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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

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

Lebayle LRII Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 15, 2011 by Steve 25 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a Fred Lebayle LRII tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  The last time I played a Lebayle tenor mouthpiece was about 8 years ago.  I bought a wood Lebayle Jazz mouthpiece to try.  The mouthpiece totally blew my mind.  I fell in love with it and was ecstatic to play it.  I played it […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Fred Lebayle, LRII, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Ishimori Woodstone 7* Hard Rubber Tenor Sax Mouthpiece

August 15, 2011 by Steve 21 Comments

I have an Ishimori Woodstone hard rubber tenor sax mouthpiece to review and play for you today. This is a 7* tip opening (.105) hard rubber mouthpiece. I have been eagerly wanting to play one of these Ishimori mouthpieces for quite a while.  I reviewed an 8 tip last week and wanted to try a […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, Ishimori, saxophone mouthpiece, tenor sax, Woodstone

SAXZ David Sanborn Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 13, 2011 by Steve 55 Comments

This is a SaxZ “David Sanborn” metal alto saxophone mouthpiece.  SaxZ is a company in Japan which is run by Mitsu Watanabe. SaxZ David Sanborn Model Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Man, I wish I had this mouthpiece when I was a kid.  When I was in junior high school, one of the first alto players I […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, David Sanborn, sax mouthpiece, SaxZ

Andreas Eastman EAS640 Alto Saxophone

August 13, 2011 by Steve 11 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the Andreas Eastman EAS640 gold lacquered alto saxophone.  This is another great saxophone that is manufactured in Taiwan.  I had never heard of Eastman saxophones until a couple of months ago when I received an email asking me if I would be willing to review them. Andreas Eastman EAS640 Alto Saxophone […]

Filed Under: Sax Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Andreas Eastman, EAS640, sax review

Andreas Eastman ETS652RL Tenor Saxophone

August 8, 2011 by Steve 15 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the Andreas Eastman ETS652RL unlacquered tenor saxophone.   This is another great saxophone that is manufactured in Taiwan.  I had never heard of Eastman saxophones until a couple of months ago when I received an email asking me if I would be willing to review them. Andreas Eastman EAS640 Tenor Saxophone Eastman […]

Filed Under: Sax Reviews Tagged With: Andreas Eastman, ETS652RL, sax review, tenor saxophone

RSBerkeley Virtuoso Alto Saxophone

August 8, 2011 by Steve Leave a Comment

Today, I am reviewing the RSBerkeley Virtuoso black nickel alto saxophone.  I already own a couple of the Virtuoso tenor saxophones and have been curious about the alto for some time now.  I have never tried a saxophone in black nickel before so this will be my first time. RSBerkeley Black Nickel Virtuoso Alto Saxophone […]

Filed Under: Sax Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, black nickel, RSBerkeley, sax review, Virtuoso

Ishimori Woodstone Hard Rubber Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 7, 2011 by Steve 5 Comments

I have an Ishimori Woodstone hard rubber soprano sax mouthpiece to review and play for you today.  I’m not sure what tip opening this mouthpiece is as I don’t see any number markings on the mouthpiece.  It feels like it is around a .065 to me. Ishimori Woodstone Hard Rubber Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece Over the […]

Filed Under: Soprano Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, Ishimori, saxophone mouthpiece, soprano sax, super custom, Woodstone

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Testimonials

Hey Steve! I hope you and your family are well.  I’m just writing to say thank you so much for all the resources you have made available to the saxophone community. I have been using your material for many years and I always come back to it… in fact I just took a break from practicing to write this…( reviewing “CreatingModern II-V-I Lines with simple pentatonics”.) I am, and continue to be, one of your raving fans! Blessings to you and your family this holiday season! Wishing… Read more
Gerry Aylward
I’ve been downloading your lessons for 4 months now (20 lesson) and I have noticed tremendous growth in my playing thus far! I’m so happy that I stumbled upon your site!
Bob
I want to let you know that your instructional material is transforming my playing.  It is an immense pleasure to learn and play now, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The instructional material I got from you is by far the best of any I own (and I have over 100 books, DVDs, and what not). I literally can’t thank you enough! Deric
Deric
I like so many other subscribers feel so encouraged by Steve’s learning techniques; you will enjoy reading the comments of praise others have left as you too will feel that you share a common view and path. I feel very lucky to have come across Neffmusic and that feeling will remain with you as you search through a treasure trove of learning materials on offer, you will quickly find the lessons that you are suited to. You will instantly recognize the unparalleled quality of Steve’s teaching … Read more
Stephen
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
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella

