| Author |
Topic: Too old to cut it |
Ron Patrick
From:
Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 23 Apr 2008 7:35 pm |
|
| Has any of you steel players ever heard of someone over 66 years old learning to play the steel and playing fairly well ? Just wanted your opinion before I jump in . Ron |
|
|
|
Clyde Mattocks
From:
Kinston, North Carolina, USA
|
Posted 23 Apr 2008 8:47 pm
|
|
I know a guy that started classical violin after he retired and won a chair in an orchestra. If you are
not "set in your ways" as they say, you can do it.
_________________
LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro |
|
|
|
Les Anderson
From:
The Great White North
|
Posted 23 Apr 2008 9:57 pm
|
|
I was just three months shy of 65 when I bought my steel guitar. I must admit though, that I had a 50 year head start in playing music. However, I stuck my nose to the grinding stone and kept it there and practiced every spare moment I had.
Four months later I was playing in a band full time using my steel guitar as my primary instrument.
Age is a barrier that is built out of excuses and nothing more. If you you WANT to learn to play the steel guitar you won't let an excuse enter your mind.
By the way, my wife bought me a panflute for Christmas and I must say, after only four months I can rattle off tuns on that thing not all that badly and I am closing in on 68. 
_________________
(I am not right all of the time but I sure like to think I am!) |
|
|
|
Bill Ford
From:
Graniteville SC Aiken
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 3:31 am
|
|
"Age is a barrier that is built out of excuses and nothing more." (with very few exeptions)
Truer words were never spoken!!! I'm 70 and counting, been at it for a long time, got out of it for about 20 years then back playing for fun, just started playing in Church, learning new licks, enjoying every minute of it.
BF
_________________
Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!! |
|
|
|
Fred Thompson
From:
Zephyrhills, FL
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 3:45 am
|
|
I started after my 60th birthday. I did play guitar, so had a knowledge of the fret board. Pedal steel is now my main instrument. My friends in the Florida Steel Guitar Club have told me I play OK.
So GO FOR IT!! You'll be glad you did 
Fred |
|
|
|
Antolina
From:
Dunkirk NY
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 4:01 am
|
|
I'm 66 and after a ten year lay off just getting started again. I totally agree... "Age is a barrier that is built out of excuses and nothing more."
Go for it!
_________________
The only thing better than doing what you love is having someone that loves you enough to let you do it.
Sho~Bud 6139 3+3
Marrs 3+4
RC Antolina |
|
|
|
Ernie Pollock
From:
Mt Savage, Md USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 4:32 am Go for it!!
|
|
I had one fellow that was 76 when he started playing pedal steel, did right well, but has since passed away. I also had one guy that was a mandolin player that started pedal steel when he was 80, they had fun & enjoyed it, so I say 'go for it' get all you can & enjoy it, playing steel is a great hobby.
Ernie Pollock
shobud75@hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm |
|
|
|
Richard Damron
From:
Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 6:54 am
|
|
Ron -
Just turned 72 in January. Been "playing" since that birthday. If you've got the passion then you should do just fine. Come join the the club "young fella"!!!!!!!!
Respectfully,
Richard |
|
|
|
Ron Patrick
From:
Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 7:34 am
|
|
| Thanks fellows for your inspiration . I've been thinking for sometime should I or should I not go for it . Last monday night I sat six feet from Paul Franklin at the Station Inn in Nashville playing with the Time Jumpers for two hours . What a nice man to talk to , even got a picture taken with him . All of you steel players are special people that makes one want to be a part of . Thanks Ron |
|
|
|
Antolina
From:
Dunkirk NY
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 8:13 am
|
|
As I look back on the few years I've been on the planet, I have few regrets. Of those regrets, the ones that bring me the most sadness, are the missed opportunities in life.
Go for it Ron. I'd rather say I tried than say I could have. Good luck and this site is chock full of folks who will be more than happy to help you along the way.
_________________
The only thing better than doing what you love is having someone that loves you enough to let you do it.
Sho~Bud 6139 3+3
Marrs 3+4
RC Antolina |
|
|
|
Don Sulesky
From:
Citrus County, FL, Orig. from MA & NH
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 2:59 pm
|
|
Several of my students have been your age or older and are doing quite well and enjoying the steel.
