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Reviews

60’s Brilhart Personaline Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve Leave a Comment

This is another great example of a Vintage Brilhart tenor mouthpiece.  This one was refaced to .105 by Brian Powell and then Eric Drake fine tuned it to meet the needs of the person that owns it.  This is a great playing tenor mouthpiece.  It has a great character to the sound that I really […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brilhart, hard rubber, Personaline, tenor mouthpiece

60’s Brilhart Personaline Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 4 Comments

A friend of mine from  noticed I had no sound clips of vintage Brilhart hard rubber mouthpieces.  I had to admit to him that I’ve never played a vintage Brilhart.  I could tell he felt extreme sorrow for my situation and was genorous enough to send me 3 great ones from his collection to try. […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brilhart, Personaline, tenor mouthpiece

Vandoren V16 T75 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 59 Comments

This is a tenor mouthpiece I picked up at a music store a year or two ago.  I use to own one about 8 years ago and it was one of my favorite mouthpieces so when I saw this one I grabbed it.  Vandoren makes some of the best most consistent pieces out there.   […]

Filed Under: Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: tenor mouthpiece, Vandoren V16 T75

Peter Ponzol “Vintage” SS Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 6 Comments

I received this in the mail today along with the Ponzol M2. This is a Stainless Steel mouthpiece  made by Peter Ponzol called the “Vintage” model.   It is at a .105 tip opening.  It does play with a darker sound than other Ponzol tenor mouthpieces I have played.   Very even from top to […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Peter Ponzol, Stainless Steel, tenor mouthpiece, Vintage

Refaced Modern Otto Link STM Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 4 Comments

I picked this  modern Otto Link STM up on Ebay……..it’s a .108 tip that was refaced by Brian Powell.  I have loved everything I’ve played that Brian Powell has worked on and I was curious to see what he could do to a modern otto link.  To be honest, I’ve played about 20 modern Otto […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brian Powell Refaced, Otto Link STM

Berg Larsen 110/2 Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 28 Comments

This is a Berg Larsen hard rubber tenor mouthpiece I recently won on ebay.  I saw that it was refaced by Brian Powell and I knew it had to be good.  Sure enough it plays great.  I thought it would be really bright but it has a big thick core to it that is nice. […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: berg larsen, Brian Powell, tenor mouthpiece

Theo Wanne Metal Kali Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 1 Comment

I received this piece in another trial by Theo Wanne.  This mouthpiece is  Theo’s Kali  tenor mouthpiece which is a high baffle , large chambered piece.  I really liked this mouthpiece.  It has a bright sound but the large chamber gives it a much fatter sound than other high baffle tenor mouthpieces I have played […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Kali mouthpiece, tenor mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Phil-Tone Otto Link Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 1 Comment

I received this from Phil as part of a trial that he is doing to promote his mouthpieces.  This is a modern hard rubber Otto Link that Phil Engleman has refaced and made much improved.   The mouthpiece plays great compared to other modern Otto Links that I have played.  Many of the modern ones […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, otto link, Phil Engleman, Phil-tone, tenor mouthpiece

Theo Wanne Metal Parvati 7* Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 6 Comments

I received this in the same trial package as the wood Parvati tenor mouthpiece.  This is a metal Parvati tenor mouthpiece with a 7* tip opening. It was hard for me to figure out which one I like better….the wood or the metal.  Can you tell a difference from listening to the clips?  Both mouthpieces […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Parvati, tenor mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Theo Wanne Wood Parvati Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 3 Comments

I received this for a trial that is going around of Theo Wanne’s Parvati mouthpieces.  I have to say that I am very impressed with a mouthpiece craftsman that will stand by his product and have enough confidence in it to ship it on trial around the globe to possibly hundreds of people.  That takes […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Amma, Parvati Mouthpiece, tenor mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Dave Jary HR Metal “Killer” Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 2 Comments

I received this from a friend of mine to try.  It is one of Dave Jary’s hard rubber pieces. He calls them “Metal Killers”.  I assume because although they are hard rubber they have tons of power.  Dave Jary sent me an email describing his business to me.  Here’s part of what he wrote: “I […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Dave Jary, Metal Killer, tenor mouthpiece

60’s Brilhart Personaline HR 7* Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 1 Comment

Here’s another Brilhart Personaline tenor mouthpiece.  This one appears to be older and the writing is a bit different on it. The baffle is different also.  It has more of a scoop in it.  The other two   Brilhart Personaline mouthpieces  slanted straight down at an even slope into the chamber.  This Personaline has a […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brilhart, Personaline, tenor mouthpiece

Metal Freddie Gregory Mark IV 8 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 8 Comments

