Hankon5 - Posted - 03/12/2013:  11:28:32

quote:

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Originally posted by satelliteguy01

I am 55 and just started a couple of weeks ago. I was very fortunate to find a banjo teacher in my area, that 1-was very close to where i live & 2- Lots of years of experience. I wish i had stayed with this when i was 15, but not a lot of banjo teachers in So. Cal. If i had the internet & a teacher as a kid, i would have stayed with it. But it is what it is, i really enjoy learning how to play. I've been following the Murphy Method and that seems to be working out very well,  she;s a good teacher and goes slow enough to show you and to explain things in detail.. so to everyone out there thats in this age group...keep on pickin.....Wait!!!........is that the Grand Ole Opry calling???...No,darn  just some telemarketer....:-(....Oh well, maybe next year...

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 You will never know....But it's fun thinking that way!!! Keep on Pick'n!

BKJacksonAZ - Posted - 03/12/2013:  19:45:20

I'm not only inspired by the variety of ages represented (I'm 47), but also by the fact that several posters have never played another instrument. I often think to myself "What are you DOING? You have no musical background or natural know how!" and then I think how much fun the banjo is and say "What the heck. I'm playing anyway." 8-)

Myra - Posted - 03/13/2013:  04:35:58

I started at 43. I am now 54. I two a few years off thr banjo to focus on guitar. Now I am back on the banjo.

ildertongap - Posted - 03/13/2013:  07:11:40

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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 Now that is what I call exciting. Congratulations!

Geoff 

Hankon5 - Posted - 03/13/2013:  19:21:31

quote:

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Originally posted by Myra

I started at 43. I am now 54. I two a few years off thr banjo to focus on guitar. Now I am back on the banjo.

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 Welcome back..there is no sweeter sound than a banjo!!!

Myra - Posted - 03/15/2013:  17:59:17

quote:

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Originally posted by Hankon5

quote:

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Originally posted by Myra

I started at 43. I am now 54. I two a few years off thr banjo to focus on guitar. Now I am back on the banjo.

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 Welcome back..there is no sweeter sound than a banjo!!!

---

DuncanK - Posted - 03/15/2013:  20:15:01

I started last year at the age of 49. I just turned 50 and I'm still loving it so I bought a new banjo!

I wanted to learn in High School, about 35 years ago, and asked for a banjo for Christmas. I remember seeing the shiny 5-string banjo on the wall of the music store and falling in love! We had some Earl Scruggs records which I loved and listened to all the time. We also had a lot of other music, I liked anything that was good. But I guess my parents couldn't afford to buy one because they bought me a banjo uke instead. I kinda liked it and learned some chords, but it wasn't what I was looking for and soon dropped it.

My brother took up rock guitar, has kept up with it and he is excellent. I took up electric bass, played that for a few years, then sold it (hated the rock band logistics except when playing with my brother) played acoustic guitar half-heatedly for a while, sold it.

Took up classical guitar quite enthusiastically for several years, but never got very good. Picked it up again a few years ago, but my fingernails are not up to it, too thin and brittle. And let me tell you, it is really hard to play well even if you have good nails! I said offhand to my wife that maybe I should take up the banjo since I could use finger picks.

Well that stuck in my mind and all the excitement from 35 years ago came flooding back. I think after all this time I finally found my instrument, and it turns out it was the first one I ever wanted to play. Now all I do is listen to bluegrass and pick. I'm lucky enough to work at home, so whenever I need a break I pick up the banjo from the stand and start picking.

Hankon5 - Posted - 03/15/2013:  20:50:38

quote:

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Originally posted by DuncanK

I started last year at the age of 49. I just turned 50 and I'm still loving it so I bought a new banjo!



I wanted to learn in High School, about 35 years ago, and asked for a banjo for Christmas. I remember seeing the shiny 5-string banjo on the wall of the music store and falling in love! We had some Earl Scruggs records which I loved and listened to all the time. We also had a lot of other music, I liked anything that was good. But I guess my parents couldn't afford to buy one because they bought me a banjo uke instead. I kinda liked it and learned some chords, but it wasn't what I was looking for and soon dropped it.



