Synthetic reeds for alto saxophone, hardness 45 and 40. Retail price is around 6600-7500 yen per piece. - Brand: Vandoren - Model: VK1 - Type: Synthetic reed - Instrument: Alto saxophone - Hardness: 45 and 40 Thank you for viewing. I purchased these online along with a 40 when they were first released. The fraying on the tip and sides is from when they were purchased. It certainly feels like a Vandoren reed made of resin, but personally, I prefer Légère's French cut. I haven't played them much, but the inner paper tore when I opened the package. If you'd like to try them, please do. 45 is about the same as a blue box 3, and 40 is softer than a blue box 3.