• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Website of Steve Neff

  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • MY ACCOUNT
  • RAVES
  • CONTACT

Search Neffmusic

You are here: Home / Archives for Steve

Hi! I am Steve Neff

I have been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for the last 30+ years. I love teaching and anything to do with the saxophone. I hope you find this website helpful in your musical journey. Thanks, Steve

MacSax FJIII Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

January 23, 2012 by Steve 9 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new MacSax tenor saxophone mouthpiece that is made by Eric Falcon.  I have reviewed a number of other mouthpieces in the past that were made or refaced by Eric Falcon including the LA tenor mouthpiece which I loved.  This mouthpiece is named the FJIII.  I have no idea why it […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Eric Falcon, FJIII, MacSax, saxophone mouthpiece, tenor sax

Marmaduke Large Chamber Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

January 16, 2012 by Steve 10 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new Marmaduke large chambered tenor saxophone mouthpiece that is made by Alex Miyatake in Japan.  This tenor mouthpiece  has a larger chamber than the first Marmaduke mouthpiece I reviewed here.  If you click on this link you can compare the clips to see how these two mouthpieces sound.  They were […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alex Miyatake, large chamber, Marmaduke, saxophone mouthpiece, tenor sax

Let’s Get It On Lamberson 7DD Tenor Mouthpiece

January 12, 2012 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s a video clip that has been on my site since it started years ago.  I made this video back in 2006 when I was part of a great Boston function band “Soho”.  This is a cover of “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye.  I take a small solo towards the end of the […]

Filed Under: Live Recordings Tagged With: 7DD, Lamberson, Let's Get It On, sax mouthpiece, steve neff, tenor saxophone

Marmaduke Hard Rubber Alto Mouthpiece

January 9, 2012 by Steve Leave a Comment

Today, I am reviewing a new alto saxophone mouthpiece that is made by Alex Miyatake in Japan.   I have reviewed one of the Marmaduke tenor mouthpieces in the past.   These alto mouthpieces are brand new  and I am excited to try them out.   I am trying two alto mouthpieces today.  One has […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: alto mouthpiece, Alto Saxophone, hard rubber, Marmaduke

Become a Neffmusic Member and Save!

November 28, 2011 by Steve 2 Comments

I have had a number of people who have wanted to become members of my site but who don’t want to sign up through paypal.  I have decided to set up this page for them so that they can purchase a 3,6 or 12 month membership just by using a credit card.  Once I receive […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: audio lessons, Becoming a Neffmusic Member!, Jazz Improvisation, Neffmusic, saxophone lessons, video lessons

Soprano Planet Missing Link Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

November 9, 2011 by Steve 21 Comments

Today I am reviewing the Soprano Planet “Missing Link” soprano saxophone mouthpiece by Joe Giardullo.  I first discovered the soprano planet site  a few months ago while meandering around the internet.  I was immediately curious in Joe’s mouthpieces because he specifically focuses on just soprano mouthpieces.  He has a number of models listed on his […]

Filed Under: Soprano Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: missing link, mouthpiece review, soprano planet, soprano saxophone

Kanee Professional Series Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

November 9, 2011 by Steve 9 Comments

Today I am reviewing a new Kanee  tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  This is called the “Florida” model and is in the Kanee professional series of mouthpieces. About a year ago, I reviewed  the Kanee O7 and V7 custom tenor mouthpieces.  These were great playing mouthpieces that were introduced to the market at a very affordable price. […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: florida, jazz mouthpiece, Kanee, mouthpieces, professional model, tenor saxophone

Phil-Tone Equinox and Eclipse Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces

September 22, 2011 by Steve 39 Comments

Today I am reviewing the Phil-Tone Equinox tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  I’m also including a sound clip and comparison to the Phil-Tone Eclipse mouthpiece.  I reviewed the Eclipse over two years ago on this site when it was just called the Phil-Tone.  Here is that review. The Phil-Tone mouthpieces are made by Phil Engleman.  Phil has […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Eclipse, Equinox, Phil Engleman, Phil-tone, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Phil-Tone Solstice Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

