How many musicians here?

[xs650mike]

Though I'm semi-retired now I was a professional guitarist for many years playing rock, folk, blues and rockabilly. Back in the '60s and '70s I discovered that half the musicians I knew rode bikes and half the motorcyclists I knew were musicians. How many musicians (either pro or am) are there here? What instruments do you play? What kinds of music? What instruments do you own?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't do much any more, but played trombone in swing bands, high school, and college bands. Own 2 guitars: a 12-string Yamaha and a 6-string whose make escapes me at the moment. Very amature, but had fun.

[prometheus578]

"Oh my..."

What instruments do you own?

I have a rather large organ. (hey... you knew that was gonna appear) Seriously, just knew enough to teach son to play, but he flourished at it.

[Pat Kelly]

Taught myself guitar in Jr Hi. Played in a dozen or so bands over the years. Played most styles but mostly 70's rock.
Had all (6) my guitars stolen about 15 years ago and haven't played since.
6 year-old son found my wifes guitar (she dosen't play ) and when I picked it up and played it he was shocked.

[CWilliamson]

attempting accoustic guitar (Yamaha). Took a semester of lessons at the local CC, life got busy, Tried playing it about 4 months ago and my then 2month old covered her ears and started wailing :-) everyones a critic. Still trying to learn.

Clark

[JWSanders]

I've been playing guitar since I was around 19. Played bass and drums a couple of years before that. Played in a few bands, but got disgusted with with all the a-holes and egos. Now I just play for me, mostly.

I had always wanted to learn piano though, and bought a 66-key Yamaha last March. Shoulda done it years ago. I toook to it pretty well. I love the range of expression you can get on a Piano vs. a guitar. Now if I can only keep myself from getting carpal tunnel from it, I'll be happy.

I've got a few guitars, an Ibanez G20, a few accoustics, a couple others that I've literally wore the frets off of over the years. The best gadget I've acquired recently is a USB effects pedal setup that allows me to record studio-quality directly to the PC. Been fun playing with it.

[NOMAD]

MUSIC

I've been playing harmonica for about 10 years. We have a little family group ( my 3 brothers, my sister and mr Mom ) Mom played organ and piano professionally for about 45 years. We all get together some of our friends and jam. About once a month we hold a Jam-Session at a local VFW, we usually draw a crowd of about 50 people or so. We play the old standards, country, 60's & 70's rock & roll, and blues, my favorite is bluse harp. We just like to get together and have a good time.

NOMAD

P.S. All my brothers ride too.

[xs650mike]

Re: "Oh my..."

Originally posted by prometheus578
I have a rather large organ.

Which one, your liver?

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

I just picked up the Bass Guitar after 25 years (playing in church choir) and somehow learned to sing while I play (never could do that in my mis-spent youth, go figure, must have been the illegal substances I consumed back then). Looking to put together a Country band that ventures into some of the Rock classics from the 60s and 70s to play locally. Also acoustic guitar (poorly), Tenor, alto and soprano saxes and can make SWMBO sing...

Used to repair church organs but I'm a poor keyboardist.

[Lord Grizzlon]

Another saxman here...
Owned sop, alto, tenor, and bari. but couldnt ride w/ the bari on my back. now i only play alto. all styles from salsa- to blues.
love big band and gospel

[xj11john]

I play the drums, Yamaha-Stage custom advantage.
Play in a Christian band that I go to church with, we play locally mostly, but hope to tour someday soon.
This past summer we played a poker run for a local Motorcycle ministry-"Covenant Confirmers" At there church in Springfield TN.
We had a blast, there was about 6 or 7 Christian bands that played. They also had a bike rodeo that I didn’t ride in since I had just got my xj, and wasn’t sure if I was ready for any tricky riding, but after watching it , looked pretty easy and now would enter in a minute-it looked like fun.

[Czekus21]

I've been playing instruments my whole life. Guess it's in the family. Granddad on dads side taught music composition in Budapest Hungary before WW2. Dad plays organ at a few churches every sunday, as well as piano and recorder. He has a picture of me pounding on a piano at 6 mo. old. This led into piano lessons till I was 12 and my folks devorced. I was interested in guitar and figured they can't take it away so I got one and taught my self to play. A few guitars later and I have Betty-lou. She's a McCORMIC I bought in 86 while stationed in Germany. I compose my own stuff but can play just about anything. I also have one of the first Sears SilverTone electric guitars made. Kinda cool. The carrying case is also the amp. People love it. Got the old tubes and takes awhile for it to warm up but plays very well. I also have a Yamaha keyboard but mainly use it for the added features like drums and symbols.
I'm looking for a Guild D-55. Here in South Dakota. people know about them but still try and sell me a Fender, Martin, Takamine, and so on. They get frustrated when I tell them that they're not good enough. If I'm going to spend over a grand I want the best.
I won't but a guitar on line. I've got to be able to play it before puttin down $$$$$.
Looks like I'll have to suck it up and buy one of the other brands. Been lookin for too many years. Mabee a Martin Drednot D-50 made with Mohogany.

[jetmechmarty]

After 25 years away from it, I picked up a trombone and started playing in a community band a few years ago. I'm having great fun with it.

[UncleSpot]

Hey Pat - you've been by my shop several times and never said anything about being able to play guitar!?! I've usually got a dozen electric guitars and 12 - 30 amps - say something next time, we'll JAM.

'don't play in a band anymore - 'spend more time repairing musical gear than playing (blues/rock guitar and Hammond organ - blues/rock/Hymns)

[Pat Kelly]

Ron, I never said because I forgot almost everything. I remember 2-3 songs and I'm so rusty that it sounds like crap. My callouses are long-gone so it hurts to play for more than 5 minutes.
Sad realy when I think of the 8-10 hours a day I used to play. I was in so many bands because others always wanted to cut an album or try to go on tour. I didn't mind the occasional dance or party but that was it. I played for fun, not work. We once played the AZ state fair, too bad, we sucked . I was mad at the drummer for getting us that gig.
I know, I should start playing again. Sometimes I'd like to. I miss hanging in the garage jamming with friends. When it works it's fun (like you all know). 2 houses away they have a band that tries playing some satanic heavy-metal noise. In 4 years they've not gotten any better. Sometimes it sounds like 3 people are playing different songs at the same time.
Now that I have a garage maybe I'll take it up again. Lots of old interests I'd like to rekindle, karate, bicycling, running, RC planes and cars, to name a few......... life goes on. Now it's work, laundry, yardwork, transport kids.