 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lbstole
Date: 2025-03-10 00:56
I'm curious what individual experiences have been between traditional Vandoren "blue box" reeds compared to V12s. I've played on blue box reeds for years and have generally been fine with them, but also really have never done much in the way of comparison.
A week or so ago I got a new M13 Lyre mouthpiece to replace the one I'd been playing on for nearly 20 years. At the same time I got a new box of regular blue box reeds to start fresh with, and for kicks, the other day I bought a few of the sample packs that give you one each of a V12, Rue Lepic, and V21. I didn't like the Rue Lepic or V21's at all from either pack, but the V12's were a possibility. I put them in my reed case alongside a few traditionals, which I've only been playing on since I got the new mouthpiece a week or so ago (so it's not like they're a month old).
At a church gig this morning I went straight to the traditionals, and they were fine, but were already feeling a bit soft despite their relative new-ness. Later in the afternoon I had a clarinet choir rehearsal so decided to give the V12 a try, and was pleased with the sound quality, strength, and overall "blowability." I certainly haven't overplayed the traditionals; I'm pretty good about rotating reeds when I first start to break them in, and most days this week I haven't played more than an hour, except a 1.5 hour band rehearsal (where I was rotating). I'll be curious to see how the V12s are playing over the next week or so to compare!
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Author: Ed
Date: 2025-03-10 01:37
Of course every piece of cane can react slightly differently, but typically V12 are a touch softer. Since they are thicker blank the cut is a little closer to the center of the tube of cane which is less dense. Usually players use 1/2 strength harder on V12 compared to the traditional cut.
Not to get off topic, but I never understood why they don't just standardize the numbers so a 3 is a 3 across the various styles. It is always a pain to have to get the secret decoder ring and secret code to be able to figure out what strength to buy when trying a different cut. But, I digress......
While V12 and the various others have been popular over the years and have fans, I like the little better ring and clarity I often get from the traditional cut. The density of the cane often can last a little longer as well (for me)
Enjoy experimenting and try not to drive yourself crazy!
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2025-03-10 03:27
Given that there is not universal agreement that one cut is better than the other, perhaps the only thing of value that I can offer you is a comparative contour map of each Vandoren cut. https://vandoren.fr/en/reeds-technical-elements/
Perhaps the thicker cut V12 (and V21) reeds, as Ed points out, explain your longevity experience...although given your small sample size it could just be coincidence.
You'll pay for those thicker stocks but not so if you seek to address your softness issues with stronger traditional brand Vandorens. 
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2025-03-10 08:15
Ed: In my experience(and a dozen other players' too) the Bb V12 reeds tend to run 1/4 strength softer than their Blue Box counterparts, but the bass clarinet & sax V12 reeds actually tend to run 1/4 harder than their Blue Box counterparts- something not mentioned by any Vandoren sources! I use 3.5 V12s on both Bb/A & Bass clarinets.
The V12 cut also tends to have a somewhat broader and warmer sound than the blue box, though some may consider that as losing some focus in the sound. Also I've found certain mouthpieces work better with either the Blue Box or V12 cut, while others work equally well on both. In the end of the day, choose whatever works best for YOU!
Josh
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