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- I joined your site this month and have downloaded 4 lessons and also purchased your new book and video on diatonic patterns. I just want to say I am very pleased with your approach and teaching techniques. I am getting back into playing after laying off for some time. The information you offer on your site is of great value and I am enjoying being a member. Thank you for what you are doing for the saxophone community.
Tony
I’ve been having ‘ online’  lessons with Steve for a few months now. Being a teacher myself I had had some reservations with the idea at first and the practicalities of it .  Let me just say that my playing has taken a huge leaps forward while studying with Steve and continues to do so.Steve studied with some renowned player/teachers such as Bergonzi and Garzone– this in itself is invaluable but Steve teaches from his own books, which cover a a vast amount of  jazz language. Steve h… Read more
David
I have NEVER seen material like yours.  Amazing!!
Jerry
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
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
I am a music book junkie and I have to say that your books are the most clear, user friendly, and helpful books I own.  They are my absolute favorites and I only wish I had them years ago.  I wouldn’t change a thing about the experience I had in acquiring my degree at Berklee, but my playing has perhaps grown more in the time I’ve spent buried in your books and lessons.  Keep up the great work!!! Thanks, John
John
I’m an experienced player in the pop/soul/funk areas of music and, previously, classical.  Over the decades I’ve been playing, I’ve always felt that I could do what I needed in those styles of music.  However, recently I began to feel limited by my use of the same old licks. When I discovered Steve Neff’s website, and heard the audio examples based on the exercises in his books, I realized they were what I needed.  I purchased all of them and have been working on them since.  It’s very hard work… Read more
Paul
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

Hello Steve,

I have not received my alto yet but have already gone through 14 lessons. I love your approach, style, knowledge and competence. I now regret so much to have stayed away from playing the sax for the past 45-50 years…(I am 65).  But It is never too late to get back to your first love. After 23 years in compuer sciences and 22 years in finances…I am now back to music for the rest of my life.

Doing some research on the net, I found this:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?1… Read more

Claude

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 would like to say that in the last year my sax playing has progressed loads from your lessons. I have had a sax for about 20 years and dabbled with lessons from a few teachers and have learnt very little from them. As you have said in your lessons many teachers tell you to use the blues scale and leave it there, not even showing you the resolution points!!. I am now believing I can in time become a good improviser.
Thanks again,
Shane
Shane
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 must say again how much I appreciate all your material. Including the video tutorials. It help keep me focused and knowing what to aim for. And your laid back teaching style appeals to me too. 

Thanks

P

P
Your lessons on playing the blues is so clear . I have been through many books on blues playing and not one of them explains as clear as your lessons . Most of them say “Play the same blues scale over all three chords of a 12 bar blues ” Its very misleading .     Thanks
Martin
Just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you for being you, your playing, your website and your desire to help others. I’m a professional musician in the US Army and I’ve visited your website almost every day since discovering it a couple of months ago. Your lessons are profound and easy to use. I’ve purchased most of your PDF books and now am starting to delve more into the video and audio lessons.  Thank you for being a great resource!
James

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
Two years later I began a search for a sax teacher and happened to come across Steve Neff when I was searching YouTube for sax teachers.  I went to neffmusic.com and was very impressed with the lessons Steve Neff was offering.  The concept of selecting lessons was an approach that I thought was unique and purchased a few lessons.  I liked the lessons so much that I signed-up for a 6 month package. I was very happy with all the lessons I selected.  I also purchased Steve’s book Mastering the B… Read more
Michael

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