Am I too old to get started in this?

william snyder · Sep 18, 2019

Go for it man....but I would suggest going to as many music stores, pawn shops, etc and find something that feels and sounds right to you. I'm a Fender Jazz and Rick man myself. Never to late. Find some pals you can jam with!

BassilPesto · Sep 18, 2019

I started at 43, after playing various woodwinds since fifth grade. I think my advanced age helped. I had better concentration and more patience as an adult, and I had more experience at learning.

I did realize that I missed-out on some experiences I might've had if I started as a kid. Things like playing upright bass in the school orchestra and playing in teenage bands.

Don't wait too long before joining a band. You need to play with a drummer. And start making up your own bass lines now, so you're ready when your band mates bring in originals and have no idea what the bass should play.

Bobo · Sep 18, 2019

Love it!

badgenes · Sep 18, 2019

Since I've just gotten back from a short road trip and feeling rather lazy I'm not reading all 19 pages so forgive me if this was said already:
1) I know this was said: I believe never too old and even if you only entertain yourself if you value it, do it.
2) ZZounds.com I'm currently paying off a Epi TB Vintage Pro, purchased my third bass from them too 4 years ago(Schecter Riot 4, incredibly versatile instrument) along with an Ampeg BA-110v2 amp. No credit check, no interest, no brainer.
3) I started out 6 years ago, used to play with a friend, stopped for a year after losing first two basses and downsizing (read: pawn and hard times). Now doing well and have more time to play hope to get back to jamming with couple of friends eventually.

Love music, just do it. That IMHO is all that matters. So much to waste time on in this world, playing an instrument (even badly) isn't one of them.

badgenes

Jim Cummings · Sep 18, 2019

Never to old man. I'm 55, always wanted to learn to play, started out with 6 strings 3.5 years ago, moved to bass 1 year ago, still learning, but having fun.

Wyvern · Sep 18, 2019

If I was to start with a 4 string this would be it. Cort GB Series GB54JJ 4-String Electric Bass Guitar, Sea Foam Pearl Green

That said, once I went 5, there was no turning back!

BillyCrashed · Sep 18, 2019

I started at 46 and am still playing at 69. Never too old to start something. There's a great site, Zzounds, that I get my gear at. Pay while you play. Just got a Schecter Model T Session for $62 per month

AlienNed · Sep 18, 2019

You're 43 chronologically, how old are you at heart? I've been 18 for 45 years. If you're lucky, you'll only get chronologically older - Start NOW.

Dilver · Sep 18, 2019

I started playing bass a few months ago (but I’ve played guitar for most of my life). I’m 52. Bass isn’t “kinda like guitar” especially if you’re playing without a pick; it’s it’s own thing. It’s own, very cool, very fun, funky thing. But like guitar, the more you learn, the more you realize just how much you have to learn. Keep at it!

BassKraz · Sep 18, 2019

Of course it’s not too late! It doesn’t matter if you have an inexpensive bass as long as it has a nice straight neck and it sets up so it’s easy for you to play. If it’s easy to play it’ll make it easier for you to pick it up every day and do a little something every day.
At this point, I wouldn’t even worry so much with theory at this time. Maybe subscribe to Songsterr for a few months, learn how to read tab and by paying 10 bucks a month for a couple months see how you like it. You gain the ability slow down the temple or loop a couple of measures to learn it slow, If you use their free version you don’t have the ability to slow down the temple. Just keep working at that, build the motor memory skills, strengthen the fingers, and the next thing you know you’ll learn a song. You’ll be so proud of your accomplishment, you’ll be hungry to learn your next tune. And that’s where your bass journey will begin,

BCRichguy · Sep 18, 2019

Hey man, first welcome to talkbass. I am 43 (almost 44) and I too started playing at 40 after having played for a year or so as a teen and after not having touched one in 20+years found myself drawn back to it as well. I would like to share a few things with you I found out the hard way, so maybe you won't have to.
First, do yourself a favor and buy a higher quality used bass for around what you have budgeted for a new bass...you'll get way more bass for your money. I found that $200-300 will get you something playable. The older Schecter C-4 series came with EMG hz pickups, a bound body and very comfortable neck profile almost identical to my PRS, and I saw a few of them online at guitar center used last night for between $199 to $299 (and some higher, but dont pay that,lol).
Second, get a decent amp,but don't go crazy at first. I started with a Ampeg BA 110b that was more than adequate for the house and sounded GOOD. Used you should be able to find one of those for $50-$75 used, just as an example.
Third and most importantly, the actual set-up is the key to the bass universe. The set-up consists of the curve of the neck, the height of the strings set at the bridge and the depth of the cuts in the nut (string guide) at the top of the neck. If any of these things are not right it will make the bass harder and or less enjoyable to play and usually make it sound worse as well. Make sure it feels good to you, and if it doesn't you can make it so that it does...so dont despair.
Also, buy a DECENT cable, once again you dont have to go crazy... but cheap cables just suck.
Lastly, you WILL get out of it what you put into it for sure and I personally found it easier to learn and more rewarding now than when I was 18. I started playing very basic stuff and 8 months later I had progressed enough to have learned my first Rush song and have a half dozen Geezer Butler riffs under my belt...now 3 1/2 years and 5 basses later I couldn't imagine NOT playing and would actually consider myself a bass player, not a guy who plays bass.
I hope I was at least some help. With that said, buy a bass and jump in, the low end is fine!!!! Welcome to the club.

