What instruments do we all play?

[MrJoP1975]

Since I am sure that a few of us play music instruments, thought it would be cool idea to have a thread about the instruments we play. I'll start:

Guitar -

I have a Suzuki classical guitar that had belonged to my friend Cathy that taught me my first guitar chords. She had a stroke about a decade or so ago and so I wound up with it. It has a nice tone, which makes up for the fact that it has scratches on the back. But I like this guitar a lot, and nearly no ammount of money will get it from me. (Well $5000 and you can have it ROFL.)

As well, I have a 3/4 size steel string Art & Lutherie that I got last summer. I had finally passed on the guitar I had for years, and saw it in the corner of my eyes while picking up a set of strings for the classical guitar. I like the big voice of this small guitar.

Autoharp -

I have 3, but all set-up a bit different. 2 are from Chuck Daniels, one a 21 chord chromatic with the diminished 7th chords, while the other a GDA tuned 3 key semi-diatonic. Chuck uses B model type bridges which is a smidge different as most luthiers use the older A model type bridges. My other is from Pete d'Aigle - a Desert Eagle set-up as a jazz-style autoharp, which is a bunch of non-standard autoharp chords uses for standards etc.

Appalachian dulcimer -

For now, 2 McSpaddens. One an all walnut Sweet Song tuned DAA and the other a Ginger model tuned DAD. I'm actually reevaluating my dulcimer needs, so eventually will replace these. But McSpadden does make a good dulcimer. The scale length on a regular McSpadden is nearly 29 vsl which is a bit of a stretch for chording.

Best for now

[Jim in Chattanooga, TN]

Maybe we should all start a band and play Janis Ian songs...

[Marcia Drummergal]

Drums and percussion

Piano

Alto Sax

Oboe/English Horn

Too dizzy to go into all of the details right now. Have dabbled in other instrments. Majored or minored in all of the above (except piano) in junior college. Majored in percussion in music school.

Marcia :)

[Amy in Vermont]

I play guitar. I currently have: 3 Martins (D-18, 00-17, 000-16) and a vintage Washburn 111.

I also dabble at 5 string banjo (Harmony), and Appalachian Dulcimer (my was made by a fellow named Scott Hastings in Woodstock Vermont in the 60's). I have also been known to toot a harmonica, a recorder and breifly took flute lessons as a child.

[Eva]

I sing. Although I haven't practiced in years. So I only sing when I am alone or with deaf people nowadays.

Eva

[Bat]

Tenor Uke, Tenor Banjo, French Horn (Holton 179 Farkas model, don't play it anymore,though), Viola(not well)

[Rickster]

Okay...I have a Kawai 12 string, a 6 string Guild (d-25), a classical 6 string Esteban Maliquena, and the newest edition my Taylor 610ce 6 string.
I love them all....they are like my babies :-)

[aabram]

Piano (badly!)

Recorder (rusty!) :D

but as far as I know, I THINK I can still sing, although to my knowledge not even to the worst standard on the Xfactor!!!!! :p

[Mary6906]

Saxophone (decent)
Recorder (rusty)
Ocarina (rusty)

[Seth]

piano
basic guitar

[Dee]

I have one Guitar (a Yamaha classical guitar) although what I do with it I wouldn’t call “playing” exactly.

Is the Kazoo an instrument?

[Mary6906]

Hummm... the Janis Ian-Rudies All Kazoo Band... got a nice ring to it!

Who's up for the challenge of creating an arrangement? :D

[Dee]

Perhaps we'd better pass these around first?

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Photo%20Shoebox%20VII/KazooDisplay.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

I play (half-assedly):

Guitar
Piano
Harmonica
Djembe

I have a concertina, but the only song I can play is "What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor?"

Oak

[Amy in Vermont]

Oh yeah.. Kazoo....

Kazoos can easily be re-purposed for ..well... cover the big end with duct tape or aluminum foil. cut a little circle from your dorm room screen and replace the diaphragm with it.... sprinkle a little...well... its legal in
Amsterdam.....

I still have mine from the 60's....

[dragonlady]

Drums since 7th grade not so much tuned percussion since I'm not so good with the reading of music anymore. When I was in school though I could play bells to tympani to trap set and anything in between.

-di

[Mary6906]

Oh yeah.. Kazoo....

Kazoos can easily be re-purposed for ..well... cover the big end with duct tape or aluminum foil. cut a little circle from your dorm room screen and replace the diaphragm with it.... sprinkle a little...well... its legal in
Amsterdam.....

I still have mine from the 60's....

LOL, yes, an instrument that is multi-functional!!! ;) Rock on!!

[coffeegyrl]

I play guitar, but am really rusty. My playing just hasn't been the same since I had hand surgery for an infected m-p joint on my left index finger that was the result of a cat bite. Anyway, my guitar is a nylon string alvarez with friction pegs that my parents gave me in the early 70's. I also have a six-string ovation that needs work. I learned to read music taking piano lessons as a child and I've dabbled with a native american cedar flute, recorder and djembe.

