How likely is a schmuck like me to find a band?

NickInMesa · #1 04-16-2009, 06:24 PM

Long story short: I played, I quit, I am coming back.

Have been playing solo over a drum loops, learning tabs, playing over music, using my ear to find the key and improvise.

What are my chances to find a band to play with and what should I look for?

I am about to turn 40, consider this my mid-life crisis. Wife makes fun of me, says I will never find a band, but I know I can play, although I am an average bassist.

I don't care what music. Cover. 80s. 90s. Punk. Motown.

I just want to have fun.

Some dude I bought a bass from told me that there were not enough bassists available and I should not have any difficulty finding a band.

I think he meant to say "not enough GOOD bassists".

Seriously, what are my chances and what should I look for?

MatticusMania · #2 04-16-2009, 06:27 PM

I agree with your "not enough GOOD bassists" comment.
I know bassists are usually in demand, but I think Ive witnessed a rise in the numbers as of late.
Regardless, I dont think it'll be all that hard for you to find a band, assuming you have decent chops. Look out on craiglist, post ads yourself, attend open mic nights... you'll find more than a few people looking for a bassist. And as long as your skills are on par, Im sure someone will gladly welcome you to their fold, especially with an open mind like yours seems to be.

waynobass · #3 04-16-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

I don't care what music. Cover. 80s. 90s. Punk. Motown.

Probably won't be a problem then.

You might encounter a bit of "ageism" by ignorant youngsters. Do you come across as a young 40 or an elderly 40?

NickInMesa · #4 04-16-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynobass

Probably won't be a problem then.

You might encounter a bit of "ageism" by ignorant youngsters. Do you come across as a young 40 or an elderly 40?

I don't know what that is.

Maybe I can show up riding my dirt bike, doing wheelies and stuff?

Besides that, I am as 40 as they come.

They say it's the new 39.

Jim Campbell · #5 04-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

I don't know what that is.

Maybe I can show up riding my dirt bike, doing wheelies and stuff?

Besides that, I am as 40 as they come.

They say it's the new 39.

dude,i got skivvies that are 40.....might be on right now.......hit the open mike jams and see if your skill level rides or not and if so try sitting in on some familiar tunes.....

you'll probably meet some folks and a friend of a friend may need a bass player.....if not try again,and have fun while you are at it

jtkennedy9 · #6 04-16-2009, 06:41 PM

Be patient and keep practicing...I was in the same boat, started playing a few years ago (38)...my wife thinks it's my mid-life crisis, too...lol I got lucky with my first band, played every Thursday and occasional weekends for two years...we know play about once every three to four months...auditioned (when I could find them) with a few bands, nothing worked out...just started practicing with a new band, and they like the same music I like (alternative)...should be gigging soon.
My whole point to this is it took me almost a year to find a great band to play with...I got to the point where I thought about selling some of my gear, but other bass players I know told me to stick with it...glad I did!

JustDavid · #7 04-16-2009, 06:48 PM

Lose the "schmuck like me" stuff & honestly represent yourself.

Debated saying this, but stop listening to your wife about this; she doesn't seem to have your best interests at heart here. Hopefully she's just razzing you when she should sense you need support, & hopefully this isn't a sign of future problems should you get into a band.

Good advice above, but Kijiji is much more popular here than CraigsList.

Answer ads. Audition. Learn something from every audition; if you don't get the gig, call & politely ask "why not, because I want to improve my odds of getting the next one".

If there is a dearth of bassists near you, it shouldn't be long. Keep in mind you are auditioning them as well as vice versa.

mcm · #8 04-16-2009, 06:49 PM

Attitude will take you a LONG way!!! If you can keep time and you are reliable and have a great attitude, you WILL find a band.

bassyeah · #9 04-16-2009, 07:02 PM

I started playing again after almost 20 years... had several auditions (craigslist) and got asked to be in every situation... but I waited for the one that I thought I would have the most fun and that I felt was worth giving up some family time.
There are plenty of opprotunities out there... just have to be looking for them. Stay in the pocket, show up (and on time) and have confidence (not arrogance) and you'll be suprised what is out there.

Have a ball!!! AND check out the "returning bassists club"! Alot of similar stories. seach TB... you'll find it.

PS My wife calls it my mid-life "thing"... whatever... if it doesn't kill me it makes me stronger! Wait til your wife sees the chicks chasing you after your first show... then who's the schmuck?

