The Vandoren V12 clarinet reeds are made using cane with the same diameter used for alto saxophone reeds. As a result, they have a thicker heel and are cut on a longer palette with a slightly thicker tip than the Traditional. These come in a box of 5 individually-wrapped reeds.
Due to this, they are usually slightly stronger than the Traditional reeds (e.g. if you normally play on a 3 1/2 strength on the Traditional cut reeds, you may want to consider a 3 strength V12 cut reed to play on).
The longer palette means that more of the reed is vibrating, resulting in a deeper, richer sound. The thicker tip gives body to the attack and also increases the longevity of the reed.
The introduction of the 3 1/2+ strength allows a smaller and more specific gradation, resulting in reeds that are more consistent within the same strength. Resulting in reeds that are more consistent within the same strength.
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