is 36 too old to start?

[zackg3]

Hello, new guy here. Been playing bass for about 3 months and found this forum. the more I read the more I realize how little I know about equipment and setups and stuff. I just got a $200 ibanez and a fender rumble combo 60w amp. sounds pretty good to me.

anyway, at 36 and a wife and kids, it's probably too late to chase my dream of rock n roll stardom, but i would like to get good enough to play some small club or bar. Is there a resorce for newbies to get caught up or links to tutorials and such?

[James Hart]

36 ain't old unless you think it is!

Welcome to the club... there are plenty of links to follow here at Talkbass. Check out the General Instruction section to start

[Surly]

If you enjoy it, just play!

[zackg3]

Originally Posted by James Hart

36 ain't old unless you think it is!

Welcome to the club... there are plenty of links to follow here at Talkbass. Check out the General Instruction section to start

yes, I just noticed that. I should have done a little checking aronud before I asked that. Thanks. I also found some good instructional videos on expertvillage.com.

see ya in the other forums.

[LowDown Hal]

You're never too old.

I was 50 when I, recently, started.

[Big Hungry]

36 is only to old to start if you plan on dying at 40.

[COOL AND DEADLY]

No 36 is fine. I started playing (with no other music experience) at 32. I played by myself until I felt confident enough to play with others and started putting up flyers and such. I lucked out and found three other guys with similar musical taste. We've been together for three years now and hve played a few hundred shows in three states. I'm 37 now. My bandmates were and still are patient with my progress.

[Bassman71]

Never too old to start the groove... and mastering bass never stops - always something new to learn...

Do some lessons, most importantly play along to real songs, and you'll find your voice - good luck!

[pmaraziti]

I started at 32... last 2 years have been just wonderful and future looks even brighter...
Starting to play bass is without doubt one of the best decisions taken in my life

Go and set for your self ambitious but realistic goal, be disciplined, get a good teacher and you'll have a lot of fun

[curtisk]

nawwwww! Sure it's nice if you work through the rough beginnings when you're a teenager and all, but when you're 56 you can say "I've played for 20 years!" and still have many more years to go, have fun!

[Basshole]

36 is too old to start.

But...only if you wanna be an Olympic Gymnast.

[ducknturtle]

it is not too old. Good Luck and have fun

[ChrisCA]

I hope it isn't too old, because I'm much older than you are, and I just started last year.
:-)

[redfish]

It can't be. I hope you enjoy it

[swollen303]

Started last year at age 53. Playing out regularly with two P&W bands. Try http://www.studybass.com/ for good basics. I especially like the online metronome and the study excercises.

Tip #1, have fun. If it is not fun, do something else.

[artistanbul]

it isn't too old, but most of the fun is gone by now.
you'll probably never try to reach 2500 bpm, you'll never be in a youngster band pissing each other off, making angst ridden music, drinking yourselves into oblivion WHILE making angst ridden music...

:P

If you're doing it for fun, and getting it, how can it be too late?

[jmcgliss]

Just have fun and be patient! It takes all of us time to find our comfort zone on the bass and the right people to play with. Some of us play with guys who are at least 36, and we're waiting for them to get it together, so you have plenty of time to catch up.

There is more music out there than you can ever possibly learn, so set realistic, achievable goals. Ed Friedland publishes some nice instructional books+CDs and videos that are very down to earth and practical.

[Gorgeous]

I'm almost twice your age minus 12 years. Wish I had started earlier.

[b_carville]

Just play! Welcome brother!

[eichaan]

I hope not: I just got my first bass (an SX) for my 37th birthday! This site has been very helpful so far. I've been playing bass non-stop for a week, I haven't played my guitars at all, and I just read Bass Player magazine. I'm being assimilated!