What is the tip opening of the Vandoren A5 S+?

The A5 S+ model features a tip opening of 1.880 mm. This specific measurement provides a balanced response that is neither too closed for jazz nor too open for control.

What does the 'S+' in the model name stand for?

The 'S+' stands for Small Plus chamber. It is a design that allows more air through the mouthpiece to create a broader and deeper sound compared to traditional small chambers.

What material is used to make this mouthpiece?

The mouthpiece is made from certified non-toxic ebonite. This material consists of natural rubber, sulphur, and linseed oil, and contains no added plastics.

What type of music is the V16 A5 S+ designed for?

It is primarily designed for jazz and contemporary musical styles. Its design allows for the flexibility and projection required in these genres.

How does the facing length affect the playability?

The A5 S+ has a medium-long facing. A longer table or facing can better support stronger reeds, allowing the player to fine-tune their setup based on their specific embouchure needs.

Is the Vandoren A5 S+ a free-blowing mouthpiece?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having a free-blowing feel. This means it offers efficient air transition and immediate response when the player blows into the instrument.

Does this mouthpiece come with a ligature and cap?

Typically, Vandoren V16 mouthpieces are sold as the mouthpiece only. Compatible accessories, such as the Vandoren Cuir Leather Ligature, must usually be purchased separately.

How does the A5 tip opening compare to more open models?

The A5 is a moderate opening; for the same facing length, a more open tip generally makes softer reeds easier to play, whereas the A5 offers more resistance for control.

Can I use D'Addario Select Jazz reeds with this mouthpiece?

Yes, D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds, such as the 4M Filed or 4H Unfiled versions, are commonly used with professional jazz mouthpieces like the V16.

How does the sound of the S+ chamber differ from standard chambers?

The S+ chamber is designed to provide a deeper and broader sound than standard small chambers. It retains projection while adding more harmonic complexity and 'depth' to the tone.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for a beginner?

While a beginner could use it, the V16 series is generally aimed at intermediate to professional players. Beginners often start on mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C before moving to ebonite jazz models.

What is the typical price for the Vandoren A5 S+ V16?

The typical price for this specific alto saxophone mouthpiece model is approximately GBP 143. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock.

Gear article

Vandoren A5 S+ V16 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Vandoren A5 S+ V16 is an ebonite alto saxophone mouthpiece designed to provide flexibility for jazz and contemporary musicians. Part of the V16 series, it features a 'Small Plus' chamber intended to offer a broader, deeper sound and increased projection while maintaining a free-blowing response.

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Overview and Construction

The Vandoren V16 A5 S+ is a professional-grade mouthpiece constructed from high-quality ebonite, a vulcanised natural rubber containing sulphur and linseed oil. Vandoren certifies the material as non-toxic, ensuring the beak is free from added plastic. The A5 model is defined by its 1.880 mm tip opening and a medium-long facing, offering a specific balance between physical resistance and ease of play.

The 'S+' designation refers to the Small Plus chamber. This design iteration is engineered to allow more air to move through the internal volume of the mouthpiece compared to standard small chambers. The objective is to provide the player with a more expansive tonal palette without sacrificing the focused projection characteristic of the V16 line.

Technical Specifications

The A5 S+ provides a middle-ground configuration within the V16 alto range. Its technical features include:

Tip Opening: 1.880 mm, which allows for a moderate amount of air volume.
Facing: A medium-long table that supports various reed strengths.
Chamber: The Small Plus geometry creates a 'broad and deep' sonic profile.
Material: Natural ebonite, known for its resonance and traditional feel against the teeth and embouchure.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary characteristic of the A5 S+ is its versatility. While the V16 series is historically rooted in the 'jazz' sound, the S+ chamber modifications allow for a broader, deeper tone that suits contemporary settings. The mouthpiece is described as free-blowing, meaning it offers low initial resistance, yet it retains enough control for the player to shape and manipulate the tone. This makes it particularly effective for players who need to cut through a band with strong projection but require the warmth needed for solo passages.

Suitability and Comparison

The A5 S+ is best suited for intermediate to professional alto saxophonists who find standard small-chamber mouthpieces too restrictive or bright. Because of its 1.880 mm tip opening, it strikes a balance where softer reeds become easier to manage, while the medium-long facing can also support stronger reeds for players with a developed embouchure.

Compared to alternative products like the Yamaha 5C, which is a budget-friendly student mouthpiece, the V16 A5 S+ is a high-performance tool crafted from ebonite rather than plastic. While boutique options like the JodyJazz Super Jet focus on extreme brightness and volume, the V16 A5 S+ prioritises a balance of depth and projection suitable for a wider variety of musical contexts.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the tip opening of the Vandoren A5 S+?: The A5 S+ model features a tip opening of 1.880 mm. This specific measurement provides a balanced response that is neither too closed for jazz nor too open for control.
What does the 'S+' in the model name stand for?: The 'S+' stands for Small Plus chamber. It is a design that allows more air through the mouthpiece to create a broader and deeper sound compared to traditional small chambers.
What material is used to make this mouthpiece?: The mouthpiece is made from certified non-toxic ebonite. This material consists of natural rubber, sulphur, and linseed oil, and contains no added plastics.
What type of music is the V16 A5 S+ designed for?: It is primarily designed for jazz and contemporary musical styles. Its design allows for the flexibility and projection required in these genres.
How does the facing length affect the playability?: The A5 S+ has a medium-long facing. A longer table or facing can better support stronger reeds, allowing the player to fine-tune their setup based on their specific embouchure needs.
Is the Vandoren A5 S+ a free-blowing mouthpiece?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having a free-blowing feel. This means it offers efficient air transition and immediate response when the player blows into the instrument.
Does this mouthpiece come with a ligature and cap?: Typically, Vandoren V16 mouthpieces are sold as the mouthpiece only. Compatible accessories, such as the Vandoren Cuir Leather Ligature, must usually be purchased separately.
How does the A5 tip opening compare to more open models?: The A5 is a moderate opening; for the same facing length, a more open tip generally makes softer reeds easier to play, whereas the A5 offers more resistance for control.
Can I use D'Addario Select Jazz reeds with this mouthpiece?: Yes, D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds, such as the 4M Filed or 4H Unfiled versions, are commonly used with professional jazz mouthpieces like the V16.
How does the sound of the S+ chamber differ from standard chambers?: The S+ chamber is designed to provide a deeper and broader sound than standard small chambers. It retains projection while adding more harmonic complexity and 'depth' to the tone.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for a beginner?: While a beginner could use it, the V16 series is generally aimed at intermediate to professional players. Beginners often start on mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C before moving to ebonite jazz models.
What is the typical price for the Vandoren A5 S+ V16?: The typical price for this specific alto saxophone mouthpiece model is approximately GBP 143. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock.