lamylouy - Posted - 05/16/2012:  11:18:24

I started last October I was 65. Still pluckin away.

kshumaker - Posted - 05/16/2012:  16:03:30

Will soon turn 59.  Started at 57.  Plucked an old Kay for a year.  Bought a Bishline Patriot.  Practice 1-2 hours a day.  Take lessons weekly.  I figure life can't get any better than this.  Having too much fun but lot's of frustrations along the way.  I'm the best closet banjo player in the world.  Get me around others and I fall apart.  It's like I never touched one.  

But I would not trade this for anything.

Shu

murraystone - Posted - 05/17/2012:  08:05:23

I started at 58, realizing after decades of playing various kinds of guitar.  I realized (blinding flash of insight) that what I'd been hearing in my head but not being able to produce on guitar was in fact 5-string banjo.  5 years later guitar has become an occasional item for me.  I think I now understand the psychological changes that transgender people go through--"I never felt quite right playing guitar, I knew down deep I was a banjo picker at my core"...

edhanzel - Posted - 05/18/2012:  21:19:11

Man....looks like I am a youngin starting at 45. Been 8 months, but still feel like I am making more noise than music

Adoo - Posted - 05/19/2012:  13:46:57

I bought my first instrument today, An Ashbury five string. I'm 43 and never played a note on anything in my life.
Looking forward to spending time practicing and shooting the breeze with you folks.

Jack J - Posted - 05/19/2012:  18:33:16

My first experience with the banjo was last October, 2011, at age 73. I now have a banjo and haven't missed a day of finding time to practice. The challenge of the banjo keeps the brain active and alert. How old is too old,? ....... when death occurs.!!!

cobaltace62 - Posted - 05/20/2012:  10:40:41

Well, I'm one of those that started, stopped, started, stopped, started.....! I started out of high school, took lessons. Sold my banjo to pay for an engagement ring for my now wife. Started again 10 years latter with a borrowed banjo. Gave up again when I had to give it back and couldn't afford one. Started 10 years later again and took lessons, then moved out of state and got busy with life. Now again at 49, I am picking it up again. Wish I had stayed with it cause I'd be a banjo wizard by now.

Edited by - cobaltace62 on 05/20/2012 10:45:26

cobaltace62 - Posted - 05/20/2012:  10:45:43

Well, I'm one of those that started, stopped, started, stopped, started.....! I started out of high school, took lessons. Sold my banjo to pay for an engagement ring for my now wife. Started again 10 years latter with a borrowed banjo. Gave up again when I shade to give it back and couldn't afford one. Started 10 years latter again and took lessons then moved out of state and got busy with life. Now again at 49, I am picking it up again. Wish I had stayed with it cause I'd be a banjo wizard by now.

Buzzsaw - Posted - 05/21/2012:  06:21:27

I am 57 Years Old and Just started Playing the Banjo about 4 Months ago. Allways loved the Music and swore if I ever did take the time to learn an instrument it would be the Banjo, so here I am stumbling through, teaching myself how to play.. Sounds pretty bad right now, in fact, soon as I pick the first two notes, the Dog gets up & leaves the Room!       Like My Irish Grandmother used to say, "Sounds Like the Music of an Old Cow Fartin'"   but I'm having a blast with it. Lots of Fun, practice almost every day......

             Just Don't practice much when the wife is home 'cause, I like to eat too!

Edited by - Buzzsaw on 05/21/2012 06:28:49

pandjlocke - Posted - 05/21/2012:  17:05:51

I bought my first banjo at age 50. Plunked around a bit, but never really had the time. Pulled it back out of the closet  in 2008 when I joined the Hangout at age 56. That's when I discovered that I really wanted a bluegrass banjo instead of the clawhammer that I had. I bought one from a guy here on the Hangout and have been playing since. 

picn4fun - Posted - 05/21/2012:  18:41:15

I took some lessons when I was 17. When I started
College, working, raising a family and all that other stuff, I laid down the banjo. Now I'm 51 and I just picked it up again. The big difference is this time I've found a great teacher that isnt just teaching me songs from tabs, he's teaching me the banjo. I'm having a blast and I think the major thing that anyone at any age needs when starting the banjo is this: a good instructor. I've got a great one, The Kidd.

