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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/235533/5
Crimjo - Posted - 08/08/2012: 16:48:31
quote:
Originally posted by Cantpickyet
Im 55 and just now considering a banjo and learning. Am I to late to do this?
Read this thread my friend. You have a decade on a good amount of folks. 
Hankon5 - Posted - 08/09/2012: 14:47:47
Just think--we are getting older and hopefully enjoying the banjo more--I know it has made my retirement much more enjoyable and constructive. I am bedazzeled by the tone!
Edited by - Hankon5 on 08/09/2012 14:48:39
1935tb-11 - Posted - 08/09/2012: 18:53:48
i started banjo when i was 21, pretty late by todays standards.. i hear kids 7 and 8 years old that just blow me away at how skilled they are at that age. but the learning tools they have now are light years ahead of what we had years ago.
terry m
OldTimeGal - Posted - 08/10/2012: 05:19:34
quote:
Originally posted by CrimjoI'm 26 and always wanted to play an instrument, I'm glad banjo was the first I picked up. Obviously it would have been nice to start at an earlier age like the little guy from Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, but there just isn't a whole lot of banjer pickin going on in Minnesota ;)
Jake720 - Posted - 08/10/2012: 19:39:29
I started at 56 almost 57. Banjo is the first musical instrument I have ever played.
So everything is a new experience for me.
Tripp - Posted - 08/11/2012: 18:53:41
I started playing in my late teens, but had to sell my first banjo when I was 25-26 to pay bills.
I am now 51 and pickin' it up again.
docbrett - Posted - 08/13/2012: 08:16:23
I was 55, and kept finding myself standing in front of the Bluegrass Groups who were playing at the local Farmers market each time I was up in Boone, N.C., foot tapping away. The wife and kids would have to come looking for me after an hour or two, as I pretty much planted myself there and was reluctant to budge. Knew I had to give it a try. Damn glad I did and while just a "sprout" in Banjo experience, it has blessed me already with countless hours of enjoyment and yes consternation. And of course the folks I have met along the way have always been the kindest, most encouraging and helpful people anywhere. Thanks everyone for letting me see the light and helping me along the path.
Crimjo - Posted - 08/14/2012: 23:57:58
quote:
Originally posted by OldTimeGal
quote:
Originally posted by Crimjo
I'm 26 and always wanted to play an instrument, I'm glad banjo was the first I picked up. Obviously it would have been nice to start at an earlier age like the little guy from Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, but there just isn't a whole lot of banjer pickin going on in Minnesota ;)
Sometimes I wonder if there's anyone in Minnesota who doesn't play banjo, lots of banjo playing here:-)
Yeah I suppose I meant growing up...I'm from up north and there probably wasn't a banjo in a 300 mile radius. Except for maybe the one of the TbT dudes playing in Duluth.
Do any of the Minnesota banjo players get together?
Woodcrafter - Posted - 08/16/2012: 05:54:07
Well, at age 71, I decided that I always have to be learning something.....so, why not the banjo ! Many years ago, I inherited a Gibson TB-2 (1924) with a Granada neck installed. It's been stored in the closet all this time, and I just figured that wasn't the proper place for the "old girl" to stay......she needed to be singing. So, here we are......me and her......starting a new beginning. Been taking formal lessons for three months now. Will I ever star on the "Opry" or some other famous stage......Nope. But I'm sure having the time of my life. The banjo always warms your heart and puts a tap in your toe.
OldTimeGal - Posted - 08/16/2012: 06:39:13
quote:
Originally posted by Crimjo
quote:
Originally posted by OldTimeGal
quote:
Originally posted by Crimjo
I'm 26 and always wanted to play an instrument, I'm glad banjo was the first I picked up. Obviously it would have been nice to start at an earlier age like the little guy from Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, but there just isn't a whole lot of banjer pickin going on in Minnesota ;)
Sometimes I wonder if there's anyone in Minnesota who doesn't play banjo, lots of banjo playing here:-)
Yeah I suppose I meant growing up...I'm from up north and there probably wasn't a banjo in a 300 mile radius. Except for maybe the one of the TbT dudes playing in Duluth.
Do any of the Minnesota banjo players get together?
W7973 - Posted - 08/17/2012: 05:09:05
I was 55, never touched a banjo:
I guess my GoldStar is to new to talk about, but I would to discuss GSs. I played an Encore Banjo, like a 1962 likely sold at Sears, for about 1 year. During that year I taught myself how play it. Turned out I like a banjo, never played an instrument very much so I don't really know much about one. However, I looked around and talked to a few folks and they talked me into buying a GS. So, all the way I went, bought a GF300FE, crazy but I did. I tried to sell it a couple times and buy fishing gear but I had no luck.
