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Am I too old to get started in this?

#101
Hi ski_rush :)

ski_rush said:
I am 43 now.
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I am older! :p

ski_rush said:
Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.
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I started playing bass when I was a teenager! So what?

I won' t say that playing the bass was the most importent thing I ever did in my live. (my wife would kill me :D)

But it was and is the coolest thing!

Get started! Of course you can wait another ten years and ask again. :D

My answer will be the same!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass
 
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#102
dave64o said:
I messed around for a lot of years, but I never had time for more than that.

I started taking lessons when I was about 47 and even then didn't have much time, so I cancelled more than half of my lessons because of work or family obligations.

I started playing with a basement jam session, on a VERY occasional basis, when I was 50. Over about two years, we might have played about 20 times, but it was my first experience playing with others and loved it. It was only a basement jam, but these guys all played professional when they were younger and were quite good. They also didn't care that I was a newbie and were nothing but encouraging - while still challenging me. I improved a lot playing with them.

About a year and a half ago at age 53 I started playing with a weekly basement jam session playing mostly British Invasion era rock. The regular playing time helped me improve even more. The guitarist/host then asked me to play in another of his weekly jams so I did both for about a year or so, although I recently quit the first weekly jam I joined.

Why did I quit that one? Because, at age 54 (FWIW, I just turned 55 last weekend) I joined my first gigging band this past June and needed time to learn material and attend rehearsals. We played our first gig about 3 weeks ago, have two more scheduled into October, and are talking with a couple of other clubs and wineries for booking even further out. As much fun as it has been playing in those basement jams, it wasn't even close to playing in front of a real audience - AND GETTING PAID FOR IT!!!!! I still sometimes feel like I'm out of my league, but my band mates are amazed that this is my first band and have have nothing but good feed back about my playing, my tone, and even my vocals. Got great feedback from the audience at our first gig as well.

I'm kicking myself for not doing this 40 years earlier. Yes, you absolute CAN do it at your age!
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Just to add to my previous post about how late in life I started.....

My brother just turned 65 and bought his first real guitar about a year ago. He messed around on guitar and keys when he was in high school but once he got out of college he never played at all. But he always said that once he starts winding down his business he'll buy a nice guitar, take lessons, and really learn to play. We don't live anywhere near each other, but he purposely markets himself for contracts in this area so he can visit more often with our parents but he also spends part of that time here at my house so he and I can jam. In that short amount of time, I've seen some really impressive improvement.

But that's nothing. Our dad played violin in our grandfather's bands until he was about 22 - then he stopped playing completely. When he was 84, he finally opened up his violin case to try playing, thinking it might relieve some of the stiffness in his fingers from arthritis. He realized he couldn't put it down and found a teacher who jumped at the chance to work with him. After about six months, she told him he doesn't need her and to go find a band. He did that and, at age 92, is STILL gigging!

You are NEVER too old to start - or to start back up after you stopped! :bassist:
 
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#103
CereBassum said:
I played guitar and bass when I was a kid. By the time I was 23, I had stopped - family, work, etc. After 25 years at age 48, I decided to pick up bass again - it was almost like starting from scratch - I had never taken it too seriously as a kid anyhow.

Now playing for 20 years straight - regular jazz combo, occasional gigs, recording, some originals even. Pushing 70 and it keeps me going. Don't plan on stopping until it's physically impossible.

Take it seriously, learn some music theory and practice regularly; take some lessons to get you started right - then get out there and play with some other folks.
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The first 48 years of your life could have been mine! I picked bass up at the same age as you, have just started up another band, so that makes three currently on the go, and we're doing some great gigs from pubs to weddings and totally loving it. Great to know you're still going strong at 70. That's super inspiring!
 
#104
You’re NEVER too old. Make sure your bass is set up properly and then go for it! It all boils down to practice like most instruments but making sure your instrument is set up correctly (action, intonation, etc.) can help eliminate some discouragement when starting out.
 
#105
ski_rush said:
I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age :(

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).
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:)



 
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#107
I started just a few months ago (in April) and was a little apprehensive about it, too, in part due to my age (49 then, now 50). But here's a bit of truth: the two best times to pick up a musical instrument are (1) when you're young, and (2) today. Sure, you and I missed the boat on (1), but (2) is still wide open. Now that I've started my only regret is that I didn't start earlier—it is SO MUCH FUN.