pfw303 - Posted - 05/22/2012:  14:30:53

My Pappy bought me my first banjo when I was just 13.  It was a cheap tenor and I strummed it for a while and then discovered the guitar which took over for the next 35 years. I always wanted to get back to the banjo and learn bluegrass picking on a 5-string. Just turned 50 and I got myself a sweet banjo to mark the occasion.  I'm wishing I had started a long time ago. Reminds me of when I started on guitar and it consumed me night and day.  I could, and often do, play for hours without noticing the passing of time.

midnight moon - Posted - 05/22/2012:  17:57:10

Well I started at about 23 and that lasted about 6 months, that banjo then sat in several closets until I was 48, i will be 51 this july. I started again about 3 years ago and my instructor has been asking me to play in a recital he puts on one time a year and this year against my better judgement I told him I would do it. So the big day comes and I am so nervous, it comes my turn to play (there was about 20 other students playing,mostly guitar) OH, did I tell you it was in a church with about 100 people watching ? So I get up there and start a song that I have played many times at home, well I messed up a couple times and I said  god dam it twice during it, well I didn't even realize it until I went to my seat and my wife told me about it, she heard it loud and clear in the back of the church. later that week at lessons my instructor said some people came up to him after and they were chuckling about it so I didn't feel to bad. hope for a better performance next year.

Hankon5 - Posted - 05/22/2012:  18:24:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by midnight moon

Well I started at about 23 and that lasted about 6 months, that banjo then sat in several closets until I was 48, i will be 51 this july. I started again about 3 years ago and my instructor has been asking me to play in a recital he puts on one time a year and this year against my better judgement I told him I would do it. So the big day comes and I am so nervous, it comes my turn to play (there was about 20 other students playing,mostly guitar) OH, did I tell you it was in a church with about 100 people watching ? So I get up there and start a song that I have played many times at home, well I messed up a couple times and I said  god dam it twice during it, well I didn't even realize it until I went to my seat and my wife told me about it, she heard it loud and clear in the back of the church. later that week at lessons my instructor said some people came up to him after and they were chuckling about it so I didn't feel to bad. hope for a better performance next year.

---

 Well-you had your baptism in front of a crowd. Now things get easier next time since you knoe what to expect .  Nervousness will always be there but to a much lessor degree as you keep playing in front of others. This is just the begining of the fun part of playing!!! Good luck!!!

Airdog - Posted - 05/26/2012:  05:53:21

The only thing I wanted when I was 17 was a banjo because I'd met some banjo-playing teenagers at a summer camp. My parents saved up and got me a Goya (which Martin imported back in the 70's). After struggling without a teacher for a few months, I put it away. 30 years later, at my 47th birthday party, I met master musician Gordon Titcomb, and I started lessons. Speed is an issue, my fingers seem to have a speed limit set at about 45 mph, but it's been a blast.

gazcwatson - Posted - 05/26/2012:  10:26:55

Hi everyone

like many others it makes me feel good reading this thread,to be precise i was 48.5 years when i started, thinking i would be proficient by the time i was 50, how wrong was i making fair progress now aged 51, but very envious of you guys living in the states, find it very difficult to get to jam on a regular basis can somebody  please get me a green card . p.s i love america

Hankon5 - Posted - 05/26/2012:  11:17:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by gazcwatson

Hi everyone

like many others it makes me feel good reading this thread,to be precise i was 48.5 years when i started, thinking i would be proficient by the time i was 50, how wrong was i making fair progress now aged 51, but very envious of you guys living in the states, find it very difficult to get to jam on a regular basis can somebody  please get me a green card . p.s i love america

   

---

 Thanks for those kind words about America!!

Randall - Posted - 05/27/2012:  06:01:20

I started in 1980 and played hard til 1989. Put it down and only played two or three shows a year. No practice. Got bit by the banjo bug in 1998. I been suffering from this banjo illness ever since! I wish I had never quit. One thing that helps is having a quality banjo. A great sounding banjo draws you to it like a moth to a flame daily!! There are times I come home from work and "need a fix"! The very first thing I do is pick my banjo, even if it's only one song! Relief, release, and rejoicing!!

