Your age

[chordbanger]

I am in my late 40's and I took mandolin and violin lessons for the past 5 years. I have a background in music, however, because I learned how to read sheet music when I took guitar lessons when I was around 13 years old. I have been approached by people who would love to learn music, but they think they are too old. You are never too old to learn how to play an instrument. There are so many ways to learn-go to a local music store and look into lessons, check out the sites on computers for free lessons, or get some books and CDs, and teach yourself. There are plenty of people my age or older who are taking lessons. I recently took an interest in learning the tenor banjo, since I own 4 of them, and I love the sound of a tenor banjo, so I have been trying to teach myself.

[jim simpson]

You are so right about not being too old to start learning. I had a mandolin for years but just fooled around with it, never learned chords, etc. till a situation prompted me to learn. That was about 15 years or so ago and I was just turning 40. I have pretty much made the mandolin my main instrument and now have a student who is retired. This fellow is doing great for being in the early stages. It does take dedication to learn but the reward is well worth it.

[man dough nollij]

I picked up the mandolin when I was about 40, which was almost six years ago. I went back to school and was doing a full course load on top of working full time, so I barely practiced in that whole time.

I'd pick one up and run through one of the five fiddle tunes I knew, but didn't progress for most of the last five years.

I'm done with that BS degree and a master's, and I'm down on the ice now, so I have a LOT more time to play. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

I can tell that it takes me longer to learn things than it would when I was younger, but I'm also more disciplined and patient than I was before.

I think it's just a fact of nature that we learn things more easily when we are young, especially languages and music. Still, I don't think that's any reason not to jump in at any age. I'll never catch up to Grisman, but so what? I probably know a ton of stuff that he'll never learn. It's not a contest. Just my $0.03NZ. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[irokcj5]

I'm 44 and started last January. I was making what I thought was pretty good progress for the first 3 months, then other things came up and reduced my playing time. I've started back up playing daily about 3 weeks ago. I'm not that good, and I'll probably never will be, but I'm playing fiddle tunes that just 7 months ago, thought would be impossible for me. Once I put it in my hands, I can't put it down...wish I would have started years ago...

[Mike Snyder]

I returned to college at 49 for a degree. My brain was much more flexible when I was young (knees too), but not nearly as motivated. I work on the mando harder today than when I started at 20.

[Mattg]

I started in my early 40's and have been learning for several years. I don't perform yet but see it happening some day. I don't learn as fast as a youngin's.

[Gene Bragg]

I'm 58 now. Got a new mando last year, never played an instrument before and started taking lessons. Then had a total knee replacement and couldn't get back to lessons, then went into a depression and haven't picked it up again. Besides the surgery (and I think this is the major problem) I have a disruptive homelife with sister-in-law, nephew-in-law and 3 neices- and small nephew- in-law and the sister-in-law's boyfriend living with us. Noise and screaming ALL the time. Can't find a place to practice. But I WILL get back to it I promise!!!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[chordbanger]

I'm 58 now. Got a new mando last year, never played an instrument before and started taking lessons. Then had a total knee replacement and couldn't get back to lessons, then went into a depression and haven't picked it up again. Besides the surgery (and I think this is the major problem) I have a disruptive homelife with sister-in-law, nephew-in-law and 3 neices- and small nephew- in-law and the sister-in-law's boyfriend living with us. Noise and screaming ALL the time. Can't find a place to practice. But I WILL get back to it I promise!!!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
I work in a rehab unit, so I know how tough knee replacement surgery is. It is one of the toughest surgeries someone can go through. Hope things will get better for you.

[mandomurph]

I'll be 68 in October and started my first mandolin lessons last year. Takes a long time for the notes to get from my head down to the fingers but I'm loving every chunk of it.

