I was involved in Old Time music as an avid listener for years before I decided that I wanted to play, too. I chose bass. What a great decision. I am surrounded by musicians and they were very supportive and continue to be. I play an acoustic bass. Until a couple of months ago, I played an Epiphone El Capitan. I recently took a big bite and bought a Taylor bass. It is a bit of an odd choice for an old time band, but it works for me. One of the hardest things I had to come to terms with musically, was that the bass really does carry the tunes, and having the confidence to stick to the timing and making the lead instrument stay in time. I always think I should learn to play a stand up, but know the acoustic is the right instrument for me. Kristi