Vandoren VK7 Alto Sax – Jazz Synthetic Reed

Vandoren VK7 Alto Sax  – Jazz 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, launching the VK1 for clarinet in 2024. They knew that it had to be nothing short of exceptional. They succeeded. Now the VK Synthetic material is expanding into the sax market with the new Vandoren VK7 Jazz  Alto Sax Synthetic Reeds and the VK1 Classical models.

Proprietary Synthetic Material
At the heart of the Vandoren VK 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 VK material is patented and made in France by Vandoren. The 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

2 Cuts – VK1 & VK7
The Vandoren VK material is available in alto sax in 2 unique cuts. These are different designs for difference target performance.

• VK1 for Classical – This offers ideal classical performance and articulation. Available in harder strengths 30-60
• VK7 for Jazz – This offers ideal Jazz performance and response with a rich tone. Available in softer strengths 10-35

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Strength Comparison
There are 6 Vandoren VK7 Alto Sax strengths available. Depending on the cane cut that you are used to, these can range in the 2.0 to 3.5 strengths of other jazz cuts from Vandoren. All strengths fall between 2.5-3.5 traditional reed strength. The VK7strengths correspond to subdivisions by thirds of the usual half strengths. Here is a comparison chart of the VK7 Alto Sax reeds compared to the other Vandoren jazz specific cuts:

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 VK7 alto sax synthetic reeds are made in Bormes les Mimosas (Var), France. French composite, French design, French sound.

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