I'd say go for it. You only have one life to live, so live it.
Don |
|
|
|
Jim Eaton
From:
Santa Susana, Ca
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 3:13 pm
|
|
Middle-age = my last birthday + 10yrs!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!
JE:-)>
_________________
Emmons D10PP 8/4 -75'
Emmons S-10PP 3/4 - 79'
Emmons S-12PP 3/4 -78'
MSA Legend SD12 5/5 -06'
Mullen S-12 4/5 - 1986
Nashville 112 x2 W/Knob Guards - Don't leave home with out one!
Walker SS rack system - 12"BW's
Quilter Steelaire Combo |
|
|
|
Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 3:44 pm
|
|
USA male life expectancy = 75.6 years
ergo
young age = 0..25
middle age = 25 .. 50
old age = 50 .. 75 |
|
|
|
Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 4:12 pm Well now, let's see......................
|
|
Altho' I started playing steel (no other instrument) at age 7, there's not been a single day that I haven't learned something new.
It can be a simple or technical riff........
It can be a new tune.......
It can be another artist's style that's new to me.
I'm rapidly approaching 72. The steel has been a most frustrating item; a never-ending challenge; a real joy to play and provides a life-time of personal rewards.
Jump in and give it a twirl! |
|
|
|
Shorty Smith
From:
Columbus, Georgia, USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 5:03 pm
|
|
| Age has no effect on me for the love of the Steel Guitar. I will be 76 in Sept and I play Steel Guitar in a very good country Band every Friday and Saturday night and I really love and enjoy it. As long as I feel good I will continue playing the Steel Guitar. So dont let age keep you from reaching your goal. Shorty |
|
|
|
Fred Wright
From:
Minocqua, Wi USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 5:24 pm
|
|
| I started playing steel less than a year ago at age 78 with NO musical background. Is it a challenge for me? Yes! Will I ever become good at it? Who cares. I'm really having fun and it gives me something to look forward too and a reason to get up in the morning! Fred |
|
|
|
Antolina
From:
Dunkirk NY
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 6:05 pm
|
|
And the attitude prize goes to Fred Wright!!!
_________________
The only thing better than doing what you love is having someone that loves you enough to let you do it.
Sho~Bud 6139 3+3
Marrs 3+4
RC Antolina |
|
|
|
Fred Wright
From:
Minocqua, Wi USA
|
Posted 24 Apr 2008 6:24 pm
|
|
| Thanks RC! |
|
|
|
Reece Anderson
From:
Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 25 Apr 2008 11:35 am
|
|
The rewards of playing has nothing to do with age.
The key to success is to enjoy the journey of learning, while remembering, the journey never ends. |
|
|
|
Carroll Hale
From:
EastTexas, USA
|
Posted 25 Apr 2008 12:27 pm just cannot keep a good man down.....
|
|
a young pup at 61...........just started playing steel/dobro.......learning new tricks every day and having the time of my life doing it.....meeting new folks....new music...new places....
wow....cannot wait till I can retire and play more and more...and more....and more...
music is the "fountain of youth" to me.....
makes my feet (tired and worn out as they are) want to move and dance to the beat.....as I play the swinging sounds that only the steel can make...
go for it....and never look back...
too many licks to learn...and not near enough time..
good luck, 
ch |
|
|
|
Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
|
Posted 25 Apr 2008 1:05 pm
|
|
It's a cult, it will suck you in...
I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
|
|
ebb
From:
nj
|
Posted 25 Apr 2008 4:32 pm
|
|
| reece nailed it |
|
|
|
Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
|
Posted 25 Apr 2008 6:30 pm
|
|
| Reece Anderson wrote: |
The rewards of playing has nothing to do with age.
The key to success is to enjoy the journey of learning, while remembering, the journey never ends. |
Reece, Truer words were never spoken.
I'll adopt this philosophy of yours. |
|
|
|
Fred Thompson
From:
Zephyrhills, FL
|
Posted 26 Apr 2008 4:00 am
|
|
REECE IS ONLY A KID, BUT SOOO SMART  |
|
|
|
Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
|
Posted 26 Apr 2008 4:51 am
|
|
| Jack "Pops" Klein, a member of this forum, from Alpena, MI started a 70 plus. ..........and he's good at it too. |
|
|
|
