Detail 01
Strength 5
At the hard end. High resistance means more control and volume ceiling, but it demands sustained air support and a developed embouchure.
Product detailSKU #1274228081064
VandorenTenor Sax V16 Reeds Strength 5 Box of 5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Box of five V16 tenor saxophone reeds in strength 5. Very hard and high-resistance — for strong embouchures on close-tip mouthpieces.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players on close-tip mouthpieces that need a stiff reed to balance
- Experienced tenor players wanting more resistance to push against
- Anyone whose current reeds close up at loud volume
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — this takes real air pressure and will not speak
- Wide open mouthpieces, where a 5 becomes almost unblowable
- Alto, soprano or baritone players — tenor cut only
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
Thicker heart and heavier blank than a traditional cut, so a 5 here feels firmer than a 5 in a lighter-blank reed.
Detail 03
Tenor sax cut
Shaped for a tenor mouthpiece table. Won't seal correctly on alto or baritone.
Detail 04
Box of 5
Cane is inconsistent by nature. Expect a couple of standouts, a few playable, and one that never comes around.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Hard reeds need close-tip mouthpieces; check your tip opening before committing
- 02Break these in gradually over several short sessions or they play stiff
- 03No reed guard included; store flat so the tip doesn't curl
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is strength 5 too hard for me?
For most players, yes. A 5 is for developed embouchures on close-tip mouthpieces. If you're unsure, step up gradually rather than jumping here.
02Why would I pick a 5 over a softer reed?
Resistance. A harder reed holds up at high volume without closing off and gives more control over dynamics, at the cost of more air and effort.
03Does the V16 5 match a 5 from other brands?
No. Strength numbering isn't standardized, and the V16 blank runs thicker. It will feel harder than the same number in a lighter cut.
04How do I break in a hard reed?
Play it a few minutes at a time over several days, wetting fully before each session. Rushing a hard reed leaves it stiff and unresponsive.
