Vandoren Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece – V16 – A8 – Med

Vandoren Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece - V16 - A8 - Med

Original price was: $409.00.Current price is: $359.00.

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Free pickup from our Melbourne Store at 4 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Your order will typically be ready by the next business day. We recommend calling us on (03) 8360 7799 beforehand to check it's ready for collection.

Vandoren V16 A8 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece - Medium Chamber (SM814M)

The Vandoren V16 A8 M is a professional jazz mouthpiece designed for players who demand the ultimate in volume and tonal depth. Featuring a substantial 210 (1/100mm) tip opening, this model provides the specific feel and resistance preferred by many of history’s most iconic jazz soloists. The Medium Chamber (M) variant offers a classic "New York" sound aesthetic—warm, resonant, and incredibly expressive—bridging the gap between vintage character and modern reliability.

Angkor Music Jazz Performance Note

The A8 Medium Chamber is a "powerhouse" mouthpiece for the serious jazz musician. At Angkor Music, we recommend the Medium Chamber for players who want a broader, more "spread" sound compared to the Small chamber. The medium-short facing provides an exceptionally fast response, making the 210 opening feel surprisingly manageable. It is an ideal choice for soloists who need to fill a room with a rich, woody tone while retaining the flexibility to sub-tone with ease in the lower register.

Tonal Depth & Historic Specifications

The V16 A8 M is crafted to provide a wide-open canvas for the jazz soloist, allowing for total control over harmonic color.

  • Legendary 210 Tip Opening: This open design allows for maximum air throughput and a massive dynamic range, perfect for players with strong air support.
  • Medium Chamber (M): Inspired by the legendary ebonite mouthpieces of the 1950s, this chamber produces a round, deep, and warm sound with a rich core of overtones.
  • Exceptional Flexibility: The combination of the open tip and precise facing allows you to bend notes and shape your vibrato with a vocal-like quality.

Precision Ebonite Craftsmanship

Vandoren utilizes high-density vulcanized rubber to ensure that the V16 series performs with unmatched consistency.

  • Rich Harmonic Palette: The high-quality ebonite construction ensures a warm, resonant sound that projects without becoming harsh or "thin" in the altissimo.
  • Medium-Short Facing: Specifically calibrated to ensure crisp articulation and immediate feedback, essential for fast-tempo bebop and modern technical playing.
  • Vandoren Precision: Every SM814M is finished to exacting tolerances, ensuring perfectly symmetrical rails and a flat table for consistent reed performance.

Specifications

Model Code SM814M (A8 M)
Tip Opening 210 (1/100mm)
Facing Length Medium Short
Chamber Medium (M)
Series V16 Ebonite
Instrument Alto Saxophone

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the A8 Medium Chamber compare to the Small Chamber (S+)?
The Medium chamber is warmer and provides a more "spread" or rounder sound. The S+ chamber is more focused, compact, and brighter. Players seeking a classic jazz sound usually prefer the M chamber.

What reed strength is recommended for a 210 opening?
Because the A8 is a very open mouthpiece, we recommend using slightly softer reeds to maintain control. Vandoren Java (Green or Red) or ZZ reeds in strengths 2 to 2.5 are popular choices for this model.

Is the A8 suitable for lead alto in a Big Band?
Yes, the A8 has more than enough power for lead work. While the Medium chamber is warmer, the 210 opening provides significant projection that will easily carry over a brass section.

Additional information

Weight 0.0000 kg
To Fit

Saxophone Alto
Instrument

Saxophones
For Instrument

Alto Saxophone

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