V.12 reeds are manufactured from cane tubes 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 pallet with a slightly thicker tip than the Traditional. The longer pallet 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.
- Thickness at the tip: .10mm (0.004 inch)
- Thickness at the heel: 3.15mm (0.124 inches, hence the name V.12)
- In comparing strengths, a V.12 strength 4 reed is almost equal to a Traditional strength 3 1/2 reed.