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08-12-2009, 05:26 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Riverside, Ca. | | | So I'm 40 today...
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There have been many threads about how old is too old to play but since it's my birthday, and it's my 40th, I'm going to indulge myself a little bit here and spout off my two cents on the age and playing issue.
I started playing when I was 14 and played more or less until I was 23. At that point I decided that I had too much responsibility to keep playing--it was something that kids did. I had a wife and a family and dammit, this music thing just has no part in being a mature adult. It was like my dad had crawled inside my head and melded with my brain. So I sold my Ampeg 810 and SVT head as well as my Kramer Force ABT (I think that's what it was---it was a sweet instrument) and dropped out of the music scene altogether.
For the next 15 or so years I barely touched a bass and the idea of actually playing again never seriously crossed my mind. My wife (at the time) and I would go out and see live bands and really enjoy ourselves; and once in a while I'd wonder if I was still good enough to play with other musicians*. But then the idea would fade and I wouldn't think about it anymore.
But then one day a good friend of mine that I'd been in bands with since highschool called me and asked if I wanted to jam. I didn't have a bass but he had an old one that I used. I plugged it into an old little Crate guitar amp and we played some old stuff. It sounded horrible... I was terrible. But I was hooked again.
The next day I went and spent over 1K on a new Ibanez SDGR Prestige 5 string. Now I have two MarkBass cabs, a 115 and a 410 powered by a Carvin BX1200 that I really like. I'm gonna buy a Markbass head soon, but I haven't decided on which one. I also have a backup Ocean 5 string that I really don't like but in case of emergency, it works.
In less than one year I went from not playing at all to being in a pretty decent cover tune band that's been hired to play parties and restaurants/clubs. I've gotten back in touch with at least 30 or 40 people I hadn't seen in 15-20 years and I'm having a blast.
It all makes me wonder why the hell I ever gave it up in the first place.
So I guess the points are these: you're never too old to play as long as you're a responsible individual; and even if you dont' think you'll ever play again, hold on to your stuff. The money you get for it won't do you any good in the longrun and if you want to get back into it, it'll cost you beaucoup $.
So that's it. A common story. I'm 40 but I don't feel like I thought 40 would feel when I was 20. Happy Birthday to me!
*I don't really consider myself a musician; more like an adequate mimic
__________________
Only the very ignorant are perfectly satisfied that they know. They have no trouble accounting for the universe-Robert Ingersoll
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08-12-2009, 05:28 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: WA | | | happy birthday man ... never to old to rock! |
08-12-2009, 05:28 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | | | Happy Birthday!
I turned 40 in 1990...so I'm way ahead of you.
But I stopped playing at 23 and picked up again at 47, when I had to rescue my long-stored gear from my parents' house.
At least you and I picked it up again and enjoy it! Celebrate that on your birthday!
__________________
"Ya know what old Jack Burton sez at a time like this? Old Jack sez....'what the hell.'"
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08-12-2009, 05:30 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Carolina | | | I can certainly relate to your story. Happy Birthday!
__________________
"Nah, I'm cool"
StardustJazzBand.com
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08-12-2009, 05:33 PM
|  | "Look, let me go back in there and face the peril" | | Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Jersey | | Happy 40th birthday! You are not too old to play. Finding the time may be the only issue now.
Same boat for me. I'll be 40 on Saturday. Cranky wife, 3 year old daughter, full time job. Just need to find some time. Quote:
Originally Posted by Haysoochreesto  There have been many threads about how old is too old to play but since it's my birthday, and it's my 40th, I'm going to indulge myself a little bit here and spout off my two cents on the age and playing issue.
I started playing when I was 14 and played more or less until I was 23. At that point I decided that I had too much responsibility to keep playing--it was something that kids did. I had a wife and a family and dammit, this music thing just has no part in being a mature adult. It was like my dad had crawled inside my head and melded with my brain. So I sold my Ampeg 810 and SVT head as well as my Kramer Force ABT (I think that's what it was---it was a sweet instrument) and dropped out of the music scene altogether.
