Give an "old man" a chance !!

fearceol · #1 04-06-2007, 05:57 AM

Hi guys,

I'm wondering if this case is unique to Ireland or has anyone else experienced the same. I'm 52 and took up bass about 18 months ago as I have more spare time now. I played for a short time when in my teens.
I've answered lots of posts on my local forum looking for someone to jam with. About 80% are looking for someone between the ages of 18 to 25 (I replied anyway but no luck). I'm no Wotten or Jaco, but just want to jam with others of any age. Why should it matter if you are 15 or 75 once you love to play

I'm not bitter or frustrated over this because I love the bass and the learning process (the latter being helped a lot by TB'ers - Thanks

). The next post I answer will not include my age, so they're in for a big surprise/shock

Dragonlord · #2 04-06-2007, 06:36 AM

Heh, I see. Well, I guess it's because most bands are either: a) looking to have a good time, so they can see themselves hanging out more with someone their age or b) looking to make it big, where image is a significant part. If you're patient I'm sure you'll find someone who is openminded and laid-back enough to see beyond your age. Good luck!

43apples · #3 04-06-2007, 07:24 AM

Fearceol:

It seems like we got the same problem, though I'm just 16 and have been playing for most of my life. I just can't find people to jam with, regardless of age, skill level, or musical style.

The reason that I can't find someone to jam with, is because I live out on the countryside, fifty miles from the city, and there is no musicians in my area. It's rather depressing that I can't find people to play with, so I really understand your problem.

At least, don't give up bass playing. Sooner or later, I'm sure you'll find someone to jam with!

Good luck,
-Erlend

fearceol · #4 04-06-2007, 08:46 AM

Thanks Dragon Lord and Erlend for your replys.
Dragon Lord: Broadly speaking you are correct, but I'm not interested in "hanging out", just playing music. The others could hang out after the session?

Erlend: Yes we have the same problem but with different causes. I have no intention of giving up the bass because I'm enjoying playing along to cd's and learing as I go. You should n't be put off either. You probably wont always be living so far from a city. My advice is keep playing and practicing so when the opportunity arises you'll be ready.

badstonebass · #5 04-06-2007, 08:55 AM

Currently I am the youngest in the band I am in at 44. We play all styles of rock from the 60's to the present. We do very well and our following is 20 - 60's.

Don't give up, it can be done. You might start your own thing. Look back in time and remember the guys that played when you were young. Find them and you will have your band. They are probably in the same situation as you. Us old guys need to show them how it is done.

bassicinstinct · #6 04-06-2007, 09:01 AM

I'm 51 and have been playing solidly for 37 years - initally semi pro and latterly on a pro basis - and I still have problems (when I'm "between bands") getting people to take me seriously due to my age.

It must be horrendous to have to overcome peoples response to your inexperience too!!

Good luck with it though.

Munjibunga · #7 04-06-2007, 09:34 AM

Everybody in my band is over 50, except the girl singer. We rule. RULE!

rllefebv · #8 04-06-2007, 09:37 AM

I'm guessing that this happens everywhere... Certainly does here where many ads include age requirements... I can somewhat see the point for younger folks to post this way due to the 'hang' factor, but after a certain point, does age really matter? I really dislike the ads with "We're all in our mid-thirties, so please be between 30 and 40"... I'm sorry, but at 30 you should be comfortable playing with guys in their 40's and 50's...

-robert

kydnav · #9 04-06-2007, 01:19 PM

I'm 17, and I would give you a chance!

fearceol · #10 04-06-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kydnav

I'm 17, and I would give you a chance!

Thanks kydnav. Pity you're not living in Ireland

**Thor** · #11 04-06-2007, 01:42 PM

My bands got built a person at a time. Find yourself a guitarist
you get along with. Settle in then go looking for another
and keep your eyes open for a drummer. A lot of older guys
are in this position and pretty soon the word gets out
that your jammin' so they come out of the woodwork at
you. Before you know it you got 3 loosely related projects going
with some common members.

fearceol · #12 04-06-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

My bands got built a person at a time. Find yourself a guitarist
you get along with. Settle in then go looking for another
and keep your eyes open for a drummer. A lot of older guys
are in this position and pretty soon the word gets out
that your jammin' so they come out of the woodwork at
you. Before you know it you got 3 loosely related projects going
with some common members.

Good advice Thor.

I'll keep plugin' away on the local forums.

Leinad · #13 04-06-2007, 05:59 PM

Hey, you could always take out the Sawdoctor's bassist, and opportunistically offer your services as a replacement in their time of need! Those old farts are always getting gigs these days!

They seem to be up in Limerick every other weekend...

superbassman2000 · #14 04-07-2007, 05:16 PM

I was jamming with a 44 year old guitar player when i was 19, and I am psyched I did. He taught me a lot about music, and was a great jamming partner.

I also find that the odds of finding a musician who wants play over a musician who just wants to screw around are in favor of the older crowd.

thats my experience at least...

dangnewt · #15 04-07-2007, 11:36 PM

My band got built in much the same way that Thor described.

I'm 46 and started playing bass a few years ago after having played a bit of guitar as a kid. I started jamming with a guitarist friend of mine from my church which led to a performance where me, my guitar buddy, a singer (also from my church) played a set with a my bass teacher's drummer.
I was so pumped by the experience, I probably told everyone at my work about it and one of our inhouse attorneys told me that he played sax and that the husband of one of the other attorneys played drums and one of the guys who worked on the floor above us was a good drummer.

Neither of the drummers (both in their 50's) were playing in a band but both were keeping up their chops by playing along to records. With the exception of the drummer who I really didn't know (great guy as it turned out), I knew everyone else pretty well so I knew we would be compatible.

fearceol · #16 04-08-2007, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangnewt

My band got built in much the same way that Thor described.

I'm 46 and started playing bass a few years ago after having played a bit of guitar as a kid. I started jamming with a guitarist friend of mine from my church which led to a performance where me, my guitar buddy, a singer (also from my church) played a set with a my bass teacher's drummer.
I was so pumped by the experience, I probably told everyone at my work about it and one of our inhouse attorneys told me that he played sax and that the husband of one of the other attorneys played drums and one of the guys who worked on the floor above us was a good drummer.

Neither of the drummers (both in their 50's) were playing in a band but both were keeping up their chops by playing along to records. With the exception of the drummer who I really didn't know (great guy as it turned out), I knew everyone else pretty well so I knew we would be compatible.

Sounds great dangnewt. Just the inspiration I need to keep plugging away at the local forums. It is amazing how one thing leads to another.

mike phillips · #17 04-08-2007, 09:09 AM

i am 44 and started learnin to play bass a year and a half ago. the people i play with range in age from 20-28 years old. they love to come over and play and ask when can we get together again. i joke with them about bein 20 years old and hanging out on a saturday night with me and my wife. they are all fantastic musicians and take the time to show me new stuff to help my playin. i am so thankfull these kids love to come over. good people are out there. you just got to hunt them down. good luck and keep playin.