EMarkM - Posted - 04/30/2013:  14:19:13

Hankon, thanks for the encouraging words :) My new banjo is similar to my photo here, but is actually a bit fancier, with more work on the armrest and so-on. A lot heavier than most instruments I've played, but the tone is very impressive. I'm going to have some fun for a few decades or so!

REarl - Posted - 04/30/2013:  21:11:07

Well, I am now 70. I got my first banjo, a home made one from a pawn shop, with a neck like a baseball bat, in 1962 when I was just 20, I still have it. I didn't learn how to play, just chords to accompany myself during the folk era. Fast forward to the late 70's, bought a much nicer banjo for my daughter, she forgot about it within a year and it became mine. Still playing chords and slashing at the strings. Fast forward another twenty years, finally got lessons from a great teacher, but I put family and work ahead of practice and didn't get very far. Now I am an old man with lots of time to practice, but not as much time left as I had fifty years ago. I now have several banjos, including a 1928 Gibson RB-4. I am finally beginning to learn how to really play. My grandson loves banjo music and I am hoping that the family will finally have a real banjo player. I just hope that I am still around to hear it happen. In the meantime I am having a great time trying to learn to how to make music instead of noise. Where there is life there is hope.

Hankon5 - Posted - 04/30/2013:  21:16:57

Wonderful story!!! Welcome to having more fun than a hungry fox in a chicken coup!!!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 04/30/2013 21:17:33

Hankon5 - Posted - 05/03/2013:  22:19:00

This is really fun...When I first got into playing it was almost 4 years ago at the age of 62. I thought I was to old do learn new tricks...but I found myself emersed in the sound and the constant tweaking to get THE sound!!! Exciting times for us all.

clair - Posted - 06/06/2013:  16:18:25

Well, I'll be 70 in November and am already having much better luck than I did when I tried in 2006. So, after one week of finally having a playable banjo (19 fret tenor with plectrum C tuning), I am already sprouting callouses! Yippee. (Because it's a cheapie -- Rover 25T, someone suggested I will likely want to upgrade -- heh -- at my age there is small chance of living long enough to do so!!)  But if I win the lottery, I will get a Slingerland Nighthawk. (I'm not so old that I can't plan ahead!)

Edited by - clair on 06/06/2013 16:23:33

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/06/2013:  19:49:55

Congrats on the callouses!!!!  Isn't it fun to hear yourself progress and breaking down each barrier!!!  There is always time to upgrade and have more fun and drive!! I am turning 66 next month...I will always pursue my dream to play reasonably well for myself and have as much fun as I can.  Nice to hear your story..keep on pick'n!!!  It is good for your health and mind!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 06/06/2013 19:51:00

Old Man - Posted - 06/07/2013:  02:37:13

All these post is encouraging but any of you that is older than 60  do you remember which room you took your shoes last night? I get a tune down and work on another for a week or two and forget the one I just learned.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/07/2013:  07:36:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Man

 

All these post is encouraging but any of you that is older than 60  do you remember which room you took your shoes last night? I get a tune down and work on another for a week or two and forget the one I just learned.

---

It's all in the muscle memory.  You play it enough times and it becomes ingrained and automatic.  Somewhere on BHO awhile back said you need to play something 1000 times for it to sink in and memorize!  I don't know if that's true, but I have to play a lot for it to stick! I usually put in up to 10 hrs or so if it's a difficult break.  Now Learning Foggy Mountain's 3 breaks have taken me awhile, because I get tired of playing the same music over and over again...so I jump onto something else!  Then I go back and pick up where I left off on FMB.  As you already know since you been playing for awhile, when you get to the point where you have your basic rolls down pat , the songs become easier to learn, because many songs have the same licks and patterns. Much of Scrugg's tunes fall into that category. Well, hang in there...when you play be focused. I play all the tunes I know at least every other day to be sharp and catch areas I forgot or timing has gone south!   Enjoy your continuing  journey!!!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 06/07/2013 07:39:42

raysplace - Posted - 06/07/2013:  17:51:44

I started at 70 and could kick myself. My wife got sick of hearing me say " someday" so she bought me a 5 string for Christmas and I have been taking lessons and loving it.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/07/2013:  18:09:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by raysplace

 

I started at 70 and could kick myself. My wife got sick of hearing me say " someday" so she bought me a 5 string for Christmas and I have been taking lessons and loving it.