NickInMesa · #10 04-16-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassyeah

Have a ball!!! AND check out the "returning bassists club"! Alot of similar stories. seach TB... you'll find it.

Thanks, Bassyeah, I founded that club.

Makes me think I should go read the thread and distribute some #s.

BigOldHarry · #11 04-16-2009, 07:17 PM

I know your pain.

If you're over 30, it's hard, particularly if you want to get into a band that actually plays gigs, rather than just garages.

My basic advice, beyond the obvious "Watch the local craigslist" thing is to keep an open mind about what you are willing to play. And... if you don't consider yourself "good", shouldn't you be practicing right now?

bassyeah · #12 04-16-2009, 07:19 PM

My bad... did'nt even see that in your signature! That's the only club I claim being a part of!

Have to bump it to get more members and more stories!

Good luck on the band search...

bassplayer8953 · #13 04-16-2009, 07:40 PM

Lots of musicians take a hiatus, to focus on families, the house, the job, etc...then return to something they love/loved. I know I did; didn't play at all during my 30's, returned to playing at 39, still jammin almost 20 years later.

As a bass player, if you're halfway proficient, you should be able to find a situation. Keep an open mind & a positive attitude. Others here have discussed CL & other ways to find other players with similar musical interest; check them out, and most importantly, it's not the destination, it's the journey...enjoy the ride.

Adam Bomb · #14 04-16-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Long story short: I played, I quit, I am coming back.

Have been playing solo over a drum loops, learning tabs, playing over music, using my ear to find the key and improvise.

What are my chances to find a band to play with and what should I look for?

I am about to turn 40, consider this my mid-life crisis. Wife makes fun of me, says I will never find a band, but I know I can play, although I am an average bassist.

I don't care what music. Cover. 80s. 90s. Punk. Motown.

I just want to have fun.

Some dude I bought a bass from told me that there were not enough bassists available and I should not have any difficulty finding a band.

I think he meant to say "not enough GOOD bassists".

Seriously, what are my chances and what should I look for?

Your post reads like my typical craigslist ad. Only, I didn't go back to the bass at 40; I *picked up* the bass at about 40. And I haven't had much problem being in a band. With all due respect, your wife may be mistaken. I think the issue more is, Which bands will have you. And also, Which bands will you have?

Don't be the proverbial Old Guy at the Club. OTOH, people don't wake up on their 40th or 50th birthday suddenly unable to remember how to play. If you want to be on MTV - don't. If you just want to have fun, that should be doable. Join or start a band of old dudes. Old dude bands rock.

--Bomb

GreggBummer · #15 04-16-2009, 08:15 PM

I am 35. I consider myself to be an average player (but a student of the instrument). I have a job, a family, and responsibilities that I did not have when I was 18. So I posted an ad on Craigslist saying exactly that. I got TONS of responses and eventually I found a band of like-minded guys. We rehearse once a week, drink a few beers and have a few laughs. We play a bar every month or so. We play covers- just for fun.

Post an ad, be honest in what you are looking for. There is probably a group of guys just like you who are short a bassist and really want to play out.

Rick Auricchio · #16 04-16-2009, 09:33 PM

Just like tone, schmuckiness is very subjective.

blockinlay · #17 04-16-2009, 09:47 PM

I found some players in my area searching myspace music. Have jammed with a few, and there's a few I have yet to meet. It takes time, everybody works and has families.

bassbully · #18 04-19-2009, 10:41 PM

Age has little to do with it as long as you stay in a style it fits. No grey hairs in a teen scremo band etc. find a style that fits and go for it. I got back at 40 and have never had a problem getting a gig. Attitude and desire is where its all at.

lownote54 · #19 04-19-2009, 11:06 PM

first bass at 19. regular gigs till 25 when family got rolling. sold all my gear. took me 14-years to start playing again. that was 26-years ago. some down times during that period including the last 4-years. duo private parties but no full band gigs. new band rehearsing now with some former bandmates from 15-years ago. like has been mentioned, open mike nights, sit in wherever/whenever you can. it's JUST like ANY business. network, network, network. you may not think of it as a business, but in reality that's EXACTLY what it is.

Lunchbox4u_6 · #20 04-21-2009, 02:55 PM

You'll be fine bro, i've played in bands with guys who are your age since i was 20! I just had a guitar player in his 40's and you'd never know it, cool guy, looked young (needed some guitar lessons though),but you shouldn't have any issues.