Detail 01
Strength 3.5
Medium-hard. More resistance and control than a 3, but it needs settled air support to speak cleanly.
Product detailSKU #1274228081426
VandorenTenor Sax V16 Reeds Strength 3.5 Box of 5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A box of five tenor saxophone reeds in the V16 cut, strength 3.5. A restock item for players who already know this cut suits them.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tenor players who have already settled on V16 at 3.5
- Restocking before a gig run or recording session
- Testing a step up in strength from a softer 3
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Alto, bari, or clarinet players — cut is tenor-specific
- Beginners still building embouchure strength
- Anyone wanting a single reed to sample before committing
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
V16 cut
Vandoren's cuts are not interchangeable. A 3.5 here does not feel like a 3.5 in another Vandoren line.
Detail 03
Box of 5
Cane varies piece to piece. Out of five, expect a couple of standouts and one you set aside.
Detail 04
Tenor saxophone size
Reed shape and dimensions are cut for tenor. It will not seal properly on alto or bari.
Detail 05
$31 per box
About six dollars a reed. A working reed lasts weeks of regular playing, not months.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no reed case, ligature, or mouthpiece included
- 02Break each one in over several short sessions before gigging it
- 03Strength interacts with your mouthpiece; a more open tip may want a softer reed
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Should I get 3 or 3.5?
If your current 3 feels loose or you are running out of resistance at volume, move to 3.5. If you fight for the low notes, stay at 3.
02Can I use these on my alto?
No. These are cut for tenor saxophone. Alto needs alto reeds; a tenor reed will not seal on the smaller mouthpiece.
03How long does a box last?
Depends on playing hours. With rotation across several reeds and regular practice, a box of five typically covers a couple of months.
04Do I need to soak them first?
Wet the reed before playing and break in new ones gradually over several short sessions. That gets more usable reeds out of each box.