September 22, 2011 by Steve 17 Comments

This is a Phil-Tone Solstice alto saxophone mouthpiece.  It used to be called the “West Coast” model but is now called the Solstice.  It has a .076 tip opening.  I have reviewed Phil Engleman’s mouthpieces before and every one has been excellent! Phil has just come out with a new website and a few new […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Paul Desmond, Phil Engleman, Phil-tone, sax mouthpiece

SAXZ “Vintage 1950” Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

September 21, 2011 by Steve 4 Comments

This is a SaxZ “Vintage 1950” hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  SaxZ is a company in Japan which is run by Mitsu Watanabe.  I reviewed a SAXZ Dave Sanborn model which was a very modern sounding mouthpiece.  This tenor mouthpiece is SAXZ’s version of a vintage 1950 type mouthpiece. SAXZ  “Vintage 1950” Model Tenor Mouthpiece […]

Filed Under: Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, sax mouthpiece, SaxZ, tenor saxophone, vintage 1950

SAXZ “Vintage 1950” Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

September 21, 2011 by Steve 2 Comments

This is a SaxZ “Vintage 1950” hard rubber alto saxophone mouthpiece.  SaxZ is a company in Japan which is run by Mitsu Watanabe.  I reviewed a SAXZ Dave Sanborn model which was a very modern sounding mouthpiece about a month ago.  This alto saxophone mouthpiece is SAXZ’s version of a vintage 1950 type mouthpiece. SAXZ  […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, sax mouthpiece, SaxZ, vintage 1950

Phil Barone Super New York Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

September 9, 2011 by Steve 53 Comments

Up for review today, is a new tenor saxophone mouthpiece model by Phil Barone.  It’s called the Super New York.  Phil Barone has been making mouthpieces for a long long time.  I first heard his name back in the 90’s when I saw Dino Govoni play at the Acton Jazz Club.  Dino sounded great that […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Phil Barone, sax mouthpiece, Super New York, tenor saxophone

Tenor Madness 42 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

September 7, 2011 by Steve 17 Comments

The new Tenor Madness 42 (TM 42) 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece by James Bunte appeared out of nowhere.  I was browsing through Sax on the Web (SOTW) and I came across a discussion about the TM 42 mouthpieces by James Bunte that were being sold at Saxquest.  A couple of people were raving about them […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 42, James Bunte, Saxquest, Tenor madness.tenor mouthpiece

Kanee Vintage New York Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 22, 2011 by Steve 3 Comments

This is a new  mouthpiece from Kanee mouthpieces in China.  Kanee mouthpieces has been working on a Vintage Series line of mouthpieces for both alto and tenor saxophones.  This vintage series alto mouthpiece is called the “New York” model. Kanee Vintage New York Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece I received a 6 and an 8 tip opening […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Kanee, new york, sax mouthpiece

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 33
  • Page 34
  • Page 35
  • Page 36
  • Page 37
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 53
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Steve Neff

Cart

Subscribe to the Neffmusic Newsletter for the latest reviews and best deals delivered straight to your inbox every month. Join now and you will also receive my 40 Ultimate Michael Brecker Licks free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to


Thanks for joining!


NEFFMUSIC PRINTED BOOKS

Testimonials

Just a brief note to compliment you on your teaching skills and in particular for the honesty of your lessons.  I am a returning alto sax player in my 50’s and I was looking for a no nonsense, straight to the point kind of guidance. I had intended to email you with a few questions regarding the use of the bis key but then I noticed that there was a lesson on that specific topic and after viewing it,  all my questions were answered. I once took a group lesson with a well known professional sax … Read more
Patrick

Mr. Neff,  I want to thank you for sharing your God-given talents through your on-line lessons.  My husband, Michael, is blind, but he is a great sax player and he has been enjoying your lessons for quite some time now.  It’s not unusual for me to hear “Hey, babe, listen to THIS!” – and he will cut loose on his sax, just thrilled at what he learned during his session with you.  His excitement warms my heart!  You have no idea how much you have poured into my husband.  You have opened musical … Read more

Carole B

Hello Steve,

I just want to say thank you so much for your unbelievable work, it is just mind opening, thanks for sharing it.

Wolfgang from Berlin

Wolfgang from Berlin

Hello Steve, I’m getting so much out of your lessons and books, amazing how much one may think one knows, there is always a new frontier or new way to view something you think you had somewhat down. You have taken it all to a new level and am so grateful. Your lessons are so down to earth and understandable and clear!  Thanks so much Steve! Cheers, Eddie

Eddie Parente
Steve’s monthly lessons are entirely valuable. Without brow beating, he tells you all the stuff you deep down know you really should be working on, instead of just relying on the same old patterns. In spite of the fact that you’re taking a video lesson, Steve’s presentation is comfortable and “real”. In a little more than a year, he’s developed a library of lessons that seem to offer any player a lifetime’s worth of practice material. I’m just glad I stumbled upon it.… Read more
Grant
I am enjoying your style of teaching, and you’ve done a great job with the videos….good sound quality and well constructed lessons.  Balances the more guitaristic material found on the majority of guitar based programs.  Jazz vocab is what I’m all about at this point in the journey.   I especially dig the fact that you’ve studied with Bergonzi…helps me see his voluminous output in a more  bite sized way.
Milton

Steve,

I have played for many years and have enjoyed going “back to the basics” in some of your lessons!  You have such a gift for explaining concepts.  As I have gotten older, some of the basic things have gotten muddled because I just play, not knowing why.  As I refresh myself with “why”, it increases my confidence and expands my playing.  Thank you so much for using your gift!  You are a blessing!

Julia
I have been a member of Neffmusic for more than a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it! I have not only been going thru the Dominant Bebop Scale lessons and book (OUTSTANDING!) but the mouthpiece reviews, solo clips and transcriptions are very interesting. Steve approach to beginning and intermediate improv have given me many new pathways to teach my high school jazz ensemble students. Congratulations Steve, great product!
Craig

Hi Steve,

First, I want to thank you for all of your great lessons. They are like a “For Dummies” version of all the books on my shelf. The lessons break things down into manageable pieces, and give me the confidence that I’m practicing the right pieces. I’m starting to make progress.   Thank You,   Kim

Kim

Steve, just a note to say thanks.

I’ve been playing a long time, but your material, laid out in such a thoughtful way, helps me to understand concepts in a new and deeper way.

You are a true gift to the jazz community.

60 lessons and going strong,

Kevin Ledbetter

Kevin Ledbetter
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
Hi Steve, I can’t express just how much I appreciate your teaching. My playing has improved so much over the past year since I have been studying and practicing with your lessons. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, these lessons are proof! Thanks, Michael Byington
Michael Byington
Thank you for the wealth of helpful lessons you’ve provided over the years.  I truly feel as though it has improved my playing more than the 4 years I spent at Berklee… and that’s not a slight on the school as I loved my experience there.
John
John
Hi Steve, I live in a gorgeous but rural area of Oregon-no music store within 80 miles. Your lessons are my lifeline!  Truly the best there are anywhere online. Love your playing. Love your teaching.  Thanks again. Ed
Ed Woodmansee
For anyone living in remote areas away from live jazz sax teachers, Neff is the way to go. In fact this is a great resource for anyone seriously interested in mastering the sax. I’ve never been disappointed in a lesson.
Oliver
I just wanted to write a thank you note to you for this website. I play and teach saxophone, but I have always been intimidated by the gear aspect. Your website has helped me become a lot more knowledgable. Your knowledge is staggering! I’m telling all my students about your website. Pierre
Pierre
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
I bought Steve’s dominant bebop book and took a couple of online lesson from him. I really appreciated Steve’s careful listening of what I wanted to get done in a lesson and his clear, concise ideas on next steps to improve my playing and musical interpretation.  His mastering  the Dominant Bebop Scale has lots of exercises to use a scale that addresses the largest percentage of chords I come across in pop/blues music. The dominant V7.  Needless say it has improved my playing.  I teach and a… Read more
Keith

Your material is great! I got your New Altissimo Lesson 6 months ago and I have learned more from that than in all my 44 years of playing! I appreciate your down to earth teaching method and I really appreciate the heart that you teach with. I have been a subscriber to your lessons for the past 6 months and I have learned a great deal. Over that period of time I have had some questions and you have never failed to respond. Thanks! I have already recommended your lessons to a number of players in… Read more

Michael Byington

Love your lessons!  I have been using your lesson packages for many months now, and am learning a lot.  It is so perfect for me with a very busy adult schedule and difficulty in taking jazz/improv music lessons from reputable instructors who live and hour or more away from me.

