TKarrow - Posted - 11/25/2012:  17:40:15

I'm 68 years old.. Just retired in April this year .. I've been building some instruments for years but never was never much good at playing them.. A couple months ago, I bought some parts on eBay and put together a banjo, then built a Pete Seger type long neck from scratch and then another with a shorter neck.. Now I'm working on learning some rolls and some chords.. I figure I should be pretty good at it in another 10 years if I live that long.. Meanwhile I'm building a resophonic banjo thingamajig-- should be done in a couple/three weeks (I hope)
My niece told me to order the Janet Davis book yesterday so I did.. Hopefully, I will progress faster with a little direction..

dmcc67 - Posted - 11/26/2012:  19:51:43

quote:

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Originally posted by Unclouie

Ya'll inspire me, I thought age 43 was late start. 

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I'm with you! I started from scratch at 44, thought I was out of time....You guys have given me a new hope!

aikenkmark - Posted - 11/27/2012:  06:58:50

Just starting at 52. Fell in love with the banjo after seeing Steve Martin's stand up act in the late 70's. Always wanted to learn, but life just seemed to get in the way. Went to DelFest last year and my love was renewed and I decided to finally start learning. Going slow, but having fun.

Hankon5 - Posted - 11/27/2012:  09:40:56

quote:

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Originally posted by aikenkmark

Just starting at 52. Fell in love with the banjo after seeing Steve Martin's stand up act in the late 70's. Always wanted to learn, but life just seemed to get in the way. Went to DelFest last year and my love was renewed and I decided to finally start learning. Going slow, but having fun.

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 Good for you , my friend!!! The sound draws you to it!!!!

chuckles50 - Posted - 11/27/2012:  13:56:06

Started playing Banjo at 55 years old, so that's just over 7 years ago now. Had played guitar and keyboards since a kid before that. Only regret is I didn't start sooner but am using these senior years to enjoy all there is about learning this wonderful instrument. Practicing 1-2 hours a day is still a bit of a luxury as I am yet to retire, but I do get in at least an hour a day. I now play along with some youtube video's. It's great fun and good practice for drive and tempo.

Hankon5 - Posted - 11/30/2012:  13:31:56

quote:

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Originally posted by chuckles50

Started playing Banjo at 55 years old, so that's just over 7 years ago now. Had played guitar and keyboards since a kid before that. Only regret is I didn't start sooner but am using these senior years to enjoy all there is about learning this wonderful instrument. Practicing 1-2 hours a day is still a bit of a luxury as I am yet to retire, but I do get in at least an hour a day. I now play along with some youtube video's. It's great fun and good practice for drive and tempo.

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 Wait 'till you retire.........Hours and Hours of playing and watching  5:00 PM traffic go by with all the bumper crashes!!!!

Zaks57 - Posted - 12/07/2012:  11:29:30

Just started the Banjo at 55, want to play clawhammer not interested in speed and don't think about my age, I just play and enjoy. Well done guys just keep playing.

john trammell - Posted - 12/07/2012:  19:13:50

Started at 49 been at it two weeks with just the computer tabs ect. Wasnt real happy with what I thought I was learning. Went to my first lesson and found I was doing afew things wrong, (Who would have thought right). Any how I am really happy with the first lesson and will have many more. Maybe one day I could call myself a Banjo picker! Well one has to dream doesnt he? Lol Thanks for letting me lurk until now.

AlwyzPicknSumthin - Posted - 12/08/2012:  04:59:18

I started this year in april and I am 24, i am hoping by the time im about 40 ill be decent LOL

pickonSue - Posted - 12/13/2012:  08:11:53

Started at 53 or 54 mainly off and on but now that I have more time on my hands am able to practice daily and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. Playing the banjo makes me smile.

wolf8895 - Posted - 12/13/2012:  19:05:45

I'm 42 and started 8 days ago.  My Dad attempted to learn to play when I was about 12 years old and I wish I had made him take me to lessons with him.  But you know how it is when you are a teenager, anything that you're parents like, you have to hate it.  Realized when I was in college that bluegrass music is cool when I heard an old Old and in the Way CD.  If Jerry Garcia could pick a banjo then it had to be cool right?

Anyway, I've got sore fingers and love it.

Hankon5 - Posted - 12/13/2012:  23:09:31

quote:

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Originally posted by wolf8895

I'm 42 and started 8 days ago.  My Dad attempted to learn to play when I was about 12 years old and I wish I had made him take me to lessons with him.  But you know how it is when you are a teenager, anything that you're parents like, you have to hate it.  Realized when I was in college that bluegrass music is cool when I heard an old Old and in the Way CD.  If Jerry Garcia could pick a banjo then it had to be cool right?

Anyway, I've got sore fingers and love it.

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 Welcome!!! It's a FUN ride with no end , but many curves!!!

pastorharry - Posted - 12/14/2012:  00:11:30

Started at age 9, played for a few years, then in came folk rock and rock, etc. Quit till age 44, been pickin quite a bit since, am 61 now.