For the next 15 or so years I barely touched a bass and the idea of actually playing again never seriously crossed my mind. My wife (at the time) and I would go out and see live bands and really enjoy ourselves; and once in a while I'd wonder if I was still good enough to play with other musicians*. But then the idea would fade and I wouldn't think about it anymore.
But then one day a good friend of mine that I'd been in bands with since highschool called me and asked if I wanted to jam. I didn't have a bass but he had an old one that I used. I plugged it into an old little Crate guitar amp and we played some old stuff. It sounded horrible... I was terrible. But I was hooked again.
The next day I went and spent over 1K on a new Ibanez SDGR Prestige 5 string. Now I have two MarkBass cabs, a 115 and a 410 powered by a Carvin BX1200 that I really like. I'm gonna buy a Markbass head soon, but I haven't decided on which one. I also have a backup Ocean 5 string that I really don't like but in case of emergency, it works.
In less than one year I went from not playing at all to being in a pretty decent cover tune band that's been hired to play parties and restaurants/clubs. I've gotten back in touch with at least 30 or 40 people I hadn't seen in 15-20 years and I'm having a blast.
It all makes me wonder why the hell I ever gave it up in the first place.
So I guess the points are these: you're never too old to play as long as you're a responsible individual; and even if you dont' think you'll ever play again, hold on to your stuff. The money you get for it won't do you any good in the longrun and if you want to get back into it, it'll cost you beaucoup $.
So that's it. A common story. I'm 40 but I don't feel like I thought 40 would feel when I was 20. Happy Birthday to me!
*I don't really consider myself a musician; more like an adequate mimic | |
08-12-2009, 05:42 PM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Haysoochreesto There have been many threads about how old is too old to play but since it's my birthday, and it's my 40th, I'm going to indulge myself a little bit here and spout off my two cents on the age and playing issue.
I started playing when I was 14 and played more or less until I was 23. At that point I decided that I had too much responsibility to keep playing--it was something that kids did. I had a wife and a family and dammit, this music thing just has no part in being a mature adult. It was like my dad had crawled inside my head and melded with my brain. So I sold my Ampeg 810 and SVT head as well as my Kramer Force ABT (I think that's what it was---it was a sweet instrument) and dropped out of the music scene altogether.
For the next 15 or so years I barely touched a bass and the idea of actually playing again never seriously crossed my mind. My wife (at the time) and I would go out and see live bands and really enjoy ourselves; and once in a while I'd wonder if I was still good enough to play with other musicians*. But then the idea would fade and I wouldn't think about it anymore.
But then one day a good friend of mine that I'd been in bands with since highschool called me and asked if I wanted to jam. I didn't have a bass but he had an old one that I used. I plugged it into an old little Crate guitar amp and we played some old stuff. It sounded horrible... I was terrible. But I was hooked again.
The next day I went and spent over 1K on a new Ibanez SDGR Prestige 5 string. Now I have two MarkBass cabs, a 115 and a 410 powered by a Carvin BX1200 that I really like. I'm gonna buy a Markbass head soon, but I haven't decided on which one. I also have a backup Ocean 5 string that I really don't like but in case of emergency, it works.
In less than one year I went from not playing at all to being in a pretty decent cover tune band that's been hired to play parties and restaurants/clubs. I've gotten back in touch with at least 30 or 40 people I hadn't seen in 15-20 years and I'm having a blast.
It all makes me wonder why the hell I ever gave it up in the first place.
So I guess the points are these: you're never too old to play as long as you're a responsible individual; and even if you dont' think you'll ever play again, hold on to your stuff. The money you get for it won't do you any good in the longrun and if you want to get back into it, it'll cost you beaucoup $.
So that's it. A common story. I'm 40 but I don't feel like I thought 40 would feel when I was 20. Happy Birthday to me!
