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Am I too old to get started in this?
- Thread starter ski_rush
- Start date
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).
You're never too old to get started and discover a tremendous amount of enjoyment BUT it's imperative that you adjust your aspirations and expectations of yourself to match the reality of your situation. At your age (I'm much older) muscle memory doesn't happen as quickly as when we were in our teens and it can be difficult to find enough quality practice time. I find that if I don't practice a minimum of one hour a day (every day) I feel like I'm stalled or sliding back. Lack of discernible progress (even small amounts) can lead to frustration and ultimately putting the instrument down.
Which is when a good instructor can coach you through the tough times. If it's at all possible where you live I would strongly recommend personal lessons from a good teacher, at least to get started in good technique and practice habits.
I will join in. I am 52 and have been taking lessons for almost 3 years. I finally feel like I am getting somewhere with the instrument. I mostly play walking bass and songs from the Real Book bass clef edition with my teacher. The book that really got me interested in reading and learning more theory was “Building Walking Bass Lines” by Ed Friedland.
Unless you're dead, you're never too old, and it's never too late. Time goes by regardless of anything else you do. Make the most of it.
I realized recently that I've been playing bass for 50 years. Started at 14. I think I'm a good player, but I still strive to be better. As long as that's true, I'll continue to play and improve. So will you.
If I had it to do over again, or if I was starting out later in life, I would have gotten some formal instruction early on. As others have said, the right teacher can make a big difference.
I realized recently that I've been playing bass for 50 years. Started at 14. I think I'm a good player, but I still strive to be better. As long as that's true, I'll continue to play and improve. So will you.
If I had it to do over again, or if I was starting out later in life, I would have gotten some formal instruction early on. As others have said, the right teacher can make a big difference.
You've already passed the test of still feeling and having the desire. To learn at becoming a bassist. Going forth in seeking opinions from others and no wrong in doing so. But most of all make it a must, in beginning to encourage yourself. God Bless.
You are doing what I believe it takes to actually learn how to play an instrument after one gets older: you've gotten a teacher!
Getting a teacher gives you first hand expert instruction, plus it forces you to commit a certain amount of time to learning the instrument.
Had an uncle who took up bass at 65(played a little 6 string), got in a band, drove all over to gigs for about 5 years, went at it like a young man because he really dug it.
Are you still walking and breathing? If so, there is hope for you!
Wow...I definitely didn’t expect to get this number of responses! I thought I’d get maybe 6 or so. I’m blown away by the forum, and I appreciate everyone’s support and encouragement.
Be smarter than me: go ahead and practice your scales even when it sucks. And you'll be killing me, a bassist who started in my earlyish 30s, at it.
If you like Talking Heads, that's a whole catalogue of very approachable, beginner-friendly bass lines in great songs.
It gets steadily more addictive as you go, and you'll get better like magic. Go for it!
If you like Talking Heads, that's a whole catalogue of very approachable, beginner-friendly bass lines in great songs.
It gets steadily more addictive as you go, and you'll get better like magic. Go for it!
You will get out of it what you put into it. If you have a bit of God given talent, and listen to your instructor and practice the exercises, you'll progress quickly.
You're only as old as you think you are. I got my motorcycle license when I was 55, flying in the face of some well-meaning advice regarding 'at your age . . . . '.
My only advice is to NOT buy a 'beginner's bass'. No, you don't need to shell out for a Spector or Warwick or the like, but often a bad instrument that can't be brought right with some work will make things harder than they need to be. There are LOTS of terrific instruments in the $300-$500 range ( though you might make out should you find one of those barely used ), that could serve you for a long time, accept a professional setup, make things easier, and have more residual value down the road.
My only advice is to NOT buy a 'beginner's bass'. No, you don't need to shell out for a Spector or Warwick or the like, but often a bad instrument that can't be brought right with some work will make things harder than they need to be. There are LOTS of terrific instruments in the $300-$500 range ( though you might make out should you find one of those barely used ), that could serve you for a long time, accept a professional setup, make things easier, and have more residual value down the road.
The cheaper Fenders come way down in price when they hit the pawn shops. I found a really playable Chinese Jazz model for $100 dollars that only needed to be cleaned up and have the strings lowered a bit.
I had motorcycles when I was younger, sans license or endorsement. I finally got my license at 63. I ride my bike often, and it's liberating. I feel 20, but I don't ride like I am. I'm on blood thinners, ha!
Yer never too old. I started out again at 58 after a 30+ year "retirement". Go for it. Go hard.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).
As far as the basses go, either one should be fine. Get whichever one feels better. If you can't play it beforehand, you're buying a pig in a poke. Low to midrange basses these days are amazing in comparison to how they were just a decade ago. I'm biased, if you were in Europe I would suggest looking at Harley Bentons: they're on par with Ibanez or Dean, if not better, and can be had at very good prices.