I received this tenor sax mouthpiece in a trade deal for one of my other mouthpieces.  This is a metal Freddie Gregory Mark IV size 8 tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  It has the ridges on the outside and a high rollover baffle in it.  I have to say I am surprised that this tenor saxophone mouthpiece […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: freddie gregory, Mark IV, metal, review, sax mouthpiece, saxophone, tenor mouthpiece

Ted Klum Focustone Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 5 Comments

I received this piece in a trade deal for one of my metal Florida Links.  It was a hard deal to make but I did it because I was so curious about the “Focustone” mouthpieces. I’ve tried Ted Klum’s work before down at Roberto’s in NYC years ago and once when Bob Ackerman came up […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Bob Ackerman, florida link, Focustone, Ted Klum, tenor mouthpiece

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Testimonials

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
It is so refreshing to have a great player, who can provide lessons and examples in a manner which is understandable to most any enthusiastic saxophonist who is ready to improve. not just the, do this, do that, memorize this, memorize that… while all that is absolutely necessary, you go on to give reasons and examples to explain and validate why you have to do all of these things, the benefits, if you will… that is the key for me, you tell, explain, demonstrate, explain some more, you give perso… Read more
Cedric
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul

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 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
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
First, I’m really excited about your materials! This site is a vast resource for any aspiring (and maybe already inspired) jazz musicians. I’m not a sax player, I play mandolin and fiddle, but have been learning jazz and playing weekly with a quintet for the past 6 months and have been struggling with all of the issues you get into in your lessons. I bought several books and lessons and plan to continue with some others as soon as I organize my practice routine. Thanks again for a great site … Read more
Tony Galfano

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
Hi Steve, I have been shedding your materials for quite a while now and I love them! They are extremely well organized and presented and there are tons of ’em! I really appreciate your methodical approach and find myself referring students to your resources often.  Thanks so much!  
Kenyon Carter
I’ve been a member of Steve’s site for about six months now and the difference it has made to my playing is immeasurable. The (many) benefits of this membership are that you can have lessons at time convenient to you, they work out A LOT cheaper than face-to-face lessons with a teacher of the same calibre and you can replay them ad infinitum. I don’t know how many times have I had lessons in the past where I’ve ended up covering the same concepts when really a ‘replay’ of the last lesson would h… Read more
Nick
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 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
I just joined Neff Music last month. I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been to be able to pick back up on lessons. I’ve been in a rut and you got me out! I’ve especially appreciated the Lesson Path section. It was so clear I knew exactly where to jump in and start. Many many thanks!
Karin
I just started looking at my lessons and I have to say, dude you are awesome.  I ABSOLUTELY will learn from you!  I started the tenor about 1 ½ yrs ago and have since picked up an alto, and more recently a soprano.  I spend most of the time on the tenor, followed by soprano, and have only gotten to the alto a few times.  I think I’ll be sticking with tenor.  I’m having a great time and hope one day to play well enough to get regular gigs.  I’ve been playing keys for about 35 years (… Read more
Wil

I want to thank you for your “Ultimate II-V-I Primer”  which has sent me off on a much better path to improvisation.  The primer and the four bound books I have will keep me busy for a long time.  I like your lessons for two reasons.  The lessons work and THEY ARE FUN.  Thanks again.

Robert

Robert
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
Hey Steve, My name is Jason Freese and I play keyboards and sax in the band Green Day.  I grew up taking sax lessons from Eric Marienthal when I was a kid and got out of it for a long time. I ran into you on youtube while searching for sax stuff. I bought a whole bunch of your lessons and have been loving it! Thanks! Here is my wikipedia so you can see the albums I’ve played on….Thanks again. It’s sparked my interest in practicing again.   Jason
Jason Freese (sax player for Green Day)

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
Just to say thanks for your advice and lessons.  I’ve just read your amazing story.  I really appreciate what you do in regards to teaching.  I have bought a couple of your lessons and frankly they’re undersold.   I’ve learned much more with these two lessons than with 2 years of sax teachers.   Thanks so much………..
Mike
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
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

Thank You Steve. I think that I will be busy for years. Thank You for your great contribution to jazz music. Your books, more than teaching “how to play jazz”, actually teach “how to speak jazz”. I wish I found your methods years ago.  

Jean-Eric
I can’t say enough about my membership at Neff Music. Steve has taken the mystery out of playing the saxophone well and improvising both jazz and rock music. Like most struggling players I have a load of all sorts of books on my shelf just gathering dust. Books that I didn’t understand or know how to put to use…or just have the time to go threw them. Steve’s lessons really simplify things and he puts it in a way that I can understand. They inspire me to keep pushing and having him as my guide or… Read more
Ken

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