Why We Make So Many Clarinet and Saxophone Reed Types
with David Gould
Date Posted: February 26, 2021
Find Your Perfect Reed Type
Our product specialists are based all around the country and can help you find your perfect sound. Schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to talk shop. View our reed types below to get started.

Traditional Cut
Superiority proven over the years. These reeds suit all styles of music. Available for all clarinets and saxophones.
• Excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even the highest notes.
• Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals
• Gives body and clarity to the sound.
Available for Ab, Eb, Bb, Alto, Bass and Contra clarients, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bari, and bass saxophones

V•12
Deep, rich tone. An excellent option for musicians looking for darkness to their sound. Available for Eb, Bb, Bass clarinets and Soprano, Alto, and Tenor saxophones.
- Thicker heel and are cut on a longer palette with a slightly thicker tip than the Traditional.
- The longer palette means that more of the reed is vibrating, resulting in a deeper, richer sound.
- The thicker tip gives body to the attack and also increases the longevity of the reed.
- The V•12 offers a warm, rich and powerful sound.
Available for Eb, Bb, Bass clarinets, soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones.

56 rue Lepic
Designed from thicker cane with a heel taper very similar to German-style reeds. Strength gradations are smaller and more specific, resulting in reeds that are very consistent.
- Rich
- Centered and extremely pure sound with maximum stability
- Extremely colorful and flexible
- Quick response in all registers
Available for Bb clarinet only

V21
The Bb clarinet V21 reed combines the shape of a 56 rue lepic reed with a V•12 profile. This unique combination makes all registers of the clarinet more accessible with warmth and a depth of sound.
- Play with amazing presence and immediate response.
- Handles large interval leaps efficiently
- Even and rich tone
Available for Eb, Bb, and Bass clarinets, soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones

Java Green
Developed in 1983 for jazz and popular music. A thicker tip and a more flexible palette than the Traditional reed allow vibration over a larger surface area with maximum elasticity.
- Greater tonal flexibility
- Thicker tip
- Excellent for all jazz types
Available for soprano, alto, tenor, and bari saxophones
Sampling Made Easy
Discover your favorite reed type for Classical and Jazz without having to purchase an entire box with our Vandoren Mix Cards.
