[Angel Wing]

Hi guys, I've always played Rico reeds, however this Reed came with a saxophone I was given (LaFleur from the seventies, a surprisingly nice sax, dark and smooth sounding, good intonation, well made) anyroad it is the best reed I've ever used, I'll have a box of these and consider myself a convert but what is it?

 

[Dr G]

Looks like Vandoren Java 2 from here.

What's the other side look like?

The Complete Guide to Vandoren JAVA Green Reeds

Bright, flexible, and ideal for jazz and pop music. Learn about the JAVA Green reeds with this overview.

www.dansr.com

 

[pontius]

Looks like Vandoren Java 2 from here.

I concur. You can tell by the word and the number on it.

 

[Travsax]

I think you’d need to see whether it is “French filed” or not to know if it’s Vandoren Java Red or Green.

 

[pontius]

I think you’d need to see whether it is “French filed” or not to know if it’s Vandoren Java Red or Green.

nice catch

 

[Reet McVouty]

Java's are my preferred reed. I think that the number/letters at the top signify the batch that they come from. Having a great reed is a wonderful thing. However, I wouldn't get over excited, reeds may vary even within the same batch and you may not find another that plays that well. Enjoy it while you can.

 

[swperry1]

Yes, the batch number is meant as a security feature as well (there’s threads on counterfeit Vandos), so I suppose one could find out if it’s a java red or green if they’re that specific with their batch numbering.

 

[Aquarian]

If you take a picture of the other side we can tell you if it’s a Java red or Java green.

I like the Javas, especially Java green, though lately I’ve been using Rico orange box.

 

[Dr G]

See post #2 for the link to a Vandoren reed guide. You can look at the top of the reed and compare it to the chart in the link to see whether it is “Green” or “Red” series.

 

[turf3]

So isn't this just one of the ordinary Vandoren Java reeds, that they've been selling for at least 25 or 30 years? What kind of ID is needed?

 

[pontius]

yet another identification positively confirmed by the amazing SOTW community and it's wealth of knowledge.

 

[1saxman]

OP, you're saying you played a used reed that came in a sax case? I don't think I would do that even if I used hydrogen peroxide on it.

 

[swperry1]

So isn't this just one of the ordinary Vandoren Java reeds, that they've been selling for at least 25 or 30 years? What kind of ID is needed?

As mentioned four times in this very thread before your post at #10…which means you ignored 5/9 posts before asking this, There’s two different java reeds. Has been for about 15 years.