Attribute	Information
Founded	1905
Founder	Eugène Van Doren
Headquarters	Paris, France
Manufacturing	Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, France
Industry	Musical Instrument Accessories
Products	Reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, reed cases, maintenance accessories
Instruments Served	Clarinet and Saxophone families
Ownership	Family-owned (4th generation)
Markets	More than 100 countries

Origins (1905)

The company was founded by Eugène Van Doren, a professional clarinetist who played with the Concerts Colonne Orchestra in Paris. During the early 20th century, woodwind musicians commonly made their own reeds by hand because commercial reeds were not yet widely available.

Eugène became known for producing reeds of exceptional quality. As demand grew among fellow musicians, he designed a mechanical reed-cutting machine to increase production. This innovation enabled him to transform his craft into a business, establishing the Vandoren company in Paris in 1905.

Expansion Under Robert Van Doren

The founder’s son, Robert Van Doren, was an accomplished clarinetist trained at the Paris Conservatory.

After joining the family business, Robert:

• expanded production capacity
• introduced new manufacturing techniques
• strengthened Vandoren’s international reputation
• developed the famous 5RV clarinet mouthpiece, which remains one of the company’s most successful products.

The company eventually moved its historic workshop to 56 Rue Lepic in Paris, an address that later inspired one of Vandoren’s reed series.

Bernard Van Doren Era

In 1967, Bernard Van Doren, grandson of the founder, assumed leadership of the company.

His tenure focused on:

• modernizing production
• improving consistency through advanced machinery
• expanding the mouthpiece lineup
• creating new reed models for classical and jazz musicians
• growing Vandoren into a global market leader.

Bernard also introduced several iconic products, including the B45 clarinet mouthpiece, and oversaw the relocation of the factory to Bormes-les-Mimosas in southern France during the early 1990s.

Fourth Generation

In 2014, Robert Van Doren (Bernard’s son) joined the company, continuing the family’s fourth generation of leadership.

Today, Vandoren remains one of the few major musical accessory manufacturers still entirely family-owned.

One of Vandoren’s defining characteristics is its control over the entire manufacturing process.

Unlike many manufacturers, Vandoren grows much of its own cane (Arundo donax) in southern France. The company oversees every stage:

• cultivation
• harvesting
• drying
• aging
• cutting
• profiling
• finishing
• quality inspection
• packaging

This vertical integration helps maintain consistency between reeds and is a key reason for the brand’s reputation among musicians. Waste cane is reused for compost and energy production at the factory, reflecting the company’s sustainability efforts.

1. Reeds

Vandoren is best known for its reeds.

Popular reed families include:

Traditional (Blue Box)

The company’s flagship reed.

Characteristics:

• balanced response
• warm tone
• excellent projection
• popular among classical musicians
• widely used by students and professionals

V12

Designed originally for clarinet.

Features:

• thicker tip
• longer palette
• richer, darker tone
• favored in orchestral performance

V21

Combines design elements from the Traditional and V12 reeds.

Known for:

• flexibility
• wide dynamic range
• quick response
• versatility

56 Rue Lepic

Named after Vandoren’s historic Paris address.

Characteristics:

• premium cane selection
• thick heart
• centered tone
• popular with advanced classical performers

JAVA (Green)

Designed primarily for jazz.

Features:

• brighter sound
• immediate response
• flexible articulation

JAVA Red

A refinement of the original JAVA.

Offers:

• greater projection
• fuller tone
• increased flexibility

ZZ

Developed for:

• jazz
• funk
• pop
• contemporary performance

Provides:

• quick response
• vibrant sound
• easy articulation

V16

Designed for modern jazz players.

Characteristics:

• powerful projection
• thick sound
• free-blowing response

Mouthpieces

Vandoren manufactures hard rubber mouthpieces for nearly every member of the clarinet and saxophone families.

Well-known clarinet models include:

• 5RV
• B40
• B45
• M13
• BD5
• BD4

Popular saxophone series include:

• Optimum
• V16
• Profile
• Jumbo Java

The company offers numerous combinations of tip openings and facings to suit different playing styles, from orchestral performance to jazz improvisation.

Ligatures

Vandoren produces several professional ligature models, including:

• Optimum
• M/O
• Leather
• Klassik

These are available for clarinet and saxophone in multiple sizes and materials.

Accessories

Beyond reeds and mouthpieces, Vandoren manufactures:

• reed cases
• reed trimmers
• mouthpiece cushions
• cork grease
• swabs
• neck straps
• harnesses
• mouthpiece pouches
• reed resurfacing tools

Vandoren works closely with professional musicians worldwide to refine its products. It operates musician advisory studios in cities including:

• Paris
• New York
• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• Tokyo
• locations in Europe
• China

These facilities support product testing, education, and artist collaboration.

Vandoren is widely considered the industry benchmark for woodwind accessories because of:

• consistent manufacturing quality
• extensive product range
• long history of innovation
• strong relationships with professional musicians
• complete control of reed production from cane cultivation to finished product

Its reeds are standard equipment for many conservatories, orchestras, military bands, jazz ensembles, and music schools around the world.

Year	Event
1905	Eugène Van Doren founded the company in Paris.
1930s	Robert Van Doren expanded the business and developed the 5RV mouthpiece.
1967	Bernard Van Doren became president.
1991	Factory relocated to Bormes-les-Mimosas for modernization.
1993	Introduction of V16 reeds for jazz players.
2005	Vandoren celebrated its 100th anniversary.
2014	Fourth generation joined company leadership.

More than a century after its founding, Vandoren remains one of the most influential companies in the woodwind industry. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing and close collaboration with musicians, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality clarinet and saxophone accessories. Its products are trusted by beginners and world-renowned performers alike, making Vandoren one of the most recognized names in woodwind performance worldwide.