Barnes & Mullins Vandoren V16 Ebonite – Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

THE VANDOREN APPROACH TO JAZZ MOUTHPIECES

The Vandoren V16 mouthpiece emerges as a robust and compelling alternative to the widely acclaimed Meyer, Otto Link, and Jody Jazz mouthpieces. Recognized for its versatility and ease of play, this mouthpiece stands out in the realm of jazz, offering a high-quality hard rubber construction that delivers the power and projection desired by discerning musicians.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Vandoren V16 ensures a seamless balance between strength and flexibility. The inherent qualities of the hard rubber material contribute to the mouthpieces’ ability to produce a rich and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for jazz enthusiasts seeking a distinctive tonal character.

What sets the Vandoren V16 apart is its adaptability to various musical settings. Whether performing in a small ensemble or a big band, this mouthpiece proves to be an all-inclusive solution, eliminating the need for multiple mouthpieces for different scenarios. The ability to seamlessly transition between musical contexts showcases the V16’s versatility and makes it a reliable choice for musicians with diverse playing requirements.

The S+ Chamber marks the next stage in the V16 alto mouthpieces’ evolution, delivering an enhanced depth of sound while preserving the V16’s signature attributes of a free-blowing nature and excellent projection. With its increased air capacity, the S+ chamber offers musicians greater flexibility and a broader palette of colours to explore. A great choice for lead alto players! 

The M Chamber is a more classic approach and is designed for warm and expressive tones. This makes it ideal for section playing.

FEATURES

• Material: Hard rubber

• Made In: France

• Chamber: Small / Medium

• Baffle: Rollover

• Ligature: Not included

• Manufacturing Method: CNC machined and hand-finished

• Recommended for: Students and professionals alike

 Staff Review

This will always be my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a great, but inexpensive jazz mouthpiece, especially now that I’ve just bought one! For me, the V16 ticks all the boxes. It has a clean response with just the right level of resistance, they’re superbly reed-friendly, and they have a warm and colourful sound. Ideal if you’re after something with a “Meyer-like” quality to it. If you’re able to, I’d recommend trying both the S+ and M chambers against each other. It’s not as simple as one being better than the other. They each have a different voice and feel, so it’s worth trying them both to see which is best suited to your play style. I am now the proud owner of an A6(M), and I can see this being my main alto piece for a long while! – Oren Gurney