O/T - What instrument do you play?

[njdunkin1]

Hey everyone!
I got the go-ahead from Leon and figured we could bring a fresh topic to the front page. I was curious to see if any board members here ended up playing something really cool or was in a band at one point or another.
Personally, I have been playing clarinet for a number of years. I find it to be a gentle instrument with good harmony and melody capabilities. In spite of this, I was getting hungry to try something else, so I picked up the bass guitar about a week ago! I have been playing every possible moment and my blisters feel great.
What instrument do you play?
NJ

[Bliggity]

I play these...and a few others!



Here's one of me in the recording studio a couple weeks ago (on bass):

[edjs]

I've been in a whole lot of bands, I play the audience.

[prewarsports]

Dan

What year is the Stratocaster? Looks like it is a pre-CBS head stock and has some age to it. Love the vintage Fenders!

[njdunkin1]

Originally Posted by Bliggity

I play these...and a few others!

Wow, that is awesome Dan! Excellent collection!

[almostdone]

Played drums a lifetime ago. Haven't had the opportunity in years. Wonder how bad I'd be if I sat behind a kit again. My steering wheel sounds good though when I pretend to play when I'm driving. Maybe there's hope for a come back.
Drew

[rjackson44]

I sing in the shower...nice topic thanks

[Bliggity]

Originally Posted by njdunkin1

Wow, that is awesome Dan! Excellent collection!

Originally Posted by prewarsports

What year is the Stratocaster? Looks like it is a pre-CBS head stock and has some age to it. Love the vintage Fenders!

Thanks! Good eye Prewar, it's actually a '57 reissue. It was one of the first AVRIs off the line at the Corona factory, I think the neck date is 7-10-86. The others (L-R) are a 1992 Gibson '67 Reissue SG/LP, a 2003 Martin OM-35, a 1971 Harmony Rebel, the strat, a Guild acoustic beater, a 1937 Gibson L-7, and then on the bottom, a 1911 Martin 000 Mandolin, a 1930s no-name tenor banjo, and a 2002 Martin DM. The seafoam green strat is one I made. I also just picked up a 2015 Martin CEO-7, which I absolutely love. The amps are a 1966 Fender Reverb and a 1964 Danelectro Centurion. I also have a '63 Ampeg Superreverb. I'm a sucker for small 60s combo amps.

Here's another pretty picture Yes, I have a problem.

[bnorth]

Don't know about playing but I make noise with these. The one on the left was my first guitar. The pic was just before I sold it and had turned it back into a right handed model.

[mikemb]

I played the trumpet in the high school concert and marching bands. But, that was over 40 years ago!

Mike

[Bocabirdman]

I played piano so long ago there wasn't even 88 keys yet. I have not played or practiced since Uncle Ronnie was in the White House but I bet I can still play the rests flawlessly.......

[frankbmd]

Tenor Saxophone without an audience (so they don't leave)

[triwak]

Have banged on the drums for over 40 years, several of them professionally. Still at it.

[Bruinsfan94]

I pretended to play the clarinet for four years in my high school band. Could never figure that out...

[bbcard1]

I played bass for a middling rock band back in high school. I mainly learned because they didn't have a bass player and I figured I could figure it out with only four strings. I became barely passable, but our lead guitar player eventually got a recording contract though nothing ever came of it. We had a reunion jam several years back and our drummer died in a motorcycle accident shortly thereafter. Put it down after that, more than 25 years ago.

In her senior year in high school, my daughter discovered music therapy and decided she wanted to make a career of it. She is an accomplished vocalist and a good pianist but music therapists must know how to play the guitar. I picked it up to learn with her. I have really enjoyed it and have retained enough of the old patterns to be helpful. I have a Yamaha right now but have began lusting after the next step up.

Any suggestions in the $400 range? Thinking about a Big Baby Taylor or a Mexico made Martin.

[guy3050]

I play for free beer

[Bliggity]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

Any suggestions in the $400 range? Thinking about a Big Baby Taylor or a Mexico made Martin.

Todd - I would strongly advise against the BB Taylor or a Mexican Martin. At that price point with those guitars, you're paying a lot for the name, and not much for the quality.

