Vandoren VK1 Bass Clarinet Synthetic Reed

Vandoren VK1 Bass Clarinet Synthetic Reeds
Pure Performance

Vandoren reeds are a staple among clarinet players. As the leader in can reeds, it only makes sense that they would eventually come out with their own synthetic reed. Rather than rushing to the market just to fill a sales goal, Vandoren took 7 years to develop their first synthetic reed knowing that it had to be nothing short of exceptional. They succeeded with the first VK1 series clarinet reeds. Since then, they have continued to expand into new models and instruments. Now available for bass clarinet, the new Vandoren VK1 Bass Clarinet Synthetic Reed is their next step in the synthetic reed revolution!

Proprietary Synthetic Material
At the heart of the Vandoren VK1 development was the material. The VK synthetic material is a special, in house developed, composite that took 7 years to perfect. This composite material does not imitate the structure of cane, but instead reproduces the essential performance characteristics of the reed to obtain the same acoustic behavior.

Specifically, we find that the VK synthetic material has a dynamic range control that is more in line with natural cane. For many players, this is one of the biggest problems with most synthetic reeds, the dynamic range control. Meaning, when you find the right strength for 80%+ of your dynamic volume range, most other synthetics will feel a bit too hard when played soft and a bit too soft when played at the loudest volume. We find that the Vandoren VK material has far better response on all dynamics regardless. Granted, you still have to blend well with the cut of the reed, but the material in the VK reeds seems to respond more like cane than any other synthetic.

This VK1 material is patented and made in France by Vandoren. The Vandoren VK1 material is also 100% recyclable, hypoallergenic, and complies with strict European chemical safety standards held for use by children.

• • The material is moisture resistant, rot-proof, does not warp when dried and is saliva resistant. The Vandoren VK1 performs considerably longer than cane reeds with a high level of consistency. The VK1 reed should be stored on a flat surface. A flat surfaced reed holder (not a standard reed holder) is recommended for best results.
  • The reeds can be used directly out of the packaging, without any preparation.
  • The material is washable and can be disinfected with alcohol or with any food compliant disinfectant.
  • Unparalleled consistency resulting in reliable strength, sound, articulation, projection and high note stability

Strength Comparison
There are five Vandoren VK1 bass clarinet strengths available. All strengths fall between 2.5-3.5 traditional reed strength. The VK1 strengths correspond to subdivisions by thirds of the usual half strengths. We find that many players find the VK1 reeds to run a hair harder than this in real world testing. So we recommend going to one step softer than this chart says.

Trial Policy
Unfortunately, as the reeds are sealed at the factory, you must permanently break the seal in order to test it, making it no longer re-sellable as a new reed. Plus, do you want “used” reeds? In some cases, we might be willing to allow an exchange with a restocking fee, but please contact us before placing your order if this is something that you want to have considered.

VK Synthetic Family of Reeds
Vandoren VK Synthetic Reeds are now available for alto sax and clarinet. Check out the whole line!

Strength Exchange Policy
Vandoren is not offering any sort of strength exchange policy at this time.

Vandoren Ligatures
Maximize your reed performance with a new, high performance Vandoren ligature!

Vandoren VK clarinet synthetic reeds are made in Bormes les Mimosas (Var), France. French composite, French design, French sound.

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