Vandoren Saxophone Reeds Compared

Summary

This video provides an in-depth review of Van Doren reeds, including the Traditional, V12, Java (Green and Red), V16, ZZ, and V21 models. Each reed is analyzed in terms of its design, tonal qualities, and suitability for different musical genres such as classical and jazz. The presenter highlights the unique features of each reed, from the traditional broad sound of the Blue Box to the bright, percussive V16 and the dark, focused V21. The review offers valuable insights for players seeking the right reed for their style and setup.

Takeaways

• 😀 Van Doren is a well-known manufacturer of clarinet and saxophone reeds, as well as accessories.
• 😀 The Van Doren Traditional Reed (blue box) is a versatile all-round reed, ideal for both classical and jazz music with a balanced, dark tone.
• 😀 The Van Doren V12 reed, popular in the clarinet world, is more suitable for classical music with its stiff, resistant nature and long vamp.
• 😀 The V12 reed provides a more resistant and stiff feel, making it more challenging to play, but it offers a solid core sound.
• 😀 The Van Doren Java Green reed has a flexible, responsive character with a thicker tip, popular in jazz and popular music for its bright tone and ease of articulation.
• 😀 The Red Java reed, similar to the Green Java, has a filed cut and more wood in the spine, giving it more resistance and a deeper, woodier tone.
• 😀 The Van Doren V16 reed is designed for jazz, offering a bright, percussive sound, with a thicker tip and long scrape to produce a cutting tone.
• 😀 The Van Doren ZZ reed is a jazz-oriented reed that offers good flexibility and a core sound, making it an all-rounder suitable for various styles.
• 😀 The V21 reed, a newer addition to the Van Doren lineup, has a conical shape and unfiled design, offering a centered, deep sound that works well for classical and crossover jazz setups.
• 😀 The different Van Doren reeds offer varying levels of resistance, flexibility, and tonal qualities, making them suited to different genres and playing styles.

Q & A

What is the primary feature of the Van Doren Traditional reed (Blue Box)?

The Van Doren Traditional reed is known for its broad, dark, and full-bodied tone, with a thin tip and a thicker spine, making it a versatile reed for both classical and jazz music.

How does the Van Doren V12 reed differ from the traditional reed?

The Van Doren V12 reed has more resistance and stiffness, with a longer vamp and more wood in the tip, making it more suitable for classical music. It requires more effort to play compared to the Van Doren Traditional reed.

What makes the Van Doren Java (Green) reed ideal for jazz?

The Van Doren Java (Green) reed is highly flexible and responsive with a brighter tone and a thicker tip, making it ideal for jazz and popular music styles where quick response and vibrancy are important.

What is the key difference between the Van Doren Java (Red) and the Green version?

The Van Doren Java (Red) reed has a filed cut and more wood in the spine compared to the Green Java, which gives it more resistance and a fuller sound, making it slightly better suited for more controlled jazz performances.

For what type of music was the Van Doren V16 reed designed?

The Van Doren V16 reed was designed with American jazz musicians in mind, providing a bright, percussive tone and the ability to cut through sound, making it suitable for modern jazz performances.

What characteristics define the Van Doren ZZ reed?

The Van Doren ZZ reed is responsive and offers a good core sound with flexibility. It's an all-rounder, suitable for jazz, and provides both warmth and responsiveness.

What makes the Van Doren V21 reed a good choice for classical music?

The Van Doren V21 reed is unfiled with a conical shape and a deep, centered tone, making it ideal for classical setups where projection and a dark, focused sound are essential.

How do the V12 reeds perform in terms of resistance, and what kind of setup is recommended for optimal results?

The V12 reeds are resistant and stiff, with a long scrape and a hard response. They are best used with a more classical setup, particularly when the mouthpiece is adjusted for a closer tip opening.

What makes the Van Doren Java (Green) reed easy to play?

The Van Doren Java (Green) reed is flexible and very responsive, making it easy to play with minimal effort. The reed vibrates quickly, allowing for long playing sessions with less breath pressure.

What makes the Van Doren V21 reed different from other reeds in terms of projection?

The Van Doren V21 reed has a good balance of depth and projection, making it suitable for both classical music and certain jazz setups. Its conical shape and unfiled cut give it a focused, yet projective sound.