Vandoren V12 3.5 Bb-Clarinet, Reed for Bb Clarinets, For Boehm system clarinets, Strength: 3.5, Bb clarinet V•12 reeds are manufactured from reed cane with the same diameter as cane 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 reeds from the Traditional range by Vandoren, The longer palette means more of the reed vibrates, resulting in a deeper, richer sound., The thicker tip gives body to the attack and also increases the longevity of the reed.