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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

LAW Buzzer, JVW Link, Kali Comparison

August 14, 2009 by Steve 9 Comments

I thought I would put up a comparison clip of my 3 favorite tenor mouthpieces  so we could hear the differences in their sounds. The three mouthpieces are a Theo Wanne Kali, a Jon Van Wie STM Link and a LAW Buzzer. All three  mouthpieces are around a .110 tip opening.  They were all done […]

Filed Under: Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Jon Van Wie, Kali mouthpiece, Law Buzzer, tenor mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Dave Jary Customized Otto Link Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 2 Comments

I received this from a friend of mine to try.  It is an old metal link that Phil Barone worked on at one time.  It has the Barone engraving on it and the link ridge is gone as Phil does when he refaces a link.  You can’t tell it use to be a link except […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Dave Jary, otto link, Phil Barone, tenor mouthpiece

Greg Wier GW Slant 7* Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 9 Comments

I received this on trial from another SOTW member.  There was a thread on it that has since been closed where there was quite a bit of disagreement about this mouthpiece.  I was intrigued and curious so when I saw one for sale I asked if I could try it. I have to say that […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: greg wier, GW Slant, tenor mouthpiece

Great Theo Wanne Florida Link Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 6 Comments

This is a florida link from the 60’s.  It was originally an 8 but was worked on by Theo Wanne who closed it down to .100.    I’m really loving it.  I bought this from Mark Sepinuck(10mfan).  He posted on SOTW that he had a Florida Link that was by far the best Florida Link […]

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

Berg Larsen 120/1 SMS Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 12 Comments

This is the first Berg Larsen I  have ever played.  It’s one of the stainless steel ones.  A friend of mine said he found this and it was a good mouthpiece so I scooped it up.  Although it has a high baffle it isn’t that bright sounding but has a big full loud sound. I […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Beg Larsen, tenor mouthpiece

Phil-Tone Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 4 Comments

I received my Phil-Tone tenor saxophone mouthpiece from Philip Engleman.   Phil is known as Sigmund451 on SOTW. (Sax on the Web)  I opened the package and put the reed I had been playing on my hard rubber Otto Link on it and it played great right from the start.  I was very impressed with […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Phil Engleman, Phil-tone, tenor mouthpiece

Saxscape NF .108 Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 3 Comments

I’ve been curious about these mouthpieces for awhile now.  They are made by Ken Barry in PA. His website is  www.Saxscape.com I appreciate Ken Barry because not only is he a craftsman but he is a great player also.  I find his website  very enjoyable to visit because Ken puts up real clips of his […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Ken Barry, Saxscape NF, tenor mouthpiece

Peter Ponzol ML Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 2 Comments

About 7 years ago I had a Peter Ponzol ML .110 tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  It was my favorite mouthpiece at the time.  Big fat sound but when I pushed it it had loads of power. There was only one problem…..I could never find good reeds for it.  It would always fail the suction test and […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Peter Ponzol, Ponzol ML, tenor mouthpiece

Ralph Morgan 9M Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 5 Comments

This is a Ralph Morgan tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I won off ebay.  These are the best tenor mouthpieces for the price out there.  I’ve owned 3 of Mr. Morgans mouthpieces as well as 3 of his clarinet mouthpieces.  Very consistent work.  You know when you order a Morgan that you won’t get a dud. […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Morgan 9M, Ralph Morgan, tenor mouthpiece

Early Babbitt Otto Link .110 Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 3 Comments

This is the Early Babbitt Otto Link I have posted about before. The last SP  otto link I got that Brian Powell had worked on was a .110 and I loved it. I t just felt like the tip opening was where I felt the most comfortable.  I sent this Early Babbitt Otto Link (.105) […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brian Powell, early babbitt, otto link, tenor mouthpiece

Mouthpiece Cafe Bergonzi Slant Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 12 Comments

Everything I’ve played of Brian Powell’s I’ve loved and this is no exception.  This is his new Bergonzi Slant model.  The Bergonzi Slant by Mouthpiece Cafe plays effortlessly and has a beautiful tone to it. I’ve never played a great slant but I’ve been told my Early Babbitt HR link plays like one.   I […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Bergonzi Slant, Brain Powell, mouthpiece Cafe, tenor mouthpiece

SP Otto Link Tenor Mouthpiece

August 14, 2009 by Steve 3 Comments

This is another SP otto link that Brian Powell refaced and brought the beak down on.  I love these mouthpieces.  They are not too dark, not too bright but can really blow when you lay into them.  This is a .110 and is a little darker than the .107 Otto Link I had.  I saw […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brian Powell, SP Otto Link, tenor mouthpiece

Theo Wanne Amma 7* Tenor Mouthpiece

August 13, 2009 by Steve 13 Comments

This is the new AMMA mouthpiece being produced by Theo Wanne.  A friend on SOTW generously offered to let me borrow his and try it out.  When I opened the package the first thing I noticed was the quality of the mouthpiece.  The tip, rails and baffle were perfect as well as the outside of […]

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

Theo Wanne NY Link Tenor Mouthpiece

August 13, 2009 by Steve 1 Comment

This is a NY link that I won off ebay that was advertised as worked on by Theo Wanne.  When I received this piece it was a 7*.  It had a nice sound but I felt that when I pushed it hard it got too bright and harsh sounding.   It has a medium baffle […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: NY link, tenor mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

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Testimonials

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

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
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 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
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
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 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
Your major diatonic patterns book is great. I”m studying the first twenty patterns (first twenty pages) each day with different articulation each day and slowly increasing the tempo each week or so.  There is a noticeable improvement in finger coordination across all keys and its amazing how much more secure I feel on the difficult keys when attempting to play pieces with 5+ flats/sharps. I’m able to sort out the fingerings for these pieces now much more quickly than before, often in one or two … Read more
Geoff
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
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

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’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

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

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
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
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
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’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 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
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’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

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

After reading your story I will never feel quite right about complaining about any of my MINOR health issues!!    God bless Steve and I really hope that your health doesn’t stop you from fulfilling your calling.    These books have been such a help to open up my jazz vocabulary…   Thanks so much for sharing your story and for providing these great teaching tools…   John Leclerc   Saxophonist / composer/ EWI player and professional working musician of 35 years….

John Leclerc
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

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