Lenore

I want to thank you again, because, not only are you an inspiration to listen to, you are a fine teacher!

I have been teaching sax and other winds for over 20 years, and you give me that “push” to give my students more!

Mark Peotter

Mark Peotter

Steve,  Just want to say thanks for all you are doing for all of us. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.

If you can give some tips on One Note Samba, Ceora, and Wave… that would be cool.  I really like learning how you apply your concepts to actual songs!

Have a great year,

Kevin Ledbetter

I've learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.
By the way, BIG COMPLIMENTS to you, Steve! Not only are you a great player, you are also a great teacher! I, too, am a woodwinds player/teacher. I have new inspiration to play and teach because of you. The concepts and “thinking” is similar to what I already learned in College, but hearing you explain and PLAY the concepts REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Also, your written patterns are more interesting than other books I have seen! Keep up the good work. I will be recommending your sit… Read more
I will be recommending your site to others!
I want to say something about Steve Neff’s series of lessons, Beginner Jazz Improvisation. For a couple of years I tried many beginner lessons and my problem was that there was a gap between lessons that were fairly simple and ones that I was not quite ready for and my progress stalled out. That problem was solved with the series Beginner Jazz Improvisation. He guides you step by step along the way and builds a foundation for learning jazz and blues. He leaves no question about what to practice … Read more
Pete

Featured Video Lessons

  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book) Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $19.99 Original price was: $19.99.$14.99Current price is: $14.99.
  • The Secret to Modern Outside Jazz Lines Lesson-Minor The Secret to Modern Outside Jazz Lines Lesson-Minor $9.99
  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
    Rated 4.91 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Secret to Altissimo (no one has ever told you about before) Lesson The Secret to Altissimo (no one has ever told you about before) Lesson
    Rated 4.75 out of 5
    $9.99

Now over 600 video and audio lessons to choose from!

Free Lessons

  • Free Lesson on The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer-Major Keys
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering Altered Pentatonics
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Blues Scale Volume 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale and Language Book 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Approach Note Velocity Book

Recent reviews

  • Practicing Double-Time Licks Lesson Practicing Double-Time Licks Lesson
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Az Samad
  • Bebop Scale-Altered Scale II-V-I Practice Lesson Bebop Scale-Altered Scale II-V-I Practice Lesson by Noah
  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book) Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book) by Andy
  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book) Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Russ
  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Timothy

Footer

Recent Comments

  • Manas on Rico Metalite M7 and M9 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Steve on Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Johnny Hedlund on Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Bart on Theo Wanne Brahma Gold Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Ron S Golec on Theo Wanne Slant 2 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

Top rated products

  • Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (Digital PDF Book) Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $14.99
  • Tune of the Week-Softly as a Morning Sunrise Lesson Tune of the Week-Softly as a Morning Sunrise Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Style of Dexter Gordon-Lady Bird Lesson 1 The Style of Dexter Gordon-Lady Bird Lesson 1
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Tune of the Week-Days of Wine and Roses Lesson Tune of the Week-Days of Wine and Roses Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Tune of the Week-Invitation Tune of the Week-Invitation
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99

Product tags

alto sax alto saxophone approach notes audio lesson bebop scale beginner beginner saxophone blues blues licks blues patterns blues scale blues scales diminished scale dominant chords ear training fundamentals II-V-I improvisation jazz improvisation jazz lines jazz patterns jazz sax jazz saxophone jazz standard jazz standards licks Mastering the Blues Scale Michael Brecker modern improv modern improvisation online lesson patterns playing outside practice habits reading music sax basics sax lessons saxophone scales smooth jazz steve neff tenor sax tenor saxophone video lesson video lessons
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • SUPPORT

Neffmusic © 2005–2025