Detail 01
Strength 1.5
Soft. Speaks easily with little air, but can close up and thin out when you push volume.
Product detailSKU #1274228081305
VandorenAlto Sax V16 Reeds Strength 1.5 Box of 10
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Ten alto sax reeds in Vandoren's V16 line, strength 1.5. A soft reed, so this suits beginners or players on very open mouthpieces.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Beginning alto players still building embouchure strength
- Players on wide tip openings who need a softer reed
- Stocking up when you already play 1.5
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Tenor or soprano players — alto cut only
- Experienced players on standard mouthpieces wanting resistance
- Anyone chasing a dark, classical tone
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Alto cut
Fits alto mouthpieces only. Tenor and soprano reeds are different widths and will not seal on the rails.
Detail 03
Box of 10
About $3.90 per reed. Enough to keep a rotation going for months rather than replacing one at a time.
Detail 04
V16 line
A different cut from Vandoren's Traditional blue box, so strengths do not cross over directly between the two.
Detail 05
Cane reed
Each reed varies. Sort them early, keep the good ones in rotation, and set the duds aside instead of forcing them.
Final check
Know before you order
- 011.5 is soft — confirm it matches your mouthpiece and embouchure
- 02Reed case not included; the sleeves only cover shipping
- 03Soak briefly and break in before a full session
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is 1.5 good for a beginner?
It is a common starting point on alto. It responds with less air while your embouchure develops. Most players move up to 2 or 2.5 within months.
02Will these fit my tenor sax?
No. These are cut for alto. Tenor reeds are larger and the two are not interchangeable.
03How is V16 different from the blue box?
It is a separate cut in the Vandoren line, so the same number feels different. Compare by feel on your own mouthpiece, not by the number.
04Why buy ten instead of five?
Cane varies reed to reed. A larger box gives you more to sort through and a working rotation, at a lower cost per reed.
