Newbie but an oldie

Billy K · #1 11-08-2009, 08:55 PM

Hi ya'll I am beginning to learn Bass guitar at 60 years old.Don't know where it will take me but hope for fun,friends,healing(PTSD).I think it will be good fo my brain to excercise it.I played guitar and sang in a band as a kid til I went to Vietnam and then it all ended for me.Sort of ..I am starting up again at this stage of my life. I want to play Rock,Pop,hopefully some funk love Earth,Wind and Fire.Love Van Halen,Goo Goo Dolls,Def Lepard,80's rock,Isleys,Toto I am all over the map.Well M60 to Bass guitar and hopefully "a little help from my friends"Looking forward to talking with some of you in the future on the forum.Looking at what to buy now.Guess that will be another post.

**Stumbo** · #2 11-09-2009, 01:54 AM

Welcome to TB!

You might want to check out the links in my sig. below for great TB info that may help you on your bass journey.

Good luck.

**Staccato** · #3 11-09-2009, 12:42 PM

Billy, Welcome!

Billy K · #4 11-10-2009, 07:39 AM

Stumbo great links thanks for my humble beginnings.Should be outfitted by the end of the week and starting lessons as soon as next week.
Thanks stacatto for the welcome

Billy K · #5 11-12-2009, 11:22 PM

Well I got a Ibenez 5000E and a Hartke Hydrive 115C.Started online lessons and I am going to try a local (Bayarea) music store(Bananas At Large San Rafael Ca) for music lessons.

Billy K · #6 11-15-2009, 09:43 AM

I start next thursday with a teacher. I am jacked.He has recorded quite a bit and played with some impressive people none of which are my style but upon interview he seemed quite cool dude and easy going. So we'll keep you all up on how it goes. Billy K

Bigbaz · #7 11-16-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy K

Hi ya'll I am beginning to learn Bass guitar at 60 years old.

Hi Billy

Like you I stopped playing in the mid 60's when I went into the navy and after all these years it suddenly became time to do it all again.

I've bought a Hofner Ignition and I'm loving every minute of it but I tell you I wish my finger and wrist muscles were stronger.

Barry

Billy K · #8 11-19-2009, 07:35 AM

Nice to hear I am not the only ole guy learning bass. By the way today is my first formal lesson.I have been foolin around with online lessons so far but I want to try with a teacher for a while. Get back to you all later with the results

Tahoe_Ed · #9 11-19-2009, 07:47 AM

Hi Billy and welcome to the TB community. It is a great resource and has some wonderful people that are more than willing to help you on your journey. I like you have returned to my roots after many, many years of time off taking care of family, work etc. You are doing it right by finding a teacher. Don't get discouraged, it takes time and much practice. But the results are worth every minute. Enjoy!!!!

Billy K · #10 11-19-2009, 07:48 PM

Cool teacher it was hard in the wrist on left hand. new muscles used.I got 2 weeks to get my lessons down.I'll be practcing.

Bigbaz · #11 11-20-2009, 03:59 PM

I know that feeling oh so well, good luck.http://www.talkbass.com/forum/images.../guitarist.gif

**lowendfriend** · #12 11-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Hey, Billy.....you only got me by a year. 59...re-started bass after a 41 year hiatus (became an electrical engineer from my interest in music electronics in my garage band days) Now it's time to prep for a retirement where I can't imagine how I had time for work. I was 125 in the second year of the draft lottery so I was spared the asian love boat tour.
I got a Warwick Corvette 5 string $$ as my bass and about two weeks ago (and two gigs ago) got a Gallien Krueger 700RB-II amp head with a GK Neo 212-II (2 12" speakers) that are nothing short of room-boomin' awesome.

Billy K · #13 11-21-2009, 02:38 PM

I brought back my Ibenez 5000E and traded it for a Mercedes Benz silver colored Fender American Standard Jazz Bass made in Corona CA. So far I like it alot. Cool color if your into that kinda thing.The Ibenez just wasn't right for me can't really explain it.

bruceclay · #14 12-01-2009, 08:33 PM

Sounds a bit like me. I all but quit for 20 years. I had a classical Alvarez I would pick up every month or so.

Finally about 6 years ago I started with an Ibanez S520EX (6 string) with a floyd rose. got together with a drummer friend and a singer and then bought a Fender American deluxe fat strat.

After all of that I finally realize I want to get back to playing bass.

Now I just bought a Music Man Sterling 4 HH and it is awesome!