Are there any thoughts out there about the GF300, made in 2007 type of year, bought it new from Sage (Cali.) in 2009
I feel good about how I play the banjo, and wish I had started 40 years ago. My first love is fishing bass tournaments. But I still play the banjo every day.
I like to play cripple creek, wreck of the ol 97, home sweet home type of bluegrass but I also like to pick out songs like "Garden Party" (Ricky Nelson), Folsom Prison Blues,
Sweet Home Alabama, Yakedy Sax, this one is real fun and others like to hear it.
winky - Posted - 08/17/2012: 07:18:28
At 52 I was made redundant again (5th time in 20 years), decided with spare time on my hands to learn the banjo. Having never played any instrument before I decided on the banjo. This being based on my abiding memory of the Beverley Hillbillies theme tune from when I was small. My mother bought me the banjo as a present and twelve months on - wow! what have I been doing with my life. Theres so much to learn I have just started looking at classic banjo as well as bluegrass. I want an additional banjo and upgrade so saving up. My life has purpose and direction again. Life is gerat with banjo in it. Never too old to start something new, just keep the thoughts positive and you can achieve.
RockyLane - Posted - 08/17/2012: 11:38:22
I just started at 48. I used to use thumb and finger picks on the Guitar years ago. With arthritis now in My bones and fingers and an old left hand index finger injury that really hinders Me. After 30 Minutes on the Guitar , I am in severe pain. My Son's interest in the Banjo prompted Me to purchase one. And the forward roll has come pretty easy to Me ,Wish I had started 25 years ago , I might never be very good , But I throughly enjoy it and it keeps Me busy.
Bigbear1700 - Posted - 08/18/2012: 15:34:55
Will be 50 on November 4th and just bought my first cheap Banjo around October of 2011 or so, but just started taking lessons two or three months ago and can already play Foggy Mountain Breakdown at 70 bpm some days, and others maybe 60 bpm, but I'm not able to play it clean and smooth yet nor error free. I never in my life thought I'd ever decide to play anything with strings and anything you blow. At the age of 9 back in 1972 I watched a man play the accordion at church and was fasinated by it. I loved Poka music alot along with Bluegrass and Country. The church had a small accordion that wasn't being used and loaned it to me, I was so excited, but a week later we returned it due to having to move from Oshkosh, WI to Hollywood, FL. Later I took accordion lessons around age 10 but moved again and still never learned how to play except small parts of a song by ear. In Jr. High School it was the Cello, but didn't care for it so never learned to play that either. As the years went on I've owned 1 accordion and many keyboards, but never took lessons and just fooled around with them and played church songs by ear (white Keys only). Last year my sisters husban had given me a Yamaha DX7s digital programmable algorithm synthesizer so I bought some books to learn to play keyboard and just started practicing from a DVD when my Mother calls me and told me to check out this bluegrass band out on youtube named the Sleepyman Banjo Boys, so I checked them out and was blown away by Little 9 year old Johnny playing the Banjo! So after watching their video's amoung other peoples video's I decided to give it a shot and I'm not sorry I did because I am so happy with it and I practice most days no less than two hours a day. There have been times when I had to make myself pick up that banjo and practice after a hard hot day at work, but once I started playing it I didn't want to put it down, so I practiced for 4 or 5 hours that evening and if it weren't going on 12 midnight I would of practiced longer. I love it and I think it loved me.
Edited by - Bigbear1700 on 08/18/2012 15:40:44
ol dog - Posted - 08/21/2012: 08:06:49
Bought my first banjo in 1960. Fooled around with it trying to teach myself for 52 years. Started taking my first lesson this April . Humbling but fun. This is my first post .
Hankon5 - Posted - 08/21/2012: 14:27:43
quote:
Originally posted by ol dog
Bought my first banjo in 1960. Fooled around with it trying to teach myself for 52 years. Started taking my first lesson this April . Humbling but fun. This is my first post .
Welcome home. Good pepole here to help you have more fun in playing!