My brother took up rock guitar, has kept up with it and he is excellent. I took up electric bass, played that for a few years, then sold it (hated the rock band logistics except when playing with my brother) played acoustic guitar half-heatedly for a while, sold it.



Took up classical guitar quite enthusiastically for several years, but never got very good. Picked it up again a few years ago, but my fingernails are not up to it, too thin and brittle. And let me tell you, it is really hard to play well even if you have good nails! I said offhand to my wife that maybe I should take up the banjo since I could use finger picks.



Well that stuck in my mind and all the excitement from 35 years ago came flooding back. I think after all this time I finally found my instrument, and it turns out it was the first one I ever wanted to play. Now all I do is listen to bluegrass and pick. I'm lucky enough to work at home, so whenever I need a break I pick up the banjo from the stand and start picking.

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 I't's never to late ..I took it up at age 62 and I'm 65 now.. I am totally HOOKED on the sound... and now that I can pick reasonably well..it's getting seriously FUN!! Welcome to the most addictive sound around!!! BLUEGRASS!!!

craigcox - Posted - 03/17/2013:  20:28:45

I was 47. I now have been playing 8 years. I've made the most progress by joining a jam class and tring to figure out my own solos.

piefoot - Posted - 03/18/2013:  15:50:10

Technically, I guess I started way back in my late high school years. I was also learning to play the electric bass guitar. I played the bass in a "Top 40" rock and roll band throughout my 20's and 30's. Left all that behind when my hairline dropped (or my part widened, depending on your perspective). I just started re-familiarizing myself with the old 5-string at the age of 57. I'm having a ball but I need to find other like minded acoustic musicians in my area to jam with. I love bluegrass and gospel. Shouldn't be too hard to find other players to buddy up with.

Hankon5 - Posted - 03/18/2013:  17:08:04

quote:

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Originally posted by piefoot

Technically, I guess I started way back in my late high school years. I was also learning to play the electric bass guitar. I played the bass in a "Top 40" rock and roll band throughout my 20's and 30's. Left all that behind when my hairline dropped (or my part widened, depending on your perspective). I just started re-familiarizing myself with the old 5-string at the age of 57. I'm having a ball but I need to find other like minded acoustic musicians in my area to jam with. I love bluegrass and gospel. Shouldn't be too hard to find other players to buddy up with.

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 I to, live gospel bluegrass.......You'l find some others to jam with, I'm sure!! Good Luck

bluegrassgranny - Posted - 03/19/2013:  07:04:04

I started picking when I was 56 and that was 3 years ago. You do the math.  I try to practice at least an hour more like 2 a day and I love every second I pick. Even the mistakes sound good at this point! Keep on pickin'!

TKarrow - Posted - 03/19/2013:  07:49:58

68 years old and just started last summer although I have been playing my homemade rezophonic long necked mountain dulcimers and native american style flutes for a few years..  Not progressing very fast but I'm having fun..  To me, it's more fun building them than playing them..

Terry

Hankon5 - Posted - 03/19/2013:  08:22:18

quote:

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Originally posted by TertryK

68 years old and just started last summer although I have been playing my homemade rezophonic long necked mountain dulcimers and native american style flutes for a few years..  Not progressing very fast but I'm having fun..  To me, it's more fun building them than playing them..

Terry

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 Good story!  Well, Welcome to a new adventure that that gives you more fun than a kid on a trampoline!!

NotVeryGood - Posted - 03/19/2013:  08:56:14

This is a really inspiring thread!

Wing Nut - Posted - 03/20/2013:  15:28:30

I am 49 and just ordered my first banjo five days ago and am so very anxious to receive it. I am hoping that it will serve as a good stress reliever for when I come home from my job. I have a wide appreciation for the use of banjo in rock, Irish & Celtic folk, and Bluegrass music. I'm building a bucket list of songs I'd like to learn in the years ahead. I realize it will take years to get even moderately proficient, but I can't wait to get started!

