Vandoren V12 3.0 Alto Saxophone, Reed, For alto saxophones, Strength: 3.0, Made from reed cane that has been specially selected for its proportions, V12 reeds have a thicker heel and are cut on a longer palette with a slightly thicker tip than the Traditional from Vandoren. The longer palette means that 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.