bluespresence Posted July 22, 2005 Report Share Posted July 22, 2005 Does anyone play anything besides guitar? How about oboe? Since my arthritis in my hands is so bad (see my "age related playing issues" thread) I decided to take up something that wouldn't be such a strain on my fingers. I picked up a clarinet, a flute (think Ian Anderson not Peter Pan ) and now I'm getting an oboe. I've always liked the sound of the oboe and bassoon. My wife played oboe for 7 years when she was younger and has an interest in playing it again so I thought it might be a good choice. She plays piano now and since the oboe is a "C" instrument we can jam together. She doesn't like jamming with me on bass because we play and like different styles of music.......my Metallica doesn't mix with her LeAnn Rimes We both like classical and jazz so we can jam together (and the clarinet should come in handy for jazz too!). What do you guys play? I know there are a bunch of multi-talented people here..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted July 22, 2005 Report Share Posted July 22, 2005 I was learning clarinet until it fell apart on me (it was crap to begin with, and didn't hold up). That was in preparation for saxamophone, since clarinet and Tenor sax have almost the same fingering. BUT, I don't remember jack from it. Ditto for trumpet which I also played for 2 years. These days, it's guitar, bass, a bit of keyboard (no more and probably less than some of the other guitarists here who also tinker), and didjeridoo. I can circular breathe for the didj, which freaks people out because they don't realize how easy it is. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primal Posted July 22, 2005 Report Share Posted July 22, 2005 The first instrument I learned to play was alto sax, which I played for 4 years. Therefore, I can pretty much play tenor and bari sax, too. Also, my main "ensemble instrument" is the tuba. I had once considered majoring in music performance on tuba, but that didn't last long. I was pretty serious about it, though. Played tuba for 4 years... at the end of my 3rd year (senior in high school) I was All-State material (not to brag, of course ;-) ), however missed the auditions because of a case of pink eye from hell. I have been playing bass guitar since I was a freshman in high school (coming up on 5 full years). I've also played a number of other instruments, which I will try to remember: Alto sax - 4 years Bass guitar - 5 years Guitar - 3 years (off and on) Tuba - 4 years Piano - 2 years Baritone/Euphonium - 2 years Didjeridoo () - 1 year GregP, I officially envy you for being able to circular breathe! Haha. I need to get more than a homemade PVC didj, though, before I start trying to play it seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuckguitarist Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I've played the piano since I was 4 (now 12 years) and I also play the violin, which I started 2 years ago. In grades 5/6 I played trombone/tuba/trumpet but I hated the teacher so band class was pretty much just a joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibum5545 Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I've played 7 years of piano, 4 of bass, one of clarinet, and I've been singing (choir) since music class in kindergarten through last year (11th grade) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 GregP, I officially envy you for being able to circular breathe! Haha. I need to get more than a homemade PVC didj, though, before I start trying to play it seriously. ← Nah, mate! PVC sounds kick-ass, it just doesn't have the "look". I say keep givin'er. As for circular breathing, I found that it was best to learn WITHOUT the didj, because it requires so much breath if your technique's not bang-on. It takes a lot of practice before you can play with only the bare minimum amount of breath. In the meantime, the best way to learn circular breathing is with a drinking straw and a glass of water. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 Circular breathing??? I just need to breathe!! I didn't know the oboe required so much air. I picked up a Fox last night at the music store in the big city and now I need to learn to make noise! My wife who hasn't played in 17 years picked it up, opened up a music book I had on the counter and started jamming! She remembered everything! I could barely blow hard enough to make the reeds squeak. Looks like I have my work cut out for me on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sepultura999 Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 Take up bagpipes. That's one I wanted to always do. Bagpipes and guitars can be an awesome combo. I'm off to the Uxbridge Highland games today, woohoo! -Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I looked at bagpipes and did some research on the imports (Pakastani) and found nothing good was said about them, in fact some of it was scary. I did find some very good ones but they ran about $3000... The $1400 I spent on a barely used Fox oboe seemed a little easier on the wallet for now. The sales guy even tossed in 3 reeds and a book. After I get the oboe down and once the Christmas sales rush starts up in October (and I get some cash rolling in) I'll buy a decent set of 'pipes.....summer is very slow for guitar sales. That gives me time to play though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marksound Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I played brass in school, back in the dark ages. I had a couple college scholarships lined up when I realized a music major would more than likely just seal my fate as a band director. Early marching practice and tin-eared 5th graders? Not me, man. So the horns went buhbye and I went back to guitar. No regrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primal Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I played brass in school, back in the dark ages. I had a couple college scholarships lined up when I realized a music major would more than likely just seal my fate as a band director. Early marching practice and tin-eared 5th graders? Not me, man. So the horns went buhbye and I went back to guitar. No regrets. ← Haha, thats pretty much EXACTLY what happened to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 You can use circular breathing for wind instruments, too! That's how *cough* Kenny G got the world record for the longest-held note on a saxamaphone. You could go for world's longest Oboe note, bp! Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I need to know what "circular breathing" IS first I'm guessing you blow out through your mouth and breathe in through your nose at the same time so you have a constant stream of air??? Remember, I'm a bass player, not a rocket scientist If that's it I'm not sure I could apply it. The oboe is an air demanding little unit! I can't believe the force it takes to make noise with that thing I think my wife went along so easily so I would buy it and give up and she would have a nice shiny oboe to play I did learn 4 notes today and I played 3 songs in the beginner book - Woo Hoo!! The funniest thing about this is I thought I forgot how to read music because I fumble and stumble when reading for bass. I looked at the oboe music today (treble clef) and I was reading and playing right along with no probem. I think I just get tangled up on bass because my eyes are seeing bass clef and my brain is reading treble clef and trying to change/convert it.....if that makes sense. Sort of "clef dyslexia" I guess. Strange! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primal Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 I need to know what "circular breathing" IS first I'm guessing you blow out through your mouth and breathe in through your nose at the same time so you have a constant stream of air??? Yea, basically you fill your cheeks up with air, then breathe in through your nose while pushing the air out of your cheeks. If that's it I'm not sure I could apply it. The oboe is an air demanding little unit! I can't believe the force it takes to make noise with that thing I think my wife went along so easily so I would buy it and give up and she would have a nice shiny oboe to play ← Its no more demanding than any other instrument, ESPECIALLY the didgeridoo. What size reed are you using? The lower the number of the reed, the softer it is, and therefore the easier it is. If he gave you hard reeds, that *may* be the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted July 23, 2005 Report Share Posted July 23, 2005 Certainly can't be as air-intensive as didjeridoo. You can do it! Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duo2 Posted July 24, 2005 Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 I started on viola, which I played for about a year and then I started playing violin, cello, and upright bass as well. Playing upright took me to electric bass which in turn brought me to guitar. Right now I'm in school for classical guitar and piano. I have recently started getting some little drum lessons from the drummer in my band. And I also play the harmonica. You can never have too many options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sepultura999 Posted July 24, 2005 Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 Yeah bagpipes are expensive. When I went to the Netherlands with my Grandfather to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, 2 scottish pipe and drum bands came with us. I met a guy from the band and he gave me his card and all if I wanted to get into pipes. He said it's like 30 bucks for a starter (no bag or anything, just the pipe to change the pitch of the notes and all) and then once you get good, you spend about 1200 for a set of bagpipes. I am guessing it wouldn't be an addiction like guitars, since practically all the bagpipes from Scotland are made the same (types of wood used, different tartans to match the clan or band you're in, etc.), there is really no need to upgrade things, or get a new one unless you want different pitches and all (this is just a guess I am making. If I am wrong, let me know lol). I didn't want to go through with it though because it's way too much money. 30 bucks for the starter 1200 for the bagpipe, when you get good 3000 for the uniform because they get it all from Scottish dealer, the socks are handmade with real scottish sheep wool, etc. One day I'll go through with it though for sure. Heavy metal and bagpipes. I'd love to try that lol. -Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 What size reed are you using? The lower the number of the reed, the softer it is, and therefore the easier it is. If he gave you hard reeds, that *may* be the problem. I have the soft reeds but it is still pretty hard to get used to.....first day though so I'll get better and it will get easier. BTW I can't puff out my cheeks....I was reprimanded for that already by the wife. She says I have bad "emberchoue" or whatever it's called. I keep asking her "What about the lumberjack and does he play the oboe too?!". She no longer thinks I'm funny Heavy metal and bagpipes. I'd love to try that lol. Didn't Korn do that or am I thinking of someone else?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primal Posted July 24, 2005 Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 I have the soft reeds but it is still pretty hard to get used to.....first day though so I'll get better and it will get easier. BTW I can't puff out my cheeks....I was reprimanded for that already by the wife. She says I have bad "emberchoue" or whatever it's called. I keep asking her "What about the lumberjack and does he play the oboe too?!". She no longer thinks I'm funny ← Well, she is correct about the embouchure. But, only if you aren't going to circular breathe (which is not common among woodwind players anyway). It is impossible to circular breathe without puffing your cheeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 Well, she is correct about the embouchure. I knew I spelled it wrong....I can't say it right either! I started on viola, which I played for about a year and then I started playing violin, cello, and upright bass as well. Playing upright took me to electric bass which in turn brought me to guitar. Right now I'm in school for classical guitar and piano. I have recently started getting some little drum lessons from the drummer in my band. And I also play the harmonica. You can never have too many options. Man, I hope I live long enough to learn to play all the stringed instuments! That plus the other 20 or so I'd like to learn. My house is full of stuff and all I seem to play is my bass so I'm working on learning more now that I have a life. I can drum on the table all day but when I get behind a set I turn into someone else and I am totally uncoordinated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sepultura999 Posted July 24, 2005 Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 Yes blues. Korn did do that, if you want to call them metal There's 2 other rock bands I know of that uses bagpipes. The dropkick murphies and another band born in Scotland, now living in Canada called the Real Mckenzies. I like the Real McKenzies a lot better. They do write some of their own songs, but they also do a lot of covers of Scottish songs. -Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 I've actually heard of the dropkick murphies and the Real McKenzies!! The murphies were popular here in the States a long while back IIRC and I haven't heard much from them in years. Korn is metal when you're 40+ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sepultura999 Posted July 24, 2005 Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 Wow Blues. You, my girlfriend and I seem to be the only ones I don't know anyone else that listens to the Real McKenzies. There's one song, called Death of a Space Piper, and it sounds like a bagpipe with a whammy lol. Probably squeezing the bag a bit harder now and then. -Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 IIRC they toured here a while back (SummerFest maybe???) and they played their stuff on the radio ahead of them coming here. Now I have to find a CD!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespresence Posted July 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2005 I do remember....I thought they were more punk (like the dropkick murphies) so i searched and I remember the "old" stuff from them back in '95 and 2000. I guess I didn't realize they were still around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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