This is inspiring me to get out that guitar and start playing a little more regularly!

[dragonlady]

I've always wanted to learn to play guitar or piano but my hands are so wrecked I'm not sure if it would help keep them exercised or just keep them hurting. Besides my hands are so tiny I'd need to play a little guitar if I played any.

-di

[SFBill]

I can not carry a note out the door.

BUT--I will learn the piano---forget singing!
I don't know why I lean towards the piano...maybe it's because even my air guitar is off tune!

We had an upright piano when i was real young..I remember pounding
out a tune called NANA for my grandmother--I pounded it out again while she was there and then --never again could I play it.--LOL!

but the piano is what I will learn.

[hoops]

i play nothing. i want to play the guitar, i have one. i want to play the piano, don;t have one, i want to play drums... i live in an apartment house...nuff said. i can sing, my mom asked me to sing often for her. i used to be better cause i did it daily. been working my diaphram since surgery, it's a mess but i can breath deeper than i was, so that's good. I stepped in a couple times for a local band to play bass, i'm not good, but i guess i caught on.
peace
hoops

[DaveM]

Guitar--sort of. Recorder--sort of. Can squeeze a couple of songs out of a Japanese Saku-Hatchi flute and a banjo.

Not enough self-discipline to ever be more than a fumbler, but I do love guitars.

I have a dulcimer and a pennywhistle but have never gotten around to them. Also a harmonica which I blow on randomly while listening to Bob Dylan.

[Kathleen Brogan]

Played the French Horn in Jr. High & High School. A little guitar. Jo Ellen plays the tambourine and I taught her to play the kazoo "hum into it honey, don't blow". We played a duet at one Christmas party, she on the kazoo and I played one of those shake eggs. I love to sing! My dad sang opera, and my lillte brother plays guitar and signs professionally with his wife on bass.

[Agnes]

I play the organ, but am really rusty by now. A few months ago, I picked up my FINB songbook and my While & Matthews songbook and plunked away - had a ball, but it took some time to get into it again after ten or so years without playing.

I'd like to play the guitar, but have no time to take lessons... :(

[paularoid]

Flute of all varieties. All the way from piccolo to the bass flute. You ought to see those bass flutes. It takes a LOT of air to power one of those things.

Recorder of all varieties. All the way from soprano to the bass recorder. The bass recorder looks a lot like a bassoon except with no reed.

In high school I played the congas on certain occasions. The main drummers were all hung up on playing with sticks and couldn't seem to get it together with their hands. :p

[Mimi]

I sing. Although I haven't practiced in years. So I only sing when I am alone or with deaf people nowadays.

Eva

So this might be interesting for you: http://www.whileandmatthews.co.uk/Rejoice.htm

"Do you feel you have a voice and nowhere to sing? This is for you.
Do you think you have no voice and need to sing? This is for you.
Have you been told you can't sing but really want to? This is for you
Chris, Julie and Helen have been hosting these workshops since 1999. All three are highly regarded and internationally acclaimed professional singers.
You will be rejoicing in three part harmony before the first hour is through."

I'd really love to go to one of these workshops as well!

Mimi

[Darlene]

So this might be interesting for you: http://www.whileandmatthews.co.uk/Rejoice.htm

"Do you feel you have a voice and nowhere to sing? This is for you.
Do you think you have no voice and need to sing? This is for you.
Have you been told you can't sing but really want to? This is for you
Chris, Julie and Helen have been hosting these workshops since 1999. All three are highly regarded and internationally acclaimed professional singers.
You will be rejoicing in three part harmony before the first hour is through."

I'd really love to go to one of these workshops as well!

Mimi

I read about that workshop. It sounds great and I would love to go too.

Anyway, I kinda play a little guitar, I have Classical Yamaha G60 and an acoustic/pickup Yamaha Compass, I really need to practice my guitar.

a little bit of dulcimer (at one time, but haven't played in years)

and (drum roll)

a Jews harp....I still have my front teeth too!.

I sing melody, but I have such a low voice that I need to take a class to sing maybe low harmony or Baritone.

Darlene

[Mimi]

I'd love to sing with you, Darlene!

:) MIMI:)

[david uk]

unfortunately I play none- a big regret.

[Mary6906]

Well, if you can hum.... you can play the kazoo!!

[david uk]

Well, if you can hum.... you can play the kazoo!!

Mary, how positive thinking :p

and I shouldn't rule out the triangle either.

[Mary6906]

that's the spirit, David!!

[Beth]

A little guitar. Piano and violin as a child.

