Detail 01
Strength 4
A hard reed. More resistance, more volume ceiling and better altissimo, but it tires you faster.
Product detailSKU #1274228081159
VandorenTenor Sax V16 Reeds Strength 4 Box of 5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Five tenor sax reeds in the V16 jazz cut, strength 4. For established tenor players with a settled embouchure who already know they play a 4.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tenor players restocking a strength they already play
- Jazz and commercial work needing volume and a firm core
- Pairing with a medium tip opening on a jazz mouthpiece
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — strength 4 is stiff and will feel unblowable
- Alto, soprano or baritone players; these are tenor-cut only
- Anyone unsure of their strength — buy singles first
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 jazz profile — thicker heart than their classical cuts, giving a fuller, more centered sound with edge.
Detail 03
Tenor saxophone
Cut to tenor dimensions. It won't seal on an alto or bari mouthpiece table.
Detail 04
Box of 5
Small box. Expect natural variation between reeds — typically two or three play well straight away.
Detail 05
$31 for the box
Roughly $6 per reed. Rotating between three or four reeds makes each one last considerably longer.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Strength numbers aren't cross-brand; a 4 here won't match a 4 elsewhere
- 02A very open mouthpiece tip usually wants a softer reed than 4
- 03Break new reeds in over several short sessions instead of one long one
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is strength 4 too hard for me?
If you currently play 2.5 or 3, yes — jumping to 4 will feel stiff and choke your low register. Move up half a step at a time.
02Can I use these on alto sax?
No. Tenor reeds are wider and longer than alto reeds and won't seal against an alto mouthpiece table.
03How many reeds are in the box?
Five.
04How do V16 reeds compare to Vandoren's classical cuts?
V16 is the jazz cut — heavier heart, fuller body, more edge and projection. Classical cuts respond lighter and blend more.
