Instruments: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT

Subject: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:06 PM

Hmmm, well I play Bodhran and penny whistle, bu the truth is I need a new challenge, but I don't know what to try next. I also play trumpet aswell. I've done the guitar thing about 5 years ago and wasn't that impressed.

So the big question is what to try next. It's not as if I'm going to give up playing Bodhran and Penny whistle, it's just that I need something a little more challenging. Something that's more difficult to play.

So if anyone has any good ideas, please help me.

:)

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:07 PM

How about a reed instrument? Bombardes are pleasant and subtle (hee heee heeeee)!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:09 PM

Sorry, don't know what bombards are. :(

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:10 PM

Uilleann pipes!

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:10 PM

Jez, what music do you long for, next? Play what helps you do THAT?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:13 PM

English concertina and when you've bought one you can lend it to me!! How about banjo?

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: bill\sables
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:15 PM

Tenor Banjo

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:18 PM

No offense bill but i'm not partial to playing banjo. You're fantastic on it though.

Concertina sounds good. I'd like to play a keyd instrument like that, but I'd have to wait for my compensation to buy one.

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: mousethief
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:22 PM

You seem to be shying away from stringed instruments, Jez. Is there a reason for that?

Alex

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:29 PM

From the instruments you've listed it sounds like you're partial to Celtic music. How about the wooden flute? No keys but it's great in sessions and easy to carry around.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Zhenya
Date: 09 May 01 - 04:29 PM

I'm naturally biased since I play this instrument, but what about the fiddle? It's challenging, but not (usually) to the frustrating point. It sounds like you play Irish music so this would work well. (And of course you can play many other types of music on it.) If you decide to try it, you may want to try to borrow or rent an instrument at first to see if you like it.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: gnu
Date: 09 May 01 - 04:53 PM

Have you tried "playing Hran" on other stuff ? I had a plastic five gallon gas drum (Kent County Hran) that sounded great and always got laughs and then got applause. A pizza box or beer box are always good for a laugh, too. Aluminum beer cans are a bit of a challenge, and you need a small tipper, but they sound REALLY great, although you can go through a few in just one tune. Don't try bottles. They sound OK, but I had one break on me - not pleasant !

That reminds me. I met a young lass one night who played the beer bottles. Sounded better than spoons.

What about bones ? Natural progression. Although, I find they are held in even less regard than the Hran in some sessions.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Justa Picker
Date: 09 May 01 - 05:09 PM

ummm........Piano.....?

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: sophocleese
Date: 09 May 01 - 06:30 PM

Well with a wind instrument and drum you just need to combine them and learn pipe and tabor. The tabor is a three holed pipe that you play with one hand while you beat out some interesting rhythmic accompianment on a small, possibly snare, drum somehow attached (either from the wrist or shoulder)to yourself with the other hand. Great for medieaval gatherings and a good start towards being a one woman band.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: gnu
Date: 09 May 01 - 07:21 PM

SNARE !? How DARE you !? Tis not pure. Unless you have a pipe band to jam with. 98th Highlanders rule. Check em out.... they're gooooood. Got a nice beat and you can dance to them. I'll give them a "98".

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: SeanM
Date: 09 May 01 - 07:27 PM

Tuba! Tuba! AND trombone!

Seriously, though... Dulcimer? You seem to like concertina, and that's always an option. Other than that, like Susan said - what sound do you like? What are you aiming for?

If you want to stick with the familiar, you can also just try variants on the instruments that you already play - pennywhistle lends itself somewhat towards recorders, irish pipes, and (I've been told) clarinet. Bodrhan lends itself to... er... well, beating on other things.

M

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Noreen
Date: 09 May 01 - 08:33 PM

Well, Jez, have a look at what's available at the Yorks Gathering and have a go on what you fancy. You can try out my Anglo concertina if you like (it is the love of my life ATM) or how about Northumbrian pipes? Geordie Broon and Bob would be delighted if you showed an interest.... *BG*

Noreen

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: kendall
Date: 10 May 01 - 08:48 AM

If you think playing the bodran is not enough of a challenge, then you are either very good on it, or, you havn't been around the hundreds of people who dont know how to play one, but, do it anyway!

