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

Saxophone Stuff

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

Rigotti Gold Reed Strength Comparison

May 9, 2014 by Steve 71 Comments

Today, I thought it would be interesting to write a reed strength comparison article on my blog.  I was trying a new Phil-Tone Mosaic 7* tenor mouthpiece this morning with different strength Rigotti Gold reeds when I had the idea to record some clips and throw it up on the site to see what some […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Mosaic, Phil-tone, Rigotti Gold, sax reeds, tenor saxophone, Theo Wanne

Reed Placement Poll

March 17, 2014 by Steve 15 Comments

I thought it would be interesting to run a poll to see where everyone places their reeds on the mouthpiece when setting up.  I know many of you will think this is nonsense and you might assume that we all do this the same but I have had so many students come in my studio […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: mouthpiece, position, saxophone reeds, setup

Saxophone Microphone Review and Audio Shootout

February 19, 2014 by Steve 49 Comments

I recently had a member on my site (Walter Ruckdeschel)  post an in-depth review of 8 different  stand mounted microphones that can be used for live gigs.  I was so fascinated that I asked him if I could post his finding here for everyone to see.  If I didn’t have my hands full teaching and […]

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

Silverstein Saxophone Ligature Review

November 11, 2013 by Steve 29 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new ligature made by  Silverstein Works.  For years I have heard about the amazing results that musicians would get from string ligatures.   These whispers and rumors were usually heard on different clarinet boards and forums that I would visit.  These posts were  so compelling and convincing that I had […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: alto sax, saxophone ligature, Silverstein, string ligature, tenor sax

The “Reed Geek” Universal Reed Tool

March 5, 2013 by Steve 4 Comments

Back in December, I was lucky enough to get a Reed Geek “Universal” Reed Tool to try out.  Anyone that has been to my house for lessons has probably noticed the shoe boxes on my shelves in my studio.  These shoe boxes are filled with every reed I have ever tried and not liked in […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet reeds, Reed Geek, reed working tool, saxophone reeds

More Saxophone Teachings from Joe Allard Via Harvey Pittel

February 14, 2013 by Steve 4 Comments

 Harvey Pittel is an award winning and internationally acclaimed classical saxophonist who has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and has recorded extensively as a soloist and with ensembles including his own saxophone quartet. He is the Professor of Saxophone at The University of Texas at Austin Butler School of […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: basics, fundamentals, Harvey Pittel, Joe Allard, saxophone

Saxophone Mouthpiece Trial Tips

February 14, 2013 by Steve 8 Comments

I’ve had a ton of questions emailed to me over the years about all the mouthpieces I have reviewed.  Some of the typical questions are: -How do I switch to different mouthpieces so often? -How do I know what reeds to use? -Why do I choose the ligatures I do? -How do you know if […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: mouthpiece, reviews, sax equipment, saxophone mouthpieces

Jazzlab Saxholder Neckstrap Review

November 14, 2012 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I will be reviewing a new neckstrap by Jazzlab called the saxholder.  This is a revolutionary neckstrap that is designed so that there is no pressure whatsoever on the neck and upper spine of the player. A few years ago, I started having numbness and tingling in my hands and arms.  I would get […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Jazzlab, neck pain, sax neckstrap, Saxholder, saxophone

Joe Allard Lesson Videos

June 2, 2011 by Steve 1 Comment

Joe Allard (December 31, 1910 – May 3, 1991), a native of Lowell, MA,was a famous saxophone and clarinet professor at Juilliard, The New England Conservatory and The Manhattan School of Music. Some of his most famous students were: Michael Brecker, Eddie Daniels, Bob Berg, Dave Liebman, Paul Winter, Steve Grossman, Kenneth Radnofsky, Bill Pierce […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet, embouchure, Joe Allard, saxophone, teaching video

Warburton Modular Sax Neck System

April 18, 2011 by Steve 8 Comments

I have an exciting product to review today.  It is the Warburton Modular Sax Neck.  This is one of the coolest products I have ever tried.  Whoever thought of it is a genius.  Basically, it is a neck that has no tenon or cork on it.  The two items that are missing can be screwed […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: initiator, Modular Sax Neck, tenon, Warburton

Bending Notes on the Saxophone

April 16, 2011 by Steve Leave a Comment

A great sax player has mastered the art of bending and shaping  their notes to express what they want to convey.  It might be a mood, attitude or emotion.  There is no doubt that bending notes adds excitement and emotion to a solo.  Bending notes on the saxophone is one of the coolest things that […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: bend notes, saxophone, steve neff, throat, tongue, voicing notes

Free Universal Method for the Saxophone

November 27, 2010 by Steve 5 Comments

I was looking around the internet today for a music book that I could use in my online video lessons.  I’ve had a bunch of requests for some lessons on sight reading and I thought it would be cool if I could find something to use that was in the “public domain”.    I was surprised […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Paul de Ville, public domain, saxophone, Universal Method

MacSax Empyreal Alto Saxophone

July 20, 2010 by Steve 10 Comments

Today, I’m reviewing the MacSax Empyreal Alto Saxophone.  This sax is manufactured in Taiwan for the MacSax company in Austin Texas. This is the Unlacquered Finish model.  It looks like bare brass which gives it a cool vintage look.  I am told that the brass is subjected to a gas treatment that gives it a […]

Filed Under: Sax Reviews, Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Empyreal Alto Saxophone, Gaia, MacSax, sax mouthpiece, Taiwan saxophones, Theo Wanne

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Testimonials

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

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
Hey Steve, I’m a 22-year-old from Australia. I thought it would be worth saying. You’re an absolute legend. I can’t thank you enough. You have helped me rekindle my love for the saxophone and music as a whole. All the best for the future, your work doesn’t go unnoticed. PS. I am loving your devastating minor lines pdf.
Sapph

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,

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
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 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
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

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
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
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
I can see from your instructional videos that you are a fantastic teacher – one that can truly relate to all ages – humble yet very positive in approach – never coming across as superior and yet so totally capable of demonstrating the principles and techniques that you seek to impart to the students. I have gained so much confidence in my playing from “pouring over” time and again these invaluable lessons. Invaluable not only in musical content, but also in human interaction content. I am absolu… Read more
Ron
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 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 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 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
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

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
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
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
Steve really changed my way of practicing: I got a whole lot of new ideas for my playing the tenor.  His lessons are really helpful, give a lot stuff to practice and give clear answers to complicated stuff.  Steve has a lot of humor and I wish I had laughed so much in my former days with the horn.  All topics, from Blues to Approach note are dealt with clearness that wet ones appetite to play and practice that great ideas.
Uwe
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

Never really had lessons before just kinda worked things out on my own. Was in a rut but your lessons are really helpful in opening melodic possibilities. Ur an awesome resource to the saxophone community. Thanks for sharing. 

Anthony
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!

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