[man dough nollij]

Can't find a place to practice.
If you feel motivated to start again, and can invest a little money in the project, I have an idea. I ordered a solid-body electric mando, a micro cube amp, and an AmPlug. Unfortunately, the mando was shipped stateside, and I'm in Antarctica. A solid-body (or maybe an accoustic with a pickup) with the AmPlug (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Vox-Amplug-AC30-Headphone-Amp?sku=481676) and a pair of very soundproof headphones would let you play your brains out without hearing the disturbance, and they wouldn't hear you, either. Just a thought. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Pheasant Plucker]

I'm 46 and have played the guitar for 30 years (strictly rhythm, couldn't seem to make it cry or sing)played 12 string 'cause 6 hurt my fingers... One night at a friend's jam , there were about a dozen other guitar players there, I put down my guitar and picked up an old bowlback that nobody ever touched. Tuned it up and something strange happened, I picked a melody! A few months later I got a CCPOS and now the mando is my main instrument. I still need to revert to the guitar if I want to sing one, but that's ok by me

By the way, I made an octave as my first build, scratch, no plan, no clue and it actually plays pretty well and sounds good, although a little quiet. It has a saddle pick-up and pre-amp (Grizzly) and sounds quite good amplified. Looks primitive, but I'm happy with it.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I'm 63 years old & began playing mandolin just over 2.1/2 years ago at age 61 - i should have started 40 years back,i could have been pretty mediocre by now,
Saska

[Stephen Lind]

i'll turn 58 on Bill Monroe's birthday
been playing guitar for 50+ years and mandolin/bouzouki for 50+ years less http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

and i just love the thing
it makes more sense than the doggone guitar ever did
5th's
who'd a' thunk

NEVER too old
NEVER

it's a little late after a long day of guitar teaching
but i think i'll take the Fowley zouk down and mess a bit
prettiest thing you ever saw
Irish roses, shamrocks, and a sound to die for

[narrogate]

It is really inspiring to see that many of you picked up the mandolin at "middle age" or later. I took an interest in my twenty's after playing guitar since my teen's. Didn't get too far then just quit for 15 or twenty years! Now I'm 58 and have been playing again for about 5 years and can't believe how far I've come. Wish I had have taken some lessons as I have had to learn just by watching others and listening to cd's. Just continue to hang in there and it will come as I have progressed enough to play in two different bluegrass groups and I am loving it!

[RobinG]

I'm 45 and started the mando at 42 I think, after several years guitar. We played our first bluegrass festival last weekend (successful)and I took part in my first jam beforehand (er.. I managed to play the right chords most of the time..!), so I feel relatively proud of my progress. Frankly I love the thing so much, I would like nothing better than to have three or four hours practice time daily and really getting the thing under control (rather than the sporadic 20 minute sessions I get). I don't think age has any bearing on anything to do with learning- the only problem is that every day there is one day less...

Robin

[fred d]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Started in 2005 after back surgery, now 3years later and afte 3 more surgery setbacks still trying play in acouple jams plus uke jam and banjo and bass O my Having a lot of fun and don't care who does or does not like my style right now trying to play the Blues on mandolin and mouth harp never, to late or, to early have fun, and good luck to everybody that loves msic and plays

[Purplebee]

Will be 57 in November, and I've been messing with the mandolin for almost a year. Fun stuff!
I've played guitar for about 10 years, mostly to accompany myself while singing (I guess my voice is my "main" instrument!), but I'm getting better at playing my mando as accompaniment - still have to look for some chords, but it's getting better.

Nope, never too old to learn, when you stop learning, you stop growing....

Chris

[Fliss]

You're definitely not too old to learn. At least I hope not, because I hope I'm not too old, as I still have an awful lot to learn http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I used to play a little when I was young, then didn't play for about 25 years till I re-started, from the very beginning, around 3 years ago at the age of 43.

Fliss

[MikeEdgerton]

I took it up when I was old. I'm ancient now. I graduated from high school a year before the world's oldest man did.

[Chris Travers]

Hmmm... 40 seems like a common age to start mandolin. Me, I started at 14 (about 2 years ago). So by the time I'm 40, I'll be like totally incredible at mandolin! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif I hope.