[Bat]

Don't be too sure about the triangle...we went to a drum conference last fall and went to a symposium where one fellow expounded for a full half hour on how to play a triangle...not as simple as it sounds, actually.
Like any other ostensibly 'simple' instrument,(triangle, drums, sax), it takes tremendous technique to make it sound extraordinary! The guy was a triangle specialist for a major symphony orchestra, and that was mainly what he played, though he was an all around percussionist. In his hands, that little instrument was truly musical and magical!

[Dar]

I'm a crap shaker...occassionally in the correct time, but not often.
While in NY last week, my friend took me to a drumming class. ROFLMAO.
THAT was instructive, I'm sure the teacher was relieved to hear I was just visiting and we wasn't going to have to put up with my ineptness every week.
We played on these big standing drums that you hold between your legs.
I ended up bruising my hand because I hit the stupid edge wrong.


I was very encouraged by the quick lesson that Mr. Leslie gave me on his LEFT handed guitar. I have two guitars, both strung for a right handed player, that I have tried sporatically to play for years, with increasing frustration and aggravation. I found it much easier to place my fingers with my right hand (playing lefty), being left handed of course, that makes sense. DOH! So I'm going to get my guitar restrung for a leftie and see if there's any hope at all for me.
quit snickering you guys :rolleyes:

[coffeegyrl]

Paul McCartney plays (a, many?) left-handed guitar.

[Bat]

So did Jimi Hendrix. He wasn't so bad, either.

[trish55]

i play my jose rimerez classical

[Eva]

I said: I sing for deaf people! Sheesh... the penguin again didn't get it, did she? :rolleyes: ;) :D

Eva


I sing. Although I haven't practiced in years. So I only sing when I am alone or with deaf people nowadays.

Eva

[aabram]

I wonder if Church Bells count as a musical instrument? Well, they make a noise, don't they and you have to be skilled to ring them. :eek:

[Mary6906]

I wonder if Church Bells count as a musical instrument? Well, they make a noise, don't they and you have to be skilled to ring them. :eek:

Well, I don't know how portable those church bells would be :D
but I suppose you could use these instead (not nearly quite the same, but portable none the less ... AND you could take out your frustration by whacking them!!)
http://www.dsokids.com/art/instruments/photo1200chimes.jpg

[diver_boy]

took five years of piano.
i still play from time to time
but only what i want to :P

(i forgot how to read music, but i can play by ear...)

[Oak Kitten]

I play by ear too, but it is a lot easier to use your fingers.

Oak

[hoops]

oak...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
annabel, of course your bell ringing in an instrument, i know you've worked hard to learn to ring them properly
peace
hoops

[aabram]

Well, I don't know how portable those church bells would be :D
but I suppose you could use these instead (not nearly quite the same, but portable none the less ... AND you could take out your frustration by whacking them!!)
http://www.dsokids.com/art/instruments/photo1200chimes.jpg

Not QUITE the same, Mary, but come to think of it, musical intruments don't have to be portable, do they? I mean, would anyone REALLY WANT to lug a Steinway Grand around the world or a Father Willis Organ? I think that might take some doing, actually :p and so it is with Church bells. Photo when I can find one

Annabel

PS Noel thanks for your answer, it was exactly what I wanted to hear.... :)

[Wildflower Fever]

Let's see, the tambourine, maracas, the triangle, bongos, OK- you probably guessed I don't play anything really. :o Yet, although I'm not a trained singer, I do sing rock and roll quite well, and can imitate many artists/songs. Every once in a while I'll do karoake, and people will be shocked and suspect I'm a karoake nut or something. Truth is I rarely do it, but I do it well. I specialize in Lou Rawls, Elvis, Jim Morrison, and Eddie Vedder songs.
Also: I have a vintage 1969 black and white Fender Stratocaster that plays me better than I play it. But hey, it looks great anyway!!!

[GodSistah]

I can rap!

;)

~Andrea~

[Roady]

I can't sing and I can't play a thing. Next Question?

[MrJoP1975]

Wow Wildflower Fever! Awesome to hear about the Strat.

For a spell, I had an electric guitar, a made in Mexico black Fender Strat. I had to sell it a few years back because of financial reasons, but I do miss it. Not that my playing translated well to an electric guitar but it worked with making sure I was heard (and was I ever hehe.)

Best and rock on

[coffeegyrl]

I can't sing and I can't play a thing. Next Question?

Oh, come on Roady, you could play a rhythm shaker egg!

[lucille]

I play by ear too, but it is a lot easier to use your fingers.

Oak

Boom! Boom!

I also play the piano by ear, and I know three chords on the guitar (that would be two more than Dar:D )

I did three years of violin, and can't remember a thing about it. I would love to take it up again, and play more 'fiddle' than classical violin. Maybe I will one day.

[Wildflower Fever]

Wow Wildflower Fever! Awesome to hear about the Strat.

