V12 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 then 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. Comparing strengths, a V12 strength 4 is almost equal to Traditional strength 3½ reed. 10 per box