Austringer62 - Posted - 08/21/2012: 14:48:11
Turned 50 in February and started thinking about it. I got my banjo March 28th, the day Earl Scruggs passed away, not because he passed but, I wondered if maybe that was why he passed. Thought he had seen and heard it all.
walhooey - Posted - 08/21/2012: 20:47:38
started at 57 by building not playing, now I am playing a little and enjoying it
Hankon5 - Posted - 08/22/2012: 20:15:28
quote:
Originally posted by Austringer62
Turned 50 in February and started thinking about it. I got my banjo March 28th, the day Earl Scruggs passed away, not because he passed but, I wondered if maybe that was why he passed. Thought he had seen and heard it all.I've figured out how to place my fat fingers to make them fit between strings on the neck and my fine motor memory is still there. Speed is starting to pick up now. The only problem I've had starting so late in life is that my left little finger won't stretch away from my hand to make some chords and licks. Too many years doing things that didn't require that movement. Should have started a few decades sooner.
Jarvoid - Posted - 08/23/2012: 10:50:35
Aged 53 just started three weeks ago on a six stringer tuned to 5 but still with 6 string strings....week after bought a Deering ......bliss.......
Jarvo
rands - Posted - 08/23/2012: 11:24:34
I retired in January at age 59 and after stumbling onto this site, decided to buy a banjo. I have no formal training but have messed around with a guitar off and on most all my life and have banged on the piano keys for a lot of years so I figured I oughta be able to strum a chord or two. For whatever reason, I had been trying to make my guitar sound like a banjo for years. I found it to be much easier to get that 'banjo sound' with a banjo. Go figure. I bought a 'Goodtime Classic'. I got the Goodtime because you folks told me to and I got the Classic because I liked the color and it has the spikes. I got the openback but I'm not sure why. Maybe because I remember my grandfather playing an openback when I was young. Anyway, I've been doing the bum-ditty ever since.
gazcwatson - Posted - 11/18/2012: 01:31:49
quote: what a great idea a 50 plus group
Originally posted by JoeH
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.
WayneConrad - Posted - 11/18/2012: 07:18:41
I won't say I play the banjo yet, but I sure do torture it. Started a few months back at age 51.
The only time it's too late to start something new is when I'm dead.
G - Posted - 11/18/2012: 07:32:10
quote:
Originally posted by minstrelmike
Some lady wrote Dear Abby a long time ago and said she was thinking of going to college to become a doctor but that she was 45 and would be 52 in the 7 years it took to graduate.
Abby asked her old she'd be in seven years if she didn't go to college.
It's never too late until the day it is.
Ha !! Can't believe you know that story too! I read it around 1984 when I was in my twenties and thinking about doing a master's degree part-time. I heard that story, and it actually was a factor in my decision to do it. And it DID end up being a smart decision.
I tell that story all the time, especially since I teach college-age students.
G - Posted - 11/18/2012: 07:38:11
quote:
Originally posted by Banjo Hero
Wow. And here I thought picking up a new instrument in my mid-twenties was getting a late start!
A lot of septugenarian newbies! That's awesome. I should have that much vim and whatnot _now,_ at half of some of you guys' age!
I've been out of work for too long, and when I was working last, it was nights, so I end up periodically encountering daytime tv. Most of it appears to be aimed at stay-at-home mothers and retirees. Honestly, I don't see how people can stand watching most of this garbage, the ads are so insulting. But, that's a different rant entirely. I've seen that scary Dr. Oz guy (I have a friend who swears he's a vampire) or one of his ilk (TV doctors, not vampires. Unless...) talking about brain health and aging and stuff like that. Maybe it was the freakishly energetic guy on PBS. Don't matter. The point is, doing mental stuff like games and crosswords and logic puzzles and the like is good, but the top of the list appears to be - doing NEW things - ... Or doing normal things in novel ways. I was surprised to hear how such simple things as drinking your coffee with the other hand can contribute to elasticity in the whole brain there. Playing music _has_ to get those neurons, um, doing .. neuron..ey .. stuff.
So, picking up a new instrument and learning it later on in life is not only good for the soul, but for the brain, too! Keep on pickin': it's theraputic. We probably always knew that instinctively, but now it seems the docs agree with us!
Entertaining post :) I have heard/read similar stuff, and it makes perfect sense. I think it may be even more true for banjo over, say basic guitar strumming, because of the intricacy involved. (The other one that probably ranks high is learning a new language.)
G - Posted - 11/18/2012: 07:45:07
quote:
Originally posted by Austringer62
Turned 50 in February and started thinking about it. I got my banjo March 28th, the day Earl Scruggs passed away, not because he passed but, I wondered if maybe that was why he passed. Thought he had seen and heard it all.I've figured out how to place my fat fingers to make them fit between strings on the neck and my fine motor memory is still there. Speed is starting to pick up now. The only problem I've had starting so late in life is that my left little finger won't stretch away from my hand to make some chords and licks. Too many years doing things that didn't require that movement. Should have started a few decades sooner.
gclaunch - Posted - 11/18/2012: 08:06:24
I am 67 and started when I turned 60....Some regrets about not starting earlier? Maybe, but the way I look at it is that I am a heck of a lot further along than if if I didn't start when I did!
