Vandoran Javas

[Vortex]

Anybody tried these? I'm wondering how they compare to Vandoran HS's, especially considering how pricy they are

[CT]

It's these times that I fear that I will be reprimanded for not knowing something...but I've never heard of any type of "HS" brand of Vandoren reed ("What?? You don't know the HS? What a loser!" is the kind of thing I fear). I can tell you about the Java's though. I'm a Vandoren guy, what can I say.

I played on Java's for quite a while (on a Meyer 5M). Very bright, very free-blowing compared to the Vandoren Traditionals. Depending on what kind of a tip opening you have on your mouthpiece, you might have to go down a half a reed strength.

I also advise you to try out the V16's. Currently, I play on V16...a more...percussive sound, if you know what I mean. Maybe a little bit darker than the Java's? It's great for jazz, IMO.

I've never tried the new ZZ's yet, though I definitely plan to. I've heard many good things about it...

--Chris

[markieg]

So CT, you would probably be the one to ask about this (I hope you check this topic again, of course I could use any suggestion). I've been playing on LaVoz hard with a Hite Premier for a couple of years. I'm looking at switching either reed or mpc, don't know for sure yet. I'm looking to get more of a bright jazz tone. If you would check out this page you can hear my current tone:
http://www.angelfire.com/freak/dafrootloop/vs_pics.html
I tried a VanDoren 4 and I don't like it. I thought about Javas but I don't want to go have another incident like with the traditional I tried. It only lasted about a week and it was so smooth and classical. Good for some people I guess. So anyways, until I get the money for a metal mpc, what do you think about reeds? Any help would be great. Thanks!

[CT]

Based on my experiences, I think that you should definitely try the Java. The traditional and the Java are really different in terms of sound, and your experience with the Java will probably differ a lot from your experience with the Vandoren Traditional 4. I've tried using both traditionals and Java's on my jazz mouthpiece (Meyer 5M), and I found that the Java's created a whole different kind of sound.

However, the mouthpiece influences tone much more than a reed does. I'm not familiar with the Hite Premiers. If it's a classical mouthpiece (look in the mouthpiece...does it have a squareish baffle?), then I would advise you to buy a jazz mouthpiece...I'd suggest Morgan or Meyer (personal preference, take it with a grain of salt).

Also, addressing the fact that you're somewhat strapped for cash: your mouthpiece doesn't necessarily have to be metal. There are a lot of great jazz mouthpieces out there made of rubber. Take the Meyer 5M, for instance. It's a great mouthpiece, one of the industry standards, and I bought mine new for about 75 bucks.

It all boils down to reed/mouthpiece combinations, really. Keep trying different setups by playing around with reed strengths, mouthpieces, and reed brands. Eventually, you'll find a sound that you really like. Good luck.

--Chris

[Vortex]

CT: The Vandoran HS's are the black box Vandorans. HS stands for Hand Selected, they're more expensive but you get all really good reeds. I'm using a C* (squarish jazz version), thinking about getting a Jody Jazz mpc soon. I'll probably sample around, i've got some Vandoran trads on order right now, after them i'll probably try the others. happy playin[/list]

[markieg]

This site says it's similar to a Meyer 6 (.070 facing):
http://www.jdhite.com/mouthpieces/saxmpc.htm
Here's a link of the Hite mpc I have that says it's comparable to a C** (.069 facing, medium length):
http://www.bill-lewington.com/dhite.htm

Interesting, I never saw this before (came from the 2nd page I linked to):
The efficiency of the facing design and the accuracy of the finishing make PREMIERE Alto and Tenor Saxophone mouthpieces ideal all around mouthpieces. They are extremely versatile, capable of producing a variety of tonal colors for a variety of musical styles. Each model is produced with one preferred facing.

Medium or medium hard reeds cut with a strong center and thinner sides (such as the Rico Jazz Select, LaVoz or Vandoren Java) work well with the overall mouthpiece and facing design.

So it includes both my current reed and the Java. Interesting. Although it is a plastic piece I have had good luck with it, but when I listen to recordings I get a little jealous of some of the sounds I hear. This is my "fine tuning" experiment.

[Morry]

HS stands for Hand Selected, they're more expensive but you get all really good reeds.[/list]

When companies do this kind of thing it really irks me. It's like saying..."No, we don't have any quality control. If you want us to use any, then it'll cost you more".

[MS]

The Hite Premier is a hand finidhed (tip rail and baffle) plastic student mps available usually for less than $30. When you can afford it, I would look for something else, either in hard rubber or metal. :D