*I don't really consider myself a musician; more like an adequate mimic | Hey, good for you that you picked it up again.
I turned 40 myself recently.. rock and roll is for everyone.. never count yourself out.
And.. from your post I can see that you play with other people, got it together, can play the tunes, know your limitations, know when you suck, make an effort to improve, get on with people.
That's a musician in my book.  |
08-12-2009, 05:49 PM
|  | Official beer of the WNBA. | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The state of denial. | | | Posts like this remind me how glad I am that I got divorced while I'm still young!
Happy burfday, chief.
__________________
I do everything for the children. Tasty, tasty children.
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08-12-2009, 05:53 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: PDX | | | Happy B-day from another over 40'er. Never too old to play music! |
08-12-2009, 05:53 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Toronto Canada | | I'm 43 and can't get into a band (might have to do with not wanting to do covers)...  Happy Birthday!
__________________
1983 Ibanez Roadstar II/1986 Roadstar II/Markbass CMD102P/Sansamp Bass driver deluxe/Vintage Ibanez BP10 compressor
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08-12-2009, 05:57 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas | | Quote:
Originally Posted by martyman5000 I'm 43 and can't get into a band (might have to do with not wanting to do covers) |  Tell people you're 29! |
08-12-2009, 05:58 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Montreal | | | Even though your MUCH younger than me (I turned 40 in February), I really relate to your post. Similar here.
Happy B-Day friend.
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Remember, when you've forgotten your tuner, blowing into an empty beer bottle gives you a B
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08-12-2009, 06:44 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2008 Location: Studio City, CA | | | Happy B-Day! Will turn 60 next spring. Have two shows this weekend and another mid-week with the other 'project'. Similar story, quit playing professionally at 30, jammed with friends until the kids were in high school and I started playing again. Now they come to the shows with their friends who I've known forever.
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Third Row Shrek
Clubs: Fretless #219, Atheist #55
Basses: MM Sterling 4, 87 Fender Jazz Special Fretless, Dean Pace EUB, Kay DB
Amps: Ampeg SVT Pro III, 8X10 cab, SVR-212 cab, AR 1X15 |
08-12-2009, 07:22 PM
|  | Rock'n Roll hasta morrir!(Rock'n Roll 'til I die!)
Seymour Duncan/Basslines SMB-5A Endorsing Artist | | Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cuernavaca 1 hr S Mexico City | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Pilgrim ...I turned 40 in 1990...so I'm way ahead of you... | I turned 40 in '85 . . . so I'm ahead of BOTH of you!
Happy Birthday . . . remember, you're NEVER too old to do whatever . . .
I'm 64 . . . I won another Grammy (AND Latin Grammy) this year . . . and play just about every weekend with a popular group here in Mexico . . . 
It's a great life! |
08-12-2009, 07:28 PM
|  | Supporting Member | | Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mass | | | Happy B-day! I am 46 and I still rock and roll every weekend and have a blast. Keep playing that bass.
__________________
Lakland, Sadowsky, Nordstrand, Mark Bass, GK,
Bag End, Pedaltrain, T.C. Electronics, Electroharmonix, DR
LOG #379, Club Sadowsky #189
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08-12-2009, 07:36 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New England | | Happy B-Day and I did basically the same thing - I do regret giving it up - played through my late teens - all through my 20's Stopped at 30 - started again at 46 - I own more and nicer gear than ever. I wish I could get back the years I didn't play - but such is life - what is important is that you are back at it and I am too! Rock on!!
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Fender | Spector | Lakland #384 | GK | MarkBass | SWR | Mesa | Ampeg B15N (on the way).
