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At what age did (or will) you peak?
- Thread starter darwin-bass
- Start date
My theory has gotten out of practice but at 39 I can move around the bass with more confidence than I ever could. I peaked at hauling bass gear around 19.
I'm not sure I've ever reached anything like my full potential. There are plenty of reasons for this, and not all of them respectable; for example, there's definitely some laziness in there ... 
Unfortunately, I have a day job, and my main musical passion these days is piano, so I'm not likely to get any better on bass, maybe ever. At least, not until I retire, and have the time to spend on more than one instrument, and that's not going to be for a while yet.
And now I feel sad ...
Unfortunately, I have a day job, and my main musical passion these days is piano, so I'm not likely to get any better on bass, maybe ever. At least, not until I retire, and have the time to spend on more than one instrument, and that's not going to be for a while yet.
And now I feel sad ...
You will peak when you stop learning through hours of practice. I am 79 and play better than ever. I have been blessed with a lot of gigs and that really helps especially if you are playing with musicians that are more accomplished than you are.
However, I have to admit that I learn much slower than I did when I was younger. Music is so good for keeping me active but I do push myself.
However, I have to admit that I learn much slower than I did when I was younger. Music is so good for keeping me active but I do push myself.
Funny story - I'm married to a Filipina who doesn't particularly like my music vocation.
One night about 14 years ago I was prepping for a club date. I had my Avatar cab in my arms and was heading out the door.
"How long will you be?" She inquired.
Please understand that English is her FOURTH language, so confusion often ensues.
"Last call is 01:30 so maybe 2?"
"NO!" she exclaimed.
I quickly ran my broken English computer through my brain and re-translated her inquiry.
"Honey, you will have to pry my bass from my cold dead fingers..."
She was inquiring as to my gigging retirement plans...
One night about 14 years ago I was prepping for a club date. I had my Avatar cab in my arms and was heading out the door.
"How long will you be?" She inquired.
Please understand that English is her FOURTH language, so confusion often ensues.
"Last call is 01:30 so maybe 2?"
"NO!" she exclaimed.
I quickly ran my broken English computer through my brain and re-translated her inquiry.
"Honey, you will have to pry my bass from my cold dead fingers..."
She was inquiring as to my gigging retirement plans...
I've been through different phases of bass playing (playing metal, funk, etc. for extended periods), but I don't believe there's a way to peak as a musician.
Those times made me the player I am today. All my influences, musical or not, will continue to re-shape and evolve me as a bass player.
Don't all of our motivations and inspirations change over time?
I know mine do, and my particular motivation or inspiration at the time informs my playing whether I want it to or not.
We can continually share and collect knowledge and technique from one another, and I don't see an end to what is possible because it's such a uniquely personal journey.
Different phases of certain artists can speak to us more so than other times, but to say someone has "peaked" is like saying someone is "the best" at their particular instrument.
