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saxophone

GetaSax Echo Master Brilhart 3-Band Style Saxophone Ligature Review

May 31, 2019 by Steve 8 Comments

I received an email a couple of months ago from a fan of the site asking if I could review these new Echo Master ligatures (formerly Echo Brass) being sold by Getasax.com.  These are reproductions of the infamous Brilhart 3-band ligature that Kenny Garrett uses.  I have been curious about these ligatures ever since I […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: 3 band, Brilhart, Echo Brass, Echo Master, EchoBrass, Echomaster, Getasax, ligature, review, saxophone, three band, triple band

NY Meyer 100th Anniversary Model Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

May 1, 2019 by Steve 47 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new NY Meyer 100th Anniversary Model Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by JJ Babbitt.  The vintage NY Meyer alto sax mouthpieces from the 1960’s are some of the most sought after vintage alto sax mouthpieces on the market today.  When I heard the news that JJ Babbitt was coming out with a […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 100th anniversary, alto mouthpiece, JJ Babbitt, NY Meyer, review, saxophone

New! Michael Brecker’s Alternate Fingering Lessons Area

March 22, 2019 by Steve Leave a Comment

You might have noticed that I have been quiet here at neffmusic.com over the last few weeks.  The reason is that I started a new lesson series on my site for members focused on the alternate fingering licks of Michael Brecker.  I have been working diligently (my wife describes it more as obsessed…..) behind the […]

Filed Under: Learning at Neffmusic Tagged With: altered fingerings, false fingerings, lesson, Michael Brecker, overtones, saxophone, voicing

Free Video Lesson on Mastering Altered Pentatonics by Steve Neff

September 21, 2018 by Steve 6 Comments

I decided to offer a free video lesson on my book Mastering Altered Pentatonics for everyone. I have sold many of these books and really want to make sure that everyone is getting the most they can out of them.  You can consider this an “overview” lesson on the various pentatonics covered in the book although […]

Filed Under: Free Lessons, Jazz Education Tagged With: free, Jazz Improvisation, Mastering Altered Pentatonics, modern jazz, playing outside, saxophone, video lesson

The Secret to Altissimo (no one has ever told you about before) Lesson

August 19, 2018 by Steve 4 Comments

I know, you are sick of it! Trying to play overtones past the second or third overtone. Trying to get out an altissmo G or G#. Trying to sound like you know what you are doing and can play any altissimo note with confidence without failing miserably………I have been there and know how you feel. […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: altissimo, lesson, saxophone, secret, video

NEW Book-Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk Soloing

July 12, 2018 by Steve 2 Comments

Great news!  I just finished a new book this week that I am very excited about.  The new book is called “Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk Soloing” and is similar in concept to my best selling “Devastating Minor Lines” book. Video Demonstration of a few of the Devastating Lines Here is a description: An […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: Berg, Brecker, dominant licks, Jazz Improvisation, lines, modern lines, pattern, saxophone

Westcoast Sax MOAM .081 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

June 5, 2018 by Steve 1 Comment

Today, I am reviewing the Westcoast Sax “MOAM” .081 alto saxophone mouthpiece.  You might remember that I reviewed a non-plated MOAM alto mouthpiece that had a .086 tip opening last fall. Matt Lee at Westcoast Sax is always picking interesting and understated names for his mouthpieces and this is no exception.  The name MOAM stands for […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: alto mouthpiece, jazz sax, MOAM, review, saxophone, soundclip, Theo Wanne, westcoast sax

Great Rick Beato Interview with Chris Potter

March 6, 2018 by Steve Leave a Comment

I just came across this great interview that Rick Beato did with Chris Potter on Sounding Off a few days ago.  Chris Potter is one of the most amazing sax players on the scene today.  I love how down to earth, humble and real he is when answering questions.  Great stuff!   Enjoy! Great Rick Beato […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: chris potter, interview, jazz, Rick Beato, saxophone, Sounding Off, tenor sax

10mFan “The Classic” Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

February 12, 2018 by Steve 18 Comments

Mark Sepinuck, 10mFan as he is known in the saxophone world, came out with a line of tenor saxophone mouthpieces five years ago that have been very popular with saxophone players.  Mark, created a very detailed three category system of tenor saxophone mouthpieces and he designed  what he considered to be the best tenor sax […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 10mFan, classic, otto link, review, sax mouthpiece, saxophone, slant

Balam Saxophone Backstrap Comparison and Review

January 10, 2018 by Steve 24 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new saxophone neckstrap that I received from my saxophone repairman Jack Tyler at the Boston Sax Shop.  Jack has been my sax repairman since 2013 when my long time repairman Ernie Sola died.  The last 3-4 times I went in to see Ernie before he died he told me about […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: backstrap, Balam, best, Boston Sax Shop, comparison, Hyman, Just Joe's, neckstrap, review, Saxholder, saxophone

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

Steve Neff Reveals His Darkest Saxophone Secrets (SHOCKING!)

December 27, 2017 by Steve 2 Comments

If you’re not sick of the sound of my voice from all my lessons you have watched, then you might be interested in this. Nick Mainella over at 10minutejazzlesson.com posted an interview that he did with me over the summer. If you are curious about the origins of neffmusic.com or my personal path with the […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: interview, Neffmusic, saxophone, shocking, steve neff, truth revealed

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

Did someone say Sanborn?…….D&S A2 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

November 8, 2017 by Steve 9 Comments

The other day I reviewed three tenor saxophone mouthpieces made by Donghee Cho in Seoul, South Korea.  They were the Model 1, the Brecker II and the Brecker III tenor sax mouthpiece models.  You can read how I was contacted by Donghee and asked to review his sax mouthpieces on any one of those reviews. Today, […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, D&S mouthpieces, Donghee Cho, jazz sax, Sanborn, saxophone

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Testimonials

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 have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul

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

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

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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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

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 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
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

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.
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

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
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 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’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 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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