these so I can give them a go?