Too Old?

[emuposerbass]

I'm nearly 20 and have been playing bass for the last 5 years. But I've always had the urge to pick up the sticks. With a wad of cash coming my way and finally getting out of my apartment I could theoretically play drums. But do you think I'm too old to try and pick it up? How old were you drummers out there when you started?

[konstantine]

YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO START PLAYING DRUMS.

unless you're like 50. but then you could just be a cool grandpa or grandma and play drums.

[emuposerbass]

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm signing up for a Snare Drum Rudiment class and am borrowing a crappy kit for a while but thinking about getting this one www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=perc/search/detail/base_pid/445925/ Now if only musiciansfriend shipped to Canada.

[konstantine]

get someone you trust online to buy it for you and then send it to canada.

[StressOnTheSky]

On the way home from seeing Straylight last night I saw a man who looked about 70 playing the drums in a pub, the energy on a man that old was amazing.

So i'd say you're never too old. I'm 19 and never really been very musically talented but i'm very tempted to pick up something, maybe guitar, maybe drums. Even just so I can pass something on to my kids, if I ever have any.

[aarontoben]

i was 19 when i started playing. i've been taking lessons since the first week i had them, so i'd like to think i am pretty good. i'm not at all content with my playing ability, but it just makes me want to practice more.

[Thrill Kill Will]

first off, everyone is right. you are never too old. if you are passionate about something, then nothing else matters at all. age is nothing.

second, the catalina club kit is pretty hip. it seems like people are pretty happy with them. you get the gretsch name (though LOTS of people hate the way fred gretsch is running his company right now) and you get the cool vintage finishes...and the fun bebop sizes... all for pretty cheap.

(they also have a catalina ROCK kit, 26/14/16/18 + snare... thems is some BIG drums...)

-will

[Pigs On The Wing]

how can you be too old to play drums? my dad just picked up the piano, and harmonica. and he's 49

[hawk9290]

I've seen senior citizens (probably about 75) playing live "concerts" in Florida, and most of it is "swing" since that seems to be what the older people like down there. You can't be to old to learn an instrument.

[Raptor]

I don't think any age is too old. My dad is 51 and is try to learn harmonic.

[irock]

I disagree. Twenty is the age to start; that I agree on. Start around about now because your most probably going to more fitter than in another twenty years time. And you'll have more will-power to peruse in getting better. All I can say is when you start, stick at it. You'll think at time "I can't hack this simple beat!" but after a while you'll get it. Apparently, I got told this that it will 'click' after a matter of time, so stick it out and do your best.
-iRock

[vice]

I say, start anytime you're ready. You don't even need to spend hundreds on a good starter kit, just pick up a good quality pad, I suggest HQ's RealFeel ( www.hqpercussion.com/real_feel.htm ) to get you started. Then pick up a good pair of vic firth sticks. My personal preference is the American Classic 2B, since I have been playing marching snare for years now it's hard for me to use skinny sticks. But go to your local drum shop and just spend some time with the sticks, pick one that feels good for you. Also, if they aren't vic firth then make sure they're balanced, this is crucial trust me. I'd also pick up a book called "A Fresh Approach to The Snare Drum" by Mark Wessels www.mwpublications.com/ it's definately the best beginning book I've used. Also, check out www.vicfirth.com it's probably THE best site for percussion education. I've learned tons from the best instructors out there from this website (Dom Famularo, Steve Gadd, Jim Chapin, to name a few) So don't be scared to start theres so much to learn and so little time, so start choppin!

[Nate The Great]

I started when I was 13, and 20 isnt really that much older in the scheme of things. 20 is a great age to start, most people are at the peak of thier physical status around 20.

That Catalina Club kit is great man, I play it all the time down at the local Guitar Center. Its my second favorite set there besides my set. Ive got a 6 piece Gretsch Catalina Birch (its actually "comes" 5 piece, but guitar center throws in an extra 10" tom, so its really 6), and its got an amazing sound. It only set me back $750, take a look at that too.

Good luck, just dont give up. Might get discouraged at first, but really once you start doing it youll start lovin it.

[twistchi36]

i picked up the piano when i was 20 and did pretty good. then i stopped. which was STUPID. so i think you'll be fine as long as u give it the time needed.

steve

[Jsmooth13]

You're never to old to learn how to play.

Anyway, you'll pick up fast because of your expierience with holding down the time as a bassist.