[JoAnnPeeler]

I just bought a couple of Vandoren trial packs -- one in 2.5 strength and the other in 3.0. I haven't played cane in a long time having preferred Legere synthetic reeds. But I'm still looking for a better setup on alto and Legere doesn't seem to be cutting it. I prepped all the reeds in both trial packs and gave each a short blow. I wasn't surprised that the blue box reeds were stuffy or perhaps too hard for me. Even the traditional Vandoren's of 30-40 years ago were like this for me. I always expected it was because I didn't give them a long enough break in period so I am going to give them a fair shake this time around. What surprises me the most is that of all the cuts on day 1 I prefer the V12s the most. For my setup it was the most resonant and responsive. I had always expected the V12s to be even more resistant than the blue box. The V21s were more responsive than the blue box reeds, but articulation was a little mushy. So my question to the forum is this:

Is it probable that I would find the V12s more responsive than a blue box reed or am I being fooled by a small sample? Does anyone else here play the V12s who can comment on their experience?

 

[torzano]

I just bought a couple of Vandoren trial packs -- one in 2.5 strength and the other in 3.0. I haven't played cane in a long time having preferred Legere synthetic reeds. But I'm still looking for a better setup on alto and Legere doesn't seem to be cutting it. I prepped all the reeds in both trial packs and gave each a short blow. I wasn't surprised that the blue box reeds were stuffy or perhaps too hard for me. Even the traditional Vandoren's of 30-40 years ago were like this for me. I always expected it was because I didn't give them a long enough break in period so I am going to give them a fair shake this time around. What surprises me the most is that of all the cuts on day 1 I prefer the V12s the most. For my setup it was the most resonant and responsive. I had always expected the V12s to be even more resistant than the blue box. The V21s were more responsive than the blue box reeds, but articulation was a little mushy. So my question to the forum is this:

Is it probable that I would find the V12s more responsive than a blue box reed or am I being fooled by a small sample? Does anyone else here play the V12s who can comment on their experience?

I'm curious about these as well. I switched from blue box 2.5 to 3 recently. I used to love 2.5 but now it is too thin a sound especially on high notes. Some of the 3s play great but most are very stuffy and require a lot of filing. Ideally a blue box 2.75 would be perfect. Do you think either the v12 or v21 are like that?

 

[swperry1]

As a result of your mouthpiece/ facing curve and your playing style-embouchure pressure, how much mp you take in/ reed you cover, how you blow, etc- individual results can vary greatly, but here's what Vandoren has to say about their cuts and how they relate to each other strength wise.

Reeds Technical Elements - Vandoren Paris

Compare the strength of the clarinet and saxophone reeds with the different models. Visualization of level curves of the reed thicknesses.

vandoren.fr

 

[bandmommy]

In my opinion, blue box reeds are only good for starting bon fires.
Other Vandoren varieties are only slightly better than kindling.
I've tried every cut for clarinet, and a couple 'Jazz' cuts on alto, tenor, and bari sax and I just don't get along with any of them. Too many duds per box and the 'good' ones still require adjusting. Not worth the time and money when I can get more good reeds per box for less with Hemke, Lurie, or even Orange box reeds.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Try Javas, red and green boxes. I had a long-standing hatred of all Vandoren reeds until about a year ago. I like the Java red and green boxes but nothing else Vandoren. Java greens are a bit softer than the reds in the same strength. You have to try them and form your own opinion. I came off of a long-standing relationship with D'Addario (former Rico) Select Jazz reeds. We're over.........through.

 

[DaveR]

I use Vandorens exclusively on all but a few mouthpieces, and have done since I was a student.
I do not find Vandorens picky and in fact I get use out of the majority of a box.
To @JoAnnPeeler , the reeds you have trialled are all classical cuts, and it very much depends upon your mouthpiece (make, tip opening etc.) as to whether you will get a good result. In my experience the classical cuts rarely work well on what are termed jazz or rock mouthpieces because the shoulders of the vamp are too thick and the tips too thin for that sort of mouthpiece. V5s, V12s and V21s are designed principally for classical mouthpieces and work out about 1/2 strength harder than Javas, ZZ etc.
Tell us what mouthpiece you are using and we can move forward.

 

[SaxDidg]

If your mpc and horn are working super correct, then it all gets down to your chops, tip opening and then the accurate strength reed. The sound concept in your head (minds ear) is all.
Long story short. Vandoren reeds work great once you are not playing to harder reeds. I get to use every reed in most boxes. Blue box Van Trads are the go, love them.