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Vandoren Synthetic Bb Clarinet Reed VK1
Product Information
The new Vandoren VK synthetic clarinet reeds are mode of a newly designed material and are offered in a different numbering system to standard cane reeds due to the precision in strength that can be achieved.
What are the VK reeds?
The Vandoren VK clarinet reeds are made of a specially developed (and patented) composite material. Vandoren have spent 7 years researching, finessing and perfecting the material structure and production. Importantly, the composite material does not seek to imitate the structure of a cane reed, rather it reproduces the essential physical characteristics of a cane reed to offer the same behaviour acoustically.
The Strength System explained
There are six Vandoren VK strengths available at launch, all of which fall between 2.5-3.5 in the traditional cane reed strength. The VK numbering system correspond to sixths of cane reed strength.
| VK Strength | Traditional Reed Strength |
| 60 | 3 ½ (medium) |
| 55 | 3 ½ (soft) |
| 50 | 3 (hard) |
| 45 | 3 (medium) |
| 40 | 3 (soft) |
| 35 | 2 ½ (hard) |
Key features and benefits
- The material is moisture resistant, rot-proof, does not warp when dried and is saliva resistant
- The VK reeds last considerably longer than a standard cane reed with a high level of consistency
- Best performance is ensured when dried off and then stored flat
- These reeds can perform straight out of the packet with no moistening or other preparation
- The VK material is washable and can be disinfected with alcohol or any food compliant disinfectant
- Consistency of performance is a major positive for the VK reeds
- They offer a clean, crisp and responsive articulation and assured stability
- Made in France by Vandoren | Fully recyclable
Need Help with this item?
Our specialist trained staff are able to help you. Please contact us or call us on 01628 630800
Vandoren Synthetic Bb Clarinet Reed VK1 Reviews
I have found this grade (35) and others (40, 45 and 50) I have tried difficult to get on with but early days yet. So far a rather 'stuffy' tone but it might be me not adapting well from Vandoren cane reeds. However, I have not had similar problems with two of the Canadian Legere synthetic reeds (both grade 3.0) I have tried. These are much easier to blow and have a nice bright tone. Nevertheless, I find with both makes of synthetic reed they don't absorb moist like a cane reed. Frequent stops to clear off the moisture from reed and mouthpiece is a bit of a nuisance. Overall, synthetic reeds can be an expensive mistake if they don't suit but if they do suit and are cared for they beat searching through a box of 10 for a playable cane reed.
The supplier responded:Dear customer, Thank you for your feedback. As you suggest, getting used to playing with synthetic reeds can be quite an adjustment however I'm hopefully that the different options that we stock both online and in-store will be beneficial to you. Kind regards, Kasey Stone - Dawkes Sales
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Dawkes Music & Windcraft Ltd are a globally recognised UK based Music Industry company that have expert staff who specialise in products, performance, teaching and repairing in the brass and woodwind sector.