I recently played a cedar-top Seagull S6 and was floored by it. It had a huge sound, was easy to play, and compared favorably to Martins in the $800-1000 price range. A friend of mine actually ended up using it to track some songs in the studio, rather than his Taylor 814. You can find them used on eBay, even with electronics, for around $400.

Here's one with electronics for $399 with free shipping.

.

[bbcard1]

I have heard good things about the Seagull. I have plenty of time to wait...my skills such as they are are probably sufficiently showcased on my low end Yamaha. We actually have a guy who is opening a store next door to my ad agency. I'll probably check out his stock and get to know him over the next few months. i have been right blessed and I am willing to spend a couple of extra dollars with the local business guy. There's also the weird thing about two of the exact same guitars where one will speak to you and the other won't. There was Johnson in one of the shops locally that played beautifully...like a guitar many times its cost.

My daughter has a Baby Taylor and it is very easy to play.

[Jason Carota]

I play bass. Been at it since '94. Not much for bands at this time. In the past I've played in Blues, Funk/R&B, and live Hip-Hop (i.e. all live instruments) outfits. Currently focused on Jazz studies. Big Mingus fan.

[iowadoc77]

I played trombone in high school band
Then my oldest son started playing
Now my youngest is playing.
Maybe we just don't know any better...

[irishdenny]

Harmonica & the Mouth Harp(Commonly referred to as the Jew's Harp)
Mostly Camp Fire Settings & WaitiN fir the Helo, Air Bus ~ Ovar iN Theater.
PassiN TiMe & AnnoyiN Fellow Mates oN the Move

[Cozumeleno]

Played alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone for about ten years. Tried my hand at guitar for a few but didn't get far.

[GoCubsGo32]

Music is a passion of mine, behind sports. I play just about every instrument you can imagine... flute,saxophone, guitar, bass, etc. and of course piano.

One of my favorite things to do is tickle the ivory when I have free time. I loved playing at the Neon Cactus while I was a student at Purdue. Here's a pic of me playing.

[jcmtiger]

I played the piano and accordion years ago. Actually sold my accordion to buy Baseball cards in the 70's. Would like to try piano again some day.

Joe

[DeanH3]

Played the drums many moons ago. I too can still play air drums with the best of them, well at least I think I can. I've been threatening the family that I want to get a drum set and pound away.

[williamcohon]

I was a classically trained symphony violinist, years ago. My violin was made by Gennaro Gagliano, in 1735.

Now I'm a fingerstyle guitar player. I play a gorgeous Martin OM42, made in 2007. I also have a Martin D18, made in the early 60's. And, when I travel, I always take my Taylor GS Mini.

This is my video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CwioVrDpqQ4

[John V]

Wow. Thanks for sharing, Bill.

[bbcard1]

A Net54 band at the National one year could be a beautiful and terrifying thing.

[sicollector1954]

I was a band director for 33 years…also play the organ/keyboard for a Continental Basketball Team for 20 years (I think I was worth 2 points a night)…trumpet was my major in college but my proudest moment in music was when my daughter played her trumpet at Whitewater University and they performed at Carnegie Hall.

[FourStrikes]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

Played the drums many moons ago. I too can still play air drums with the best of them, well at least I think I can. I've been threatening the family that I want to get a drum set and pound away.

.

[ALR-bishop]

[wolfdogg]

Drums

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

I have heard good things about the Seagull. I have plenty of time to wait...my skills such as they are are probably sufficiently showcased on my low end Yamaha. We actually have a guy who is opening a store next door to my ad agency. I'll probably check out his stock and get to know him over the next few months. i have been right blessed and I am willing to spend a couple of extra dollars with the local business guy. There's also the weird thing about two of the exact same guitars where one will speak to you and the other won't. There was Johnson in one of the shops locally that played beautifully...like a guitar many times its cost.

My daughter has a Baby Taylor and it is very easy to play.

I have a.Seagull and it sounds amazing but it's a big guitar and not all that.comfortable.for.me.to play. I am thinking of trading it for an Ibanez.

[brob28]

I have played guitar for about 30 years have several but haven't played that much in recent years. I miss it but seem to have too many interests right now oh almost forgot young children too!

[njdunkin1]

Cool thoughts and remarks, everyone. I have a question - is there a good entry-level bass guitar that would be perfect for a rookie player? My cousin started with a Gio Ibanez Soundgear that he really likes.