Hi Guys....
Thought I would intro myself and tell you about my latest quest. I am 55, getting over 6 way bypass open heart. Live in NJ where I am a big time radio control racer (you can see my 100 plus collection at fastharry.com)..
Anyway, a year ago in California some guy puts a bass in my hands and I felt such a rush it was incredible. Four months ago I had the open heart and let me tell you, everything changes in your life.
I went to see The Kootz a few weeks ago and got inspired to learn bass. Played Piano when I was a kid but other than that no musical training.....
But I want to learn bass BAD!!...I haven't felt this much enthusiasm for anything since I started racing RC's in 1996....
I go to guitar center and meditate with a Fender P bass in my hands....( I got it bad..LOL)
Anyway, I am looking at the Vintage 60's Squire (everyone seems to love that one and the jazz neck feels great...), or I might step up and get the MIM Active P bass...I was going to save and get the American deluxe but I got the itch to play NOW!!!)..
Anyway, any words or thoughts would be appreciated for a noob....
Harry
Never too late to start! Like you I started with piano (an excellent place to start) but never got anywhere (still suck on keys)
But if you think a bass in your hands is a rush, you've got a LOT to learn as a noob! Just a hint, but the rush you get when everything the band does just "clicks" and it has the crowd worshiping at your feet is something that will NEVER let you leave music for the rest of your life!
I'd say that getting started is more important than picking just the "right" bass. As a noob you really aren't experienced enough to know just what it is you'd really like to be playing. So start with something decent (yeah, a Squirer is decent!) and get going.
I would suggest some lessons at first. The reason is that if you want to learn how to do something, the easiest and fastest way is to get someone who already knows how to show you. Someone who knows how can spot your bad habits immediately before they become ingrained and then (like me) you have to spend a lot of time "unlearning" them! Once you've got all the basics down, then you can either go with more lessons or not to taste. By then it's just a matter of practice. But DO get started with good habits! A good teacher will be able to tell if you are doing something wrong without even looking at you!
I don't know that I'd recommend guitar lessons. Trying to learn multiple instruments at once kind of spreads your time around too much (do as I SAY not as I DO... I learned drums and bass at the same time!) Personally I"m starting to learn guitar now after god knows how many years!
And there is nothing more important than what I'm about to tell you right now. When you practice new things, always start SLOWLY so you can play it perfectly. If you try to go too fast too soon you make mistakes and all you do is train yourself to play it WRONG! Start slow and perfect and let speed come as it may!
Good luck and welcome to BASS!

