How did you choose your instrument?

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 12:04 PM

One day, when I was seven or so, this guy came around the house from the local music school. My mom was hanging laundrey on the clothes line that went from the second story window to the garage in back. He came up the gangway between houses and hollered up something like: "You got any kids that want to learn an instrument?" My mom turned to me and asked if I wanted to play an instrument and I said "trombone", probably because my dad had one that he used to play. The guy said they didn't have a trombone teacher, but how about the trumpet. And that's how I happened to end up as a "child prodigy", playing trumpet in an orchestra with about 30 accordion players, and a drummer. The accordion players would set the tone on their accordions for the instrument whose part they were playing (flute, clarinet, trombone, etc.), and we'd play band arrangements of the popular songs of the day. It was all quite inspiring.

Years later, I borrowe my sister's Teisco DelRay electric guitar (from Sears and Roebuck) and I learned to play the chord diagrams in The Golden Beatle's Songbook. The first guitar I owned was a Danelectro Belzouki electric twelve string. Man I wish I still had that guitar. . .

Oh yeah, I now play harmonica on a rack. The theory being that by adding harmonica, my guitar playing is no longer the weakest part of my act.

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 05:40 PM

I took violin lessons for 8 years, then swithched to viola when i went to collge, because my violin teacher said I needed a bigger instrument and they didn't make bigger violins. I switched to voice a couple years later, thinking I had better control over my voice than my fingers (since then I've learned control over my voice is counter-productive).

I tried to learn guitar to accompany myself, but never got comfortabl;e with it, and gave up. About 4 and a half years ago, I found an ad for harp lessons that included a rental, and the rental could be applied to the purchase, so i went for it. I still have the original 26 string harp I first rented, but ende up having a 20 string harp custom built last year. His name is Richard, but I call him DICK. He talks to me, insists on taking trips, and tells me what songs we have to do together.

Mimosa

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From:
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 01:47 PM

I started piano lessons when I was five, so I suppose that particular decision was based on the fact that my mother and sister both played.

I remember seeing James Galway on a children's program when I was little and being fascinated by the flute. I started on that one as soon as they let us start learning instruments in school, which was fourth grade. In fact, I still have that flute [named Syrinx], although I need to replace a pad on one of his trill keys. Slipped it two days before a jazz concert this spring [*%&*#!]. When it's in the budget, I intend to pick up wooden flute as well because I like the warmer tone.

When I started high school, I decided to take up saxophone to join the jazz ensemble. Never actually managed to join the jazz ensemble, couldn't spare the time commitment. But I marched alto for a year and then switched to tenor. I'm not sure why I chose that particular instrument, except that I've always liked the smoky tone, and the hybrid nature of the instrument intrigues me. Last summer I got myself a Conn tenor and named him Duncan.

My fall project is to get back into piano lessons, since it's been about six years since I had a formal lesson, as a music minor I can take instrumental lessons free of charge, and I have an opportunity to study jazz piano. Some day I also mean to learn guitar. Again, though, that must wait on my humble student budget. :)

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 02:21 PM

I was part of a musical family, from my mother, who played some basic piano, to my uncles, who played guitars, and a cousin who played just about everything. But my favorite uncle was Buddy, who played guitar and wrote country songs and even appeared on TV a couple of times (home-grown programming on a UHF station). Country music, always.

So I got a $15 "Airline" guitar and learned three chords (including the infamous "thumb" G). For a couple of years, that was it. The "folk boom" had started, and I heard a lot of the artists on radio and TV, but never learned any of those songs (though I'd heard a lot of them on LPs from the library) until I came to Washington, DC in 1963 for a government job. Knowing no one, I had no social life, so I had LOTS of time to practice. Got a more playable guitar and a book called "The Hootenanny Song Book," and started. Good chord charts and simple-enough songs and I was on my way. In early 1964, I got drafted, so, after basic training, I got another guitar (Harmony Stella 12-string!) and played it through advance training, went to Germany, where I got yet another guitar (I'd left the 12-string home, not knowing that instruments were the one thing they allowed to exceed the "one duffle bag" limit on the troop ships). In the Army, you get lots of time unless you like to drink and goof off, neither of which I was good at.

In 1966, I'm back in DC, reclaiming my Stella and settling into a lively folk scene indeed. By late 1966, I'd picked up a five-string, and by the end of 1968, had added mandolin, fiddle, autoharp, jew's harp and dulcimer to my "stable." I'd begun to learn to repair and set up instruments, and made a small amount of money over those years by buying broken and selling fixed.