---

Congrats Ray!!!  Your just beginning to have fun!!  It's the sound that bites you and gives you BANJOITIS!!!  No cure!!!

RickV - Posted - 06/17/2013:  09:25:45

I got a tenor banjo as a kid (7 years old) and didn’t do well with it. My brother was 8 and picked up the guitar quickly...I was too much of a klutz and gave up the banjo and music altogether. Always doubted that I had any musical ability at all. For kicks, bought a harmonica about 15 years ago as a cheap way of challenging myself to overcome music-phobia. Long story short, found that with some instruction and practice, I could make something roughly approximating music. I always loved banjo so I bought a new 5 string in Sept/12 and am enjoying it immensely. Even just doing constant rolls is actually fun. I still suck at it, am taking some lessons that mostly focus on theory, but I’m having a blast. I also read a book called “This is your Brain on Music” and it got into the science of learning music so I appreciated the fact that the best players really got to be great by practice, and more practice. Thanks to things like BanjoHangout and other important stuff on the internet, I’m becoming a rather average novice banjo-player...which is quite an achievement for me!! Best of all, my wife just told me that I sound good enough to play my banjo in the house now...living in Alberta, Canada I can tell you that the winter of 12/13 wasn’t much fun for me. Cheers!

RickV - Posted - 06/17/2013:  09:26:29

I got a tenor banjo as a kid (7 years old) and didn’t do well with it. My brother was 8 and picked up the guitar quickly...I was too much of a klutz and gave up the banjo and music altogether. Always doubted that I had any musical ability at all. For kicks, bought a harmonica about 15 years ago as a cheap way of challenging myself to overcome music-phobia. Long story short, found that with some instruction and practice, I could make something roughly approximating music. I always loved banjo so I bought a new 5 string in Sept/12 and am enjoying it immensely. Even just doing constant rolls is actually fun. I still suck at it, am taking some lessons that mostly focus on theory, but I’m having a blast. I also read a book called “This is your Brain on Music” and it got into the science of learning music so I appreciated the fact that the best players really got to be great by practice, and more practice. Thanks to things like BanjoHangout and other important stuff on the internet, I’m becoming a rather average novice banjo-player...which is quite an achievement for me!! Best of all, my wife just told me that I sound good enough to play my banjo in the house now...living in Alberta, Canada I can tell you that the winter of 12/13 wasn’t much fun for me. Cheers!

leemond2008 - Posted - 06/17/2013:  11:25:27

wow I'm a genuine whipper snapper haha

28 years old and started (seriously) learning about a month ago.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/17/2013:  12:47:57

Well, Rick,  You will have so much fun that should against the law!!!!  That's why they refer to banjo playin' as "pick'n an a grinn'n!!!

Lee...you whipper snapper!!! I envy you picking up a banjo at that age...Stay at it and you will be in a band shortly!!!  Good luck!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 06/17/2013 12:48:53

afweatherobsvr - Posted - 06/20/2013:  10:02:50

I started last January at age 63.  Now I need to have carpal tunnel surgery which will slow me down a bit but I am bound and determined to be stage ready at some point, even if it is just sitting around the camp fire and picking tunes for my family's enjoyment.    

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  11:47:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by afweatherobsvr

 

I started last January at age 63.  Now I need to have carpal tunnel surgery which will slow me down a bit but I am bound and determined to be stage ready at some point, even if it is just sitting around the camp fire and picking tunes for my family's enjoyment.    

---

One thing for sure..you have the drive to play!! Outstanding...your surgery may keep yoy out a little while but I am sure you will be thinking about playing as soon as you can... Use that down time to study up on the fret board and what music you wish to play.... I have a list of songs I will be learning.. I keep that list in order...but the problem is ..the list grows and grows while the learning does not keep up....THAT'S THE FUN OF IT...God bless you and I hope all goes well!

BanjoRW - Posted - 06/20/2013:  13:37:18

Afweatherobsvr. Is your carpal tunnel too far advanced to try an alternative to surgery? I was able to avoid this surgery by doing the exercises at this link (youtube.com/watch?v=TSrfB7JIzxY.  I did the exercises for several months, two or three times a day, plus before/after practicing the banjo. It allowed me to slowly increase my playing time from just a few minutes to 30-minute sessions in about four months. After about nine months, I can play as long as I want. 