[John Flynn]

I have told this story before, so for those who've heard it, read ahead. I was in a string band with a lady dulcimer player who I still run into from time to time. Her only childhood musical backgroud was some cello lessons, but she did not stick with it. She did not play music at all as an adult until about age 50. At that time, she started playing lap dulcimer and really got into it. Now in her mid-60's, she is in a regularly performing string band that has a CD; and she teaches dulcimer both privately and in workshops. Along the way, she started learning clawhammer banjo, which she has gotten to a very solid intermediate level on; and fiddle, where she is near intermediate level also. Playing music has added a lot to her life.

[Capt. E]

I am now 58 and started the mandolin only last March. There must be something about that month with me, because it was back in March 06 I discovered the Cajun accordion and for the first time in my life set of seriously to learn an instrument. I have always played around with reeded instruments, harmonica, pennywhistle, flute, clarinet, etc. I also learned some guitar maybe 20 years ago, but never seriouly attempted a fretted instrument until I discovered the Mandolin. It has quickly become another passion of mine, especially after I acquired an instrument better than the Epi MM-30 I first bought. Still play the accordion. The two go well together.

[Santiago]

Bought my first mandolin at 46. I'll be 49 this week.

[DorothyD]

I have you all beat! #I turned 66 last week. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #I had a year of piano when #was 6 years old and played trumpet in school. #I picked up a mandolin when I was a young 60 and haven't stopped since. #It is a wonderful thing to do when you get older. #It keeps your brain active and 'fresh'! #I take lessons and I love it. I had a full knee replacement a few months ago and have done very well with it. We (hubby and I) play at nursing homes regularly and have a ball. #We go to alot of jams every week and music has become a major part of our lives. #We have a wonderful small graoup that meets at our house every Saturday afternoon. If your are wondering if you should take the step to play an instrument...DO IT!! #It's great fun!
Dorothy #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[vermin307]

All I can say is wow, I was thinking in the back of my mind, 'maybe I'm to old to start this' I am happy to say that thought is long gone after reading this string of comments, started Mandolin about 3 months ago, I'll be 46 next month

[JGWoods]

I may not be too old to learn- 60s- but I am too old to remember what I learned half the time...near as I can recall.
Now where was I?

Where's my mandolin?

Where did I put that pick?

Now what tune are we playing again?

wait, I forgot my glasses....

sigh

[David Zaruba]

After 30+ yrs of playing guitar (and piano & bass) I started on mandolin in Sept 2007, at age 47. So I've been playing mando for 10 months and it has become my favourite instrument and a daily obsession! Mandolin is an incredible melody instrument and great for strumming and chopping too. Plus its so small and portable. Plus the logic of tuning in 5ths...a revelation.

[fred d]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif MY wife has a banjo teacher that started to play at 56 comes from a famous music family and is one of the most sot after here in sacramento Her pasion is teaching children Sacramento childrens banjo band I won't tell you how old she now but she has been teaching for atleast 10 years http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[herbsandspices]

Bought my mando a year ago when I was 28. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Now I'm 28+1.

I play the mandolin on a handful of songs for my band, but I practice mandolin more than any of my other instruments (ukulele, guitar, and banjo) - there's something that I can't describe about the sound of a mandolin.

john

[ehOhioGrown]

I'm 23 and I just started practicing about 2 months ago here and there, and the past 3-4 weeks now i've been playing at least 1hr+ a day. i really wanted to play something but wanted to play something a little different. considering i have 0 background in music instruments i would have to say i'm not too bad, i've messed around with a guitar and knew a few chords but that was it. the hardest part for me is learning theory, i spend a lot of time reading theory at work too^^ my friend, roy, who has played bass guitar for probably longer than i've been alive, but he just started learning to play guitar and he's already gotten decent at it, while i'm still trying to crawl. i think a lot of this is simply because he's played in all kinds of bands from gospel to metal and he's got the theory part pretty well under control. but i have a motto that i like to tell myself -- the only reason someone is better than me at anything is because they practice more -- so if i want to be better than them, or compete, then i'm going to have to put as much or more effort as them. i'm sure by the time i'm his age and have been playing for 13 years i'll have an easier time playing with him.