I restarted later in life! Does this qualify to be posted in this thread?! Lol!

Nev52 - Posted - 05/27/2012:  12:18:41

I started in November of of 2011 at the age of 52.  I always wanted to play but never had the time on the funds to do so. Now that I older I have the time and the money to take lessons and practice. I am not very good but I am going to learn how to play this thing.  I enjoy reading  the posts on the hangout. I think it helps to hear others progress. Everybody over 50 hang in there we will do it!!

Levi Fisher - Posted - 05/27/2012:  19:56:27

I just turned 70 last week and started January 2011.  I always was fascinated  with the banjo sound but never had time to give it a try.  Only musical experience I had was with piano lessons for a year or so when I was in grade school.  I'm having a ball with it (progress is not as good as I would like) but I'm learning "rolls" for bluegrass songs and already updated to two banjos.  (Deering Goodtime II Classic and a Kel Krydon KK-250, love them both.)

You might call this an item on my "bucket list"

Levi

cvandien - Posted - 05/27/2012:  19:59:58

I started in 2004 at age 50. I broke my neck (they took out 2345 and put in metal) was watching tv in the hospital HeeHaw to be exact. Roy Clark was doing his magic on the banjo I got to thinking....this could work. My hands among other things were affected but my hands were the worst. This would be more fun than therapy! As soon as I got out I ordered a banjo. Yup it worked and my theraphist got a big kick out of it. I'm kind of like Mel Tillis. He stutters but not when he sings, my hands shake but not when I play. I'll never be able to burn it up, but A-I love it and B- I'm a legend in my own mind! I now have a LouZee Golden Roll I got for Christmas from 4 very special people as I lost my first banjo in a divorce. Now that is a banjo and to say I'm happy, is a gross understatement!

Coonskin - Posted - 05/28/2012:  03:05:44

I've played Banjo for a long time, but I just started Bluegrass picking about a year ago...what a differnt thing from my other three-finger and Two-finger. Long way to go...I'm 44, btw.

I have to play Shucking the corn and banjo signal before I die. :)

brirandle - Posted - 05/28/2012:  05:55:44

Hey all:

Wanted to say hi to everyone in the forum, I have been a member probably for a month or so but maybe a little intimidated posting because of my newbie status at playing. Saw this thread so decided to break the ice with this post. I always loved the banjo especially since I'am into the Civil War era of history, the sound of it reminds me of that time. I'am 43 and decided to pick up my banjo again after about 15 years. I have a Goya student banjo which I just fool around with. I bought the Janet Davis Teacher yourself Banjo book and her Back up Banjo book. I really enjoy playing, not looking to become the next Earl Scruggs (which I think would be impossible) or Bela Fleck. Figured I could learn a little from the members in here and make some new friends. Anyway wanted to say hi. Take care all

Levi Fisher - Posted - 05/28/2012:  08:33:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by brirandle

Hey all:



Wanted to say hi to everyone in the forum, I have been a member probably for a month or so but maybe a little intimidated posting because of my newbie status at playing. Saw this thread so decided to break the ice with this post. I always loved the banjo especially since I'am into the Civil War era of history, the sound of it reminds me of that time. I'am 43 and decided to pick up my banjo again after about 15 years. I have a Goya student banjo which I just fool around with. I bought the Janet Davis Teacher yourself Banjo book and her Back up Banjo book. I really enjoy playing, not looking to become the next Earl Scruggs (which I think would be impossible) or Bela Fleck. Figured I could learn a little from the members in here and make some new friends. Anyway wanted to say hi. Take care all

 

---

 Well Hey "back at ya", brirandle!!!!!!! and welcome to the forum............................I don't believe many of us think we will become the next Earl or Bela but it is fun giving it a go!!!

It's nice to hear someone your age is into Civil War Era history.  We all can learn a lot from what or ancestors went thru.  I've dabbled in the Civil War but have really gotten into WWII.