I am no doctor, so take this suggestion with a grain of salt, but it might be worth a try. Never do these excerse to the point of tightness or pain.

Best of luck!

quote:

---

Originally posted by afweatherobsvr

I started last January at age 63.  Now I need to have carpal tunnel surgery which will slow me down a bit but I am bound and determined to be stage ready at some point, even if it is just sitting around the camp fire and picking tunes for my family's enjoyment.    

---

excalibursr2 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  13:53:37

I started in February at age 63. Don't know if I'll ever be able to jam with anyone, but it's fun, time flies when I play it, and the dogs seem to enjoy listening!

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  14:26:33

Well Fred..First,WELCOME to the BHO!!!  You will learn a lot here with many who can help you in any banjo problems.  We are all family here and no questions are stupid!! You should have seen my first few questions!!!   As for jamming..you will be surprised how many around you play guitars,mandos fiddles or banjos!!!  There are several members here that live in your area or know how you can get in touch with some jammers!  Congrats on just starting your banjo journey...it will be fun because it's all about THE SOUND the addicts you!

excalibursr2 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  15:00:19

Thanks for the welcome Hank. The sound IS addicting. The combination of the all that melody and rhythm and energy.

tgs1952 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  20:06:37

Started at 60. I have been playing for 1 month. I am working through the Hohwald books. I do have prior musical experience on guitar and dobro.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/20/2013:  21:21:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by tgs1952

 

Started at 60. I have been playing for 1 month. I am working through the Hohwald books. I do have prior musical experience on guitar and dobro.

---

I have several of Geoff's Videos and they are SUPER!! Between Geoff Hohwald, Jack Hatfield and Janet Davis's Licks and back ups: I have a solid start in backup banjo than many who just learn leads.  I also work on Banjo breaks, but at as somewhat slower pace than back ups.  As you probably know, banjo backups in a band is close to 90% of playing the banjo.  I have make a few stage appearances with a bluegrass band becuse I could do some backup with rolls and some fine licks.  Let no one tell you it is to late to play a banjo and/play in a band or contribute to a jam.  I picked up the banjo at  62 and have been playing for 4 years now.  I have learned an immense amount of banjo  banjo education from BHO and the above books above.  Never would have I imagined I could be playing as well as now.  Each and every day is a new day in which to learn.  I am trying hard to work on my timing  right now.  And between all of the learning I love to experiment with the tone on my banjo....constantly. Now and then I find a procedure or a piece of replacement hardware that gets me closer to what I like in the sound!!! To tell you the truth I think tinkering and cleaning (waxing and chrome polishing)  is as fun as playing it!!!!  I am extremely proud of my Gold Star 100 HF with the Tennessee 20 ring and Randall Wyatt Beech block rim.  The banjo sits right next to my easy chair so that I can pick it up over a dozen times during the day and pick, even while watchine TV!!!  Well' good luck abd have fun..because it is all about the SOUND!!!

ads2539 - Posted - 06/21/2013:  10:56:03

I started at age 49, about a week ago. Right now, I'm practicing simple chords, rolls and licks. I can't wait to learn my first song.



(I've been playing the piano since I was six, and I've always wanted to learn to play the banjo.)

Edited by - ads2539 on 06/21/2013 11:00:30

icohen2 - Posted - 06/21/2013:  13:01:00

Started playing at age 62 about 10 months ago.  Being a senior learner is definitely a challenge, however after practicing several songs over and over and never believing that I would never be able to memorize one, it happened and songs become a little easier to memorize the more I played.  Sure I have senior moments, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Just hoping that it's not a train.  The neighborhood cats have stopped howling when I get my banjo out, so either I'm getting a little better or I have succeeded in making every animal within a radius of my home totally deaf!  I'm having a blast and ultimately I think that's the reason I picked up by banjo to start off with!

