Playing when you are old...

Tom Quinn · Post by **Tom Quinn** » 14 Nov 2024 1:27 pm

I played during the '70s and early '80s. Doubled on guitar and pedal steel. I got started late in life but became proficient enough to get the job done. But life changes things and I pretty much stopped playing after 1990. Now, at 79 and in pretty decent health, I want to play again. I'm rustier than an old tin can in a cornfield. I have a nice old guitar, still have my '74 Session 400.
Question: anyone still picking at pushing 80? Any tips? Thanks guys.

Joe Bill Moad · Post by **Joe Bill Moad** » 14 Nov 2024 1:45 pm

Tickled to Death that you are still picking! Keep it up!

Respectfully

Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma

Samuel Phillippe · Post by **Samuel Phillippe** » 14 Nov 2024 2:17 pm

Keep picking Tom. I'm 86 and am still playin guitar, lap steel and learning Pedal steel. I just stopped giging last year but still jam with a couple of guys every now and then.
My advice is to pick it up and strum anything to get your fingers back in shape. The pedal steel is very relaxing for me and I'm positive it will be for you. Just sit down and be amazed as to what you can do.It will come back.

Have fun and remember "you're still just a kid"

Sam

Raybob Bowman · Post by **Raybob Bowman** » 14 Nov 2024 6:37 pm

I'm older, not really old yet, ten years behind you at 69. I play every Saturday and Sunday at Bucket of Blood in Virginia City, NV. As I get older, one thing I found important is a good lightweight folding hand truck for load-in/load-out.

Used to always use Dual Showman Reverb but recently got a Quilter tone block. 3.5 pounds instead of 45 pound DSR head.

As for your '74 Session 400, if it's been many years before powering it up, have a tech bring up voltage slowly on a Variac or those old filter caps may become toast being that old. If it's been powered up recently and works with oo noise, don't worry about that.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 14 Nov 2024 6:54 pm

I 70 and still playing after 54 years.

Robert Murphy · Post by **Robert Murphy** » 15 Nov 2024 8:05 am

I am 75. Lately I have focused more on style, intonation and simplicity. Fast and furious belongs to someone else.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 15 Nov 2024 8:18 am

Hook up with some younger players who will help you handle your gear. That's what I'm doing. They will come get me, load me in and out and get me back for the few things I do. I couldn't do it without their help.

Brooks Montgomery · Post by **Brooks Montgomery** » 15 Nov 2024 9:16 am

My old bandmate Bill Hanna (RIP) said about steel guitar:

“That’s what I’m going to play when I get old. Every country band wants one. And you get to sit in chair all night and drink for free!”

Terry Wood · Post by **Terry Wood** » 15 Nov 2024 10:23 am

Congratulations! Hang in there like a Pit Bull.

Play as long and as much as you can, it's good therapy and you might inspire many others to play music and steel guitar.

Best to you!

Terry

Chris Brooks · Post by **Chris Brooks** » 15 Nov 2024 10:49 am

As Terry says, play as long as you can. Get lighter gear, maybe, but still try to carry and load it. That's physical exercise. And playing with bands gets you out of the house and being social.

I'll be 81 next week; I am playing with 4 groups, one of which is especially challenging--and gratifying. In fact I am off in a few hours to a gig on Cape Cod!

Larry Allen · Post by **Larry Allen** » 15 Nov 2024 11:37 am

Ok 81 here, still on 3 bands, amps seem to get heavier every year! Wheels and hand trucks rock!

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 15 Nov 2024 1:41 pm

I'm not compromising my gear. I'm still playing D10s, when it gets where I have to give them up, I quit....or at least a Universal if available. If I can't get help with it, I quit and just play my stuff in my music room.

A single neo BW 15 in. cabinet and a 2 spc. rack is the extent of downsizing I'm doing. Still got a seat and possibles bag, so you just can't get away from the weight and bulk associated with playing a pedal steel guitar.

Carts etc. may help, but you still have to pick it up and put it in the vehicle...same with unloading.

I've about given up handling the big stereo rig and keep it at the jam barn, but never compromising gear for playing out any further than the aforementioned.

Ron Funk · Post by **Ron Funk** » 15 Nov 2024 8:53 pm

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 16 Nov 2024 6:24 am

Tom: I guess you don't still have that black Emmons D-10 I sold you. I'm sure you remember me. We talked on the phone many times. I suggest you turn on youtube and play along with it. You'll get back in shape in no time. Just don't stop. Thanks, Tommy..... P.S. I'm 81 and still working in four bands somewhere every weekend.

