Old timer but newbie

[totem]

Gil, I'm now 57. I played bass in my early 20s for a bit when I had a roommate who was a guitar player. I lost interest and traded my bass to a friend for a slide projector. Like what was I thinking?

I took it up again about 6-1/2 years ago and am now involved with three bands plus a regular church gig. It's true that people are always looking for a bass player.

[THORRR]

I'm 64, you kids! LOL

I play in a Classic Rock Group, work 60 hours a week in my business and rock on the weekends. It's great!

Never stop! Rock ON Dudes & Dudettes

THORRR REVEALED !

[pkstone]

I, too, noodled around for many years. I picked up the bass in my twenties, but didn't get serious about it until about five years ago when I took the plunge and got some lessons.

I'm now gigging with a four piece band and having the time of my life. My first gig was two years ago, at the age of 50, and it just keeps getting better.

[gip111]

Originally Posted by Way1994

62 and on month 6 of learning. A lot of fun, someday soon will have the skill to play in a group setting with friends.

It is never too old to learn new tricks.

Are you taking any lessons or teaching yourself?

[Sav'nBass]

I got my first bass in 77 at 22. I stated playing in a band the same year. I was not very good at all. I played dance stuff very easy, Boogie Ooggie Oogie, late disco stuff, that era until I got marred the first time around 81, then things kind of stalled for a few years. Then around 83 I joined a Grateful Dead cover band based in Brooklyn and played with them for a few years. I got divorced in 86 and by that time I wasn't playing at all. I remarried in 90 and just got in the 9-5 groove. I left New York and moved to Va. in 2000 and started paying bass in my church. At that time I rarely ventured above the 7th fret. I was rusty as all get out.. not that I was ever much good up to that point but at least I knew where everything was basically (no pun intended) even if I didn't know any of the material. I learned how to play bass between 77 and 86, but I became a bass player in the last 12 years playing in church. I enjoy myself and while I realize there are some things I will never be able to do bass wise I am somewhat comfortable with my playing and I am good enough to continue to grow and not drive my fellow musicians nuts.. so that's all I can ask for. Enjoy!! I guess you are surprised by how may guys in our age bracket are around here huh..

[gip111]

Wow, I thought I was one of a kind starting out so late. My advantage is that I have a very good ear for music and I learn fast....as long as I don't lose interest.
Just picked up an older SX bass off CL for practically nothing, it's well set up and sounds good, didn't feel like dropping hard cash just yet.

[2cooltoolz]

59 years old, and I've been "playing" since I was 14. Played guitar and bass in some "better than garage band" quality bands from about 17 till around 22, then basically just didn't. Not sure why. Life's been really good to me, but I really regret that. I've kept guitars around ever since, being a "gearhead" type, and have gone through periods of hard work and study, only to go the next year without picking it up.

So, about 3 years ago, I bought a MIM Jazz bass and a used GK combo, and Ed Friedlands "Complete Bass Method". I jam to the radio, buy technique DVDs, working on reading and I'm having a blast. Not gigging or playing with a band yet, but I'm starting to feel confident enough to put myself out there!

[TheAnalogKid]

Originally Posted by THORRR

I'm 64, you kids! LOL

I play in a Classic Rock Group, work 60 hours a week in my business and rock on the weekends. It's great!

Never stop! Rock ON Dudes & Dudettes

THORRR REVEALED !

I hereby nominate THORRR as resident god (or figurehead??) of this thread!!

@gip111, welcome to TB! lots of good insight to the lower freq's. There are many rather argumentative threads here that are like fast food: satisfying at first, but soon leave you with an empty feeling...and heartburn.

[rust_preacher]

52, started on bass for real three years ago. Welcome to Talkbass!

[Avezzano]

Always remember to have fun, brother - that's why it's called 'playing'!

Yes!!!

Look, let's put it this way: it takes a lot of time to become young inside!

V.

[BroonsBane]

Very cool thread. This is my first post here, so, hey everyone!

I had a Lero bass guitar (IIRC) when I was a teen but never learned how to play despite having a passion for it.
A few weeks ago I chanced into an opportunity to buy a 1989 Peavey Fury and a little practice amp and I thought what the hell, go for it. So I did

It's been about 30 years since I last played around with a bass. I'm 49 now. Man, all those years in between...
University, career, family...divorce Life was busy but now I've got more time and I've decided to put it to good use. This time, I'm going to learn how to play the bass properly, starting with lessons, rather than just playing around with a bass. Yeah baby!

I'm completely stoked on this. I've always had a deep love and passion for music. it's a part of who I am. I have a large LP and CD collection and I'm always listening to music. Actually playing it though brings that passion to another level. It's going to be a fun ride!

Thanks for having me aboard, looks to be a great bunch of folks here.

Pic or it didn't happen eh? Here's my 1989 Fury:

[Arial Bender]

After wanting to learn bass all my life I decided to try at 55(partial disabilty, too much time on my hands). I'm really enjoying the learning process.

[spiritbass]

Originally Posted by BroonsBane

You sure found a NICE one to play around on!

[Avezzano]

for all those that are still band-less, young or old, suggestion is to get a band as soon as you can!!! You will find it easier than you think and you'll see that there's nothing, really, like fighting over the repertoire or other minor things within the band like sixteen years old guys but at the same time feeling the urge to go to the rehearsal all thru the working week...

Pic or it didn't happen eh? Here's my 1989 Fury:

...played thru practice amp only? Get a real amp soon!!!

P.S: you too will realise that this hobby may be... more expensive than a wife!!!!!!

[Baird6869]

I am only 43, but my situation seems similar to many others on TB....

Played bass in bands in my teens and early 20's -> quit for 10+ years when I got married and had kids-> picked it up again when the kids got older.

I now gig 2-3 times a month and am having a blast.

My wife and I did have a baby girl recently (last week!), so I am going to ensure I don't have to take another 10 years off!

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by Avezzano

P.S: you too will realise that this hobby may be... more expensive than a wife!!!!!!

...... Or a coke addiction, or a gambling problem, etc.

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by Avezzano

for all those that are still band-less, young or old, suggestion is to get a band as soon as you can!!! You will find it easier than you think and you'll see that there's nothing, really, like fighting over the repertoire or other minor things within the band like sixteen years old guys but at the same time feeling the urge to go to the rehearsal all thru the working week...

----------------------- I dare to add: "feeling the urge to go playin' live ASAP" ------

...played thru practice amp only? Get a real amp soon!!!

P.S: you too will realise that this hobby may be... more expensive than a wife!!!!!!

----------------------- This I'm gonna investigate soon.
I'm divorcing and I really think my wife will be way more demanding than my 20 basses ----------------------
and the worst of all: she's supposed to keep our son

Cheers,
Wallace

[MrLenny1]

60 and still pumpin.

[Avezzano]

and the worst of all: she's supposed to keep our son

Off topic: all my simpathy, man. I understand. He will grow up eventually and will re-discover his own father. In the meantime just be patient: a good, rock solid man and...keep on thumpin'

V.

[Wallace320]

I'll hold on

Mine is sometime referred to as being "music of the Devil"...

I don't know, but sure I'm playin' better than ever with no sleep at all and some mixed stress driven diseases emerging these days

Thanx for support

Cheers,
Wallace