What does the '1.5' strength represent?

The 1.5 refers to the thickness and stiffness of the reed. A 1.5 is a soft reed, meaning it is easier to blow and requires less physical effort to produce a sound, making it ideal for novices.

Why is this product called the 'Blue Box'?

It is colloquially known as the 'Blue Box' because of its iconic dark blue packaging. This distinguishes the Traditional cut from other Vandoren lines like the V12 (silver) or 56 Rue Lepic (black).

How many reeds are included in this specific pack?

This specific retail SKU contains a pack of 3 reeds. This is a convenient trial size compared to the standard boxes of 10 reeds.

Which instrument is this reed compatible with?

This reed is designed specifically for the Bb Clarinet. It will not fit properly on Eb clarinets or Bass clarinets, which require differently sized reeds.

What genres of music are these reeds suited for?

Vandoren Traditional reeds are designed as all-rounders. They are suitable for all styles of music, including classical, orchestral, jazz, and pop.

Are these reeds made from natural materials?

Yes, these reeds are made from natural cane (Arundo donax). They are harvested and processed by Vandoren in France using long-standing traditional methods.

How does the 1.5 strength compare to a 3.0?

A 1.5 strength is much softer and more flexible than a 3.0. While a 1.5 is easier for beginners to play, a 3.0 offers more resistance and is typically preferred by advanced players for better control in the high register.

Do these reeds require preparation before playing?

Yes, like all cane reeds, they should be moistened with water or saliva before use. This allows the natural fibers to become flexible enough to vibrate correctly.

What is the typical price for this 3-pack?

The typical price range for this 3-pack is approximately GBP 8.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Can these reeds be used with any ligature?

Yes, they are compatible with any standard Bb clarinet ligature. Popular choices include the Vandoren M/O plated gold ligature or the BG Revelation ligature.

How long has the Vandoren Traditional design been around?

The manufacturer describes the design as 'age old,' having been proven over many years of professional and student use. It is one of the most established reed designs in the world.

Who is the primary target audience for the 1.5 strength?

The 1.5 strength is primarily aimed at student clarinettists and beginners. It is also used by players who have a very close-faced mouthpiece that requires a softer reed to respond.

Gear article

Vandoren Traditional Bb Clarinet Reed 1.5

The Vandoren Traditional Bb Clarinet Reed 1.5 is a single-reed woodwind accessory frequently referred to as the 'Blue Box' due to its distinctive packaging. Renowned for a versatile design that spans multiple musical genres, this specific 1.5 strength variant provides a lighter resistance suitable for beginning players and those requiring a flexible response.

See live prices

Background and Design

Vandoren Traditional reeds represent one of the most established designs in the woodwind industry. Often cited as the 'Blue Box' reeds, they have maintained a consistent manufacturing process over many years, establishing a reputation for reliability. The design features a specific tip thickness and a thick heart, which allows for vibrations across a wide surface area.

The 1.5 strength is positioned at the lighter end of the Vandoren scale. This lower tension makes it easier for the player to initiate sound, as it requires less air pressure and embouchure strength compared to higher-numbered reeds like 3.0 or 3.5.

Musical Application

The Traditional series is marketed as an all-round reed, intended to perform effectively across all styles and genres of music. Whether used for classical repertoire, jazz, or marching band duties, the reed is designed to provide a balanced response.

Key features include: * Suitability: Adaptable for various musical settings and genres. * Ease of Play: The 1.5 strength is particularly conducive to student clarinettists. * Design Consistency: An age-old design proven through decades of use.

Sound Character

The 'Blue Box' reeds are known for producing a clear, pure tone. Because the design incorporates a very thin reed tip with a solid vertebral column (the heart), it facilitates a crisp attack and a full-bodied sound. In the 1.5 strength, the sound character tends to be bright and responsive, allowing for easy articulation and agility in the lower registers of the Bb clarinet.

Market Comparison

When comparing the Vandoren Traditional to alternatives, players often look to brands like D'Addario. For example, the D'Addario Royal or Mitchell Lurie Organic Bb Clarinet Reeds (1.5 strength) offer a similar level of accessibility for beginners. While the Traditional series is celebrated for its 'Blue Box' heritage, those seeking different tonal characteristics might explore the La Voz range or specialized reeds like the Selmer Paris Bass Clarinet Reeds for larger instruments.

In terms of equipment pairing, these reeds are frequently used alongside standard mouthpieces such as the Yamaha 6C Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece (or Bb equivalent) and secured with high-quality ligatures like the Vandoren M/O or BG Revelation series.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does the '1.5' strength represent?: The 1.5 refers to the thickness and stiffness of the reed. A 1.5 is a soft reed, meaning it is easier to blow and requires less physical effort to produce a sound, making it ideal for novices.
Why is this product called the 'Blue Box'?: It is colloquially known as the 'Blue Box' because of its iconic dark blue packaging. This distinguishes the Traditional cut from other Vandoren lines like the V12 (silver) or 56 Rue Lepic (black).
How many reeds are included in this specific pack?: This specific retail SKU contains a pack of 3 reeds. This is a convenient trial size compared to the standard boxes of 10 reeds.
Which instrument is this reed compatible with?: This reed is designed specifically for the Bb Clarinet. It will not fit properly on Eb clarinets or Bass clarinets, which require differently sized reeds.
What genres of music are these reeds suited for?: Vandoren Traditional reeds are designed as all-rounders. They are suitable for all styles of music, including classical, orchestral, jazz, and pop.
Are these reeds made from natural materials?: Yes, these reeds are made from natural cane (Arundo donax). They are harvested and processed by Vandoren in France using long-standing traditional methods.
How does the 1.5 strength compare to a 3.0?: A 1.5 strength is much softer and more flexible than a 3.0. While a 1.5 is easier for beginners to play, a 3.0 offers more resistance and is typically preferred by advanced players for better control in the high register.
Do these reeds require preparation before playing?: Yes, like all cane reeds, they should be moistened with water or saliva before use. This allows the natural fibers to become flexible enough to vibrate correctly.
What is the typical price for this 3-pack?: The typical price range for this 3-pack is approximately GBP 8.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Can these reeds be used with any ligature?: Yes, they are compatible with any standard Bb clarinet ligature. Popular choices include the Vandoren M/O plated gold ligature or the BG Revelation ligature.
How long has the Vandoren Traditional design been around?: The manufacturer describes the design as 'age old,' having been proven over many years of professional and student use. It is one of the most established reed designs in the world.
Who is the primary target audience for the 1.5 strength?: The 1.5 strength is primarily aimed at student clarinettists and beginners. It is also used by players who have a very close-faced mouthpiece that requires a softer reed to respond.