Lee Rider · Post by **Lee Rider** » 16 Nov 2024 9:22 am

Tom: If I can do it, you can do it. You are a good musician. Pedal steel is something that keeps us young and our minds fertile.

Gene has that Peavey 112 that you sold me years ago, his main pedal steel amp now.

Charlie Hansen · Post by **Charlie Hansen** » 16 Nov 2024 11:56 am

I'm 82 and didn't start until I was 75.

Bob Sykes · Post by **Bob Sykes** » 18 Nov 2024 9:38 am

Post 70 and still gigging every weekend. It's not as easy as it once was, especially if more than one show. A power nap is essential most of the time. The roadies do the heavy lifting.

I'm a life-long guitar player but started PSG in 2009 so I'm still striving for being at least mediocre on it. I'll keep playing out as long as the pleasure/effort ratio is favorable.

Brooks Montgomery wrote:My old bandmate Bill Hanna (RIP) said about steel guitar:

“That’s what I’m going to play when I get old. Every country band wants one. And you get to sit in chair all night and drink for free!”

This makes a big difference. I got a seat with a back rest this summer and it really helps.

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 18 Nov 2024 2:58 pm

I am also over 70. Tips, advice - if you haven't been playing in a while, go slow and be kind to yourself. Play the easiest stuff first. As we get older, it takes more time to learn and to get back that touch, but, easy does it, it will all come back, and wisdom will add to the mix.

Rich Arnold · Post by **Rich Arnold** » 18 Nov 2024 6:17 pm

I have a more difficult time remembering things, what key I play a song in, but my ability to improvise has increased quite a lot.

Don R Brown · Post by **Don R Brown** » 19 Nov 2024 4:14 am

Rich Arnold wrote:I have a more difficult time remembering things, what key I play a song in, but my ability to improvise has increased quite a lot.

Not sure if that was two separate serious statements, or to be taken together as humor. If the latter, good one!

Samuel Phillippe · Post by **Samuel Phillippe** » 19 Nov 2024 9:40 am

Rich Arnold wrote:I have a more difficult time remembering things, what key I play a song in, but my ability to improvise has increased qAnduite a lot.

And isn't it interesting that as your improvisation increases ALL the new notes you find...... I don't make mistakes, just found a new note and call it improvising.

Sam

Bill Galvan · Post by **Bill Galvan** » 19 Nov 2024 10:26 am

I just turned 88 on Nov 2, 2024. A stroke in 2018 seriously damaged my hearing. I still play for my own enjoyment using a Quilter Tone Bloc 200 and earphones.
No more jam sessions or bar bands but I won't quit.
I just purchased my original 1956 Bigsby and the two of us are going to play to the end.

Lee Rider · Post by **Lee Rider** » 19 Nov 2024 2:52 pm

Bill Galvan wrote:I just turned 88 on Nov 2, 2024. A stroke in 2018 seriously damaged my hearing. I still play for my own enjoyment using a Quilter Tone Bloc 200 and earphones.
No more jam sessions or bar bands but I won't quit.
I just purchased my original 1956 Bigsby and the two of us are going to play to the end.

Great to see you still playing Bill! Music keeps us young and really seems to be working for you!

Best,

Lee Rider

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 19 Nov 2024 3:39 pm

If y0u can do it, do it as long as you can.

I'm 86 (be 87 Dec 18th) started playing Pedal Steel in 1969. Due to back problems (I couldn't carry equipment), failing eyesight and Parkinsons I had to give it up last year. I played in bands until 3 years ago but looking back I started going downhill with my playing around 82. I couldn't do a lot of the fast picking I used to do which is probably when Parkinsons started.

I still have an Ibanez solid body guitar but I couldn't (wouldn't) play in a band.

Nigel Mullen · Post by **Nigel Mullen** » 19 Nov 2024 5:46 pm

I'm 84 and still playing all the time. I have an Emmons single 12 that I've been using for years. I use split cases for my steel and the legs. I use a Nashville 112 with wheels on it and I use a hand cart to take my gear from the stage to the car. I have my own band that play regularly and I sit in with other bands every chance I get. I did have handles installed on both sides of the amp so if I have to carry it very far, I can get someone to help me out on the other side of the amp. I also have fender type legs on the amp so I don't have to lift it up on a chair etc. on stage. I just tilt it back and it works real well that way for me anyhow. I think I'm playing as good as I ever did and I want to keep going as long as possible. Keeps me feeling young again especially playing traditional country and a few old rock and roll songs. Having a ball!!!!

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Playing when you are old...

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