~Andy

Hankon5 - Posted - 03/21/2013:  08:50:18

Congrats!! It's exciting times...just have fun!!

bluegrassbrown - Posted - 04/08/2013:  17:59:07

Thanks for the question. I can now take some of 'guilt off' of not advancing as well as I think I should. Being fifty five and glad to be alive. Best pickin' a head!

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/08/2013:  21:18:06

You bet---Started at 62 and am pick'n like crazy.. Even been on stage a few times with a band....LOVE the sound. A banjo sound draws people in when the hear it. It is a wonderful musical instrument!!! You havs many years of fun ahead!

wifeof1 - Posted - 04/09/2013:  05:40:28

I just started in Jan. of this year. I'm 57 and finally got the ransom paid, so now I have time to enjoy my own noise. Even though I make a lot of mistakes, I found my 91 year old mom in the nursing home is the best audience. She doesn't hear too well, and by the time I finish playing the 3rd song, she has already forgotten the first one, so I can start over again.

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/09/2013:  08:52:15

quote:

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Originally posted by wifeof1

 

I just started in Jan. of this year. I'm 57 and finally got the ransom paid, so now I have time to enjoy my own noise. Even though I make a lot of mistakes, I found my 91 year old mom in the nursing home is the best audience. She doesn't hear too well, and by the time I finish playing the 3rd song, she has already forgotten the first one, so I can start over again.

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Nice picture painting!! Welcome, my friend to BHO!! Your going to have a ton of fun. I wish you the best and the pickyest pick'n ever! Yep ..it's the SOUND!

tonegrass75 - Posted - 04/09/2013:  14:38:37

I just started banjo and am 37 yrs old. I have played guitar for several years and also some mandolin. I am self taught on those two instruments, but decided to go the route of a teacher for the banjo. So far, the banjo is more fun than guitar or mandolin to me. Really enjoying it!

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/09/2013:  15:49:16

quote:

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Originally posted by tonegrass75

 

I just started banjo and am 37 yrs old. I have played guitar for several years and also some mandolin. I am self taught on those two instruments, but decided to go the route of a teacher for the banjo. So far, the banjo is more fun than guitar or mandolin to me. Really enjoying it!

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Again..WELCOME!!! BHO people here will help you achieve your banjo goals. Many professions on this site!  As i mentioned above...it's all about the SOUND!!!  Congrats and keep pickn!

stickfigurine - Posted - 04/09/2013:  23:53:29

Wow. I want to thank y'all for making me feel so young! As if starting at 40 (ok, 39) and saying y'all (I grew up in California, despite living in eastern Kentucky now) is a a curse - I know where Harlan and Hazard are even though sometimes it's hard to find a little brew 

I've dabbled with a lot of musical instruments over my life, but none with any passion or real success. I have no idea why, but the banjo is that little bell that goes off in your head and says suddenly "THIS IS WHAT YOU MUST DO". I've always loved bluegrass but it's more than just the style; there's something about the instrument itself. I love Scruggs-style (which will always be my first love) but I'm looking forward to taking up clawhammer someday. There's almost no weird clank that comes out of this instrument - from Pete Seeger's two-finger to Irish jigs to the Shamisen - that doesn't tickle my fancy. Every day I learn more... and I cannot wait to learn even more.

Why do I pick the banjo? I have to agree with "because it's too hard to bow". I don't know what else I would do with this wacky offspring of a snare drum and tennis racket. It's my redheaded stepsister that is somehow even weirder than I am. I love her.

Jeff

Edited by - stickfigurine on 04/10/2013 00:07:46

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/10/2013:  13:46:34

Welcome!!! That's funny! Happy pickn'.

blksmth2 - Posted - 04/12/2013:  13:25:33

Howdy! Started late in life too! About 3 years ago now! I'm semi retired and work mostly weekends; my progress has been off and on. Life has a way of getting in the way. Practicing more now. at least an hour a day if I can manage it! Don't learn very quickly any more. Keep on picking and remember it's a journey...enjoy!

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/12/2013:  13:33:10

quote:

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Originally posted by blksmth2

 

Howdy! Started late in life too! About 3 years ago now! I'm semi retired and work mostly weekends; my progress has been off and on. Life has a way of getting in the way. Practicing more now. at least an hour a day if I can manage it! Don't learn very quickly any more. Keep on picking and remember it's a journey...enjoy!