For a spell, I had an electric guitar, a made in Mexico black Fender Strat. I had to sell it a few years back because of financial reasons, but I do miss it. Not that my playing translated well to an electric guitar but it worked with making sure I was heard (and was I ever hehe.)

Best and rock on

Yes, it's indeed fun to let others "enjoy" it too!!!;)
Now this is the one that I've always wanted, but it costs a pretty penny,
a black/white 1957 Fender Strat. Wow...

http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/images/gtrs/Pt004.jpg

[BGG]

I can't figure out how to delete a dup post (hit submit twice by accident) so I'm just typing some random line here.

[BGG]

Once again, poor Rachel had to let me know what's going on around me. I hadn't popped into this thread yet (been crazy busy at work & getting ready to hitch my wagon to a certain little Kung Fu Peanut)...

Eva Said:
I said: I sing for deaf people! Sheesh... the penguin again didn't get it, did she?

To Eva I reply:
YES! I get it! I hear you, sister! I am here...! :D You crack me up!

And since I'm already here (and hear)... I might as well answer the post's original question.

BGG Plays guitar, a little piano, 6-string banjo (hello? Can you say Round Guitar?), and violin. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I was QUITE the prissy little concert mistress in my younger years... all frilly & sweet in my pink dress with laced piping. Now... well, not so frilly & sweet anymore - though some might still consider me 'a cute butch' (so I hear - HA)...

Rachel plays guitar, mandolin, and flute... that girl can blow! :eek: (um, hi Peanut)

Peace all and a special Penguin Hug to the Pirate Queen,
BGG

[Eva]

The Penguin got it! Yaaaaaaaaay! ;) (with a little help of the Peanut :rolleyes:) Thank god the sweet and frilly :eek: years are over.

Eva

[hoops]

penguin, are you sure "sure can blow" is the phrase you want to use when discribing your peanut? just sayin' ( as karen would say )
peace
hoops

[BGG]

Perhaps you're right, Hoops - you just go right on ahead and reverse my original statement (you all can figure it out)...

:p

[Bat]

I am very sure that by reversing that statement, you don't mean to imply that Peanut Sucks! I mean...in the vernacular, that is...erm...
We all know she is a swell gal and lots of fun and has a great smile, and that's all I'm going to say about that!!!

[leslie]

Wendy, you forgot to tell everyone how good your are at breaking accordians! :D And playing washtub bass!

I personally have a ton of instruments in my collection and play a little guitar.

L

[Darlene]

Oh yea, I forgot about the Jews Harp. I've still got my front teeth too. It's a lot of fun with bluegrass.

Darlene

[DaveM]

I've got a jaw harp too--it hasn't done much to my front teeth, but getting my tongue caught in it every now and then is quite the experience.

I have a little guitar....a Tacoma Papoose. Fascinating instrument--by changing your fingering and picking slightly, it can be made to sound like a high-string guitar, a banjo, or a mandolin. Tiny fingers are a great help though once you get below the 4th fret!

[Herbie Gaines]

I have a Taylor 314-CE LMTD made of Hawiian Koa Wood...I love it...it's like 4 years now...I still have my Martin M38 that I got in 1975...but I rarely pick it up anymore... I sing too...I guess I should put my myspace page here...ok, I'll add it to my signature...these are about 2 years old, and I have newer stuff that is improved.
http://www.myspace.com/166197820

[Eva]

I hum. Also for hearing people.

Eva

[Helge]

I play the piano -- once a year or something. That piece of furniture stands unused for the most part.

[Spence]

I play keyboards (piano, organ, synths) and sing.

http://www.myspace.com/paulzimmermansongwriter --originals
http://www.myspace.com/MrPJZ --personal page

Not too serious of a songwriter, but there it is. Tell me what ya' think. Was trying for the country market on some of them.

Tommy Spence is my pre-adoption birthname. Great adoption reunion at age 39... discovered lots about my birthfamily, found a long lost full sister, as well. You'll see the "real" Spence on the MySpace pages. (Oh no, no more alias!) The King Kong avator still stands. (It's from an old Cleveland horror movie show, the Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show). Probably nicer looking than my real photos...:)

[saxman]

They dont call me saxman because i play the trumpet !!
i used to play Most of the woodwinds
Tenor sax was my favorite .Then Alto,Soprano Sax [ but never well ] Bari sax ,bass sax,clarinet,Bass Clarinet,contrabass clarinet,oboe ,english horn,flute,piccalo,and very little piano
i studies Clasical Sax at juilliard for 2 years in the early 70s. i played with Big Bands , Jazz was my life back in the days. studied with some of the best sax players when i was young . i even had a studio and taught sax for a couple years after i got back from Nam
i would not trade my music experience for anything in the world.
i might of missed a couple instruments but this is good for now
i think everyone should have music in there life. its NEVER to late to learn