Vandoren V16 2 - Tenor Saxophone
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Manufacturer Information
Vandoren
https://www.vandoren.fr
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Safety manager:
Algam SAS
Email: contact@algam.net
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V16: Vandoren's response to jazz musicians' demands
Launched in 1993, the V16 series was designed to meet a very clear request from American jazz musicians: "a JAVA reed with even more wood." This approach results in a design focused on power and precision, with geometry that favors projection and sound definition. True to its reputation, Vandoren controls the entire process, from the cane to the packaging, to ensure the consistency essential for daily use (rehearsals, concerts, studio).
Who is it for, and in which styles?
This tenor saxophone reed is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced saxophonists seeking a responsive reed capable of supporting articulated and expressive playing. It excels in jazz (bop, hard bop, modern jazz), but is also suitable for contemporary styles where a sound that "cuts through" is desired: funk, pop, urban music, big band. At strength 2, it can also suit those who want to maintain comfort of blowing while enjoying the V16 character, especially with a jazz mouthpiece.
Sound and design
The V16 stands out with a thicker tip and a longer vamp than more traditional reeds. The result: a timbre often perceived as brighter, a more impactful attack, and a strong presence in the mix, while still leaving enough material to work on sound depth. Its slightly firmer strength sometimes requires a short adaptation period, but once paired with the right mouthpiece/ligature combination, it offers a rich and deep tone with great stability.
Recommended compatible accessories
To preserve the response and lifespan of your reeds, a tenor saxophone reed case (universal size) and a tenor saxophone swab are reliable choices. The flow-pack packaging already helps stabilize humidity, but proper storage remains a real plus to keep a reed consistent from session to session.
Technical specifications
| Category | tenor sax | Color | Green |
| Force | 2 | Quantity | 5 |
| Material | reed | ||
| Packaging | box of 5 reeds | Vamp | longer than traditional reeds |
| Series | V16 | Instrument | tenor saxophone |
| Strength | 2 | Recommended use | jazz mouthpiece (to fully exploit attack and brightness) |
| Calibration | slightly firmer than average (with equivalent playing feel) | Product subject to a specific withdrawal right | for hygiene reasons, if the product has been opened, it cannot be returned or exchanged. |
| Design | thicker tip | ||
Questions frequently asked
What sound does a V16 strength 2 reed offer for tenor saxophone?
The thicker tip and longer table promote a bright tone with a sharp attack. Strength 2 maintains playing comfort while adding presence in the mix.
Are Vandoren V16 2 reeds suitable for jazz?
This series, launched in 1993, was designed in response to the expectations of American jazz musicians. It is suited for bop, hard bop, and modern jazz, as well as funk, pop, and big band.
Which mouthpiece should be used with a V16 tenor reed?
Use with a jazz mouthpiece is recommended to exploit the attack and brightness of this cane reed.
Is the V16 strength 2 harder than a standard reed?
The grading is stated to be slightly stronger than average with an equivalent playing feel. A short adjustment period may be necessary depending on the mouthpiece/ligature setup. This strength is particularly aimed at saxophonists who want to maintain comfortable playability.
How many reeds are in the Vandoren V16 2 tenor box?
The packaging includes 5 cane reeds for tenor saxophone, presented in a flow-pack. After opening, the product cannot be returned due to hygiene reasons.
