Vandoren VK Synthetic Traditional Alto Saxophone Reed
The Vandoren VK1 Alto Saxophone reeds are made of a specially developed (and patented) composite material. Vandoren have spent 7 years researching, finessing and perfecting the material structure and production. Importantly, the composite material does not seek to imitate the structure of a cane reed, rather it reproduces the essential physical characteristics of a cane reed to offer the same behaviour acoustically.
What are the VK reeds?
The Vandoren VK1 Alto Saxophone reeds are made of a specially developed (and patented) composite material. Vandoren have spent 7 years researching, finessing and perfecting the material structure and production. Importantly, the composite material does not seek to imitate the structure of a cane reed, rather it reproduces the essential physical characteristics of a cane reed to offer the same behaviour acoustically.
The Strength System explained
There are seven Vandoren VK1 strengths available at launch, all of which fall between 2.5-3.5 in the traditional cane reed strength. The VK numbering system correspond to sixths of cane reed strength.
| VK1 Strength | Traditional Reed Strength |
| 60 | 3 ½ (medium) |
| 55 | 3 ½ (soft) |
| 50 | 3 (hard) |
| 45 | 3 (medium) |
| 40 | 3 (soft) |
| 35 | 2 ½ (hard) |
| 30 | 2 ½ (medium) |
Key features and benefits
- The material is moisture resistant, rot-proof, does not warp when dried and is saliva resistant
- The VK reeds last considerably longer than a standard cane reed with a high level of consistency
- Best performance is ensured when dried off and then stored flat
- These reeds can perform straight out of the packet with no moistening or other preparation
- The VK material is washable and can be disinfected with alcohol or any food compliant disinfectant
- Consistency of performance is a major positive for the VK reeds
- They offer a clean, crisp and responsive articulation and assured stability
- Made in France by Vandoren | Fully recyclable
| Reed Strength | 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or 50 or 55 or 60 |
| Brand | Vandoren |