Vandoren

Vandoren – specialist in reeds and mouthpieces since 1905

Since its foundation in 1905, Vandoren has focused on accessories for clarinet and saxophone. At the heart of the range are reeds and mouthpieces, whose interaction has a major influence on response, playing feel and tone. The range extends from first instruments used in music lessons to professional applications in classical music, concert band, jazz, funk and pop. Different reed series, strengths, cuts and mouthpiece facings allow the setup to be matched more closely to the instrument, embouchure and musical requirements.

Clarinet reeds: Traditional, V12, 56 Rue Lepic and V21

For clarinet, Vandoren offers several natural cane reed series with different characteristics. Traditional is one of the established all-round ranges, while V12, 56 Rue Lepic and V21 provide further options for response, resistance and tonal shaping. Vandoren also offers appropriately cut variants for German and Austrian clarinet systems. The JUNO Series is aimed especially at learners and players looking for an accessible introduction. When changing between series, the printed reed strength should not be considered on its own because cut and material distribution also influence the actual playing feel.

Saxophone reeds from classical to jazz

The selection of saxophone reeds is even broader. Alongside Traditional, V12 and V21, the range includes JAVA Green and JAVA Red, V16 and ZZ. This allows soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophonists to compare different concepts of response and tonal character. JAVA, V16 and ZZ are often associated with jazz, funk and pop playing styles, while Traditional, V12 and V21 are also interesting for more classically oriented setups. The interaction between mouthpiece tip opening, facing, reed strength and personal embouchure remains crucial.

VK – synthetic reeds as an alternative to natural cane

With VK Synthetic Reeds, Vandoren expands its range with synthetic reeds for clarinet and saxophone. They offer an alternative to natural cane and can be particularly interesting for players who value consistent characteristics and use that is less affected by natural variation. Different strengths are available here as well. Players changing from natural cane to synthetic reeds should not automatically choose the same numerical strength, but compare the version that best suits their mouthpiece and playing style.

Vandoren mouthpieces for clarinet

Vandoren’s clarinet mouthpieces range from established models such as B40 and B45 to the Black Diamond Series. Differences in tip opening, facing length and internal geometry affect resistance, response and tonal shaping. Vandoren also offers mouthpieces for different clarinet systems. The choice should therefore take into account not only the model name, but also the instrument system and reed cut with which the mouthpiece will be combined.

V5, Optimum, Profile, V16 and JAVA for saxophone

Vandoren also offers different saxophone mouthpiece series for different playing concepts. V5, Optimum and Profile cover a range of classical and versatile applications, while V16, JAVA and Jumbo JAVA are more strongly oriented towards distinctive jazz and popular-music setups. Different tip openings are often available within one series. A larger opening is not automatically better: it usually requires a different reed setup and may feel considerably more demanding depending on the player.

Ligatures and accessories matched to the setup

With Optimum, M|O, Klassik and Carbon ligatures, Vandoren complements the combination of mouthpiece and reed. Caps as well as tools and accessories for reed care and adjustment are also available. For clarinet and saxophone in particular, it makes sense to consider mouthpiece, reed and ligature as one connected system. Changing only one component can noticeably affect response and playing feel.

Buy Vandoren at Kirstein

Vandoren offers an extensive accessory range for students, ambitious players and professional clarinettists and saxophonists. At Kirstein you can compare different Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces and tailor your setup to the instrument, musical style and preferred playing feel. You also benefit from a 3 Year Kirstein Warranty and, when required, knowledgeable specialist advice on clarinet, saxophone and suitable accessories.