New guy alert - long and boring ;)

[Popbumper]

Hello all:

Completely and utterly overwhelmed, I introduce myself to this forum as someone who has the following challenges:

1) Well north of age 40
2) Have never played bass
3) Have been a musician most of my life - but never in the bass clef world

...but with the following positive aspects:

1) Have always appreciated and easily picked out bass lines on songs
2) Have been inspired by my son and his interest in the drums
3) Have a wife who is also a musician
4) Love music. Give me anything but rap (yes, I said MUSIC) and I am pretty much interested.
5) Am ready, I mean READY to take on the challenge. Did I mention I LOVE music?

Why? Well, again as an extension of my son and his musical interests, and having a newfound friend who plays, I want to learn. I >did< play (read: goofed off) with a guitar many years ago, though I never took the time to learn. Hey, not getting any younger, time to do it.

Too easy to get long winded. Several questions, appreciating your sound (no pun) inputs:

1) INSTRUMENT - is it >best< to go for a budget instrument/amp pack at a music store, or build in pieces? Look, I will never be a professional or play in a band - but that's not what I am after. I also don't see a reason to get into big $$ stuff - at least yet.

2) LESSONS - necessary? I think not, with self-discipline. Yes, I have already purchased "bass guitar for dummies" (crowd laughs), it is very informative, I have digested some every night, but I really want to get a bass in my hands. Suggestions? I >WILL< practice, that is the heart of it all.

3) AGE - already have read a few threads about people asking if they are "too old", according to the forum in general I am not, so I'll leave it at that. Yes, the grey hair is a dead giveaway.

Well, there you have it, my first and probably most annoying post. Will anyone here be kind enough to lend some simple guidance to this fledgling wannabe?

Pop

[ZachOrem]

Hey Pops! I'm just a wee whippersnapper in your eyes, but here is my two cents - take it or leave it. I'm a noob bassist just like you, so my map of the path you've started down might be a little fresher than the other guys' around here might be able to provide.

Learn slap-stlye and picking in parallell with finger-style. The bass is a wonderful instrument insofar that each of our strings can make a wildly different sound depending on HOW (not just where) it is played. Cutting yourself off from learning every way to tease music out of your strings is a mistake, I think.

Songs. Different ones. Lots and lots of different songs. Don't confine yourself to one genere, either. It's like my guitar teacher says; "Learn Brittany Spears if it's going to help you get better." Brittany won't, by the way. But Victor Wooten, Larry Garahm and Flea all will.

Oh - and focus on muting your strings with your plucking hand when you're not slapping or picking. Muting your strings is more important on bass that you might imagine having not played much before. This is probably your biggest obsticle at this point.

If I think of anything else, I'll come back - but this is all the important stuff I can think of for now. Good luck, man - and I'm totally rooting for ya. Get awesome and remember me when you're famous.

[bassteban]

1. I'd skip a *starter pack* but there's really no need to spend an insane amount of money- there are some very nice budget basses out these days; do your homework
2. I'd suggest a few lessons- at the very least, a good teacher can point out any bad habits/positions/etc before they become ingrained- this from someone who had a few lessons very early on(30+yrs ago), decided my teacher wasn't giving me much & quit. I probably should have found a better teacher
3. You're only as old as you feel(making me roughly a thousand )- do it while you can

[Subsist]

Its a shame you won't investigate rap. There are some fine musicians playing the bass on rap music outside of what you hear on the top 40 charts.

I'd suggest The Roots as a starting point to witness the musical skill of a "live" rap band if you happen to be interested.

Just my 2 cents.

[Tumeni Notes]

I see that you live in Dallas. I live in Plano and have played the bass on and off for 25+ years. I would be glad to offer any assistance you need in finding a great bass and stuff. Also, depending on where you live, you can come over to my house and we can jam and I would be glad to teach you some stuff.

Send me a private tell if you are interested.

Also, you can check out my bass playing at my band link below.

[OmnitzGarima]

Yeah, don't go too cheap on the bass. You won't enjoy playing it and you'll have a hard time selling it. I have a MIM J bass that I really like, and an old Ibanez fretless that I play all the time. Neither one broke the bank. They're nothing exotic, but they're solid, reliable instruments and if I had to I could sell either of them tomorrow. Check Craig's list for used basses.

[PopaWoody]

Originally Posted by Tumeni Notes

I see that you live in Dallas. I live in Plano and have played the bass on and off for 25+ years. I would be glad to offer any assistance you need in finding a great bass and stuff. Also, depending on where you live, you can come over to my house and we can jam and I would be glad to teach you some stuff.