 

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You've got it...Congrats!!!

Mary Temple - Posted - 04/12/2013:  15:27:43

I hope you get Banjo Newsletter. It is such an encouraging publication for all of us. Read the article by Dr. Josh Turknett, "Your Brain on Banjo." "...the human brain retains its capacity for adaptation and change throughout our lives, and it is for this reason that, even if innate talents or predispositions exist at all, they end up virtually irrelevant in the final analysis...the brain you create through quality practice. It is not determined by inborn traits possessed by just a select few...when stagnation occurs in our music development, it isn't because we lack the DNA needed to progress, but because we fail to exploit the mechanisms of neuroplasticity that support learning...so practice hard, practice smart, and never buy into the myth that you don't have what it takes." November 2011 Banjo Newsletter

Edited by - Mary Temple on 04/12/2013 15:32:06

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/12/2013:  16:06:06

quote:

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Originally posted by Mary Temple

 

I hope you get Banjo Newsletter. It is such an encouraging publication for all of us. Read the article by Dr. Josh Turknett, "Your Brain on Banjo." "...the human brain retains its capacity for adaptation and change throughout our lives, and it is for this reason that, even if innate talents or predispositions exist at all, they end up virtually irrelevant in the final analysis...the brain you create through quality practice. It is not determined by inborn traits possessed by just a select few...when stagnation occurs in our music development, it isn't because we lack the DNA needed to progress, but because we fail to exploit the mechanisms of neuroplasticity that support learning...so practice hard, practice smart, and never buy into the myth that you don't have what it takes." November 2011 Banjo Newsletter

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Thanx Mary....Good reading!  I understood your 1st word!!!  Just kidd'n!!

ildertongap - Posted - 04/13/2013:  06:25:46

quote: Hi Terry,

At 61 and with absolutely no musical background I have only been playing for about 17 months, but it is an amazing source of joy. I found your comments about building instruments very interesting. I have been a hobbyist woodworker for too many years to remember, and have a reasonably well outfitted shop. I thought that possibly in a couple years I might try building a banjo. Any thoughts on the matter.

Geoff

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Originally posted by TertryK

 

68 years old and just started last summer although I have been playing my homemade rezophonic long necked mountain dulcimers and native american style flutes for a few years..  Not progressing very fast but I'm having fun..  To me, it's more fun building them than playing them..

Terry

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aspguitars - Posted - 04/15/2013:  14:38:19

HI! all from UK. I started playing about two weeks ago. I'm 60 in September this year. I was very pleased to see that it's never too late to start.  Getting a good teacher is definately helpful, but there are so many good free videos on Youtube at the moment that I think you can get on quite well without one to one tuition. Finding a decent Banjo Tutor in my area is quite hard. I've been looking for the last 3 weeks, and the nearest one is about 45 miles away and he charges £25 per hour.

Rob Bourassa seems to be an excellent player and tutor. I'm still trying to find out how to get on to Skype to do some lessons with him. I'm not sure if he's still doing the Banjo though.

TakinItNorth - Posted - 04/16/2013:  01:10:08

I'm 48 and to me that is to late, just started playing in 2012 and I still have a long way to go.

TakinItNorth - Posted - 04/16/2013:  01:10:19

I'm 48 and to me that is to late, just started playing in 2012 and I still have a long way to go.

Moosethird - Posted - 04/16/2013:  20:18:32

Having never played anything and with no musical background, along with the advice of my doctor to find something to help me decompress. At the age of 49 I chose the Banjo and for the past year I can't begin to describe the peace that it has brought me. I still have a long ways to go and I am looking forward to every minute of it.

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/18/2013:  19:33:45

quote:

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Originally posted by Moosethird

 

Having never played anything and with no musical background, along with the advice of my doctor to find something to help me decompress. At the age of 49 I chose the Banjo and for the past year I can't begin to describe the peace that it has brought me. I still have a long ways to go and I am looking forward to every minute of it.

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That's great my friend!!! I whish you much fun and happiness in your pickn'!!!

ejimb0 - Posted - 04/18/2013:  21:01:48

I have a brand new student. He is 81.