© 2011 Honk’n_down-low : )
Whatchutalkinbout Willis
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08-12-2009, 07:40 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Riverside, Ca. | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Honk'n_down-low Happy B-Day and I did basically the same thing - I do regret giving it up - played through my late teens - all through my 20's Stopped at 30 - started again at 46 - I own more and nicer gear than ever. I wish I could get back the years I didn't play - but such is life - what is important is that you are back at it and I am too! Rock on!! | Well said. And thanks everyone for the kid words and for relating your experiences. I really do appreciate it.
__________________
Only the very ignorant are perfectly satisfied that they know. They have no trouble accounting for the universe-Robert Ingersoll
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08-12-2009, 07:46 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Long Island, New York | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Haysoochreesto There have been many threads about how old is too old to play but since it's my birthday, and it's my 40th, I'm going to indulge myself a little bit here and spout off my two cents on the age and playing issue.
I started playing when I was 14 and played more or less until I was 23. At that point I decided that I had too much responsibility to keep playing--it was something that kids did. I had a wife and a family and dammit, this music thing just has no part in being a mature adult. It was like my dad had crawled inside my head and melded with my brain. So I sold my Ampeg 810 and SVT head as well as my Kramer Force ABT (I think that's what it was---it was a sweet instrument) and dropped out of the music scene altogether.
For the next 15 or so years I barely touched a bass and the idea of actually playing again never seriously crossed my mind. My wife (at the time) and I would go out and see live bands and really enjoy ourselves; and once in a while I'd wonder if I was still good enough to play with other musicians*. But then the idea would fade and I wouldn't think about it anymore.
But then one day a good friend of mine that I'd been in bands with since highschool called me and asked if I wanted to jam. I didn't have a bass but he had an old one that I used. I plugged it into an old little Crate guitar amp and we played some old stuff. It sounded horrible... I was terrible. But I was hooked again.
The next day I went and spent over 1K on a new Ibanez SDGR Prestige 5 string. Now I have two MarkBass cabs, a 115 and a 410 powered by a Carvin BX1200 that I really like. I'm gonna buy a Markbass head soon, but I haven't decided on which one. I also have a backup Ocean 5 string that I really don't like but in case of emergency, it works.
In less than one year I went from not playing at all to being in a pretty decent cover tune band that's been hired to play parties and restaurants/clubs. I've gotten back in touch with at least 30 or 40 people I hadn't seen in 15-20 years and I'm having a blast.
It all makes me wonder why the hell I ever gave it up in the first place.
So I guess the points are these: you're never too old to play as long as you're a responsible individual; and even if you dont' think you'll ever play again, hold on to your stuff. The money you get for it won't do you any good in the longrun and if you want to get back into it, it'll cost you beaucoup $.
So that's it. A common story. I'm 40 but I don't feel like I thought 40 would feel when I was 20. Happy Birthday to me!
*I don't really consider myself a musician; more like an adequate mimic | +++11111111
This is my story completely!!...took 15 years off altogether, always wanted to get back into it...turned 40 last year and bought myself a new MIA Jazz Standard....lovin' every minute of it!!...truth is either my memory is not too good, or I really do like 40 better than 20!!.
Rock on!!! |
08-12-2009, 07:48 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mexicali, B.C., México | | Happy B-D |
08-12-2009, 08:10 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lynn, Mass | | | Hey, we have the same birthday!!!
I'm forty-two today, which is a major landmark, forty-two being the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything, and I just started playing again a couple of months ago after not having played in over a decade.
Don't know if I'll ever get into a band again (the last one I was in, "practice" mostly consisted of playing the main riff from "Lord of This World" for twenty minutes) but it still feels good to be pushing the heavy-gauge strings around again.
Cheers!
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I only play in the shower.
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08-12-2009, 08:44 PM
|  | Discontinued® is my favorite brand! | | Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central Ohio | | Happy birthday, and thanks for sharing this! It makes a pretty good thread, nice to see all the positive attitudes.
I just turned 50, and because playing music has kept me feeling young, it didn't phase me one bit... (And just when I was feeling younger than ever, A.A.R.P. had to go and offer me that membership.  )
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