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Reality: A hard punch to the stomach.

#41
I understand, I'm 40 and have had enough success in my non-musical professional life that I will never be able to replace my income with music. And my family depends on me, so here I am. But I still play, ranging from a little to a whole damn lot, depending on the season and the circumstances.

A lot of the guys I know who do music exclusively as a career rely on teaching and non-musical odd jobs to pay their bills. The bands I play in with them are extracurricular for them just like they are for me, for the most part. Only I have arguably a much more engaging and gratifying professional life during the weeks.

If you keep one hand in the musical community and focus on being good, on-time, professional, and smart, you will be able to replace quantity with quality in your musical life. You will be able to take gigs you want, and say no to the ones you don't, because you don't need them. In perspective, it's not a bad musical existence.

That's how I've done it, and I have still managed to play in some great local bands, to get myself on a few recordings, and I am about to cover a Colorado leg of a tour with a band from the 90s whose name most of us would recognize - because of the people I have met along the way. It's been fun and I don't regret a minute, even if I'm not Rickey Minor like I expected I would become when I was 19.
 
#48
With 29 years of being a bassist, and over 40 of being a musician under my belt, I can tell you that there will be times to set music aside, for a while. There have been stretches of a few years without projects/gigs, but I never lost touch with the craft, or the love.

It's a menage a trois (or more, if you have other beloved hobbies/pursuits, as well as a significant other), and music never complains about it. Sure, she can be a demanding, high-maintenance mistress that does not put out enough, but, when you can take her on YOUR terms, the results can be rewarding. Good luck, OP.
 
#50
big90sbasshorns said:
Right on! It looks like a real nice one with the upgrades!

Drop me a PM if you'd ever like to jam out sometime, I'm by Regal theater.
Click to expand...

Word! I might be hanging onto it actually, not sure . I put a Bronco neck on her at the moment and might be switching the neck pickup out again. That will probably be the bass I keep if I sell off my other stuff. I've gotten more attached to it since I've played it more. I gotta delete that CL ad lol. And 80% of the time I'm right across the street from Regal \m/
 
#51
no reason to give up. you can continue playing as a hobbyist. or you can play on the weekends with friends. or if you want to do this for a living you can try to get into a band that has steady work like a wedding band. you could play in church - they're always in need of qualified musicians whose hearts and heads are in the right place.
 
#52
My story goes as such. Picked up guitar when I was 14 and played till 19. Did not pick up a instument again till I turned 36. About the same time some old bandmates were looking for a bass player. At first they supplied the bass and amp. I started to fall in love with it so I bought my own gear. Now with a family and kids I am in two bands and play out every month. We are all very busy so we don't rehearse much. Everyone learns their parts in their own time. Your just making your self depressed by thinking that way. Think of it more as a short break and you with be back. I would still continue trying to practice on every chance I get if I where you'
 
#53
My advice, KEEP THE BASS. That and a Zoom B3 or similar will keep your inner musician healthy.

I regret selling all of my gear when I got married. My wife doesn't understand ... it is a struggle to describe "needing" a musical instrument... I started playing drums at 7, guitar at around 14, bass at around 17.... stopped all together at 25. Now, about 17 years later... I'm starting to build it all up again (minus drums)
 
#56
Biggbass said:
Sorry, but when I read posts like this I can't help but think that right there is the problem with today youth. No Patience! Started at 16, giving up at 23 cause you have to work and pay bills? Really? REALLY?
I mean...REALLY?:)
Click to expand...

Lol. Everyone keeps thinking that I'm going g to quit playing...as I've stated before...that's not the case
 
#57
You'll never quit...you're already hooked! And no matter what life throws at you chances are pretty good you'll keep playing.
I remember when we started having kids and I had to practice without an amp in a walk in closet so I wouldn't wake the baby. That little kiddo, who I tried so hard not to wake up, is now 30...and he's a bass player.
 
#59
Lot's 'o great advice and war stories so far.

Unless you're working 7 days a week, your work schedule is actually a benefit. You're already in the groove of working nights and resting days. That should fit a gigging schedule nicely. Even if your days off are lame (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), as long as your price is right, there will be venues for you to play.

Who are you going to play with? Odds are very good that you're not the only musician in town that works the late shift. Start networking. Start with your co-workers and other folks in the same line of work. They have the same scheduling problems. Start a little jam session for musical chefs. Then start looking for venues that'll let you play on your nights off. Since you're not looking to become rich and famous, you'll have a lot more flexibility and opportunities to play to a live audience.

The other possible advantage of your schedule is that you can practice at a time of day when your less likely to piss off the neighbors.

Jon
 

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