Send me a private tell if you are interested.

Also, you can check out my bass playing at my band link below.

This is what I love about the bass community. Bravo for offering assistance, makes me wish i lived in Dallas.

[Popbumper]

Wow - thanks VERY much for the feedback - I can see this is a very valuable group in a short time.

ZachOrem - get your drift. Understand, and I plan to investigate a lot of styles. I have a very diverse taste in music, so thinking "outside the box" won't be an issue. Won't ever be famous, but appreciate the encouragement!!!

bassteban - "starter pack" - the local "Guitar Center" has a Fender jazz bass and amp combo for $300 - from what >very little< I know, the Fender jazz bass is an all-around good instrument, yes?

Subsist - my apologies, I always hate to single out any particular genre as it tends to "point a finger" as it did here. I will take your advice, thanks.

Tumeni Notes - WOW, you will be hearing from me. I am in Richardson, just next door. Very generous indeed.

OmnitzGarima - Have been all over Craigslist as of late, worried only that I'll buy junk without knowing it.

PopaWoody - you nailed it!

THANX guys, see you here again soon.

Pop

[M0ses]

Lesson are not necessary. However they WILL accelerate your advancement if you have a good teacher and you practice. There's no question of that.

There's thousands of pages on good starter instruments in this forum, so there's no need to go into that here. Personally, I'd spend more on the amp than the bass if I were you. You can get great basses for dirt, but cheap amps always suck.

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by Popbumper

1) INSTRUMENT - is it >best< to go for a budget instrument/amp pack at a music store, or build in pieces? Look, I will never be a professional or play in a band - but that's not what I am after. I also don't see a reason to get into big $$ stuff - at least yet.

$250 to $350 for the guitar same for the amp another $100 for tuner, stand, gig bag and the how to play bass book.

2) LESSONS - necessary? I think not, with self-discipline. Yes, I have already purchased "bass guitar for dummies" (crowd laughs), it is very informative, I have digested some every night, but I really want to get a bass in my hands. Suggestions? I >WILL< practice, that is the heart of it all.

That's a good book, start on page one and ask questions here. Someone will always help. This forum has two stock answers; 1) get a teacher and 2) read standard notation. IMO both are a good idea but not necessary. You can do it on your own, it'll just take longer, but, you have the rest of your life......

3) AGE - already have read a few threads about people asking if they are "too old", according to the forum in general I am not, so I'll leave it at that. Yes, the grey hair is a dead giveaway.

I started bass at 75. Your 6 string guitar experience will help you and the only disadvantage in your age is you are still working and putting bread on the table. You are going to have to carve out some time for study and practice, But, other than that the mind is still good. The kids pick it up quicker, but there minds are on other things so it evens out.

Well, there you have it, my first and probably most annoying post. Will anyone here be kind enough to lend some simple guidance to this fledgling wannabe?
Pop

WWW.studybass.com is a friend. Welcome to our World.

[ZachOrem]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Welcome to our World.

You are a very cool guy.

[Mike M.]

GO FOR IT!!! I'm 57, been playing since 1970 (self taught) but had two, ten year periods where I didn't even touch it. Picked it back up in fall of 2008 and a year later found myself playing for the Lord at the church I attend!!

Just recentley bought myself an Ibanez SR505 and I am having a BLAST with that bass. Probably the most fun I've had with a bass in years and find myself trying things I never thought of before.

You're in the prime of life!! Life will be more fun and more complete with a bass in your hands.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[DrVenkman]

So I'm pretty similar - 40+, never played bass, but have played trumpet for years. I started playing bass about 4 months ago. My 2 cents:

I wouldn't get a starter pack. The 'Fender' ones I've seen include a Squier bass that's not that great. There are some really good Squiers, just not the ones in the starter packs. Also the amps aren't great.

Basically, you want something that sounds decent, is playable, and won't fall apart. To me the starter packs generally fall short on all three points. Instead, shop around for a used bass and amp.

My personal bang-for-the-buck choice for the bass would be either the Squier Classic Vibe or Squier Vintage Modified lines. I picked up a like-new Classic Vibe Jazz bass for $200, and if you're in a reasonable-sized city you should be able to find one of these for about the same money without too much trouble. Ibanez makes some good stuff too. Sometimes you can find a made-in-Mexico (MIM) Fender for a reasonable price too.

On the amp my main advice would be get something big enough (that is, loud enough) that you can play with others, even if you don't think you'll ever do that now. I'm not an expert here, but I'd say at least 100 watts. I like some of the Accoustic stuff, and the new Gallien-Krueger MB115 is killer for the size/price (but new enough that it would be really hard to find used), but this is really subjective. Haunt the local shops and try out all the used gear they have for a while, and watch Craigslist too.