But, of course, folks here are right that it will go a lot better if you can commit to it and set aside time to practice every day. It can be frustrating to feel like you aren't making progress and the best way to make sure you're making progress is to work at it every day. I like to remind myself each week what new thing I can do this week that I couldn't do last week to remind me that I'm making progress. Having a lesson once a week is also super helpful.

The other thing that helps me (but YMMV) is working with your teacher to find songs that are both appropriate for your skill level and that you really like. I force myself to do basic exercises/scales for a few minutes each day (did more of that in the first month), and that's important, but what really makes me want to practice is wanting to be able to play songs that I really like. It's also great to work on songs you know well because there's immediate feedback—when you get it wrong, you know you got it wrong as it happens because you know how it's supposed to sound.

And on basses, you're obviously getting a range of opinions. Personally, I also started on an Ibanez GSR200 and I don't see anything whatsoever wrong with starting there. I think being motivated and getting time in every day is more important that what your starter instrument is. So if you need a fancier instrument to get yourself motivated, get it. But if you don't, nothing wrong with the starter Ibanez!
 
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#108
ski_rush said:
I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age :(

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).
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Sorry didn’t read through the whole thread. I started around the same age as you, have left my first non-serious band to go to another more serious band. We are in-studio once a week and host an open mike once a week and gig (paying) once a month It’s never to late to start something new. Never. Learn to play to the songs you would listen to when you are by yourself, get a nice cheap bass (Ibanez Talman, Squier VM. Etc. )

In no time you’ll be looking for others to play with.
 
#109
ski_rush said:
I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age :(

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).
Click to expand...
Kind of hard to answer that question for another person, don’t you think? One thing I can say without any doubt and with affirmation from others, AGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LEARNING ANYTHING my friend. Motivation is the only factor. If you wanna learn then, learn.
About gear... figure out how much you’re willing to spend and since you’re not sure if you want to invest your time and effort spend only half of that on gear and take a couple (or more) of lessons.
Since you’re not sure though, and you’re so old maybe consider golf or gardening.
 
#111
Never too old, if you are willing to put in the work and have patience with yourself. I started at 41 and am now 48, and am skilled enough to play most styles of music (with work). I have a play-out band that is booked regularly, and we cover some of the more challenging mainstream Motown stuff (and I get close). Just keep in mind I spent atleast an hour a day for about 4 years getting to that point, along with taking lessons to help me find week points and getting help to overcome them. Would practice after my 8 hour work day and kids were in bed. It is the coolest hobby I could imagine since my body can no longer play sports competitively.

All that said, if you want it bad enough it is not too late.

Good luck
 
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#112
You're not too old. I'll be 43 in a few days and I started playing bass two years ago. I *had* a bass about 15 years ago, but didn't practice much either, and also ended up selling it. Now I have two basses, take things more seriously, and try to practice every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. I took lessons for a year and will be back to them when my schedule clears up a bit. I'm starting to play live with some friends. I don't expect to become good at it, but I love the instrument and have lots of fun playing it. So just go for it.
 
#115
ski_rush said:
I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age :(

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).
Click to expand...

Like everyone else has said, of course not! I'm 44 and only started taking practice a little more seriously about 1 year ago. For the first time in my life, I am ENJOYING LEARNING the entire instrument. I would always become frustrated because I didn't get "good" fast enough. If your schedule/commitments/finances don't allow for face-to-face lessons, I would suggest getting "Roy Vogt's Teach Me Bass Guitar" DVD and book set. Roy really makes learning easy by laying out lessons in an order that makes sense. I got them from a fellow TB'er for $75. So far, worth every penny!
 
#118
Too old to learn bass? Maybe, maybe not. But you can have fun just making sound.

Realistically, every accomplished player (of any instrument, not just bass) that I've ever known was inspired to play music at an early age.

If you do buy another bass guitar, you'll also need an amplifier or at least a headphone rig, too.
 
#119
Yes, you're way too old. Time to retire and play shuffleboard and bocce ball.

:D

Seriously, I believe the quote I have in my sig says it all...

The hardest part about learning as an adult is getting over yourself --- onestring
 
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