I played with a group yesterday and one of the wives said that I'm playing much better than when I "first started", (?????) Thanks, I guess........................Ha!
tidzee - Posted - 11/18/2012: 08:47:14
I am 48 and just started playing the banjo 6 weeks ago after years of playing mandolin and guitar and must say I enjoy it very much,and rewarding when you get some thing right, its never to late to learn just be happy with your level,
Bleedingfingers - Posted - 11/18/2012: 16:26:28
All of this is really encouraging. Now all of us who have come to learn the banjo later in life know we are not alone. I don't think anyone is too old to start, unless they are in an urn
Hankon5 - Posted - 11/19/2012: 22:45:33
I believe that having alot more time to do want we want ,when we are older, gives way to doing things that we always wanted to do!!!! All the hustle and bustle of work and family takes alot of time and ENERGY! So, looking at the ages on profiles, there are many of us started near or after retirement age. I know I would not have had the time to put a minimum of 2 hours /day on the banjo before I retired unless I ignored my job and the stress that came with it! For me, playing as much as I do now, and more goal driven to play well, amplified my learning abilities . I believe that, playing for three years now, I am definately farther ahead of the curve that I would have been in a 3 year period if I had picked up the banjo years ago. If that sentence made sense!
I guess that's one item to check off on my BUCKET list!
Edited by - Hankon5 on 11/19/2012 22:48:51
MOUNTAIN GOAT - Posted - 11/20/2012: 17:43:24
There is a huge difference in learning an instrument late in life. As a kid, my grand parents chose what instrument I would learn, where to go have lessons and made sure I practiced 2 or 3 hours a day. I hated it. As an old fart, I chose the banjo and when to play and how much to play. My opinion is the noise that comes out of this contraption is pretty darn cool!
jscourt - Posted - 11/20/2012: 18:00:32
Hey, Mt Goat,
You're not old at 59...I'm 71; that's old!!!! I started at age 50 and it's been worth every day of practice. I'll never be "fast" but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I like the sounds I make and so does a whole heck of a lot of other people. I hope to be playing the banjo for many more years. A little bit of progress is made every year.
Jerry, in Rockport, TX
MOUNTAIN GOAT - Posted - 11/20/2012: 20:37:42
Exactly It is the noise that comes out of these contraptions that puts a schmile on your face
Stevensi - Posted - 11/21/2012: 02:28:02
I just started, at a few days short of my 53rd birthday. Like others have said, I would not have had the time or the patience earlier in life. I chose the banjo because it is easy to hear on recordings and I love the sound. Nobody ever mistakes it for anything else, apart from someone who asked me if it was a ukelele!!
Too old to boogie, too young to rock-n-roll, so I will stick to bluegrass.
Old Man - Posted - 11/21/2012: 03:02:17
I started at 55 and all kind of surgeries and now it is still late in life and am still plucking along. The last 3 years I have made good strides on the old banjo.Timing has all ways been a issue with Me. I guess I will plunk along till they stick me under ground.
DudewithSideburns - Posted - 11/21/2012: 05:29:56
i started playing the banjo at age 19, in the summer i will be playing for one year and i am still in love with my banjo.
Just learned cripple creek and still working on dueling banjos.
I think it does not matter at what point in life you start playing the banjo, as long as you love what you do you'll be fine.
God bless y'all!
rfrizzle2 - Posted - 11/21/2012: 06:01:32
Hi there I'm Rich Freeze I started at age 61 and I'm playing with a band and I'm having having fun.
caloscalzo - Posted - 11/21/2012: 06:48:02
Restarted after a 30 year hiatus at 57. Going strong now at 62.
dflowers - Posted - 11/21/2012: 22:32:41
I have been playing for a couple of years now. I bought three Dr Banjo CD's and learned a lot of the basics. I play by ear and mostly for my own enjoyment. It has been a a slow metered process but the fulfillment is when I start noodling around and realize, hey, I am playin 99 Years and One Dark Day or The Battle of New Orleans. Got to love that. I am sixty-five. Don
BanjoKat2 - Posted - 11/22/2012: 07:05:58
Started at age 45. Been playing 3 years. Stick with it!
I was Clueless as to how to play an instrument.