Oh, and from my middle childhood I'd almost always had a harmonica around, so I learned to play those, too. Other than trumpet in 5th grade, it's my only wind instrument.

Of late, I've expanded to include electric instruments and Hawaiian guitars of different kinds, as you'll see if you go to

members.aol.com/rjclayton/instrums.jpg

I can never remember the html to make a blue clicky -- sorry.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 09:01 PM

I had three plastic instruments when I was a tiny kid: violin, sax, accordion. In first grade, we got to choose which real instrument we wanted to play (the school system had a great music program). I chose sax, but was told "you start out on clarinet and then you switch." I haven't switched yet, and I'm over 50. Then in 1960, I wanted to learn banjo, and was told "you start out on guitar and then you switch." I haven't switched yet. But I'm always learning new instruments - Besides the 20 guitars, I have a vibraphone, piano, my dad's old accordion from the 40's, cello, mandolin, a very old soprano sax, clarinet, ancient sopranino clarinet, steel drum, trap set, congas, harmonicas, and I forget what else.
Mark Roffe

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 17 May 02 - 08:05 AM

Somebody told me that the mandolin was an easy instrument to learn! It takes more practise than I expected but i am enjoying it,john

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: CarolC
Date: 17 May 02 - 08:39 AM

Oohhh... nice thread.

I think I remember being in love with the accordion as a child, but I didn't have access to one then. And then at some point I completely forgot about that infatuation, and for years I thought accordions were cheesy (ha! silly me).

About two and a half years ago, Paul Oorts showed up at the local jam session here in my town with his continental chromatic box (like a piano accordion but with buttons on both sides, but not a "button box"). Paul's from Belgium and his playing has a bit of a European flavor.

I was enchanted, and I knew instantly that the accordion was "my instrument". A few months later I was given one by the local instument good fairy. It's been two years since I started playing and I'm more in love with it than ever. What an amazing instrument.

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Blues=Life
Date: 17 May 02 - 11:02 AM

I love this thread.

I took guitar lessons as a kid, gave it up, banged around on crappy guitars over the years wishing I could play.I started playing harmonica at 21, mostly so I could jam in a band, having been a wannabee for so long. I ended up being a pretty good harmonica player, but then gave it up for about 10 years due to lack of time and places to play. (Read as: career and kids, plus non-musical wife. Then 2 years ago got hijacked into a country band at church, when I mentioned that I used to play harmonica. There I was, 40 years old and feeling like a kid again. I also got to watch some really good guitarists up close when playing in the bands. Last year I was so inspired by the guy I was standing next to that I got a video tape out of the library, (Happy Traum's Learn to Play Guitar) slapped on new strings on my beat up old Yamaha piece of crap Eterna guitar, and spent the next year teaching myself to play. Well, as you might have guessed, more guitars followed. (The Eterna is now my go-camping-and-don't-care-what-happens-to-it guitar) The guitars I pretty much actually play are my Tacoma Parlor PR-40 (If my wife only knew how I felt about this guitar, she'd name it the Other Woman) , a Dean GCE Electric Resonator, which I play unplugged when I REALLY need to play the Blues, a Strat that I keep under my desk in my office upstairs (I work out of my house, and when the phone rings, I just turn off the amp and keep playing while I talk. It's my "practice my lessons" guitar) and a beautiful 1967 Vox Ultra-Sonic 12 string, a jumbo semi-hollow body with double cutaways, really cool effects like a Wah and Distortion built into the controls, and the sweetest action I've ever played. I walked into my favorite music store the weekend after George Harrison died, and they had this for sale, came in on a trade. They cut me a deal of $400 (complete with handmade custom leather case) and I bought it. Makes me feel young again. Very Beatle-esque.

In February I was down in Jacksonville, Florida, while the National Folk Alliance was taking place. Friends of mine are working folk singers (check out www.thewinstons.com)and I played roadie for them. In return, they let me play a little harmonica during a showcase they were giving, and I got to walk around and see what really good guitarists can do. I was so shamed by my lack of skill, that when I got back to South Carolina, I started taking lessons. So I'm finally getting to the point where I can play fairly well. I've even figured out how to play harmonica at the same time as the guitar. It still feels like trying to rub your head and pat your belly at the same time, but most times I can pull it off.

Hey, I'm only 42 years young, and acting younger all the time!

Blues

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: 53
Date: 17 May 02 - 02:13 PM

I chose the guitar after I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. That goes to show how old I am. mmmnnn. Bob

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 May 02 - 06:53 PM

I said to Marcus Music (01633 815612) "I'll have one of your fine tuneable Welsh Bodhrans, and I want it in RED".
"What shade of red would that be, Sir?"

