Vandoren 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 palette with a slightly thicker tip than the Traditional. 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 3.5+ 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. Comparing strengths, a V12 strength 4 reed is almost equal to Traditional strength 3.5 reed.