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/18/2013:  21:45:30

quote:

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Originally posted by ejimb0

 

I have a brand new student. He is 81.

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Now that's LATE in life!  Wishin' him much fun and banjo happiness!!!

ejimb0 - Posted - 04/19/2013:  00:10:01

He has good hands, ...has a good working knowledge of music, and he is determined.

EMarkM - Posted - 04/19/2013:  07:43:17

Doesn't look like a bad thread to introduce myself on!

I'm Mark from Cheshire, England, UK and I hope to buy a banjo and start playing that sweet bluegrass this year.

I'll be 42 in a couple of weeks, and have been a guitarist since I was about 15 or so, a violinist before that.

Hello to one and all!

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/19/2013:  09:44:56

quote:

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Originally posted by EMarkM

 

Doesn't look like a bad thread to introduce myself on!

 

I'm Mark from Cheshire, England, UK and I hope to buy a banjo and start playing that sweet bluegrass this year.

 

I'll be 42 in a couple of weeks, and have been a guitarist since I was about 15 or so, a violinist before that.

 

Hello to one and all!

 

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Welcome my friend!!!  Your journey into serious fun and joy awaits you!!  It's all about the SOUND!  CHEERS!!!!

EMarkM - Posted - 04/19/2013:  10:34:05

Thanks for the warm welcome: looking forward to the journey :)

Tom Smith - Posted - 04/19/2013:  11:47:42

I started at 54 (last year) Time will tell if that's "late in life" or not... I don't think I've had my mid-life crisis yet (or maybe I just missed it).

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/19/2013:  15:38:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Tom Smith

 

I started at 54 (last year) Time will tell if that's "late in life" or not... I don't think I've had my mid-life crisis yet (or maybe I just missed it).

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You missed it,,,overshadowed by your love of the banjo!! Keep on pickn'!

mrfosters - Posted - 04/20/2013:  13:59:02

Greetings to all at BHO,
I'm 64 , and just starting with the Banjo. I became interested in the 5 string banjo in the 70's , because of John Hartford. First time I heard him I was hooked. Funny though ,it's taken me all these years to finally give the Banjo a try. I've played a little guitar on and off since then, but never took the time for the banjo. Well, now I'm retired , so I'm gonna make the time. This seems like great place for info. Not sure which way to go first ,bluegrass or clawhammer .Maybe both! Hah!
Josh

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/20/2013:  16:12:29

quote:

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Originally posted by mrfosters

 

Greetings to all at BHO,

I'm 64 , and just starting with the Banjo. I became interested in the 5 string banjo in the 70's , because of John Hartford. First time I heard him I was hooked. Funny though ,it's taken me all these years to finally give the Banjo a try. I've played a little guitar on and off since then, but never took the time for the banjo. Well, now I'm retired , so I'm gonna make the time. This seems like great place for info. Not sure which way to go first ,bluegrass or clawhammer .Maybe both! Hah!

Josh

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Welcome!! It's a great age to begin!!!! I started at 62. Been playing 31/2 years. I totally "all in"  on bluegrass music and playing Scruggs style.  As the moto for Silver Dollar City says:  You have a great past ahead!!! Good luck and HAVE FUN!

mrfosters - Posted - 04/20/2013:  16:26:26

Thank you for the welcome! That's a wonderful motto!

Clogbuster - Posted - 04/20/2013:  18:05:33

Just started 4 months ago at 65. Doing better than I expected, but I already fingerpick guitar. It has taken me about 3-4 months to get used to using fingerpicks instead of fingernails, but it's coming along. Since I fingerpick guitar, alternating thumb pattern came easy to me, but I'm having trouble with getting my rolls up to speed.

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/20/2013:  18:42:43

Well..you got a head start!! Sounds like you are progressing very well! Welcome and happy pickin' with a happy sound!

EMarkM - Posted - 04/30/2013:  09:06:39

So, my first ever banjo, a Rally Delta Blue DBJ65, has apparently been delivered to my home this morning. I'll be 42 in two days' time: let's see if that's "too old" to start :)