[Dragonflyeye]

I'm 54 and bought my first instrument (A-F mando) in January of this year, and signed up for private lessons the same day. Learning to read music also. Dad was a good amateur musician, and I've always had a passion for it and (according to dad), inherited his perfect pitch. I absolutely love it, though I have slacked off a bit this summer (travel, gardening, dog park). Yes, I'm not retaining stuff like when I was younger, but there's a joke that points out how someone with age-related memory problems can enjoy the same joke anew every day - well, I can enjoy "learning" the same song day after day! The upside of the age thing is increased patience and being more relaxed. So yay for us "senior" players! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[woodwizard]

Started in '68. I think I'm finally gettin' the hang of it at 56 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[rmartinez]

I bought my first mando (Fender acoustic electric/ $119 at Mars music) and learned some common chords when I was 20. I bought an Eastman when I turned 23 (I think) and I started playing mandolin a little more seriously. At 25 I bought a Collings MF and haven't looked back. I'm 27 now and I'm still not very good. However, my dog seems to like my playing. It puts her to sleep...is that a good thing?
Ya'll are an inspiring bunch. Much to learn here.

[Bobbie Dier]

I LOVE reading these posts. I'm 50 and have been playing since I was 19 or 20. Sometimes I still get fired up about mandolin. Some times It's hard to make myself play at all. I'm in the fired up stage right now(thank goodness). I will always love music and never get enough of it. I have been playing clawhammer for the last couple of years and sorta let the mandolin slack off and it shows. I'm getting back to it now. If I was rich I'd probably play music 8 or 10 hours a day. Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo. I have to work though and that's just the way it is. You guys know about needing insurance, food, shelter and all that.

[Mikey G]

I'll be 51 next month, and began playing when I was 42.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Started four months before 50 and been playing for month before 54 so that that's more.My goal is a complete mandolin player by 60.

[mang1974]

I'm 34, and have been taking mando lessons for the last 2 or 3 years. I've been playing guitar since I was 17 or 18, altough I'm self taught on guitar. I think that having some musical knowledge and familiarity with a stringed instrument has certainly been beneficial in learning the mando.

[jenjoyce]

I picked up mandolin in '85 (the same year my later purchased mando was built!) #and dug my teeth in, took a bunch of lessons, and was performing within 5 years, #took a break for 15, #now at 46, #I feel like ...sheesh, #I want to really, #*reeeally*, #I mean REALLY learn how to play this thing! So here I am, #starting at what seems like the beginning again, #though I've been playing for over 20 years now. I'm thinking that I want to take lessons again, #but on the other hand, #I am rather hankerin' for a real personal style instead, #so I dunno. #I think I'm going to learn the meaning of woodshedding, #like very soon.

ps. and I laugh at the fact that now I need to wear glasses to read the dots on new material...

[Treblemaker]

I'm 44, started in 1991 - roughly 17 yrs ago.
I'd have thought I'd be better by now - but it takes a ton of work.
However this work is more pleasant than any other.

At this point I know about 100 fiddle tunes, 100 swing tunes a lot of bluegrass music.

I must be doing something sorta right because tonight I am playing at a big club in San Francisco - my Band, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys are opening for Blue Highway at Slim's in SF.

I still have a fairly low opinion of my own mandolin playing, - but at least I am having a blast doing it!

-Treblemaker
SF, CA

[Caleb]

...my Band, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys
GREAT band name! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Chris Travers]

I must be doing something sorta right because tonight I am playing at a big club in San Francisco - my Band, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys are opening for Blue Highway at Slim's in SF.
Nice. Blue Highway is a good band I like em'.

[Rob Powell]

I'm 63 years old & began playing mandolin just over 2.1/2 years ago at age 61 - i should have started 40 years back,i could have been pretty mediocre by now,
Saska
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

I agree....I started 3 years ago at 49 and never went anywhere with it. Now at 52, I started again 2 weeks ago and I'm learning much faster.