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 May 01 - 09:01 AM

Stylophone;-)

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Mr Red with his Hran
Date: 10 May 01 - 10:34 AM

Hurdy Gurdy
mind you it was Phil (Show of Hands) Beer that said the difference between a HG and a buzz saw was vibrato, but he is of course wrong
it is actually tremelo!

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Les B
Date: 10 May 01 - 01:19 PM

Mandolin - tuned the same as a fiddle, and a good precursor to learning fiddle. It's suitable for a variety of music - Celtic to Bluegrass.

Pay no nind to those who say 'mandolin" means "out of tune" in Italian !

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Kim C
Date: 10 May 01 - 01:25 PM

Want a challenge?

Play the fiddle.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Stevangelist
Date: 10 May 01 - 01:30 PM

The harmonica is a very good little instrument (and I am near completing a fine little book on how to play such a thing in various styles) <--- affordable book, too!

May The Road Rise To Meet You,

Stevangelist

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,JeZeBeL
Date: 10 May 01 - 02:10 PM

Hmmm, well thanks for the ideas everyone.

I'm still partial to wanting to play concertina, and I can afford one when I get my compensation through soon, hell I could buy 5 of Sam Pirts accordions for the money I'm getting. One would be enough though!!

Fiddle sounds intruiging, but I still like concertina, or maybe melodian. Something of that variety.

GNU - I've already tried playing a pizza box and it works quite well, especially if you use a wooden spoon!!

DOn't get me wrong I love playing my bodhran, I've missed playing it this week due to repetitive strain injury, but I'm still going to play it this weekend at Holmfirth.

I would love to try your anglo concertina noreen, thanks. That would be great. Anyone else going to the yorkshire gathering who would like to let me have a go of their instruments I would be truly greatful

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Ruthie A
Date: 10 May 01 - 03:03 PM

Go sax! Personally, I'd recommend tenor, as the transposing required to play tenor (and soprano) sax is slightly less than that to play baritone or alto (the former are in Bb, latter in Eb). Saxophones are relatively easy to get a sound out of with fingering nearly identical to whistle. Folk works on sax (if you're willing to pay a bit more, then getting a melody sax in the key of C makes things a lot easier), even though it may sound surprising. They can also get you involved with wind and jazz bands, both of which are extremely challenging and fun. Even better, you get really sexy blue nylon waistcoats with huge and world-dominating brass buttons when you join the wind band I'm in. Great! Just my opinion! Ruthie

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 May 01 - 03:20 PM

Seeing as how I'm hoping to get to the Jug you can have a sqeeze of my concertina anytime Jez. But if that dog of mine, Spot, asks if you want to press his melodeon buttons run a mile;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: SeanM
Date: 10 May 01 - 04:08 PM

Don't know how I forgot about it, but...

Theramin!

No, it's not a vitamin or a disease... it's that weird "oooooaaaaaoooo" electronic thing in the back of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations".

We need more folk theramin players...

M

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 10 May 01 - 05:01 PM

Funnily enough Pete from Old Rop String Band had a theramin in the gig at moor and coast!! It was highly amusing but I wouldn't be able to play it myself for laughing!!

Still thinking about concertina though.

Dave The Gnome - thanks I'd love to have a go of your concertina. Think I'll stay away from ur dog though!! Hehehehehehehehe!!

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: mousethief
Date: 10 May 01 - 05:06 PM

Actually the one used by the beach boys was not a true theramin. The pitch was controlled by touching a wire -- in a true theramin, the pitch is controlled by the position of your body in space.

Alex

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 10 May 01 - 05:07 PM

Very correct. Pete was playing it with the space covered by his groin.................................

...................I'll say no more!!

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 10 May 01 - 05:18 PM

What a coincidence, JeZeBeL. I've heard that weird "oooooaaaaaoooo" sound can be created by another method and it also concerns a man and his groin area. Oh wait...no, come to think of it it's more of a high-pitched squealing noise. Never mind!

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 May 01 - 10:46 AM

You don't say what you are wanting to play with/for, Emm. If it's playing tunes in a tune session you are looking for, or for something to accompany singing, or just a general join in thing.

