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Take up drums at age 56?

I know this technically has nothing to do with high end audio but I know there are some drummers here that might be able to help me along here....or tell me to skip it altogether. And it does have to do with music.

I'm almost embarrassed to even post this. I'm 56. I have never played a musical instrument other than dabbling with a harmonica. I do not read music. I am certain that I'll never perform for anyone or play in a band.

But I've always wanted to play drums.

And now I have enough money to get a simple cheap used drum kit and I have a basement that is isolated enough to not bother the neighbors. (I actually have an acquaintance who refurbishes used drums who can probably hook me up).

So I have a couple of questions:

1) Can you teach yourself to play drums? Alone or with YouTube etc? Are actual lessons required? Can I skip the practice pad and start with a kit?

2) Is there any point? In other words, even if I were to learn to play are the drums the kind of instrument that you sit down and play for your own pleasure the way you would a guitar?

My realistic expectation is that I'd get a simple kit. Try to do something with it. Find that it is much harder to do than it looks, especially for a guy with two left feet. It sits in the basement for a while and then I sell it for a big loss but hopefully at least happy that I tried it.

Any other thoughts on the matter?

(If totally inappropriate for this site I have no problem removing the post.....especially if someone points me to a better site for the topic.)


n80
n80 OP
2,153 posts
 
Thanks @jc4659 . Good info.

Today at lunch I made the mistake of going by our local music store. It is not a chain store but is very large and well respected locally.

I went in to get a new harmonica. My previous two had non-functioning reeds.

I got the harmonica. Starting from scratch there. It has been years and even then I was hardly past "Mary Has a Little Lamb."

But right in the doorway was a used electric drum kit by a brand called Alesis, complete, for $450. It looks new. Know nothing about the brand but a cursory look on the web shows they have a wide range of kits, some in the $2500 dollar range. I don’t know what model this used kit was but assuming one of their lower end ones.

The tax man beat me up really bad this year so there is little cash in hand for something this silly. But, I am sorely tempted.

Edit: The model is the DM10. New about $800-1000. Gets widely mixed reviews.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
You can find a nice used acoustic set (brand name) for $450
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
So its the harmonica vs the drum kit.

I’m biased, having learned to play half a dozen musical instruments and having decided long ago the most practical one to play by far is the harmonica. Inexpensive, portable, expressive, and entertaining, with just enough volume to enjoy without becoming a nuisance, and yet still uncommon enough you will never appear the cliche anyone holding a guitar instantly becomes. Its hard to think of a better instrument to be good at.

n80 OP
2,153 posts
 
@lowrider57 : Correct. There is a brand new Tama set and a Ludwig for about that price. I'm sure they are low end as well but more than enough for a beginner. I'm guessing a better bass pedal and cymbals could improve that if needed over time.

But the sound volume is a big issue and would limit practice time etc whereas an electric kit would not. Trade offs both ways.

@millercarbon, agreed. I've always liked harmonica and my musical interests are heavily blues weighted. There are also amazing harmonica lessons on YouTube for free.

Of course, as inexpensive as harmonica is it does not have to be either or.

I'm going to mention the electric drum kit to my wife tonight. There are two realistic possibilities and one utterly unrealistic possibility. In order of probability: 1. Sour look and then reminding me of our recent tax bill. 2. Thoughtful look as she considers how quiet it would be compared to an acoustic set. 3. Enthusiastic look because she has a thing for drummers.
jc4659
617 posts
 
@n80 where are you located?  If near S.E. Wisconsin you are welcome to see my Roland V electronic kit.  

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