My wife now says, "You don't suck as bad this time!"

[GTG]

I started 5 years ago, at 27. After 15 years of guitar playing and 9 previous years (7-16) of violin, I picked up a friend's wall-hanger. "Hey, picks like a guitar, tunes and plays like a fiddle. Perfect!"

[MikeBrennan]

If you're over 20 it's too late. #Give it up. #Get rid of your mandolin. #In fact, I will get rid of it for you - just send your mandolins to me. #Sen me a PM and I'll give you my shipping address. #(...Just doing my part )

[Jim Kirkland]

I'm 60 and have been playing 10+ yrs. Am in the process of getting a new mando, maybe a Bill Bussmann made f. I don't want to wait too many years for one to open up, so I will have to devote at least 2 hrs per day of playing time. I am fearful that the wife will catch on to my retirement time, and we will have to be on the harley running around. I guess I could take the mando and stop at all the festivals and enjoy a little more mando time.

[Pen]

Absolutely. Never too late. I respect ppl my age that are just picking up instruments more, in some ways, than others that have played their whole lives. It reminded me of something I often think about though.....

I miss the incredible addiction music had on me in my 20's (mostly guitar then). I've always loved good jams and practicing. But it was just better then. I started piano lessons when I was 5 and have played with consistency till today (I'm 40). I've never been so motivated, nor enjoyed it more than from 22 - 28 or so. Not even close.

I'm a more successful musician now. I make more money at it. I'm technically better. I play more instruments now. But I loved it more then.

It reminds me a bit of your first crush. Or hitting the winning shot in a HS B-Ball game. You can do those things again - but my goosebumps aren't quite as tall. Maybe it's that way for the 40 year old who picks up the instrument for the first time. I sure hope it is.

Anyone have a clue what I'm talking about?

[Andrew DeMarco]

I'm 22. I fell in love with the mandolin after hearing "House of Tom Bombadil" by Nickel Creek when I was 17 or so. Went out and bought a Fender at Sam Ash. Recently bought a Collings MT.

Since I'm in graduate school/clinical practica/heavily involved in research, I don't get to practice much these days. I get a few minutes in after I get home or before I leave in the morning... but I am looking to buy a beater to leave in the lab! We look at auditory-evoked event related potentials, so it fits perfectly!

[groveland]

I've never been so motivated, nor enjoyed it more than from 22 - 28 or so. Not even close. ...Anyone have a clue what I'm talking about?

I know what you're talking about, with the exception that I think am just as motivated as back then, or more - but back then it was unencumbered by responsibility and allowed to be an unchecked obsession. Nowadays it's all tempered and balanced by career, family, and other pursuits; and most of all, by the knowledge of what it really means to do music full time. But it's still there. Maybe that does translate to less motivation... but I still manage to practice several hours a day.

[minnedolin]

I picked up the mandolin whilst in high school (began piano and subsequently guitar at a young age).... I am now 25 and I love it more than ever. There were a few years where music (as well as many other great things in life) were shut out and I was left to squander in complete and utter darkness, devoid of anything joyous.. Folks, peer pressure is only healthy if someone coerces you to play an instrument (presumably the mandolin) or go to a Sunday morning 'meeting'! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim]

I picked up the mandolin in 94 when i was 39 , I'd been playing guitar since I was 12 but got really into it when I crushed my hip in an auto acc. when I was 18. I played every day for hours during my 22 months of being bedridden. When I got on my feet again I was picked up by a working country band and have played semi prof ever since. Mandolin seemed a good way to add more colors to the rock & folk groups I've worked with and came more easily to me than guitar did but I'm sure that the fine motor traing and music theory I've learned from guitar helped alot.


I'm 58 now. Got a new mando last year, never played an instrument before and started taking lessons. Then had a total knee replacement and couldn't get back to lessons, then went into a depression and haven't picked it up again. Besides the surgery (and I think this is the major problem) I have a disruptive homelife with sister-in-law, nephew-in-law and 3 neices- and small nephew- in-law and the sister-in-law's boyfriend living with us. Noise and screaming ALL the time. Can't find a place to practice. But I WILL get back to it I promise!!!!!