Take care...........................Levi

jscourt - Posted - 06/01/2012:  06:55:07

Hey to all,

I started at age 50, now 70 years old. Thru it all progress has been slow, but I have never put the banjo aside during the 20 years. It's always great to play & hear even if it's not what you want in speed. I started with Murphy bluegrass audio tapes, morphed to clawhammer, then returned to 3-finger. I think I learned more about improvising melodies while in clawhammer. Now my style is mostly 3-finger melodic with some Scruggs licks connecting the dots.

When the banjo bug bites, you will always be inflicted. It's definitely been worth the effort. The great thing seems to be that I feel like I'm improving every year even though I'm not as good a player as maybe I would have been had I started 20 or 30 years sooner.

Jerry in MO, in TX in winter

rbishopp - Posted - 06/02/2012:  11:37:02

Starred just a month ago at age 46.   I really wish I started long ago but the important this is that I did start learning.  Well learning might be stretch.  Lets call it making noise for now.  Hopefully soon it will sound like music.  I get to practice just a little each day.  Still working on anchoring my fingers the head and keeping my hand from hitting the bridge and/or the strings.  

RHR - Posted - 06/03/2012:  14:12:20

I started at 58. I had played piano and guitar before that. I had always thought about playing banjo but never took the plunge. Then I saw Down From the Mountain, a movie about the making of the soundtrack for Oh Brother Where Art thou. That did it. I reasoned that if I didn't start right away I was never going to do it. I am now nearly 70. I think I have played the great majority of days during this nearly 12 year period. I have played in a four piece band for the last 5 years. We don't play out much but we get along well and really enjoy having dinner and making music together. If anything, I enjoy the banjo even more now. I understand the instrument better and continue to see improvement in my playing and singing.

larryjoy70 - Posted - 06/04/2012:  10:56:40

Started at age 63 and I really ......................... what was the question?

Sheldon - Posted - 06/04/2012:  12:42:38

I am 74 and I can play everything Earl, or Sonny, or whoever did, perfectly . . .

I have a really nice cd player . . .

Sheldon

94nole - Posted - 06/04/2012:  13:18:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by larryjoy70

Started at age 63 and I really ......................... what was the question?

---

 I don't care who you are...that's funny right there!!!  Thanks Larry!!

Oh, I'm only 51 and I started last August...got sidetracked by tax season but after moving to Raleigh NC this weekend I plan to dig in big time...and by next summer I will be able to play several tunes pretty well...I had a great teacher here in JAX (Mike Elin) who taught me several tunes in 4-5 months and I was able to participate in a slow jam on those tunes when I had to set it aside.  This NC move was not expected and has delayed my picking the 'Jo back up...but starting next week...Katy bar the door.

DPTN 54 - Posted - 06/06/2012:  18:45:18

I started Last Dec. at 57. I am trying to teach myself from the great material that Ross Nickerson puts out.It seems to be going pretty well.

I am having a great time.I really am thankful for the great info. here

BanjoKat2 - Posted - 06/06/2012:  20:06:43

These stories are great - love reading this thread.

Winnieff - Posted - 06/07/2012:  08:44:39

quote:

---

Originally posted by larryjoy70

Started at age 63 and I really ......................... what was the question?

---

 Hey larryjoy70; as you get old that's the second thing that goes.

blindsniper - Posted - 06/08/2012:  05:47:54

I started at 50, about 30 years too late

pickinchik - Posted - 06/08/2012:  14:13:27

I started at about 32 with Scruggs style, then had my daughter.  Put it down and picked it up again at 36.  Now I'm almost 39.  Learned clawhammer and ran with it.  I throw in some 3 finger stuff here and there but claw just fits me better. Still love both styles though.  

Mandy

DrBob - Posted - 06/08/2012:  14:48:49

Other than just foolin' around with the 'joey while in college (nothing serious) I started playing at age 55...I'm gonna' be 58 in December. I have absolutely no musical background, so I'm basically starting from scratch-and lovin' every minute of it! I try to practice about an hour a day, and I expect to move from the "Novice" category to the "Purty Good" designation real soon. I'm goin' out in a blaze 'o glory with my banjo by my side!

geofisher - Posted - 06/08/2012:  18:19:56

Man, and I am kicking myself for starting in my late 20's, d'oh! I like 3 finger bluegrass, scruggs, melodic, whatever, I can make work, but lately have been getting more into clawhammer. I just love that plunky, thunky, sound! I find that easier to pick out melody with sometimes...

