At what age did (or will) you peak?

[darwin-bass]

When do you feel you peaked as a bassist? Or are you continuing to improve and the peak is yet to come?

I'm 62 and I'm a better bassist today than I have ever been. And continuing to learn. Haven't peaked yet.

 

[AGCurry]

Ask me when I'm dead.

 

[5StringBlues]

It's been a while, but it seems like it was usually about 5 hours in.

 

[bassGtar]

I’m not sure, but I know I won’t have far to fall.

 

[el jeffe bass]

I’m a 61 year old man with MS. My playing out days are long past but I continually try to improve on bass and a few other instruments. My only goal at this point is to become as good a musician as I can in the time that I’m alive and still able to play. So my answer to your question is “when they close the lid and let me down”

 

[wild4oldcars]

I honestly think I peaked when I was 17. It was certainly when I was spending most of my time obsessing over the craft. There’s only so much time in the day these days, ya know?

 

[Micha84]

My playing style has changed. I feel I was more creative when I was younger, nowadays I have a lot more pocket. I am actually faster now as well.
So, I don't think I have or will ever peak. I ain't climbing a mountain, I am wondering through different parts of the same city.

 

[chris_b]

I've peaked and I'm still getting better.

I used to have unlimited amounts on energy which seemed to find its way into my playing. I was a pretty busy player at times.

Now I have no energy, loads of common sense and play less but in a more effective way.

I'm less creative than I was, not bursting with ideas anymore, but I prefer my playing now. IMO I'm better at this stage in my playing life than I was and I'm still evolving.

 

[Lucas Carioli]

When i was 27 my ears was better. Had less pain in my back. I where more enthusiastic and confident about go out and play. Now i just play for myself. But i'm much more attentive to details, play it with pick and hands, and know how to set up the bass properly. So... i don't know! lol

 

[vvvmmm]

Usually about 2-4 hours after.

 

[dalkowski]

That's between me and the missus.

Seriously, probably in the 46-55 range if my math is right. That's when I was putting the most effort into studying and I was also in a regular group that actually gigged. Then Covid.

 

[Tom Kinter]

I vote 75+ - I haven't yet peaked at 73 (just 15 minutes ago I was really moving a little on out there...), so why not remain optimistic? There's always the sterling example of Ron Carter (or Les Paul). oh yeah, or Milt Hinton.

 

[micguy]

I’m 65, and definitely at my best and still improving. Music can be a lifelong pursuit.

 

[DoctorZee]

I put the age I am now. Who knows what the future will hold? I’m enjoying the present

 

[ToneMonkey]

Next Thursday

 

[rwkeating]

What do you mean by peaked? If it means playing fast and technically difficult stuff, that is lost somewhat as we age. If you are talking about being a better musician that is a never ending journey where I believe one keeps improving as long as they keep working at it. The better a musician we become, the better bass player we become.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I'm better than I was a year ago, and a lot better than I was 10 years ago. My musical concerns are different now; placement, duration, and now phrasing.

 

[Tom Kinter]

What do you mean by peaked? If it means playing fast and technically difficult stuff, that is lost somewhat as we age. If you are talking about being a better musician that is a never ending journey where I believe one keeps improving as long as they keep working at it. The better a musician we become, the better bass player we become.

I see your point and I feel perfectly OK with playing perhaps fewer notes, but better ones, or better placed. I can still shred fast if I need to, but I don't; been there, done that.

 

[Reggie Hamilton]

Yeah… I’m going to go with this.

 

[JimmyM]

I peaked at age 11 but just in general