Pjotor - Posted - 12/14/2012:  02:28:36

Started at 35 five years ago, which in this thread is early.

Chadman - Posted - 12/14/2012:  21:29:06

started at 40.. about 8 lessons in with my banjo teacher, things are going good, i'm pleased with my progress.. had always wanted to learn the 5 string banjo, no lookin back now!

banjaboy - Posted - 12/15/2012:  08:19:41

I'm 62, second time playing. My wife passed away 8 years ago and at that time I was just getting into playing my RB4.I was devastated by her passing and as you cant play a sad song on a banjo I stupidly sold it, biggest mistake I had made in a long time. Anyway, 8 years later I am happy again and just bought an RK 35 and looking forward to getting it and getting going again, very excited!!!

Hankon5 - Posted - 12/15/2012:  12:41:47

quote:

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Originally posted by banjaboy

I'm 62, second time playing. My wife passed away 8 years ago and at that time I was just getting into playing my RB4.I was devastated by her passing and as you cant play a sad song on a banjo I stupidly sold it, biggest mistake I had made in a long time. Anyway, 8 years later I am happy again and just bought an RK 35 and looking forward to getting it and getting going again, very excited!!!

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 Good for you my friend!!! I wish you the best and extremely HAPPY PICKIN'!!!

banjaboy - Posted - 12/18/2012:  08:38:04

Thanks Hankon, I'm retired now and have the time to get into it again without losing touch with my guitar.

banjunior - Posted - 12/19/2012:  10:08:15

Wow, I'm not alone! Started seriously about 6 years ago but stopped for about 4 ... hit a plateau. Now, at 56, jumping in again. The break seemed to help. Turned me into a pretty good guitar finger picker and now the banjo feels natural.

banjaboy - Posted - 12/19/2012:  10:51:43

You are a youngster banjunior lol!!!

Hankon5 - Posted - 12/19/2012:  15:32:44

quote:

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Originally posted by banjaboy

You are a youngster banjunior lol!!!

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 !!

banjunior - Posted - 12/20/2012:  14:30:16

quote:

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Originally posted by banjaboy

You are a youngster banjunior lol!!!

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Tell that to my teenage daughter! Better yet, text it to her ;-)

Briiian - Posted - 12/21/2012:  15:49:14

I started at 29... Almost a year in, and not much to show any of my friends in the way of my improvement, but I notice improvement every time I play just a little more & it always makes me happy. I'm playing for me after all, no one else :)

RonR - Posted - 12/21/2012:  21:05:57

I justed started learning 5 months ago at 58. I am amazed that I am actually developing muscle memory and can see small improvements weekly.

Hankon5 - Posted - 12/22/2012:  10:14:15

quote:

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Originally posted by RonR

I justed started learning 5 months ago at 58. I am amazed that I am actually developing muscle memory and can see small improvements weekly.

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 You will continue to be amazed.  Don't let frustration set in when you hit a few bumps>  Work thru them and you will be AMAZED again!!! Happy Pick'n!

woodchip - Posted - 12/23/2012:  18:46:18

Wow, I thought I was late starting at 54.  Been playing guitar 40+ years and wanted to try something different.  Bought a nice second hand banjo great fun so long as I am patient with myself.

AdrienRLB - Posted - 01/14/2013:  08:00:49

Hi, I am really new to the banjo thingy, aged 55, never played an instrument before, but guess what.. yep I'm hooked. I paint pictures,  and needed something to relax my mind and eyes by giving me a break from thinking colors and patterns, decided to try the banjo, it helps a lot, I practice several times a day during my painting, painting has benifited from the banjo, and i have benefited from it as well, Hence I'm hooked. mind you I'm not very good at it, but with time i may improve.

arielslim - Posted - 01/14/2013:  10:23:10

I started 4 months ago at age 60. Always loved the sound of a banjo and love it even more now that I'm learning how to make that sound.                  "money is only money,but a banjo is a banjo!"

Aitor - Posted - 01/14/2013:  13:27:49

I started a few months ago with 42.

Edited by - Aitor on 01/14/2013 13:28:14

bluegrassbrown - Posted - 01/14/2013:  19:50:25

Jist seriously took to pickn' in the last couple of years. Something I look forward to do every chance I git. Haven't found enough folks to jam with though. Gotta git more out there and connect. Best way to improve.

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/14/2013:  20:06:46

Congrats guys!!! The tone of a banjo is addictive and makes one happy!! Keep on pickin'!!

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/14/2013:  20:07:34

quote:

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Originally posted by arielslim

I started 4 months ago at age 60. Always loved the sound of a banjo and love it even more now that I'm learning how to make that sound.                  "money is only money,but a banjo is a banjo!"