I keep telling my brother who wants to learn piano, it's never too late to start. I'll have to forward him this post. Keep it up and keep it fun!

Edited by - geofisher on 06/08/2012 18:23:31

Karen Kruske - Posted - 06/09/2012:  08:49:24

You can't learn any younger! And since you will be exercising your brain to learn this dang thing, it will keep you younger longer!

dfltil - Posted - 06/10/2012:  15:01:29

Dear "geofisher" as I read your post regarding kicking yourself for not getting started till your late 20's.

Please re-read this entire topic ( there's only about 6 pages ) and the comments from us fellas starting REALLY late in life. The world doesn't work in rewind so we can't go back... but most if not all of us wish we had your dilema.

I'm 69 and by your standards, if you keep at it, imagine how great you'll be playing when you reach my age.

We're all on your side.

don

mikey49 - Posted - 06/10/2012:  16:16:49

After playing guitar for more than 45 years, at 62 I took up the banjo; I'm having more fun than ever,love the banjo.

DoubleG - Posted - 06/10/2012:  21:18:45

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto to all. At 57 found an inspirational teacher, a fine banjo, and just got back from my first instructional banjo weekend at the Midwest Banjo Camp hosted by Elderly Music up in Michigan. Don't miss an opportunity to add music to your life -- and once you do, keep expanding your abilities!

animalair - Posted - 06/11/2012:  11:51:39

started at 59 found it a nice way to get even with grand kids !!

ken61 - Posted - 06/12/2012:  18:16:59

I was 61 !  Why did I wait so long???

ken

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/13/2012:  17:47:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by ken61

I was 61 !  Why did I wait so long???

 

ken

---

 The 5 legged bug venom sometimes takes awhile to take hold.  No antidote when bit!!!  Bite leaves one controlled by it's will!!

claudette - Posted - 06/13/2012:  19:20:02

I have wanted to play a banjo since I was maybe 10 years old, and wish I had known someone back then who could have taught me how to play. I finally found someone who could give me lessons oh at "45" and have been playing about a year and a half now. I am absolutely thrilled that I can do basic stuff on this instrument. But I do wonder how well I would be playing now if I could have learned while I had much more time and energy! I am happy to be pickin' and grinnin' and don't anticipate giving this up :)

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/13/2012:  19:25:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by claudette

I have wanted to play a banjo since I was maybe 10 years old, and wish I had known someone back then who could have taught me how to play. I finally found someone who could give me lessons oh at "45" and have been playing about a year and a half now. I am absolutely thrilled that I can do basic stuff on this instrument. But I do wonder how well I would be playing now if I could have learned while I had much more time and energy! I am happy to be pickin' and grinnin' and don't anticipate giving this up :)

---

 --Reading thru this thread  it looks like you have comapny-----Wish we could have started earlier!!!  But like you, we are happy to pick and grin!!!!  For our enjoyment!

Andrew Roblin - Posted - 06/14/2012:  02:35:46

I want to express my respect for all of you for pursuing your musical dreams.

Many people get hung up on the idea "I'm too old to....(fill in the blank)."

I started playing music at age six and am now 52. The challenges and joys of music remain, and I continue learning new styles and instruments...just like when I was six. I love the way musical creativity lets me connect with the six-year-old I was...and all the ages I've been. And I love the way learning new things in music lets me look ahead to mastering new skills.

Anyway, my respects to you on your musical journey. 

Andrew Roblin

andrewroblin.com/

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/14/2012:  17:44:59

Yep---this thread is a real eye opener!!! More late in life pickers than I ever thought! Keep pick'n!!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 06/14/2012 17:45:34

JoeH - Posted - 07/03/2012:  04:13:26

Man, it's really inspirational to read these stories. I started last year at 55 & it's the first time I tried to play any instrument. No musical knowledge or experience what-so-ever. I can't explain why the banjo appealed to me all of a sudden but I'm glad it did. We should start some kind of group for people who took up banjo for the first time after age 50 or so. It's heartening to know you're not the only one.