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/21/2013:  13:26:37

Alex-- Seems like many that started later in life has said " I always wanted to play the banjo".  I did too!!!

icohen2---don't worry about the senior moments . Even the young wippersnappers have them!!!     I picked up the Banjo at your age and never had so much fun..  BTW..congrats and welcome to the BHO where talent just happens..for all who play!

icohen2 - Posted - 06/22/2013:  08:53:00

To:  Hankon5  Thanks so much for the warm welcome!

bcraw - Posted - 06/22/2013:  13:32:47

I thought 40 was late but I'm feeling pretty good about it. Started a little over a week ago. Banjo is with me in my lap or arms even when I'm not playing. You all are an inspiration!

JimmerdaRN - Posted - 06/22/2013:  16:51:51

I started just after I turned 40.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/22/2013:  18:10:51

Well Bryan and Jim..Welcome to the BHO where playing the banjo is fun and interesting..This IS the place for help and consolation!  Along with making yourselves a part of the family!  Congrats!  ENJOY your Banjos and time spent here...

Bryan..that seems lime what I do...if it's not in my lap, it's 2 feet from me on its stand!!! Just looking at it makes me play better!!

icohen2 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  07:49:12

Funny I feel the same way. It's like a magnet always calling to me!

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  11:30:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by icohen2

 

Funny I feel the same way. It's like a magnet always calling to me!

---

I think the sound envelopes you and your right..it is a magnet Iris!!!

bass88 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  12:21:16

Started in January at age 45 which I consider late for me as I started electric bass at age 13 upright bass in my 20's and guitar at age 10. 

However one major difference with the banjo!! I'm actually practicing!! After my teens I found it impossible to motivate my self to diligently practice my instruments, all I did was play. I don't know if its maturity or just a more developed sense of my own mortality!! Or is it that I've finally found the right instrument???who knows??? 

 With the banjo I'm finding the "cultural" experience completely different. Banjo players seem to be somehow different , friendlier and more willing to share their experiences and help! The oral tradition is still very strong! 

I'm sure there are competitive people in the banjo world but haven't met a "banjo snob" yet!  Maybe it's because the instrument seems to have an inherent sense of humor!

It's just impossible to take yourself too seriously when you strap on a drum with a stick attached to it and strings that make a funny "Twang" sound!!! 

Thank god!!! 

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  13:12:01

You got the right idea Stefan!  Welcome to the BHO!!  This is so much fun that it ought to be illegal!!!

BanjoFlyboy - Posted - 06/23/2013:  15:33:20

I started so late that Medicare is paying for my lessons. 

Doody - Posted - 06/23/2013:  16:11:17

i just started learning. mid 40s.

doody

Crusty - Posted - 06/23/2013:  17:46:02

I started at 62 (last December) and I can play some simple songs now and I've noticed recently that it's getting easier to learn new material and my playing is becoming more fluid.  There's hope yet.

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  17:55:34

quote:

---

Originally posted by Crusty

 

I started at 62 (last December) and I can play some simple songs now and I've noticed recently that it's getting easier to learn new material and my playing is becoming more fluid.  There's hope yet.

---

It will get much easier once you master the fret board.  I am still utilizing Geoff Hohwald's , Janet davis's and Jack Hatfield's  videos and text for backups....Good stuff and learning fast!!!  You will be seeing improvements daily although sometimes subtle ones..  Then large leaps and bounds with a single jump!!!

bradtheraddad - Posted - 06/23/2013:  19:45:15

39 here, hoping I have about 60 years to learn!

I went to bluegrass festivals in small Mississippi and Tennessee towns and anytime there was an event in my town that involved music (slug burger, BBQ, etc), it was always bluegrass. Growing up, I just wanted to rebel and got into anything the opposite of bluegrass but I always loved it and was always attracted to it. Glad I finally have a chance to play now and I feel at home listening to Grandpa Jones and the like. 

Edited by - bradtheraddad on 06/23/2013 19:49:48

Hankon5 - Posted - 06/23/2013:  19:49:29

quote:

---

Originally posted by bradtheraddad

 

39 here, hoping I have about 60 years to learn!

 

---

That's all fun and exhilaration!! Welcome to The BHO where the learning NEVER stops!

plugger - Posted - 07/04/2013:  22:39:36

I started today at the ripe old age of 47 have always wanted to play since I was a kid but never had the time so now I have bought myself a Tinglewood cove creek and now the fun begins i'm really going to enjoy this journey
Dave
Australia

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/05/2013:  17:02:10

Welcome and congrats!!! It's never to late to experience the ever so fun and thrilling adventure with the most recognizable sound in music....you will have great enjoyment in your adventure!!!

