I am learning tenor saxophone and, as many others like me, I am trying several different combinations of mouthpiece and reed to achieve the sound I like and a comfortable playing experience. For some odd reason (I cannot really put my finger on it, though...) I had avoided Vandoren mouthpieces until now. Then, after listening to a couple of well-crafted videos on Youtube where the Jumbo Java (which is the other version of this mouthpiece, brighter and with a higher baffle) was put to a test, I got curious and gave the Java a try. And I must say, I am loving it!
The piece is very responsive, works perfectly with the reeds I am using (Legere Signature and D'Addario Select Jazz), and produces a sound that leans a bit toward the bright, but not too much. I also have the impression that it leaves much room to different sound styles.
In my opinion (as a non-expert) and given the price, this is a real bargain when compared to similar hard rubber pieces (e.g. Jody's HR* or Meyer). I am so satisfied with it, that it has become my main mouthpiece!