• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Bass newbie at 52!

G

groovenut57

May 28, 2009
169
0
Tropical Paradise of Winnipeg
#1
Hello Everyone,

My first post here.
Three and a half years ago, my son, then 14, decided to take up the bass to play in the grade 9 jazz band. That's when I took interest in the bass myself and soon discovered talkbass.com as a good place to hang around. It didn't take long before it became my daily routine to spend a fair amount of time around here. I have to say it's been quite an enjoyable experience for me to be able to learn all about bass simply by hanging out here and listening to your conversations.

There are so many valuable lessons you've taught me during the last three and a half years that I don't have the time or space to list them all here, but as a way of my introduction as a newcomer to this wonderful community, here's a photo of my young family - P and J. As you can see, I've taken your advice that any serious bass player should own at least a P and a J.

MyPandJ004.gif


2007 Fender MIM Precision (Midnight Wine, stock)
2009 Fender Highway One Jazz (Sunburst, stock, except black pickguard instead of white)

Both strung with D'Addario Chromes Flats (ECB84 40-100)

So, here I am, a bass newbie at 52, following in my son's footsteps! Let me ask you - any late bloomers like me out there?
 
#4
Sterling Bass and mwiles30, thanks for your quick responses and your kind and encouraging words. I got my son started three and a half years ago with a rented Squier Precision starter kit, not sure how far he would go with this thing. But lo and behold, according to his bass instructor of three years, he's playing at a "professional level" now! I would like to think these basses are both mine, but I will probably let my son, Victor, use the J while I learn on the P. If anybody deserves a decent instrument, it's Victor.
 
#7
groovenut57 said:
Sterling Bass and mwiles30, thanks for your quick responses and your kind and encouraging words. I got my son started three and a half years ago with a rented Squier Precision starter kit, not sure how far he would go with this thing. But lo and behold, according to his bass instructor of three years, he's playing at a "professional level" now! I would like to think these basses are both mine, but I will probably let my son, Victor, use the J while I learn on the P. If anybody deserves a decent instrument, it's Victor.
Click to expand...

I think it's a wonderful story on how you started. :)
Cool thing what you are doing, especially how you are supporting your son.

And you are never too old.
 
#9
groovenut57 said:
Hello Everyone,

My first post here.
Three and a half years ago, my son, then 14, decided to take up the bass to play in the grade 9 jazz band. That's when I took interest in the bass myself and soon discovered talkbass.com as a good place to hang around. It didn't take long before it became my daily routine to spend a fair amount of time around here. I have to say it's been quite an enjoyable experience for me to be able to learn all about bass simply by hanging out here and listening to your conversations.

There are so many valuable lessons you've taught me during the last three and a half years that I don't have the time or space to list them all here, but as a way of my introduction as a newcomer to this wonderful community, here's a photo of my young family - P and J. As you can see, I've taken your advice that any serious bass player should own at least a P and a J.

MyPandJ004.gif


2007 Fender MIM Precision (Midnight Wine, stock)
2009 Fender Highway One Jazz (Sunburst, stock, except black pickguard instead of white)

Both strung with D'Addario Chromes Flats (ECB84 40-100)

So, here I am, a bass newbie at 52, following in my son's footsteps! Let me ask you - any late bloomers like me out there?
Click to expand...

Very cool, especially that you and your son can share the interest. :)

And to poorly paraphrase the lady bartender at Bob's Country Bunker, --you have BOTH kinds of basses, a P and a J. :D

Love that Midnight Wine P by the way.
 
#16
I watched my 5 yr old daughter start piano and thought, at 39, what am I waiting for? I've been a music nut all my life; it's time to make some. That was 7 yrs ago. Easily one of the best few decisions of my life. Enjoy the journey!
 
#18
I quit playing in 1979 and started again in 2005 at 58. Amazed at where the industry has gone in the gear category. Learning and getting info is 100 times easier. I was a gearhead before and know am in heaven. Always going out to ActiveBass to the lessons section and working on a difficult riff that takes my fingers someplace it has never gone before.

I am strictly jamming with friends and taking bi-weekly lessons. Looking forward to retiring and playing all the time. Music as a retirement gig :hyper::hyper:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back