Thread: SRP Musicians?

How many other musicians are on the SRP?

I play mandolin, banjo, guitar and fiddle. I mostly play oldtime and blluegrass as well as folky stuff. I played bass in a rock band in highschool, but that was along ago (well not all that long ago, i'm 33, but some mornings it feels like a long time ago)

I also build my own instruments, I have 2 mandolins, 2 guitars and an upright bass under my belt.

lets hear what you play...

Guitar player here.

I've been at it for over 25 years and gigging part time for over 20. Very part time with work and family stuff, playing out every 4-6 weeks or so in clubs. I'm currently with a straight up rock cover band. RAD is much much cheaper than amps, guitars and boutique effects pedals

My musical history is a sad one. I started learning piano at age 4 and won local competitions in Hong Kong at age 6. My parents made sure I practiced at least 2 hours a day -- I still remember sitting there practicing whilst I could hear my friends outside riding their bikes and playing.

At age 11 I took up the trumpet as well, and became a chorister in Canterbury cathedral. At 12 I won the second highest music scholarship to my school.

By 16 I had reached Grade 8 on piano (and being pushed to go further with a diploma), Grade 7 on the trumpet, was playing in the school symphony orchestra, brass band, jazz group, choral groups, and concerts.

And I hated every minute of it. Being told what to learn, what to play, how to interpret the music, every week full of rehearsals of one sort or another...

So when I reached 18 I kicked against everything I had done and achieved and gave the whole lot up. When I went to uni I took up the guitar, teaching myself (Fender Telecaster, Fender acoustic), joined a band, and started to love music properly for the first time. Able to play what I wanted, when, and how I wanted.

I continued playing after uni and it became a core part of my life. I went everywhere with my acoustic. Vacations, festivals, when visiting friends at their homes. I never thought I'd lose that part of me.

Then the career took off, I had kids, other hobbies, etc. etc. and I just never got the chunks of time I used to spend on my guitar. Gradually I played less and now, well, I can still play but it's been a few years.

I know I'm going to revive my interest in music, but I also know it will only start to happen once I have more time (i.e. kids growing a little older first) or by changing my priorities in life.

P.S. @Brian -- when your band plays I hope you use Dobly!

Originally Posted by majurey

My musical history is a sad one. I started learning piano at age 4 and won local competitions in Hong Kong at age 6. My parents made sure I practiced at least 2 hours a day -- I still remember sitting there practicing whilst I could hear my friends outside riding their bikes and playing.

At age 11 I took up the trumpet as well, and became a chorister in Canterbury cathedral. At 12 I won the second highest music scholarship to my school.

By 16 I had reached Grade 8 on piano (and being pushed to go further with a diploma), Grade 7 on the trumpet, was playing in the school symphony orchestra, brass band, jazz group, choral groups, and concerts.

And I hated every minute of it. Being told what to learn, what to play, how to interpret the music, every week full of rehearsals of one sort or another...

So when I reached 18 I kicked against everything I had done and achieved and gave the whole lot up. When I went to uni I took up the guitar, teaching myself (Fender Telecaster, Fender acoustic), joined a band, and started to love music properly for the first time. Able to play what I wanted, when, and how I wanted.

I continued playing after uni and it became a core part of my life. I went everywhere with my acoustic. Vacations, festivals, when visiting friends at their homes. I never thought I'd lose that part of me.

Then the career took off, I had kids, other hobbies, etc. etc. and I just never got the chunks of time I used to spend on my guitar. Gradually I played less and now, well, I can still play but it's been a few years.

I know I'm going to revive my interest in music, but I also know it will only start to happen once I have more time (i.e. kids growing a little older first) or by changing my priorities in life.

P.S. @Brian -- when your band plays I hope you use Dobly!

You still have a love for music... so many never get there after the first part of the story. Being largely self taught, I missed out on the fundamentals that you have.


Sadly...my amps only go up to 10.

I was forced to take piano lessons when i was younger (i'm willing to bet this is a common theme) and hated it (though i was quite natural at it), so i quit when it became apparnet to my parents i had no interest. I replaced the piano with the trumpet in the school band (again it came naturally). I really enjoyed it for the most part, but a new music teacher quickly changed that and I among many others quit.

Just a few months ago I was on a late night eBay spree (nothing but trouble i tell ya) and got a violin and an accordion. I really wanted to learn to play the violin after being inspired by a video on youtube but when I got it and actually got to hold it, it was like "Theres no way this is going to work" and the violin sat there being an expensive decoration. Just two days ago I sold it. I'd still like to learn, but probably when i'm out of school and have the time to devote to it. Same with the piano. I now regret quitting.

The accordion on the other hand is a blast to play. I'm not that good yet and my whole family thinks i'm crazy and laughs at it but it's a lot of fun.

I can also play the recorder and ukilelee but it's been so long i don't know if that would count anymore.

OH! and i have a harmonica that i'm learning as well

I mess around with the guitar and bass guitar, but it's all self-taught with poor discipline. In other words, I really don't touch it, but I rock out about once a month

I play melodeon in my English Ceilih band and also for a local Cotswold morris team, as well as regular pub sessionsand folk festivals.

Also play the mandolin a little.

Originally Posted by atracksler

... I have 2 mandolins, 2 guitars and an upright bass under my belt....

Thats a big belt!..

My belt is probably that big.......no instruments, tho'!.....


-whatever

-Lou

Originally Posted by atracksler

but that was along ago (well not all that long ago, i'm 33, but some mornings it feels like a long time ago)

That's a long time ago, don't kid yourself. Maybe it's just one of you're first really long time ago's and you're not used to what it feels like.

I've still got my 1976 cherry wine, Gibson Les Paul Deluxe wit three custom split pick-ups, because my wife won't let me sell it. I also picked up a Takemine acoustic six string a nice Tak 12 string too. I usually keep it tuned DADGAD.

My Glen Reid Mandola (#4 of 4 made) needs a new bridge because it buzzes badly.

My Charango is broken and I don't even know if it can be fixed *sigh* ... working now ... money coming in ...

I used to have a banjo and I guess I still kinda do (or maybe just the pick-up), but it's continent away and not a very good banjo anyhow. Fender ... now that's a good well priced banjo. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of them.

I learned on bass and would like to do some more of that.

X

I started playing clarinet right after primary school. Started playing in a band at the same time and havn't stopped playing since. Moved several times (band and country) and switched from 'normal' clarinet to the bass. Whoo, I like that sound. Now have been playing for 12 years in a band based in Brussels. We play jazz standards, folk music, you name it we play it. Real fun.