For books, the Bass for Dummies book has a good reputation. The Hal Leonard Complete Bass Method (I think that's the right name - get the one with all three volumes bound together) is very good too.

Good luck, and remember to have fun!

[EricF]

NOTHING will get you learning faster than one-on-one lessons with a good teacher. Seriously.

I spent many, many years as a bedroom guitar player before picking up the bass. I learned things from magazines, books, etc., but the reality was that my playing skills and musicianship were pretty mediocre and never going to get much better. When I took the plunge into the deep end, I also sought out a local teacher to improve my learning curve. That is BY FAR the best thing I ever did. Not only did I get rid of some bad habits I was developing, but my musicianship increased dramatically.

I understand that you may not have the desire to play in a band, or even play with other people. That's totally up to you, of course. However, even if you're playing alone, better skills will bring more musical enjoyment.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by Popbumper

Hello all:

Completely and utterly overwhelmed, I introduce myself to this forum as someone who has the following challenges:

1) Well north of age 40
2) Have never played bass
3) Have been a musician most of my life - but never in the bass clef world

...but with the following positive aspects:

1) Have always appreciated and easily picked out bass lines on songs
2) Have been inspired by my son and his interest in the drums
3) Have a wife who is also a musician
4) Love music. Give me anything but rap (yes, I said MUSIC) and I am pretty much interested.
5) Am ready, I mean READY to take on the challenge. Did I mention I LOVE music?

Why? Well, again as an extension of my son and his musical interests, and having a newfound friend who plays, I want to learn. I >did< play (read: goofed off) with a guitar many years ago, though I never took the time to learn. Hey, not getting any younger, time to do it.

Too easy to get long winded. Several questions, appreciating your sound (no pun) inputs:

1) INSTRUMENT - is it >best< to go for a budget instrument/amp pack at a music store, or build in pieces? Look, I will never be a professional or play in a band - but that's not what I am after. I also don't see a reason to get into big $$ stuff - at least yet.

2) LESSONS - necessary? I think not, with self-discipline. Yes, I have already purchased "bass guitar for dummies" (crowd laughs), it is very informative, I have digested some every night, but I really want to get a bass in my hands. Suggestions? I >WILL< practice, that is the heart of it all.

3) AGE - already have read a few threads about people asking if they are "too old", according to the forum in general I am not, so I'll leave it at that. Yes, the grey hair is a dead giveaway.

Well, there you have it, my first and probably most annoying post. Will anyone here be kind enough to lend some simple guidance to this fledgling wannabe?

Pop

to me you still got peach fuzz.....ain't no rules.....take it as seriously as you want......lots of guys start late with no musical background,or like me quit for a very long time......for every one guy who doesn't feel time permits lessons another does......personally i'm in the knowledge is never wasted camp.....if you have a music background,the for dummies thing may be behind you.....learn the notes on the fret board,learn to read bass clef,and consider a good method book or dvd...........

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Popbumper

"starter pack" - the local "Guitar Center" has a Fender jazz bass and amp combo for $300 - from what >very little< I know, the Fender jazz bass is an all-around good instrument, yes?

The amps I've seen in starter packs are usually the weakest link- the bass is often decent, but the whole concept seems to be tailor-made for parents wanting to buy their way out of spending time w/their kids. Keep tapping the collective experience here & you should be well-armed to make a very informed decision.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by bassteban

The amps I've seen in starter packs are usually the weakest link- the bass is often decent, but the whole concept seems to be tailor-made for parents wanting to buy their way out of spending time w/their kids. Keep tapping the collective experience here & you should be well-armed to make a very informed decision.

i'd find good used gear .....300 bucks for a bass and amp doesn't leave much room for materials or build quality

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

i'd find good used gear .....300 bucks for a bass and amp doesn't leave much room for materials or build quality

Good point- again I say do your homework; many of us here have bought impulsively in the past- learn from our mistakes.

[Subrage]

I would say go to a store, and play with some bass's. Find one that you like, and feels good to you. Then try and find a used one on cl/flea-bay for a decent deal.

Lesson: Ive personally learned more in 2 months of lessons, than a few years of trying to figure out books. You might want to spend some time getting the fingering cordnation up. But even then a teacher might help in that area as well.

[Popbumper]

Great inputs all. Can't wait to get started. Wonderful forum, and I have been on several. Tumeni Notes, waiting on your call!

Pop