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 Well said my friend!

jenneboradio - Posted - 01/14/2013:  23:06:26

Hi! I´m 57 and my first banjo will hopefully arrive in a few hours... Wich means I will start later today ;-)

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/15/2013:  00:19:17

quote:

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Originally posted by jenneboradio

Hi! I´m 57 and my first banjo will hopefully arrive in a few hours... Wich means I will start later today ;-)

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 Good for you my friend!!! The sound will mesmerize you!!!  Good luck and keep pickin'!

Cotton - Posted - 01/16/2013:  07:08:52

Started at 66, I turned 70 December 12, 2012. Still trying to get better!

vleitch - Posted - 01/16/2013:  07:52:35

I'm 45 and my wife completely surprised me with a banjo for Christmas. I never really gave it much thought before then. I did teach myself guitar, loosely speaking, and can read tab and that definitely helps.

I am now completely addicted to the banjo and can't stop practising. I have been going through the Hal Leonard Banjo Method Book 1 and can play Cripple Creek, Foggy Mountain Top and Little Birdie, to an acceptable standard. I find that really understanding the melody of the tune first is very important to how quickly the picking progresses - without having the melody in your head the picking just becomes a load of notes, in my opinion.

I'm really looking forward to many years playing this wonderful instrument.

Vic (Scotland)

joshrx2010 - Posted - 01/16/2013:  19:07:31

I'm 27; wish I would have started when I was 2.......

Railman5 - Posted - 01/17/2013:  12:38:19

picked up new banjo last two weeks at 69 always wanted to learn but sidetracked all my life. to many irons, but will put all into this,

brummeister1 - Posted - 01/17/2013:  12:42:40

I'm 31 and happy I found banjo in my life :)

KenBirmingham - Posted - 01/17/2013:  22:08:25

I started @ 64, using the Murphy Method Vol 1 now onto Vol2 . Not up to speed yet but getting there. I`ve loved the sound of the banjo since first watching the Beverly Hillbillies when I was a kid in Failsworth Manchester U.K. but could never afford to buy one, now I can so I`m giving it some wellie.

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/17/2013:  23:54:00

quote:

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Originally posted by Railman5

picked up new banjo last two weeks at 69 always wanted to learn but sidetracked all my life. to many irons, but will put all into this,

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 Sounds familiar!!!! Pick  N Grin!!

tkocason - Posted - 01/18/2013:  08:51:01

Started at 51.....is that later in life?????
It feels okay to me....

banjaboy - Posted - 01/18/2013:  10:53:15

Just a pup lol!!!!

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/18/2013:  18:43:28

quote:

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Originally posted by banjaboy

Just a pup lol!!!!

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 Yah! And I bet you, your banjo really barks too~!!!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 01/18/2013 18:44:15

OldTimeGal - Posted - 01/18/2013:  20:21:29

quote:

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Originally posted by AdrienRLB

Hi, I am really new to the banjo thingy, aged 55, never played an instrument before, but guess what.. yep I'm hooked. I paint pictures,  and needed something to relax my mind and eyes by giving me a break from thinking colors and patterns, decided to try the banjo, it helps a lot, I practice several times a day during my painting, painting has benifited from the banjo, and i have benefited from it as well, Hence I'm hooked. mind you I'm not very good at it, but with time i may improve.

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Well, your banjo can benefit also, join the 'Decorated Banjo Head' group...as another artist, I too, find that banjo playing works wonders in clearing the head from all that creative thought. :-)

alishabear97 - Posted - 01/18/2013:  20:28:34

I'm old in my book... Wish I was a toddler prodigy lol

Hankon5 - Posted - 01/18/2013:  22:52:22

quote:

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Originally posted by alishabear97



I'm old in my book... Wish I was a toddler prodigy lol

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 Young lady ..you have a ton of years to pick!! Enjoy the adventures!

alishabear97 - Posted - 01/19/2013:  09:29:54

quote:

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Originally posted by Hankon5

quote:

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Originally posted by alishabear97



I'm old in my book... Wish I was a toddler prodigy lol

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 Young lady ..you have a ton of years to pick!! Enjoy the adventures!

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rbergesch - Posted - 01/19/2013:  13:00:13

Started playing in high school, back in the folk era. I heard bluegrass, liked it, but didn't learn much about it. Went to college, where I didn't play much banjo.



R&R was the rage in the late 60's, of course. I always liked the country side of rock: the Byrds, some Dead, New Riders, Pure Prarie League, Dylan, the Band, and of course that great country R&R band, the Stones...



Never forgot banjos, Earl Scruggs, Eric Weissberg, Pete Seeger, or those magnificent beer-swilling Irish pubsters with their long-neck banjos. A few years ago my piano-playing son put on the  "Dueling Banjos" cut from Deliverance, and at the age of 61 I signed up for some real lessons and started playing again.

My current learning focus is on bluegrass, and while I regret not playing for nearly 40 years, that is water under the bridge. I learned much about other music in the meantime, and I just have a lot of catching up to do.

Edited by - rbergesch on 01/19/2013 13:15:19