G
Guest
·Does anyone in SOTW land use the Vandoren ZZ sax reed? If so, opinions? Tried it/hated it, tried it/loved it...? Any users?
Vandoren ZZ Saxophone Reeds
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Joined
·
1,773 Posts
I have tried ZZ reeds and strongly dislike them. I like the wrapper they come in, but the reed itself is too buzzy for my preferences.
Joined
·
7,329 Posts
They have an odd amount of grit or buzz built into them. If you play a mouthpiece that's too dark they might be an answer. But for me, on what I play they sound like a chainsaw.
I prefer Javas.
I prefer Javas.
Joined
·
3,663 Posts
I love them on tenor, but my natural sound is a bit darker than average, so the extra buzz helps me achieve a more normal sound quality. I find they respond quickly and aren't too resistant. The main drawback is durability, which is something most of my sax playing friends agree is an issue with this cut. Having said that, I use the tupperware with a listerine-soaked sponge system now and I seem to have fewer issues with durability.
I'm also a big fan of Java Reds, which I find similar and maybe a tad darker. I use them almost interchangeably, really. I don't like the Java Green - not sure why not.
I'm also a big fan of Java Reds, which I find similar and maybe a tad darker. I use them almost interchangeably, really. I don't like the Java Green - not sure why not.
I used to use Java Green's but switched to the ZZ's after trying them out - I like the tone and response I get from them. On Alto I can pretty much alternate between Java greens, reds, and ZZs and be comfortable. On tenor though after switching to ZZ's I couldn't go back to the Javas, they didn't play well for me after switching.
This may be of interest to get a sense of the characteristics of how the different Vandoren reed models are cut:
https://vandoren.fr/en/reeds-technical-elements/
I had noticed that the ZZs seem lighter than V16s of the same hardness (a ZZ-2.5 seems lighter than a V16-2.5). This may contribute to the buzziness that littlewailer and AllenMouthpieces note above as well as what Jazz House commented, "they respond quickly and aren't too resistant. The main drawback is durability." The "reed comparison chart" at the bottom of the link suggests that both the green Javas and the ZZs are comparatively lighter than the red Javas and the V16s.
If you look at the four "jazz saxophone reeds" diagrams, the arches drawn on the reed diagrams on the left give a sense of the different cuts. It looks like the Java greens, with flatter arches drawn, have the least thickness difference between the heart of the reed and the side bevels. The ZZ seem to have slightly more difference while the red Java and V16s have the most. I'm interpreting that to explain why the green Javas and ZZs are lighter on the "reed comparison chart."
I'd guess that those thickness differences between the heart and side bevels contribute to the buzziness and brightness of the reed (a comparatively thicker heart stopping the buzziness), as well as a comparatively thicker heart being more comfortable for a strong embouchure, and reed with less thickness to the heart compensated by more on the side bevels being more comfortable on a more relaxed embouchure.
The 3 reeds at the top show much stronger arches drawn suggesting bigger differences between the hearts and side rails. The thicker hearts presumably relate to the darker sound of those 3 models, and stronger articulation compared to the "jazz saxophone reed" models.
I may have to buy one of those sampler packs of Vandoren reeds to try this for myself. FWIW I very much enjoy the ZZs. They are not as bright as the Rico Royals, and have a bit more spread sound. I find them easier playing than the V16s again with more of a spread sound.
https://vandoren.fr/en/reeds-technical-elements/
I had noticed that the ZZs seem lighter than V16s of the same hardness (a ZZ-2.5 seems lighter than a V16-2.5). This may contribute to the buzziness that littlewailer and AllenMouthpieces note above as well as what Jazz House commented, "they respond quickly and aren't too resistant. The main drawback is durability." The "reed comparison chart" at the bottom of the link suggests that both the green Javas and the ZZs are comparatively lighter than the red Javas and the V16s.
If you look at the four "jazz saxophone reeds" diagrams, the arches drawn on the reed diagrams on the left give a sense of the different cuts. It looks like the Java greens, with flatter arches drawn, have the least thickness difference between the heart of the reed and the side bevels. The ZZ seem to have slightly more difference while the red Java and V16s have the most. I'm interpreting that to explain why the green Javas and ZZs are lighter on the "reed comparison chart."
I'd guess that those thickness differences between the heart and side bevels contribute to the buzziness and brightness of the reed (a comparatively thicker heart stopping the buzziness), as well as a comparatively thicker heart being more comfortable for a strong embouchure, and reed with less thickness to the heart compensated by more on the side bevels being more comfortable on a more relaxed embouchure.
The 3 reeds at the top show much stronger arches drawn suggesting bigger differences between the hearts and side rails. The thicker hearts presumably relate to the darker sound of those 3 models, and stronger articulation compared to the "jazz saxophone reed" models.
I may have to buy one of those sampler packs of Vandoren reeds to try this for myself. FWIW I very much enjoy the ZZs. They are not as bright as the Rico Royals, and have a bit more spread sound. I find them easier playing than the V16s again with more of a spread sound.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
