Vandoren T77 red tenor piece

[singlereed]

Any idea what this is? It has the Vandoren lettering, '77' stamped on it, its made of red material. The chamber is not like a V5, more like a Selmer S80 type, it is 'U' shaped, with straight sides, rather than being round like a V5 and has a bigger bore. Although the number would signify an open facing in the current range, this is no more open than a T35 type, if that much (I have a T25 and its not much different facing-wise). The window is narrower, longer and squarer at the end away from the tip. The whole body is very narrow and it needs an alto ligature. There is no rollover or built-up baffle. I picked it up mint on ebay for next to nothing, and I am intrigued. It plays OK. Anyone know what it is exactly?http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2537550602

[Mike Ruhl]

Well, you've pretty well described what it is. Vandoren went through a period where they made sax mpcs in blue and red ebonite. The blue ones seem to be more common on ebay. I enjoy playing these mpcs, so let me know if you want to sell it, please.

[singlereed]

Will do, I'm just trying different reeds and stuff to see how well it suits me but I'll let you know if I decide not to keep it.

[Mike Ruhl]

Thanks! You can just email me using the email button below my posts.

[AMASAX]

might be the old 'jazz' model Vandoren put out in the 1970s, i believe they were red, and '77' rings a bell...never tried 'em, so can't pass judgement on 'em.

[singlereed]

I've used it a bit and I would say it is a 'legit' sound piece, rather like the S80 series from Selmer. Funny thing is, because it's red, I keep being asked where I got it!

[joecool]

The red Vandoren Soul 77 had a brother,the Soul 99.
I've play Detroit gigs on a Red Soul 77 tenor since 1982 and it rocks.
Easy and comfortable blowing with 3/12 or 4 rico royals.
I would love to find another or a soul 99 someday.

[pth]

The red Vandoren Soul 77 had a brother,the Soul 99.
I've play Detroit gigs on a Red Soul 77 tenor since 1982 and it rocks.
Easy and comfortable blowing with 3/12 or 4 rico royals.

That is a great description. I have one and would have to say the same, although LaVoz MH are the reeds I was using with it. It REALLY worked well for me on a Mauriat 66R. It also looks pretty interesting on the Mauriat - camo and clay.

With my crude measuring technique (calipers and a piece of glass), it appears to measure at .090 in. That is a little too small for me. My main piece is a Zagar SBB 400 7*.