Age is only a number. Do it. Have fun. There is no such thing as "being too old".
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Am I too old to get started in this?
- Thread starter ski_rush
- Start date
43 eh? Young fellow! No, really age doesn't matter. As long as you get joy out of doing it you'll be fine.
Follow the advice of others and have your bass properly set up, get into it and have some fun and while you're at it enjoy the journey, there is great pleasure in learning.
Follow the advice of others and have your bass properly set up, get into it and have some fun and while you're at it enjoy the journey, there is great pleasure in learning.
57 here and no not to old. As long as your fingers still work you are good. Hell saw a kid on instagram the
other day who had no fingers and played better than me!! As long it makes sounds you like that's all that matters.
other day who had no fingers and played better than me!! As long it makes sounds you like that's all that matters.
Back in the 80s I had a college counselor who scoffed when I said I was interested in being a professional musician. “Do you think Mick Jagger will be still performing when he’s 50?” He said. I’ve thought of that conversation many times over the years because I didn’t buy his ageism then, and I don’t buy it now. I’ve met and played music with so many people, of all experience levels, and many who’ve picked up instruments after 40. One thing they’ve had in common: an openness to playing music with other people, in regular music jams, music groups, bands, etc. Seriously, you don’t have to be a great player to have something to contribute (and lots to enjoy) playing music with others, or writing and sharing your songs with others. Age has little/nothing to do with it.
16-year olds quit playing instruments due to lack of interest/practice at a probably MUCH higher % than older people. But no one says 16-year olds are too young to learn.
There is no question about age here, the question is what prevented you from getting the "bass bug" for real. Clearly you want to get into it. But it's not going to go anywhere if you're not drawn to it on a mostly daily basis.
My advice is to get a guitar stand, and leave the bass out on the stand at all times. You don't even need a gig bag because you don't have a gig. And to get an amplifier that can get louder than you need. Loud enough to annoy the neighbors. This is important. I'm not saying to play that loud every day, no. Practice at a reasonable volume. Just pick up the bass constantly and noodle, like Elvis in his living room, but plugged in. Elvis would have gotten way more into bass it if he plugged in. And then, on some random Saturday morning, crank that thing. Let the neighborhood know: a bass player has arrived. This will send ripples into the universe that will change and warp reality itself. The lavender pants are optional, but recommended.
There is no question about age here, the question is what prevented you from getting the "bass bug" for real. Clearly you want to get into it. But it's not going to go anywhere if you're not drawn to it on a mostly daily basis.
My advice is to get a guitar stand, and leave the bass out on the stand at all times. You don't even need a gig bag because you don't have a gig. And to get an amplifier that can get louder than you need. Loud enough to annoy the neighbors. This is important. I'm not saying to play that loud every day, no. Practice at a reasonable volume. Just pick up the bass constantly and noodle, like Elvis in his living room, but plugged in. Elvis would have gotten way more into bass it if he plugged in. And then, on some random Saturday morning, crank that thing. Let the neighborhood know: a bass player has arrived. This will send ripples into the universe that will change and warp reality itself. The lavender pants are optional, but recommended.
I started at 50. There was a neighborhood high school kid that played bass who I took lessons from over the course of two summers. His taste was classic 70’s Rock. A perfect match!
First off - you are never too old. If a 62 year old just learned to fly a helicopter & obtained their license, then you are not too old to start thumpin' away on a bass guitar. If you are on a tight budget - I would HIGHLY suggest getting a Yamaha TRBX 174 yamaha 4 string bass - Google SearchI 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).
For a specific price range - Yamaha basses consistently outscore other brands/models costing the same or even more. I've been playing since 1991 & feel that I qualify to answer your questions. Let us know if you need anything else & good luck!
Been playin bass since 16 and am telling you that there is something new to learn everyday. Playing an instrument regularly can and for me, does sharpen my mind. It's great exercise as long as you don't have too many of the age related frailties (am 57 and lucky to have no pain at all). Expand it and work on itand never compare yourself to someone else when it comes down to your playing. Embrace it.
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).
Can help you much as I’ve be in front of people playing guitar/bass since aged 11.
In answer to your question, no, you are not to old start. That said to become skillful, you need to commit to hours of practice. Sometime as we age, a lot of life tends to get in the way.
I used to play in high school, then stopped. I didn't take up bass again until I was in my 40's. You are not too old.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).
Started this year, at 48 - not really played anything before.
Midlife crisis? Trying to recover time lost?
Whatever... I joined a local School of Rock and although I suck - a lot - I am having a lot of fun playing with the band and learning about my new toys.
Midlife crisis? Trying to recover time lost?
Whatever... I joined a local School of Rock and although I suck - a lot - I am having a lot of fun playing with the band and learning about my new toys.
43????? Big deal. I'm 61 years on this planet. You are NEVER too old to explore new horizons. Do not restrict your abilities to grow because of social preconceptions. Get out there and just do it! You will be amazed at what you will learn.
Regarding basses you referenced, try them all. You will find the instrument that fits your style and building skills. Just have fun!
Regarding basses you referenced, try them all. You will find the instrument that fits your style and building skills. Just have fun!
I've been playing for about 4 years, I'm playing guns and Roses and going to start the Bach suites I just turned 79. Get with the program!
Good lord, man, at 43 you’re still a kid compared to many of us on TB! I’ll be 69 next month and I’m trying things all the time that have been outside my experience. And I’m doing it in front of strangers, too! The only barricades are the ones you erect yourself. Check out the Vic Wooten quotation in my sig.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).
All great positive advice. ... Sure, go for it. ... Desire is the biggest hurdle. ... After that it's practice. ... I just got my 1940's Olds Trumpet over hauled for the second time because I'm a sucker for punishment. ... I'll never be any good but I enjoy the challenge. ... Go for it!
I'm 40 now and I'm willing to start learning the upright!
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Heck, I'm 79 and looking to buy a Shen Hybrid 3/4, oops just opened another brewski
Oh, yeah, I still have the student clarinet my folks got me in the early sixties and I pick it up now and again, though I haven’t the wind to do too much with it. Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser are my inspiration to keep at it.
