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This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and returned to us in virtually new condition, however its packaging may not meet the standards set by the factory. Also, it no longer carries the manufacturer's warranty. If you're looking for a virtually new instrument in possibly less-than-perfect packaging, this is a great value. We feel so strongly you'll like what you see, we're including our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on instruments and 30 days on accessories, to this used product making it a no-risk purchase.
Very Good: This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and shows few, minor signs of use. In most respects it looks and performs like new and may be considered equivalent to display units found in retail stores. Its packaging may not meet the standards set by the factory and it no longer carries the manufacturer's warranty. Condition 2 products are a terrific value and you can buy with confidence knowing our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on instruments and 30 days on accessories applies to this used product.
This instrument or product is in good working condition but has one or more cosmetic flaws beyond those of a Condition 2 product. These flaws are typical of an instrument or product that's seen normal wear and tear, including incidental scratches, chips, dings, dents or other imperfections. It performs just as well as a Condition 1 or Condition 2 instrument/product. Its packaging may not meet the standards set by the factory and it no longer carries the manufacturer's warranty. Condition 3 is a great choice if you're looking for performance and value and not as concerned with cosmetics. You can buy with confidence knowing our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on instruments and 30 days on accessories applies to this used product.
This instrument or product is not in working condition and needs repair, but can be brought back to full functionality with replacement of parts or some skilled repair work. If you are a do-it-yourselfer or know a skilled repair person this is a terrific value. Condition 4 products are sold AS-IS: they do not come with a manufacturer's warranty and are not returnable.
This instrument or product has been damaged beyond what we judge is reasonably repairable. It's best used for spare parts or to practice repairs on, and at this price Condition 5 products are sold AS-IS: they do not come with a manufacturer's warranty and are not returnable.
Vandoren V-12 Advanced Bb Clarinet ReedsSpecially designed for the advanced clarinetist, this reed is recommended for long facing mouthpieces such as the 5RVLyre and B45.
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I have played on the regular Vandoren reeds (3) for many years, and I always had a lot of trouble breaking the reeds in. I heard that the V12 reeds were outstanding for a lot of people, and I bought a package of them to see what they were like. Never in my entire life have I had an entire box of reeds be great reeds! I've seen 3 or 4 at the most be decent out of regular Vandoren reeds. I heard that these were a thicker cut of reed, and I bought the 2 1/2s. The tone of these reeds is astounding; the regular vandorens have a horribly bright sound compared to the V12s. The V12s have a beautiful dark tone, and they play very easily. I recommend these reeds to any clarinet player; professional or student. They are a little expensive, but for what they bring with them, they are really at a fantastic price.
I have been playing professionally for over two decades now. I play an R-13 with a Larry Combs (LC1) mouthpiece, the Vandoren Optimum ligature, and V-12 (size 5) reeds. These reeds require very little fixing compared to other brands, and, with proper care and maintenance, they last for a considerable amount of time. They are easy to fix and, with the use of rush and sometimes my knife, they can be manipulated into lasting for one more great performance. My private students all play on V-12 reeds -- of varying strengths. A final note, if you are not paying less than $21/box, then you are getting ripped off! WWBW has very competitive prices as do other online companies; you may just need to look outside your local music shop.
When I first bought these reeds, I was disappointed. I found it nothing different than the original Vandoren Traditional, only, a bit stiffer. However, when I got used to these reeds, I found my self keep saying 'Wow' in the middle of the piece I?m playing. The staccatos sound much less aggressive, and also, it produces 'dolce' sound. Overall, the V12 reeds boast their dark, warm and round sound, which is awesome when you are playing in the low register. I bought these reeds, because there were so many people unanimously agreeing that this is 'the best reed out there'. Well, I am not so sure about that, however I can admit that this is one of the best reeds on the market. Although the price of the V12 reeds gives you a royal pain, they play very well, and are great for concertos and solos.
After 2 years of experimentation with other brands of reeds, I have returned to the V-12's with a sigh of relief. They play out of the box with very little break-in and you are sure to find some outstanding reeds in every box. My Vandoren M30 mouthpiece, Vandoren Masters ligature, and Vandoren V12's is a winning combination for solo and ensemble playing. Local music store prices for the V12's are painful, so the wwbw is a good source.
I can always count on my V12 reeds to be great. Nearly every one of them has such warmth to its tone and needs very little breaking in. I think this is a great reed for any clarinetist that just wants to improve his tone. It seems that I can even have a reed broken in the night before a performance and still be fine the next day.
* Price guarantee valid on all new in-stock merchandise sold by an authorized U.S. Dealer. Guarantee does not apply to discontinued, blemished, damaged, closeout, open box, refurbished or auction items. You will be contacted via email shortly after submission of request.