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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
jc4659
617 posts
 
@n80 Which ever direction you choose to go in, just remember to have fun and don't quit your day job!

Lastly, if you are OC about audio, you'll probably be that way about your drums.  Set up, different drum heads, tuning, different cymbals, different toms, different snares, sticks, etc. it gets costly.  My advice: Keep it simple!

Enjoy the ride (pun intended),
JC
n80 OP
2,153 posts
 
Fortunately I'm probably the least OC member on Audiogon.....in regard to audio anyway. Plenty OCD in other areas. But I prefer CDO.....so that the letters are in alphabetical order.............
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@n80, like our hobby here, there are always upgrades and tweaks with drums; hardware, pedals, cymbals, heads.
And before you know it, you're ready to move up to the higher line of kit.

n80 OP
2,153 posts
 
I hear that the cymbals on the lower end kits sound like trash can lids.

I think if I decide to go acoustic I will talk to the local guy who refurbishes kits. I think he could get me in the door for around $500 and probably with better gear than a new starter kit.


n80 OP
2,153 posts
 
Here is the sort of thing that inspires me to want to play the drums. The Song is "Laughs and Jokes and Drinks and Smokes".

With a cursory listen it might sound like the drummer is playing a very simple repeating pattern but if you listen closely, especially during the instrumental section toward the very end of the song (but all throughout it as well) there are very subtle variations and nuances on the snare and also so fine, sometimes barely audible change ups and flourishes on the cymbals. (I’m sure I have all the terms wrong but you can get my drift.) I’ve linked to song below but not sure you will hear all the nuances in a low res version. This is a wonderful song to highlight a systems chops to, so listen to it even if you don’t give a rip about drums.

https://youtu.be/_zz2j_tCXLE

Anyway, that’s the sort of drumming that gets me going and makes me want to try it. But, sounds like he has 6 arms and three legs so........

Ian Thomas is the drummer. He is credited on Wikipedia but there are no links about him.
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