I think you need a Banjo or Electric guitar, Drums would be a consideration as well assuming it's your house.

[Jim]

I picked up the mandolin in 94 when i was 39 , I'd been playing guitar since I was 12 but got really into it when I crushed my hip in an auto acc. when I was 18. I played every day for hours during my 22 months of being bedridden. When I got on my feet again I was picked up by a working country band and have played semi prof ever since. Mandolin seemed a good way to add more colors to the rock & folk groups I've worked with and came more easily to me than guitar did but I'm sure that the fine motor traing and music theory I've learned from guitar helped alot.


I'm 58 now. Got a new mando last year, never played an instrument before and started taking lessons. Then had a total knee replacement and couldn't get back to lessons, then went into a depression and haven't picked it up again. Besides the surgery (and I think this is the major problem) I have a disruptive homelife with sister-in-law, nephew-in-law and 3 neices- and small nephew- in-law and the sister-in-law's boyfriend living with us. Noise and screaming ALL the time. Can't find a place to practice. But I WILL get back to it I promise!!!!!

I think you need a Banjo or Electric guitar, Drums would be a consideration as well assuming it's your house.

[Chiledog]

After reading this whole thread, I am youngster checking in at the age of 46. #I am absolutely loving learning to play the mando. #I got to thinking about it the other day, this is the first new instrument I have learned since the early 70's, when I took a few lesson learning how to play the guitar. #I thought this was quite an interesting angle of looking at it.

Todd

[David Cottingham]

I'm 58 now. Got a new mando last year, never played an instrument before and started taking lessons. Then had a total knee replacement and couldn't get back to lessons, then went into a depression and haven't picked it up again. Besides the surgery (and I think this is the major problem) I have a disruptive homelife with sister-in-law, nephew-in-law and 3 neices- and small nephew- in-law and the sister-in-law's boyfriend living with us. Noise and screaming ALL the time. Can't find a place to practice. But I WILL get back to it I promise!!!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
I recommend tremolo practice, on the E string. That is guaranteed to get 'em running for the hills. :-)

[duffy]

Got my first string instrument about 2 yrs ago - a real cheap asian mando. I now have a nice Big Muddy that I love. No lessons. I just piddle and plunk and promise myself I'll work harder tomorrow. After two knee replacements and retirement I knew I had to have something besides watching the Cubs to keep me busy. I'm slowly learning to flat pick some Celtic tunes. I turned 69 the 1st of this month.

[Wheel Man]

Put me down for 67 years old! #Started playing the Mando at 66, only wish I had started a long time ago, but I'm loving every time I have it in my hands. #What a great little instrument. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[UnityGain]

I'm 24 and I started playing music when I was 22. #Before that, NOTHING. #I didn't even hum along to music in the car, and didn't really even listen to much music before then. #Once I realized that I could "touch sound" I havent stopped since, I think its never too late to start having fun playing music, and its really hard not to get frustrated by people who play better than you, but thats life. #I wish I wish I wish I started ealier, but thinking about that doesnt make me any better. #Do it because you love it, and the rest will come.

I cant tell if I'm bad at it or good. I play almost allways with other people, and almost allways origional music, and we play gigs in bars. I can take solos and play rythum pretty good in the band, but on my own I sound terrible and can barely keep a tune. Odd...

I feel so young though....

[Randi Gormley]

I got my first mandolin when I was in college and taught myself to play via Mel Bay (bless his heart) and picked away at melodies for about five years. Then I put it away for about 20 years and picked it up again about seven years ago, when I was 47 having forgotten just about everything I knew (not to mention losing all those nice callouses that took months to regrow). I've been playing pretty steadily since then, joined an irish band about five years ago and have been improving slowly since then. You're never too young to pick up something new. I mean, you'll age just as fast if you don't do it as you would if you did ... why waste the time? I was at a mando workshop class this past week where there were two kids -- I dunno, maybe 17 or 18 -- fiddle players who were taking mandolin because they could. I noticed that they "got" stuff much faster than I did but I still held my own with the over-20s in the class. I guess my regret is that I never really studied the instrument when I was younger. I see some of the kids playing so easily without the memory (or anticipation) of carpel tunnel that keeps me from practicing as long as I used to. That and having to put the music far enough way to see it ...

