Rusty, but not rusted

[Just Fred]

Greetings, all. I hope this isn't too lengthy. Advance apologies if it is.

I am picking up guitar again after nearly 20 years of not playing. I played for 22 years (yes, I'm old) before breaking an elbow, putting it down and just not picking it up again.

I had hit a plateau at the same time. I was just re-hashing the same old chords, changes and lead lines that I'd been doing for years.

A week or so ago, I had an offer to rent my basement. So, I moved everything out and came across my old guitars (a 1953 Gibson ES225 and a 1971 Framus 12-string acoustic). I moved them up to my bedroom, and now I've started picking them up and "re-acquainting" myself with them.

Years ago I had used (not with great rigor) the Mickey Baker books. I dug through my storage and found them both, along with my guitar chord dictionary (as an aside, the price on the books is $1.95 each!). I have now decided to use them as they were intended: one lesson a week, practice every day!

The Internet did not exist when I first started playing nearly 42 years ago. Today, I find there are great resources, from tuning sites to sites like this - which, I think it very complete and thorough.

I'm looking forward to once again being able to hold my own in a group of like-minded pluckers and strummers. I'm nobody special, I'm

Just Fred

[Dad3353]

Originally Posted by Just Fred

...

Good evening, Fred, and welcome to the forum...
Why does your story sound so familiar..? Apart from breaking an elbow, I have trodden an almost identical path, and there are other 'old codgers' like myself here. Enjoy the ride, and good luck with our old friend Mickey Baker.

[amhabz]

Welcome aboard! 40 years for me not picking up a guitar and my play reflects that. Between not playing and 30+ years of karate, my hands do not work very well now. Lots of good helpful folks here. Some very good jazz musicians also post to this forum.

[Sharks]

Welcome! I'm very jealous to hear that you could just pull out a 1953 Gibson ES225 from your basement. This forum is a great place to learn.

[gingerjazz]

Welcome just fred,i will be your friend if i can have a go on that gibson,did you get it new

[Just Fred]

Originally Posted by gingerjazz

Welcome just fred,i will be your friend if i can have a go on that gibson,did you get it new

Nope, sorry. Believe it or not, I traded a set of stereo speakers for it back in 1976! I did get the Framus brand-new, though.

[matt.guitarteacher]

Originally Posted by Just Fred

Nope, sorry. Believe it or not, I traded a set of stereo speakers for it back in 1976! I did get the Framus brand-new, though.

I wonder if the guy with the speakers thinks about that one every once in a while.

[Greg Brouelette]

Fred:

Now here's a coincidence, I just had an accident last year where I badly broke my elbow. I had 7 breaks in the Ulna and a shattered radius bone. I now have a metal plate, 9 screws, and a prosthetic radial head replacement. I'm still working on gaining as much palm up supenation as possible but I absolutely can play guitar again. And I'm sure you will too.

Play every day and have fun with it is my best advice. Welcome to the forum.

[Just Fred]

Originally Posted by matt.guitarteacher

I wonder if the guy with the speakers thinks about that one every once in a while.

Even if he does, he's not getting it back! I don't care what he offers.

[Just Fred]

Originally Posted by Greg Brouelette

Fred:

Now here's a coincidence, I just had an accident last year where I badly broke my elbow. I had 7 breaks in the Ulna and a shattered radius bone. I now have a metal plate, 9 screws, and a prosthetic radial head replacement. I'm still working on gaining as much palm up supenation as possible but I absolutely can play guitar again. And I'm sure you will too.

Play every day and have fun with it is my best advice. Welcome to the forum.

Greg,

Wow, my condolences for your injury! I only wound up with two screws in my elbow and some bone chips removed.

Originally, the orthopedic surgeon said I'd probably get back about 15% range of motion.

I'm happy to say that I have a good 98-plus% today. Oh, there are some days when it's sore and stiff, but for the most part, it's now a non-issue for me.

Good luck with your recovery. Work with your physical therapist and do a lot of exercises on your own!

[M-ster]

Hi, Fred!

[RonD]

Welcome Fred.
Would really, kinda, like to see some pics of that 225!

Cheers,

[Just Fred]

Originally Posted by RonD

Welcome Fred.
Would really, kinda, like to see some pics of that 225!

I'll see what I can do. In the mean time, here's a picture taken about ten years ago...