Newbee Introduction

[Budha]

I started my efforts at learning how to play the mandolin several months ago. I joined the Mandolin Cafe a few months ago. I have been a student of the banjo and guitar for many years. I am a mediocre guitar and banjo player at best. I am 75 years old. I want to keep my brain and manual dexterity sharpe by focusing on an instrument I love. I have always loved hearing the mandolin but never thought I could play one. I have been taking lessons from Sharon Gilchrist on Peghead Nation. Her method works well for me so far. I feel like I am learning quickly and am really enjoying the mandolin. It is common for me to spend two - three hours each day practicing and playing. After trying an entry level mandolin and reading posts on this forum, I decided to jump in and buy a Northfield NFS-F5. That may sound extravagant for a rookie but at my age I decided it was a good decision.

Thank you for being there to help me, directly and indirectly, with this new-to-me journey.

Bud

[Sue Rieter]

Welcome, Bud, and good for you for jumping in with both feet!
You will find so many kind and helpful folks here, this is a great place.

Sue

[Lucas]

A hearty welcome, Budha. The Northfield is a great choice.

[marbelizer]

Good choice with the Northfield. It's good to have a mandolin that has a voice with power and depth. It will help inspire you.

[Ranald]

Welcome to the Cafe, a supportive community. Don't be shy about asking questions.

[Captain Kirk]

Welcome aboard!

[Ray(T)]

Great idea to buy a Northfield - I doubt you’ll ever regret it. Just remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question!

[keith.rogers]

Good luck on your travels. You started a few years after me, but it's never too late! If you're up for some travel and a bit of money, I'd recommend a camp where you can get together with others and be exposed to pro level players in person, like the Monroe Mandolin Camp, near Bristol VA. And any others, or bluegrass festivals, etc. that may appeal to you - MMC is just the one that I've been to. Something/anything like that, and playing together with some folks locally, have been the best way to really get comfortable on the mandolin. (Though, with your other instruments, I'm guessing you know that and may even have a group to jam with, but MMC is "another level," at least for me.)

Welcome!

[Randi Gormley]

Welcome to the world of mandolin and the cafe!

[jaycat]

I'm not sure what you mean by "at my age."

I play with a mandolinist who is 83 and a fiddler who just turned 95.

So, no, you're not too young for a nice quality mandolin.

[booker]

Buddha, I think that you’ve made a wise and courageous decision to start learning mandolin at 75. I do think that it helps with attention, and manual and mental acuity. I started at 77 after a twenty year break. It can be frustrating for me, but it’s remarkable to be able to learn new skills at this age. I’m interested in hearing how you’re progressing and what your learning. A Northfield: great choice! At our age, why wait?

[Simon DS]

Welcome! Never too old to do anything!

[tmsweeney]

After trying an entry level mandolin and reading posts on this forum, I decided to jump in and buy a Northfield NFS-F5. That may sound extravagant for a rookie but at my age I decided it was a good decision.

Thank you for being there to help me, directly and indirectly, with this new-to-me journey.

Bud

not necessarily extravagant but beautiful.
if you are practicing 2 to 3 hours a day on a Northfield NFS-F5, many of us are jealous.
We are all happy to hear more mandolin music in the world!
Let her ring let her ring!

[Bill McCall]

Welcome and congratulations! And Sharon Gilchrist is a great teacher, I've taken her class too. Good on you to be enthused to practice so diligently, it's great fun.

If you're not playing today, how can you be better tomorrow? And it helps the wait in case you have something on order

[DaveGinNJ]

I started my efforts at learning how to play the mandolin several months ago. I joined the Mandolin Cafe a few months ago. I have been a student of the banjo and guitar for many years. I am a mediocre guitar and banjo player at best. I am 75 years old. I want to keep my brain and manual dexterity sharpe by focusing on an instrument I love. I have always loved hearing the mandolin but never thought I could play one. I have been taking lessons from Sharon Gilchrist on Peghead Nation. Her method works well for me so far. I feel like I am learning quickly and am really enjoying the mandolin. It is common for me to spend two - three hours each day practicing and playing. After trying an entry level mandolin and reading posts on this forum, I decided to jump in and buy a Northfield NFS-F5. That may sound extravagant for a rookie but at my age I decided it was a good decision.

Thank you for being there to help me, directly and indirectly, with this new-to-me journey.

Bud

I have an NFS as well although I went through a number of lesser instruments before that. If you can practice 2 or 3 hours a day you should be making great progress, especially if you have been playing other fretted instruments

[robw95]

Bud,

You are one inspiring dude, go get 'em!

Rob

[NDO]

Well done Bud! Welcome to the forum!

[Budha]

I can't remember ever having such a warm welcome. Thank you all for the kind words and warm welcome.

Bud

[BillWilliams]

Welcome Bud.
I moved to mandolin at 75 also and have never looked back.
And having a beautiful sounding instrument is inspiring to keep practicing.

[JEStanek]

Welcome to the Mandolin Cafe! Hope you have fun.

Jamie