[terrierguy]

I'm 61 and just started. Been playing guitar for a while (10 years or so). Been thinking about starting mandolin for a few years. I am really enjoying it after nearly quitting after a couple of weeks and setting some realistic expectations.

[Tracy Tucker]

I started right at 2 years ago at the age of 36. Never played an instrument before (unless you count the brief stint in 6th grade where I was forced to learn the recorder. Hated it!) 24 years and 2 kids later, I decided I was going to do something for ME and have loved every finger-callusing minute of it. Learned a good bit on my own, but started taking lessons about 2 months ago and my abilities are improving by leaps and bounds!

[Tom Morse]

Sure, I'll add to the clutter.

It's 2008, I'll be 55 in a month.
Started playing when I was 25 or 26. But I started playing tenor banjo when I was 5 or 6, so the chords were there immediately although a fifth different.

Drat, I should be a heck of a lot better after 50 years.

[ELSOL102]

I am 56...picked up the guitar 2 years ago, the mandolin about 1 1/2 months ago...I am not performing in the streets & subway and have recorded a CD...having FUN!!! I am a singer/songwriter type...trying to figure out I want to play the mandolin solo with the singing...looking for instruction...did some bluegrass chops at Grey Fox...I started singing and writing a little over a year ago and it's taken off...it's a talent I just discovered!! I would like to be a better instrumentalist...I might like the mandolin better than the guitar...although my fingertips are killing me. Oh I did play piano as a child...and took some guitar lessons in my 30s and quit for many years before this second start up.

[ELSOL102]

Oh I started with 2 finger mandolin chords and singing....which is part of my street act...which gets rewarded with cash in my guitar case...I am working on the 4 and 3 finger chords...and doing the 3 finger G chord...will try the difficult 4 finger version closer to the body...it's a real hard stretch for my hand...so now...the 3 finger G is doable. I got some interesting info from Youtube and played some of the G scale and tried ending with a G chord tremolo...don't know how to do tremolo yet but tried..I love the sound...trying to add things to what I can do in my performance right away then trying to learn how to really play this instrument as I go along...haven't gotten very far. Would love to find some good but inexpensive DVD videos to learn. I do play rhythm when I sing...perhaps now I can add a few notes as an intro...little things like that would be nice to add...I did start playing the mando like a guitar...playing bluegrass tunes with a boom chick pattern while I sing...my voice being the most important thing. Any advice is welcome.

[Andy Nichols]

Started when I was 15.I'm 53 now.Don't know if I've made much progress in all those years.

[man dough nollij]

It is completely hopeless. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evo6fb9sc7U)

[Givensman]

65.
Be 66 next April.

[weleetkaoutlaws]

I started playing mandolin in 1985. Seriously after it for only 17 years though. Have played guitar for 36 years....and just started banjo a year ago. I'll be 47 on Halloween.

[fishdawg40]

It is completely hopeless. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evo6fb9sc7U)
Don't say that. #Hey, I bet those kids will never make it to Antarctica #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[man dough nollij]

I have a cat that's older than her, and she can play ten times better than I ever will. It's just sick and wrong for someone that young to be that good.

[Perry Babasin]

I have played guitar since I was 12 or so, had a no-name a-style mandolin given to me when I was 26 but didn't really pick it up until I was 50. I am now 57, pickin' strong and loving it!!

Pick = Grin........... Perry

[fatt-dad]

These threads come up every so often and I never have the same answer. This time I'll say 53. My mandolin journey began in Jr. high school and has been hit or miss ever since. Still have the old Kay; however along with a few others - ha.

f-d