After a couple years I started to understand more. Some of it just has to come with time.
Some folks advance more quickly - depends on the time & effort put in, your musical background,get a teacher, play with others, etc.
I play like some people knit, fish or read - just piddle & have fun.
Upgraded from my $225 Savannah banjo to a Crafters of TN banjo & I'm in heaven.
Love Banjo Hangout!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving all!
pcfive - Posted - 11/24/2012: 16:36:46
I started at about age 55 and now I am 60. Since I already knew how to play some other string instruments, the biggest challenge with bg banjo for me has been speed. Some people say you can't learn to play fast if you're old, but I didn't want to believe it.
I never took any banjo lessons, because no teacher can teach you how to play fast, with good timing and tone. In my opinion, that only comes from many hours of practicing.
So I have been focused on the basic mechanics of playing rolls and licks, and I practice one or two hours every day.
I really have been getting it. Every year I am much better than the year before. Now I can play FMB at 130 bpm, sometimes 140 or 150.
Lately I have been spending an hour with the metronome every day, starting at 100 bpm, playing songs I know well like Fireball Mail and FMB, over and over and over. I gradually turn up the metronome.
I can play fast and loud and with pretty good timing and tone. I want to get a lot better, but for now I am so glad to find out it doesn't matter if you're old. You can play fast, as long as you keep on practicing every day.
If you are self-motivating, like me, then you don't really need lessons. One thing that keeps me inspired and motivated is the jam sessions.
When I have some extra time, I work on my instruction books. But I spend the majority of my practice time just plugging away on the basic mechanics.
It has to feel effortless. I used to work so hard at it, and now it's so much easier. All because of practice.
So don't worry if you're old. Just make a decision that you are going to learn how to play that thing and don't give up.
Richard McVicker - Posted - 11/24/2012: 17:58:46
I started late at 45. I am still not the greatest picker but because I am an inventor and recognized the major problem with thumb picks and tired of a sore thumb . I now hold two patents on thumb picks. Check out some of the diagrams on my home page relating to pick problems.
Edited by - Richard McVicker on 11/24/2012 18:00:59
njwater - Posted - 11/25/2012: 05:18:35
quote:
Originally posted by rfreeze
Hi there I'm Rich Freeze I started at age 61 and I'm playing with a band and I'm having having fun.
scottyz - Posted - 11/25/2012: 08:04:40
Good morning all :
Bought a banjo many years ago , played around a little with it but lost interest (mainly no time trying to run a business and all). So it got put in the closet and forgot about till some months back . Got it out of the closet ,cleaned it up ,put some strings on it , tuned it up and the rest is history . Bought some DVD's , a couple books and at the age of 64 I'am having a blast. Got more time and truely look forward everyday to just pick'n away. Should have stayed with it years ago,some of the best stress management you could ever have.
Happy Pick'n
Scotty
Nom de Guerre - Posted - 11/25/2012: 08:25:13
I'm 47, and I've been playing since just August of this year, although I have played the guitar since I was about 10. I'm really having fun with the banjo, and I think my finger style guitar background has helped me pick up the banjo at a faster pace than I would have otherwise. I do wish I had started many years ago, but as they say, "better late than never!"
Edited by - Nom de Guerre on 11/25/2012 08:26:54
ITACUD - Posted - 11/25/2012: 13:39:49
46 yo and started this past August, and I"m really enjoying it...especially since it almost sounds like music and I'm making it..~~!
drew-gurbach - Posted - 11/25/2012: 14:27:44
I started when I was 13, didnt learn the "right way" until I was 18, got a "boost" when I was 24, didnt take it real serious until I was in my late 40's
pcfive - Posted - 11/25/2012: 16:12:03
quote:
Originally posted by scottyz
Good morning all :
Bought a banjo many years ago , played around a little with it but lost interest (mainly no time trying to run a business and all). So it got put in the closet and forgot about till some months back . Got it out of the closet ,cleaned it up ,put some strings on it , tuned it up and the rest is history . Bought some DVD's , a couple books and at the age of 64 I'am having a blast. Got more time and truely look forward everyday to just pick'n away. Should have stayed with it years ago,some of the best stress management you could ever have.
Happy Pick'n
Scotty
You're right, there is no better stress management than practicing an instrument, and no better instrument than bluegrass banjo.
The past couple years of my life were a real stress test, but I kept on practicing and jamming no matter what. It helped me stay calm, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. Practicing is part of my daily prayer and meditation. No matter how hectic life gets, I always make time for it.
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