Bob Hickerson · Sep 18, 2019

Like everyone else, said, never too old. Started play bass at 56 :bassist:

DanGR · Sep 18, 2019

The GSR200 is what I believe to be the best choice in your budget. You can get a newly used for well under $150, just get a good set-up on it. Another great budget bass is the Sterling SUB. New it would be over $200, but can be found used for under that. And NO, you're never too old if you feel the passion to do so.

SheaNC · Sep 18, 2019

Definitely go for it! I am an older bassist (58) and there are a lot of us here. You've got to play if it's in your soul

Bassist30 · Sep 18, 2019

I read many years ago of a Truck Driver who started to take piano lessons at forty and became a concert classical pianist.

Richard Wright · Sep 18, 2019

I'm almost 68 and I've been playing Bass for years and at your age 43 theres nothing holding you back to start playing bass you cannot go wrong its a beautiful sound instrument. I used GK 400 RB through a four 12 GK cabinet and patch with an 810 peavey bass cabinet and I run petals to get the sound I want. Yeah go ahead and pickup that bass it doesn't matter what age you are those young guys can play good but it take an old guy like me that knows so much music material from Country to Soul Music to Southern Rock or Gospel or Classic Rock These are my best music types I play I can play in any type of band. So yes start playing more bass. I have an Ampeg SVT 300 all tube through a 610 ampeg cabinet I own five Basses. Its my hobbie I buy basses. I have Ibanez Bass for sell Its an double cut away I bought it on a repulse. I didnt like the sunburnts color so I painted it black. My favorite basses I play is a Fender Black Top Bass made in Mexico I paid 499.99 its black when I got it I order a red type pick guard for it and it brings out the look of the bass I play it through the Ampeg SVT. The main bass is a Yamaha 234 bb which is all natural I have another yamaha Sunburnt bass I hardly ever play it. I play a 20th Red Wine Jack Casady Anderverity Bass. I play through bugera 210cab and 15 cab the head is 450 ABS. Im still working out the sound I want through it. I hope this note lets you to not to give up playing bass. You will love it go ahead and get back into it you won't go wrong take care. Enjoy.

Squirey · Sep 18, 2019

I have a stick in indefinite loan. 55. I’ve played bass and guitar for 40 years plus. It is so incredibly foreign. And asa roundish fellow, its hard to position.

togril · Sep 18, 2019

I began Double Bass at 50. I am now 57 and I am so glad I did. I also started to learn to read music and music theory at that age.
Take lessons from someone experienced with teaching older people (rather than very young kids) because our brains are not as plastic. (They still ARE plastic though!). Try not to overthink, and don’t be afraid to make noise and get it wrong! Those last 2 are the edge that children have when learning.
Do it. Now I play double bass and take pleasure from it because I did it!! You will too, I support you in this.
Sincerely,
Will.
P.S. I did all of the above to keep my mind working, it’s a known fact that learning at our ages has a very positive anti-aging and anti-dementia effect.
....also BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFORD!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, DON’T UNDERMINE YOURSELF!!

bottomzone · Sep 18, 2019

NOPE! As long as you have the desire, aptitude, patience, and determination learn, practice, learn, practice, etc., just do it!

Ian Lewis · Sep 18, 2019

if you have a heartbeat you’re not too old. However learning cords (sic) is not the best way to go on bass. You might like to play along with some country songs to get the hang of basic bass lines. Learn the names of all the notes up to the 5th fret too. Then You Tube will be your guide

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Am I too old to get started in this?

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william snyder

BassilPesto

Bobo

badgenes

Jim Cummings

Wyvern

BillyCrashed

AlienNed

Dilver

BassKraz

BCRichguy

Bob Hickerson

DanGR

SheaNC

Bassist30

Richard Wright

Squirey

togril

bottomzone

Ian Lewis

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