VanDoren Alt Saxophon VK7

Vandoren VK7 Alto Sax  – Jazz Synthetic Reeds
Pure Performance

Vandoren reeds are a staple among clarinet players. As the leader in can reeds, it only makes sense that they would eventually come out with their own synthetic reed. Rather than rushing to the market just to fill a sales goal, Vandoren took 7 years to develop their first synthetic reed, launching the VK1 for clarinet in 2024. They knew that it had to be nothing short of exceptional. They succeeded. Now the VK Synthetic material is expanding into the sax market with the new Vandoren VK7 Jazz  Alto Sax Synthetic Reeds and the VK1 Classical models.

Proprietary Synthetic Material
At the heart of the Vandoren VK development was the material. The VK synthetic material is a special, in house developed, composite that took 7 years to perfect. This composite material does not imitate the structure of cane, but instead reproduces the essential performance characteristics of the reed to obtain the same acoustic behavior.

Specifically, we find that the VK synthetic material has a dynamic range control that is more in line with natural cane. For many players, this is one of the biggest problems with most synthetic reeds, the dynamic range control. Meaning, when you find the right strength for 80%+ of your dynamic volume range, most other synthetics will feel a bit too hard when played soft and a bit too soft when played at the loudest volume. We find that the Vandoren VK material has far better response on all dynamics regardless. Granted, you still have to blend well with the cut of the reed, but the material in the VK reeds seems to respond more like cane than any other synthetic.

This VK material is patented and made in France by Vandoren. The material is also 100% recyclable, hypoallergenic, and complies with strict European chemical safety standards held for use by children.

• • The material is moisture resistant, rot-proof, does not warp when dried and is saliva resistant. The Vandoren VK1 performs considerably longer than cane reeds with a high level of consistency. The VK1 reed should be stored on a flat surface. A flat surfaced reed holder (not a standard reed holder) is recommended for best results.
  • The reeds can be used directly out of the packaging, without any preparation.
  • The material is washable and can be disinfected with alcohol or with any food compliant disinfectant.
  • Unparalleled consistency resulting in reliable strength, sound, articulation, projection and high note stability

2 Cuts – VK1 & VK7
The Vandoren VK material is available in alto sax in 2 unique cuts. These are different designs for difference target performance.

• VK1 for Classical – This offers ideal classical performance and articulation. Available in harder strengths 30-60
• VK7 for Jazz – This offers ideal Jazz performance and response with a rich tone. Available in softer strengths 10-35