YooperDave - Posted - 07/28/2013:  19:57:14

I began playing (and that's a stretch) at 62 and don't have to worry about anyone telling me "Don't quit your day job" cause I'm now retired. Now, 10 months later I have played at my 2nd jam. After learning Cripple Creek and FMB instrumentals I realized that the chords were more important so I could vamp at the jams. The first jam was not as terrifying as I had anticipated because as most of you know, beginners are encouraged to participate at whatever level they find themselves at as long as you remember to blend with the group and not over power. Guess you could say I'm kind of feeling around for my next step in progression and as far as age goes, my all time favorite quote has been, "HOW OLD WOULD YOU BE IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW HOW OLD YA WAS?"

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/28/2013:  21:31:56

Hi  Dave...your from my stomping grounds in Michigan..born in Detroit and raised in Oak Park...but fished in your area!!  Welcome!!!!

I also started at 62 and retired also...Have more time to pick and have fun..That's great on your first jam....I was scared at first.....but not anymore.   But I still do have a few butterflies when I get up on stage in front of a few thousand!!!  Back ups are crucial!!!! To many new pickers want to learn BREAKS ...but do not know their chord progressions and rolls OR how to play back up...At Jams, it's #1!!! Breaks are only  about 10-15 % of playing.

Your on the right track...May I suggest Jack Hatfield's book/cd and Janet Davis's book/cd for back ups.. Aslo, if your like I am ...and want to see what's going on ..Geoff Hohwald has fantastic DVD instructions on many different back up techiques....A I have used all of these training aids and still do!!  Well.....Wish you the best on your banjo journey!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 07/28/2013 21:33:22

Silverado82481 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  10:32:47

Im 31 and have finally jus bought my first banjo.   I guess the banjo  just aint cool  in my area lol   I dont care i love i..   t always have  my problem is there aint to many in my area that just want to hang out and play  they either want money for lessons or want you to be a professional.     Im only a month into it and already am proud of what i have been learning off the internet   basicly trying to master rolls.  I barley know any chords at this time so im trying to incorperate them in my practice sessions .  if there is any one in the Broklyn,MD area that play and would like to meet up  and have a good time just being who you are and the level that you are is not that important.  let me know    Im game

icohen2 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  10:59:12

@ Silverado Hope that you had the opportunity to take part in Common Ground on the Hill in Westminster this summer. I also am a "Newbie" and took a class with Randy Barrett (a great teacher) at this year's event. It was a great experience and really helped with my confidence. I only took the one class this year, but next summer I hope to take a fuller schedule. If you can work it out it will be well worth your time

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  12:04:40

Thanks Iris for helping out Dana..!! Welcome to a fun time in the the old house tonite!! Fun is what you make of it...and sounds like you folks are aiming to enhance that with your banjo journey!!

Silverado82481 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  12:50:44

I didnt make it this year but it seems like i found a diamond in the ruff with this forum at least now i will know what events are taking place in my area ( or at least close to my area) If this is a yearly event i will defenatly make it next year. I have always been a fan of bluegrass although i dont know many artist ( or PICKERS ) i do know some songs. while all the other kids are listening to All the rap and other crap on the radio. I was listening to Country and Bluegrass. I just droped about 250.00 in a stereo system for my car that accepts sirius satalite radio to at least have one blugrass station, thats dedication baby !!!!!!!!! there is nothing here in MD that i know of If i am wrong please share. I hope to be good one day. It does seem like there are not that many younger pickers lol. Im sure there is but it looked like most on this tread are 60s and 70s. either way if your close id like to get together and learn a few things. Ill defenatly check out Randy Barrett . any knowledge is better then nothing

Draak - Posted - 07/29/2013:  13:27:50

It's been 50 years since I failed at playing banjo. I am getting ready to try again. I will be 78 in November.

Edited by - Draak on 07/29/2013 13:28:44

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  13:46:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by Draak

 

It's been 50 years since I failed at playing banjo. I am getting ready to try again. I will be 78 in November.

---

Your NEVER to late to PICK N GRIN!!!  Have fun my friend!!! Continue your journey!