What is the difference between the V12 and the Traditional Vandoren reed?

The V12 is made from thicker cane tubes normally used for alto sax reeds, resulting in a thicker heel and a longer vibrating palette. This gives the V12 a richer, deeper sound compared to the Traditional cut.

Why does the V12 have a thicker tip?

A thicker tip provides more body to the attack and improves the durability of the reed. It allows for a more controlled articulation and prevents the reed from wearing out as quickly.

What instrument are these reeds compatible with?

These specific reeds are designed for the Bb Clarinet. They are not compatible with Eb or Bass clarinets, which require different dimensions.

How many reeds are included in a standard V12 pack?

The Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds are typically sold in a box containing 10 individually wrapped reeds. This ensures each reed remains fresh until it is ready to be used.

What does a strength of 2.5 indicate?

A strength of 2.5 is considered a medium-soft to medium resistance. It is often a transitional strength for advancing students or a preferred choice for professionals using wider-tip mouthpieces.

What is the 'palette' of a reed?

The palette is the part of the reed that vibrates when air is blown across it. The V12 has a longer palette than standard reeds, allowing for more vibration and a fuller tone.

How does the cane source affect the V12 performance?

By using cane tubes with the same diameter as alto saxophone cane, the V12 achieves a thicker heel. This contributes to a more stable and centered sound across all registers.

Can these reeds be used with any ligature?

Yes, they can be used with any standard Bb clarinet ligature, such as the Vandoren M/O or the BG Revelation. However, the thicker heel may require a slight adjustment to the ligature positioning.

How much do these reeds typically cost in the UK?

The typical price range for a 10-pack of Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds is approximately £32.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer.

Are V12 reeds suitable for beginners?

While beginners can use them, V12s are generally marketed toward intermediate to professional players. Beginners often start with lower strengths like 1.5 or 2.0 in the Traditional line.

How do V12 reeds compare to D'Addario Royal reeds?

D'Addario Royal reeds are generally thinner and may offer a brighter response. The V12 is specifically designed for a darker, more classical tone with more resistance and body.

What is the benefit of a thicker heel on a clarinet reed?

A thicker heel provides more structural support to the reed. This results in a more consistent vibration and helps the player maintain a stable pitch in the high (altissimo) register.

Gear article

Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reed is a premium cane reed designed for professional and advanced student use. Produced from specific cane tubes equivalent to those used for alto saxophone reeds, it features a thicker heel and a longer palette compared to the standard Traditional line.

Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reed 2.5 (10 Pack)

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Background and Design

The Vandoren V12 series was developed to offer a more robust alternative to the standard 'Blue Box' Traditional reeds. The manufacturing process is distinct because it utilises cane tubes with the same diameter as those typically reserved for alto saxophone reeds. This selection results in a reed with a significantly thicker heel and a different profile than standard clarinet cuts.

Technical Characteristics

The V12 design is characterised by two primary geometric variations. Firstly, it features a longer palette, which refers to the length of the reed that is allowed to vibrate. Secondly, the tip is slightly thicker than that of the Traditional model. These adjustments are intended to provide more stability and body throughout the registers of the clarinet.

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Sonic Performance

Due to the increased vibration provided by the longer palette, the V12 produces a deeper, richer sound. The thicker tip is designed to add 'body' to the attack, providing a more articulated and substantial start to each note. This construction also tends to increase the longevity of the reed, as the thicker tip is less prone to premature warping or degradation.

Suitability and Comparison

The strength 2.5 V12 is particularly suited to players seeking a darker tonal palette without the excessive resistance found in higher strengths. While the Mitchell Lurie 1.5 or D'Addario Royal series might cater to beginners or specific jazz applications, the V12 is widely regarded as a standard for classical and orchestral performance. It is often paired with high-quality mouthpieces such as the Yamaha 6C or professional Selmer components to maximise its resonant potential.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the V12 and the Traditional Vandoren reed?: The V12 is made from thicker cane tubes normally used for alto sax reeds, resulting in a thicker heel and a longer vibrating palette. This gives the V12 a richer, deeper sound compared to the Traditional cut.
Why does the V12 have a thicker tip?: A thicker tip provides more body to the attack and improves the durability of the reed. It allows for a more controlled articulation and prevents the reed from wearing out as quickly.
What instrument are these reeds compatible with?: These specific reeds are designed for the Bb Clarinet. They are not compatible with Eb or Bass clarinets, which require different dimensions.
How many reeds are included in a standard V12 pack?: The Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds are typically sold in a box containing 10 individually wrapped reeds. This ensures each reed remains fresh until it is ready to be used.
What does a strength of 2.5 indicate?: A strength of 2.5 is considered a medium-soft to medium resistance. It is often a transitional strength for advancing students or a preferred choice for professionals using wider-tip mouthpieces.
What is the 'palette' of a reed?: The palette is the part of the reed that vibrates when air is blown across it. The V12 has a longer palette than standard reeds, allowing for more vibration and a fuller tone.
How does the cane source affect the V12 performance?: By using cane tubes with the same diameter as alto saxophone cane, the V12 achieves a thicker heel. This contributes to a more stable and centered sound across all registers.
Can these reeds be used with any ligature?: Yes, they can be used with any standard Bb clarinet ligature, such as the Vandoren M/O or the BG Revelation. However, the thicker heel may require a slight adjustment to the ligature positioning.
How much do these reeds typically cost in the UK?: The typical price range for a 10-pack of Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds is approximately £32.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer.
Are V12 reeds suitable for beginners?: While beginners can use them, V12s are generally marketed toward intermediate to professional players. Beginners often start with lower strengths like 1.5 or 2.0 in the Traditional line.
How do V12 reeds compare to D'Addario Royal reeds?: D'Addario Royal reeds are generally thinner and may offer a brighter response. The V12 is specifically designed for a darker, more classical tone with more resistance and body.
What is the benefit of a thicker heel on a clarinet reed?: A thicker heel provides more structural support to the reed. This results in a more consistent vibration and helps the player maintain a stable pitch in the high (altissimo) register.