Vandoren Java vs V16. Please post opinion/experiences

[Saxplayer_70]

Which is the better reed for you people? Which one do you like best? Which is preferabbly better for jazz playing? I cannot seem to decide. Please assist.

[T-MAN]

I prefer the V16's because they produce a rich tone with good projection. Java's from my experience are a little easier to blow at the same reed strength. V16's, to me, are also a little darker and aggressive sounding, great for more contemporary styles of playing. I suggest trying both to see for yourself which one works for you.

[Andrew]

Yeah I suggest trying them as well...I can tell you from my experience....I personally use Java reeds as my primary reed, and basically, I find them to be fatter sounding than the V16s...the V16 reeds tend to be a little thin when I play on them, but that could just be me.

[Ritchie]

Interesting - I hear myself just the other way round than Andrew. The V16 gives me the full sound I am looking for with just the right amount of brightness. The Javas' brightness sounds thin to me in comparison - it is not brighter, but there is something missing in their sound. This is the same on tenor (hard rubber or metal Link) and alto (hard rubber Meyer).

[BobD]

I haven't played JAVA but have been on V16's for about a year. They are definately not dark by any strectch of the imagination. I play on a Link copy and these reeds play bright and percussive. Very easy to play over the full range of the horn and can be pushed. I also like the new ZZ reeds. Fatter and not as bright.

I've used both Javas and V16s on tenor for the past couple of years, and I agree with Ritchie's evaluation. The V16s seem fuller-sounding to my ear, too. I'm currently using #4 V16s on a Hite Artist model tenor mpc.

[Tears June]

I like Java more in alto. V-16 is more thick on the heart, tip & vamp. Not as free blowing as Java.

For same strength: V-16, Traditional & ZZ is about 1/3 to 1/2 harder than Java.