This is an early blue ebonite Vandoren Blue Java tenor mouthpiece, a model that has developed a loyal following among jazz, fusion, and contemporary players. The translucent blue hard-rubber material was one of Vandoren’s more distinctive offerings and was eventually discontinued, making surviving examples increasingly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Specifications & Condition

• Vandoren Blue Java tenor saxophone mouthpiece
• Translucent blue ebonite (hard rubber)
• Tenor saxophone
• Marked T45
• Approximate tip opening: .095″ (around a modern 6*)
• Medium chamber with moderate rollover baffle
• Original facing appears intact
• Good overall condition
• Moderate cosmetic scratching and handling wear
• No visible cracks, chips, bite-through, or rail damage from the supplied photographs
• Original blue coloration remains attractive with only minor oxidation
• Estimated production: 1990s to early 2000s

These blue ebonite Blue Javas were discontinued many years ago and are less common than current black ebonite Vandoren offerings.

The Blue Java sits between the traditional warmth of a V16 and the brightness of a Jumbo Java. The T45 is a particularly versatile facing, offering enough resistance for control while still providing plenty of projection and edge when pushed. Many players consider the early blue-ebonite examples among the most attractive Vandoren mouthpieces ever produced, and they have become somewhat collectible simply because they are no longer made.

Unlike the Jumbo Java, the Blue Java generally produces a broader, fatter core with less extreme brightness, making it useful for jazz, funk, contemporary commercial work, and even some classical crossover applications.