i play a t55 and its actually better than most of the vintage mpcs. beats any brillhart and only the ny meyer and morgan beat it

 

I'm undecided whether to take a t55 or a v16 T6/7. have you tried it? thank you

 

I agree, the T55's are good pieces. Inexpensive.

 

I had a Java (and a Jumbo Java, which has a lot of baffle and is brighter) and also a V16, and my impression is that the Java and V16 were in the same ball-park, sound-wise. I agree with everyone who is saying they are excellent value.

As far as similarity between the Java and a vintage Brilhart, I have several vintage Brilhart Ebolins and I think the Java played a little edgier and with more projection for me. Just my opinion, of course.

 

I own a OL STM NY and a Jumbo Java T55. I tested a V16. While I like the V16, none of these play like the Link. My Link is darker and not as free blowing as the V16. I do not really care for the Jumbo Java, and do not use it like I did 20 years ago. The Link and V16 are both good, but they are not even close to the same sound.

 

Be careful, you are about to jump down a deep and very expensive rabbit hole.

There are plenty of pieces made today that can be sold with a trial that equal or best a vintage piece.

 

Unfortunately I know the den of the white rabbit (I have been playing vintage trumpets and mouthpieces for 20 years), but for me the vintage mouthpieces for sax are unapproachable for now and I was looking for something modern that resembled it. With the Java to be confused with the jumbo I am very well, perhaps I would like it a little wider. At the moment I play it with Java Verdi 2 and a half, but tomorrow I also try the 3.

 

Hi Luigi. I’ve become a strong Vandoren advocate, while 30 years ago I didn’t care. I’m playing their mouthpieces on clarinet (BD7), soprano sax (V5 S25) and tenor sax (V16 metal T7L or T8M).
People at Vandoren are doing a great job at decent prices, and I don’t really see an interest in any vintage quest. At least not as a musician. Collectors do what they want.
I owned one of those famous blue Jumbo Javas for alto, never cared, and sold it to… a collector.
More important, focus on what you want you horn to sound like, and how it responds.

 

I have a Java A45 for my alto (that’s the regular Java). I think it’s a very good, underrated piece, it has a controllable amount of edge and a very nice deep lower octave. It did take a little to get a strong sound out of it, it has some resistance and takes a little time to get used to. It has projection while keeping the big chamber sound in the lower octave that I like.

I tried the Jumbo Java but I feel that’s a bit more of a specialist piece - it’s loud and proud and you have to be willing to jump into that 100%. I wanted something a little more subtle.

 

I play a large chamber V16 T7 on my Martin, and it’s a lovely match. Vintage lushness is right there with such a rig.

 

My teacher :Richard Raux
was endorsed by Vandoren from 1973 to middle of 90's.
He said me that the first javas was inspired by his Florida 8 No Usa metal Otto Link.
In 1998, he was palying a T95 blue Java mouthpiece.
He has played with Sunny Murray, Luther Allison, Phil Woods and was with the first Christian Vander "Magma" orchestra...

 

What is special about the blue version?

 

I spent a lot of time playing a metal Berg 105/1 bullet chamber or a Brendan Tibbs 9L silver piece but now usually play a blue Java T45 and like it a lot, it's very versatile with a rich, full sound and a nice edge. I can push it and get a serious growl out of it. I have a black T75 as well. The blue looks way cooler!

 

Don't know !
But some people buy them too high...
Maybe because there were the firsts.

 

The blue model is thought,by some, to have a softer rubber.

 

If you have a lot of extra time and money, buying vintage mouthpieces might be fun. But they won’t make you sound better. Practicing with what you have and perhaps taking lessons will. Vandoren mouthpieces are excellent. I use a V16 medium chamber on both alto and tenor and find them easy to work with.

 

I have a blue Java and a black Java tenor mouthpiece... I don't use either of them any more but they're both very good mouthpieces and I recommend them without hesitation.

The black pieces are excellent. No need to shell out for a "vintage" blue Java or Jumbo. Vandoren mouthpieces are very consistent and very high quality, about the best you can get from mass-produced pieces.