And I am well pleased with it. AND it's still in tune!

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Socorro
Date: 17 May 02 - 10:33 PM

A group of friends (~6 of us) were getting together weekly to sing traditional black gospel (group is racially mixed, with only 1 member who is experienced & talented in traditional quartet singing).

We lost our piano player and were acapella for awhile. Practices were at my house, and every so often we'd use the piano in my house for something (like starting a song on the same note each time). The piano had been purchased for my daughter's piano lessons, and had been unused for many years. Gradually, i started "playing". I need all the help i can get; I guess that's why i joined Mudcat!

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 18 May 02 - 05:22 PM

It choose me!!

Cheers, Sam (piano accordion)

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: GUEST,Singout/Penny
Date: 18 May 02 - 11:15 PM

Several years ago my son asked if I would loan him $100 on his Westbury Dreadnaught guitar (circa '79-'82). It sat in the family room until a year ago when I decided that it would be a shame to not try to learn to play the thing. Plus I was out of work at that time, which helped.

For years at festivals and jams I have admired and envied guitar players and wondered how in the world they could remember chords. I especially did not think I could ever do it. But here I am a year later entertaining myself with a bunch of songs I have put together in a notebook and some even memorized. ANYONE CAN PLAY GUITAR. "Green Green Rocky Road" can be played with one chord - D! Wish someone had told me this years ago.

A few months ago I saw a small, family bluegrass band and so admired the way the woman (who was almost my age) played her 5-string banjo. Not particularly fast, but so smoothly. So now I have a new banjo! This could be a whole different story and I bought one in a mid-price range with a hard case with the thought that if it proves too difficult, I will sell it. But I'd rather learn to play it.

Penny

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: GUEST,Celtic Soul, away from my 'puter
Date: 19 May 02 - 09:19 AM

I was a part of a troupe of performers that jad singing, dancing, and acrobatics in a "gypsy" theme. I chose doumbek, as it was the only thing that seemed even remotely appropriate at the time.

That group fissured, and I formed a music only group made up of myself and the 2 musicians that were in the former group. We played russian gypsy folk music. I played nothing but a tamborine for that. Again, it seemed the only real appropriate thing other than singing.

I was invited to play with a nautical folk group. After about short time, the person then acting as "leader" handed me a bodhran and said "Learn this in a week". Gah.

I learned the basics, but I was no great shakes in that week.

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 19 May 02 - 09:41 AM

I am an instrument addict. for years I hid it by running a music shop,but now i've confronted the problem and it is under control. Sure I have the guitars,bouzouki,bodhran,whistles,bagpipes and concertina,but I don't Need any more! Hurdy gurdie- what hurdy gurdie?

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: vectis
Date: 20 May 02 - 05:37 AM

I saw a poor, neglected piano accordion in a junk shop and bought it, got it fixed and learned to play it. Not the best of reasons to start playing a melody instrument when almost 50 but there. I could already play chords on a guitar and bang a bodhron in time to the music.

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 20 May 02 - 12:14 PM

Banjo - got interested in old time music in college. Listened to the New Lost City Ramblers, Pete Seeger, etc. Liked the sound of the frailed banjo and thought "I'll bet I could do that." Got my first one with Top Value stamps.

Dulcimer - My wife had one when we got married. I started noodling with it and she showed me some basics.

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Marion
Date: 20 May 02 - 03:13 PM

I took up the guitar because of two things that happened to me on the same day. Coincidence? Maybe.

The first was because I had recently learned to knit. I showed one of my friends the mittens I had made, and he wanted me to teach him to knit. At that time we were very big on the "barter economy", so I said, "Then you have to teach me something. What do you know how to do?" He could play guitar, so we agreed to get together sometime and trade a knitting lesson for a guitar lesson.

Then my roommate's boyfriend got himself a new guitar and lent us his old one to keep around the house; he brought it over the same day I was going to have this lesson exchange with my friend.

My friend taught me the chords to Blowing in the Wind and Times They Are A-Changing. So all at once, and without any particular desire on my part, I suddenly had a guitar at my disposal and the info to play songs on it. And I never knit again.

Marion

Knitting... what was I thinking...

Subject: RE: How did you choose your instrument?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 20 May 02 - 03:42 PM

I started on harmonica when I was about 14, 'cos it was all I could afford and blues was a 'thing' back then. I then got into bass guitar. I'd always liked bass lines and I was singing bass in choirs.

Melodeon followed - well that's just a mechanical harmonica anyway. And lastly bouzouki when I realised I would never be a guitar player (I think maybe I'm much happier with 4 strings/courses).