Detail 01
Hard rubber body
Warmer and less brittle than metal. Also lighter in the mouth and less prone to feeling cold on the lip.
Product detailSKU #1274228081474
VandorenV16 Series Hard Rubber Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece A7 - Medium Chamber
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Hard rubber alto sax mouthpiece, A7 facing with a medium chamber. For players stepping up from a stock piece who want more projection.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Alto players moving up from the mouthpiece that came with the horn
- Jazz combo and small group playing needing to cut through
- Doublers wanting a hard rubber piece that still projects
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Classical and concert band players needing a blended, orchestral tone
- Beginners under a year in, who fight open tips
- Anyone who wants a bright metal edge
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
A7 tip opening
Within the series, higher numbers open the tip further. More volume and flexibility, but it takes more air control.
Detail 03
Medium chamber
The middle ground of chamber sizes. More focus and projection than a large chamber, less harsh than a small one.
Detail 04
Alto saxophone specific
Sized to the alto neck cork only. It will not fit soprano, tenor, or baritone necks.
Detail 05
V16 series
Vandoren's jazz-leaning line rather than their classical line. Voiced toward projection over blend.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Mouthpiece only. Reeds and ligature are separate purchases.
- 02Your neck cork may need sanding or building up to seat properly.
- 03An open tip usually wants a softer reed than you currently play.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What reed strength should I use with an A7?
Most players drop half a strength to a full strength from what they use on a stock mouthpiece. The more open tip needs a softer reed to respond.
02Will my current ligature fit?
Not guaranteed. Hard rubber V16 blanks are a different diameter than many stock and metal pieces. Check fit or budget for a matching ligature.
03Is this suitable for concert band?
It is voiced for projection rather than blending. For classical and concert playing, a classical-line mouthpiece will sit better in the section.
04Hard rubber or metal?
Hard rubber gives a warmer core and a more forgiving feel. Metal is brighter and more cutting. This is the warmer of the two options.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Medium Chamber
