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Building better habits for old age

2961 Views 33 Replies 20 Participants Last post by fredcook, Nov 23, 2021

Sanchofula

Discussion Starter · Nov 9, 2021

So I got to thinking about old age, what will I do to stay busy when I can't ride as much or as hard?

I already build stuff, I'm pretty handy with wood and metal, I can fix and repair pretty much anything I put my mind to, at a certain point I will have built enough stuff to fill my house, and I will have remodeled everything that needs it.

So I got to thinking about starting new hobbies. I already read a ton, I'm not much for playing games, I already cook and clean, and I'm really skilled at annoying my wife

When I was riding last weekend, I was rolling my way down into the car and I heard a "concert", it turned out to be a bunch pf folks playing Alp Horns.

Plant Tree People in nature Wood Natural landscape

I started thinking, hey, I could do that!

Sure, but an Alp Horn is $$$ and I'm not a horn player per se... except now I'm thinking why don't I learn to play a horn?

I played a clarinet as a youth, my kids played the French horn and the Sax, so I kinda know what brass and woodwind sound like and how they are played.

First step: Figure out what sound am I looking for and what instrument will be the easiest to play for a novice?

I looked at all sorts of instruments, decided to focus on brass, something smaller and portable, not too expensive ...

Second step: buy a bugle

It's on the way from ScoutBugles.com

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d365

· #2 · Nov 9, 2021

I thought you were going to say you were going to make an Alp horn. Disappointed.

Back in my 20's, my roommate got into trying to make and play a didgeridoo. He made several. By the time we all moved out, the 3 of us had gotten pretty good at it.

As a side note, I feel bad for your wife and neighbors. We had a 12 yo next door, trying to learn the trumpet for a year. He was terrible.

Reactions: 4

Sanchofula

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 9, 2021

d365 said:
I thought you were going to say you were going to make an Alp horn. Disappointed.

Back in my 20's, my roommate got into trying to make and play a didgeridoo. He made several. By the time we all moved out, the 3 of us had gotten pretty good at it.

As a side note, I feel bad for your wife and neighbors. We had a 12 yo next door, trying to learn the trumpet for a year. He was terrible.

Oh yeah, I started looking at Alp Horns ($1500 to 10k, but I'm gonna see where the bugle leads and go from there. It's learning the embouchure that'll make me or break me, from there I can work my way toward a fancier instrument.

Fortunately we have ten acres in the desert backing up to BLM, so I can play whenever I feel the call

Reactions: 1

JKA

· #4 · Nov 9, 2021

Try a Didgeridoo for a change of scenery. They are very relaxing to play once you get the hang of it. The sound also freaks out your neighbors if you want to. Much cheaper than an Alp Horn.

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chucko58

· #5 · Nov 10, 2021

I played a french horn as a kid. That embrochure takes training, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You wouldn't believe how much lip muscle it takes. OK, maybe you would, since you played clarinet.

mrpizza

· #6 · Nov 10, 2021

Those look like some huge bowls to smoke

Reactions: 5

fredcook

· #7 · Nov 10, 2021

Hey, if the bugle works out, it's an easy step up to a trumpet or flugelhorn so you play the rest of the scale.

D. Inoobinati

· #8 · Nov 10, 2021 (Edited)

Member has removed content due to fundamental disagreement with this site owner's views favoring expanded access for electric mountain bikes (eMtb) on multiuse singletrack in public lands.

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Crankout

· #9 · Nov 10, 2021

I'll stick with my drums. Full-body workout!

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WHALENARD

· #10 · Nov 10, 2021

Wind instruments are the youth fountain

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Sanchofula

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 10, 2021

fredcook said:
Hey, if the bugle works out, it's an easy step up to a trumpet or flugelhorn so you play the rest of the scale.

That's the plan, I'm patient, thirty day challenge is to play a little each day through the new year, build up my lips, then see what I can do, might take a lesson or two ...

Scott O

· #12 · Nov 10, 2021

When you're choosing a hobby you need to think long term. Like if you get into mtb'ing, you'll first get an entry level bike but soon realize you need a $5k fs rig. Then you need a fat bike. And a gravel bike, and then a backup fs. Then you need to justify all of these expenses to the significant other. With bikes, you can kinda hide them in the garage, and if you buy all black bikes, they kinds blend in together. For that reason alone, I'm going to avoid alp horns.

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Sanchofula

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 10, 2021

Scott O said:
When you're choosing a hobby you need to think long term. Like if you get into mtb'ing, you'll first get an entry level bike but soon realize you need a $5k fs rig. Then you need a fat bike. And a gravel bike, and then a backup fs. Then you need to justify all of these expenses to the significant other. With bikes, you can kinda hide them in the garage, and if you buy all black bikes, they kinds blend in together. For that reason alone, I'm going to avoid alp horns.

Yeah, an Alp would be really hard to hide, both physically and financially.

I could totally get away with a Trombone

On the bike side of things, my wife knows exactly what's in the garage

n = 3

goyo46

· #14 · Nov 11, 2021

Pick up your kid's sax, it practically plays itself. It will play if you hold it in front of an open window. Seriously, get a few lessons, and jam. The ireal pro app on your phone will get you started jamming. Super easy and fun, and good for your wind. Forget brass, and the other woodwinds, too much work. Piano, guitar, most string instruments, too much work to get competent. Ukelele can also be fun and easy if you like to sing. Digeridoo gets boring pretty quick, unless you're stoned.

Velobike

· #15 · Nov 11, 2021

Nurse Ben said:
...On the bike side of things, my wife knows exactly what's in the garage n = 3

Same here. The black bike, but n>27

AndrewTO

· #16 · Nov 11, 2021

After what me and my body have been through in the past 5 years, especially the last 2, I'm worried about breathing. My wind instrument is a harmonica.

chucko58

· #17 · Nov 11, 2021

Nurse Ben said:
I could totally get away with a Trombone

Don't make me break out the trombone jokes...

Rev Bubba

· #18 · Nov 12, 2021

No one has mentioned bagpipes? If you want to make noise and play poorly, I cant think of a better instrument.

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Sanchofula

Discussion Starter · #19 · Nov 12, 2021

Rev Bubba said:
No one has mentioned bagpipes? If you want to make noise and play poorly, I cant think of a better instrument.

Too hard and finicky, I like the idea, but that’s beyond me desire right now.

Mostly I wanted something that doesn’t require too much finger work. I’ve broken all my fingers on both hands, on the right hand twice, thumb injuries and wrist injuries, so they just don’t work well any more.

But air, I get that in spades!

I considered taking singing lessons 🤣

Stanceslao

· #20 · Nov 12, 2021

Well, you mentioned you can build anything, why not keep busy with building an alp horn made of PVC pipes ?

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