Learning harmonica is cheap and easy, and most everything you learn will come in useful for anglo or mellodeon. It's very underated as an instrument, it's got lots of uses and it's affordable and carryable too. Mind you, if you try to sing at the same time it comes out like 'Sparky's Magic Paino' (ask your grandparents about that one)! I'll be glad to advise you further at the Yorkshire Gathering.

If you want something to accompany songs and to play tunes on, you could consider bouzouki. It's really easy and doesn't hurt your fingers like those nasty guitars! But the stretches between the frets could be a bit of a problem. Mandoline or mandola might be more suited. And they can be useful for taking up fiddle later.

Les

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Matt_R
Date: 11 May 01 - 10:57 AM

Jimmy Page plays the theramin in the middle-8 of "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. The middle-8 also includes tape samples of a passing diesel train, and a bombing run on the Paul Doumer Bridge.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 May 01 - 03:25 PM

Yo'd never get a train in a folk clb thog, Mat. Never mind the Pal Domer Bridge....

And gess what letter's sticking on my keyboard....

Back on the radiator with yo my lad!

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 May 01 - 03:33 PM

Look Dave, keyboards aren't that expensive. Are you lengthening your pockets and practising to be a Yorkshireman?

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 01 - 08:38 AM

Ahhh - but these are extra special super-duper USB keyboards from a local shop at 5.99! ALL of the keys stick at first and you have to put them on the radiator to get all the little plastic bubble under the keys to expand.

ee this on is fin now.

Oh buggr.

Dav th Gnom

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 15 May 01 - 01:36 PM

Sorry Les, but I'm really not tempted by harmonica. I like to play lots of tunes, that's why I like playing the whistle. I love the challenge of having to move your fingers really quickly to get all the notes. As I ave said in previous posts, I really want something very challenging. My friend Shona, who I met at the weekend thinks it would be a good idea for me to take up piano accordion. Ok, admittedly, it's something I've wanted to play for years, but A) I always thought it was too big an instrument, and B) they're so god damn expensive, but B) will be stamped out soon when I get my compensation.

This is why I thought about concertina as they are much smaller, but just as annoying!!!! :)

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: Noreen
Date: 15 May 01 - 04:21 PM

Good point, Emma, I can hide my concertina under a bar table if I don't feel confident enough to get it out at a really good session... can't do that with a piano accordion!

(I took my Parrot to a party,
But nobody asked me to play...)

;0)

Noreen

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 16 May 01 - 02:05 PM

whooops!!!! Just spent yet another day with Sam Pirt and Ian Stephenson, and well, after much deliberation, I will eat my words as I am now learning to play....................................................................................................................................................................................................PIANO ACCORDION!! AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Sam, bless im, is going to teach me. HE's even leant me one and so has Ian's mum!!

Wish ,me luck.

See you all at the weekend

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:57 PM

HEHEHEHEHEHE watch out everyone, I'm armed with piano accordion now. It won't be coming to the gathering though. I only know a couple of tunes on it. It's difficult transfering it from whistle to accordion!!

:)

Cheers Sam, you're a star!!

Emma xxx

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,john in hull
Date: 19 May 01 - 05:25 AM

have you considered a harp? i know a guy who makes them i cant do that cicky stuff but you can find him at [e-mail] are you anywhere near hull? he plays in the sessions in tap and spile most sundays, im sure he would let you have a try on his to see if you like it.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: InOBU
Date: 19 May 01 - 09:36 AM

As to the suggestion of learning the Uilleann pipes, take it from me, only try it if you can't help it. It will lead to a love HATE love love HATE HATE LOVE hate LOVE relationship with your instrument, only made worse by the expence ( a full set, around $8,000 US ) But, if you can't help it, and find you must play the pipes, Good luck, Larry... http://sorchadorcha.com may help you make up your mind, go to the updates page and see what we are playing.

Subject: RE: BS: WHAT TO LEARN NEXT
From: GUEST,Leprechaun
Date: 19 May 01 - 10:13 AM

I've learned how to use a router table, out of necessity, sort of, because I'm too cheap to pay a professional to renovate my bathroom cabinets. Maybe someday I'll learn to play a musical instrument.