Vandoren Reed Question.

[IntrestedSax]

What are some thoughts on the different types of vandoren reeds. I currently using the 3.5 Java's and V16 and i love them. Are the ZZ's good?

[SpeakNoEvil]

I love the ZZ's. I have friends that love them too. My instructor however says he hates how he sounds using them. I think it's like with horns - one man's Mark VI is another man's Bundy II.

[Lovano1239]

I used to use the ZZ's back when I used my Rousessu JDX 7 tenor mpc. They are extremely responsive and easy to break in. The only problem I had with them was that when I switched to my Jody Jazz HR* 8 mpc, the reeds didn't play at all so now I'm using Alexander DC Superials and Superials.

[BYOB]

If you go for the 3.5 strength, you'll probably like them if you're into Javas and V16s. Those happen to be two types that I play at the current moment - Javas and V16s.

I've gone through a few boxes of ZZs, and yes, I did quite enjoy playing them - but I found myself going through more and more duds. Back 2 or so years ago, they weren't very consistent, but the gems were amazing.

[clhuff]

Of the three the javas seem to work better on an open tipped mpc (.220mm) and the V16 on more closed ones (yamaha 5c--can't remember the aperture right now).