Yesterday I tried out the V16 A6 small chamber and I loved it so much more than my Meyer 6M, but they didn't have the Java ones in store. I will be completely satisfied with the V16, but I was wondering if the Java had anything more to offer me as lead alto?
What's the difference between the Vandoren Java and V16?
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Java is generally considered a bit brighter, but the V16 small chamber may be comparable.
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What?
I remember seeing a thread around here regarding the differences, but I can't find it now. I found the Java to be a bit brighter than the V16 when I tried them both a couple months ago.
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My initial response was intended to go here. I've since edited the post.
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Yeah, I have never played the java mouthpiece, only the jumbo java. In order of brightness i believe it is: V16, Java, Jumbo Java. (Jumbo being the brightest.) I personally favor the V16. I would still be playing on my A6 medium chamber if I didn't have my vintage soloist. It's preference really...... And yes I agree, V16's for alto are better than the new meyer's in production...
I did some searching and this thread discussed the same topic. http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-38485.html
Saxland confuses me by describing the V16 as "really punchy and produces more back pressure that seems to thicken the tone. It seems to project better" and also as "in the same ballpark a small chamber meyer but darker and slightly less punchy".
Here's another thread: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-97971.html
I think I'm leaning more towards the V16 A6 small chamber. I liked the small chamber more than the medium chamber, and the Java has a medium chamber right? I started sax only about 3 years ago, if that changes anything.
Saxland confuses me by describing the V16 as "really punchy and produces more back pressure that seems to thicken the tone. It seems to project better" and also as "in the same ballpark a small chamber meyer but darker and slightly less punchy".
Here's another thread: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-97971.html
I think I'm leaning more towards the V16 A6 small chamber. I liked the small chamber more than the medium chamber, and the Java has a medium chamber right? I started sax only about 3 years ago, if that changes anything.
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I believe the Java is brighter due more to the fact that it has substantially more baffle than the V16, rather than chamber size (by the Theo Wanne definition, the Java and Jumbo Java have "medium" chambers). It's not a super-high step like on the Jumbo, but it's still rather large. Different reed choices always confound these kind of things, though...
If your music store doesn't have a Java in stock, might you consider taking one on trial from WWBW or another retailer like that? You can always return it if you like the V16 better. In fact, why not take a trial period on both? I don't know if your music store does mouthpiece trials, but if they don't, this route would probably be much easier to try both.
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I have not tried the V16 small chamber, but have had 2 medium chambers and did find them more lively than my Selmer Super Session, but a little too indistinct, and now play either a Ponzol Vintage or a Phil-Tone Special, my favorite. The notes were excellent throughout on the V16, but it just lacked a little pizzazz.
I was not aware WWBW had such a great policy about this! I will try both out once I return from England.
I currently play on a Phil-Tone Meyer 6M but the intonation and tone is very inconsistent compared to the Vandoren mouthpieces. Perhaps once I decide between the V16 or Java, I will have it refaced again by Phil.
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I went from a Vandoren Java A45 to a Phil-Tone Meyer 6M. Don't even know why I haven't sold my Vandoren Java yet.
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Based on Vandoren's vocabulary, JAVA stands for JAzz-VAriété. Variété (= variety) means pop music. The JAVA mps are brighter, and really targeting the pop-rock-commercial sound. Back in the 90s, they were the HR alternative to Dukoff. They were blue by then, I still have one of them. The V16 line is much more targeting the Meyer & Link 50s jazz tradition.
I don't remember trying a S chamber V16, but the M chamber V16s are clearly "fatter" in sound than the JAVAs. They do resist a bit more too. I'm speaking of my experience on alto. Typically, a JAVA might sound too harsh and thin in a sax section.
I don't remember trying a S chamber V16, but the M chamber V16s are clearly "fatter" in sound than the JAVAs. They do resist a bit more too. I'm speaking of my experience on alto. Typically, a JAVA might sound too harsh and thin in a sax section.
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Forget the java and v16 ,i had them both and get a jumbo java,now thats a lead mp for me.you will soar,yes bright but still has plenty of body to it.They just fly.
Haha different strokes for different folks!
Did the V16 sound lack "pizzazz" to you? But I know the best solution to this problem is try them out myself since I've learned first hand that a mouthpiece that works for the majority may not work for me (Phil-Tone Meyer).
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What characteristics of the Vandoren Java A45 made you want to switch? How does the Phil-Tone resolve these problems?
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I like the tone I get with the Phil Tone Meyer better...The Phil Tone Meyer is easier to blow than the Java and it frees up my lower register. Altissimo is also easier for me on the Phil Tone Meyer. I'll have to try them both again to give you a more accurate explanation of why I prefer the Phil Tone Meyer.
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Thanks for sharing your opinions about these.
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