before I even can see if I can think of anyone, only musicians who switched instruments come to mind, there have been some great piano players who switched late in life but had played another instrument intensively till then.. No matter, I think we have established that this cat wants to learn to play and not be one of the "greats.." The main reason is to be great, 10 hours a day for 5 years, or 5 hours a day for 10 years.... If this cat is 33, and he already doesn't have a practice lifestyle, to be great by 43 is already straining (5 hours a day) his job, marriage, kids... That is why it is easier when you are wrong, you can avoid those responisbilities and practice hard... And relastionships, while the partner will sometimes be annoyed at a musicians life style they already accept it as normal and enjoy the payoff of having a creative musician, getting to have thier partner know many people and having good music around the house... I doubt a partner will be as willing to deal one month in of 5 hours a day (and the cat syill can't play and is noisy..) and patient with the response.. "But Honey! 10 more years of this and I'll be great!!!" 1o hours a day however, go ahead and file for divorce..,. But to play some popular rock and blues, .. 2 hours a day.. you can play some Dylan tunes, enertain family and friends at a bonfire.. Enjoy your current life.. But Great? Great comes at a huge sacrafice.. And many Great musicians have died poor and destitute known for their greatness only by other musicians... It's the old joke.. Does anyone listen to jazz who is not a musician? Yes, but they are all ex musicans... lol