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You are here: Home / Archives for Reviews / Saxophone Stuff

Saxophone Stuff

Improved Selmer Saxophone Model Chart

January 9, 2018 by Steve 31 Comments

Here is a cool chart of the serial numbers and models of Selmer Saxophones through the last 100 years.  This chart was researched by Douglas Pipher  and shared on SOTW today.  The cool aspect of this chart that I have never seen before is that Douglas has included the quantities of each type of sax […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: chart, Douglas Pipher, history, saxophone, selmer, serial numbers

Finding Sax Mouthpiece Gold Among the Rubble

November 14, 2017 by Steve 16 Comments

I’m always amazed when saxophone player’s tell me that they can know within seconds if a sax mouthpiece is right for them or not.  The reason that this amazes me, is that my experience has been so different from that.  For example, I received a sax mouthpiece a few months ago that is an old […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: best mouthpiece, sax mouthpiece, saxophone, trying mouthpieces

Need a Metal Sax Mouthpiece Facelift? Contact Matt Marantz for a Replating

October 14, 2017 by Steve

For many years now I have been looking around for someone who replates saxophone mouthpieces.  Back in the 90’s,  I had a mouthpiece that had the bite plate fall off and then the gold plating was all wearing away.  I read about health hazards that could come from playing a raw brass or copper mouthpiece […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: gold plating, Matt Marantz, metal mouthpiece, raw brass, replate, replating, review, silver plating

Finding the “Holy Grail” of Sax Mouthpieces

August 19, 2017 by Steve 55 Comments

Today, I’m going to write about an important subject that I haven’t addressed very often on my site here.  This article is about the elusive search for the “Holy Grail” of saxophone mouthpieces.  I have encountered thousands of sax players over the years who have been searching for their “Holy Grail” sax mouthpiece.  They might […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: GAS Syndrome, holy grail, never happy, sax mouthpiece, sax players, saxophone gear

Marc Jean Saxophone Ligature II Model 700 Review

July 24, 2017 by Steve 25 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a beautiful new ligature called the Marc Jean Saxophone Ligature II Model 700.   I reviewed the original Marc Jean ligatures a little over seven years ago. Original Marc Jean Ligature Review When I heard that Marc was coming out with a new ligature I knew I had to review one.  Marc Jean was kind […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet, ligature, Marc Jean, review, saxophone

Forestone Saxophone Mouthpiece Patch Review

June 14, 2017 by Steve 23 Comments

I have to admit, that I never thought I would do a review of a saxophone mouthpiece patch.  What on earth would I write about?  It sticks on the mouthpiece. Check!  It protects the mouthpiece from my teeth. Check!   That’s about it.  I’ve actually been asked if I could review some patches by various manufacturers in the […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet, Forestone, mouthpiece patch, review, saxophone, tooth guard

A Fight to the Death-Legere Signature Synthetic Reeds Versus Cane Reeds

March 27, 2017 by Steve 45 Comments

Ladies and Gentlemen,  today we have an epic showdown between two heavyweight champions!  In one corner, we have the undisputed heavyweight reed in Steve Neff’s reed drawer.  This is the formidable master of disaster the “Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 Strong Reed”.   In the other corner, we have a new comer to Steve Neff’s drawer. […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: cane reed, comparison, Legere Reeds, Rigotti Gold, saxophone, showdown

Just Joe’s Sax Gel Strap Review

August 11, 2016 by Steve 11 Comments

I want to start this review out with a big apology to Joe Rohrbacher of Just Joe’s Music in Bend, Oregon.  Joe sent me a couple of complimentary Just Joe’s Sax Gel Straps to try out and perhaps review almost 5 YEARS AGO!!  This was around the fall of 2011 and at the time I was having a […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: gel strap, Just Joe, leather, neck strap, review, sax, saxophone

Snake Oil for the Saxophone? The Buzz Oversized Neck Screw by Westcoast Sax

April 13, 2016 by Steve 50 Comments

Whether you are into competitive sports, weight loss, golf or the saxophone, you have probably heard claims about products that you didn’t believe. Many times I refer to these claims and products with a term you have probably heard before: “Snake Oil”.  The definition of the term is : “Snake oil is an expression that originally […]

Filed Under: Sax Reviews, Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Buzz, oversized, sax screw, sound, tenor saxophone, tone, westcoast sax

Joe Allard Overtone Exercise for Saxophone

April 7, 2016 by Steve 10 Comments

I wanted to share this great saxophone Overtone exercise that Dr. David Demsey wrote out a number of years ago.   Dr. Demsey studied with Joe Allard from 1977-1980 and is the Coordinator of Jazz Studies and Professor of Music at William Paterson University. There is a great interview with Dr. Demsey about Joe Allard that any of you […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: altissimo, David Demsey, education, Joe Allard, overtones, PDF, sax, saxophone

A Blast from the Past-Chromazone by Mike Stern Cover

March 2, 2016 by Steve 4 Comments

This weekend, I was going through my vast computer files and trying to clean out the gigabytes of junk I had on my computer when I discovered this old clip. This is from a recording session I did way back in the early 90’s.  I think I was about 25 at the time and in […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Chromazone, cover, Mike Stern, steve neff, tenor saxophone

Forestone Hinoki Synthetic Reeds Review

December 10, 2015 by Steve 35 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a product that I never ever thought I would review.  The product is a synthetic reed.  (*Before you read further, I need to state in all honesty, that I have always hated, detested and scorned every synthetic reed I have ever tried.  Over the last 20 years I have at times tried […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: cane reeds, Forestone, hinoki, saxophone, synthetic reed

Saxophone Microphone Review and Audio Shootout Part 2

September 15, 2014 by Steve 12 Comments

Walter Ruckdeschel  wrote a great in-depth review of 8 different stand mounted microphones that can be used for live gigs a number of months ago.  I was so fascinated that I asked him if I could post his finding here for everyone to see.  Walt emailed me today and said that he had just completed […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, Electro Voice, live mics, microphone sound clips, saxophone, Sennheiser, Walter Ruckdeschel

ReedJuvinate Woodwind Reed System Review

May 14, 2014 by Steve 20 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a product called the ReedJuvinate Woodwind Reed System.  As a woodwind player, you are probably already aware of what a pain reeds can be to keep and store.  How do you best store them? I’m always curious about the different ways people store their reeds when not in use.  I’ve seen […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: cane reeds, reed care, reed storage, ReedJuvenate, saxophone, woodwinds

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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
Thank you for all the educational information you provide.  I am a classically trained musician.  Professionally, I am a 4th and 5th grade band teacher.  I have played piano and sax for many years, but now I am starting to gig out more. I have always improvised by ear in the past. I have gotten by with my strong sense of pitch, rhythm and melodic contour. However, I want to go deeper. I want to play with a greater variety of melodic and rhythmic ideas to pull from.  I have studied to gain a … Read more
Ray

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
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)
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
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
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 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
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 have NEVER seen material like yours.  Amazing!!
Jerry
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
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
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
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
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
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

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
Thanks so much for putting all this great learning material out there. I don’t often have the time to take a lesson with a teacher, so the ability to download lessons is really invaluable. My playing has improved enormously (I think :)) – and the lessons are so varied there’s always something to be inspired by. Incredible value too!
Roger

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

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

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
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
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

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

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