I went to a conference about 2 years ago and saw this bass player that blew my mind! Every since then I've told myself that I could do that and then researched the "Bass Guitar" in every aspect. As you can see, the date that I joined Talk Bass was way back in Feb 2003. I kind of waited to see if the interest was still there after a while and it still is. I already have the equipment picked out that I want and and after the great encouragement from you guys I plan on purchasing real soon. Thanks alot guys I'll keep you posted
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To Old To Learn Bass?
- Thread starter Motoro
- Start date
See the guy on the right? The group is the Briarhoppers, his name is Whitey. He plays a Gibson 4 string that is older than any of us. He plays bass lines that flow like melting butter too. He is 95.
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I started playing bass at 50, and I enjoy every minute of it.
A couple of good things about starting at this age:
1. I can afford better stuff than I could when I was a teenager.
2. I remember every rock song since Elvis had a hound dog. Okay, I wasn't paying much attention during the '90s, but it's coming to me.
I'm in the process of starting a band with some (younger) friends from work, and I also jam regularly with some other guys. Playing with other people is what it's all about-- like I told the guitar player, when you buy a bass, you've got to get a band to go with it. But bass players are always in short supply, so you should be able to find somebody to play with.
Do it, and enjoy yourself.
Bruiser
A couple of good things about starting at this age:
1. I can afford better stuff than I could when I was a teenager.
2. I remember every rock song since Elvis had a hound dog. Okay, I wasn't paying much attention during the '90s, but it's coming to me.
I'm in the process of starting a band with some (younger) friends from work, and I also jam regularly with some other guys. Playing with other people is what it's all about-- like I told the guitar player, when you buy a bass, you've got to get a band to go with it. But bass players are always in short supply, so you should be able to find somebody to play with.
Do it, and enjoy yourself.
Bruiser
Motoro
It's never to late to learn. I'm 37 and started learning 6 months ago.
I am actually a drummer but I took up bass because we kept having scheduling conflicts with our bass players.
I fell in love with playing bass and I have progressed very quickly.
My friends dad is taking guitar lessons and he is 74. So trust me you are never to old learn anything. You just have to want to do it.
Go for it.
It's never to late to learn. I'm 37 and started learning 6 months ago.
I am actually a drummer but I took up bass because we kept having scheduling conflicts with our bass players.
I fell in love with playing bass and I have progressed very quickly.
My friends dad is taking guitar lessons and he is 74. So trust me you are never to old learn anything. You just have to want to do it.
Go for it.
Two years ago I hired a 3-piece (no bass) bluegrass band for a summer party at my house. As I watched them play, I thought, "I could do that". Last Saturday, I played my first paying gig, with that same bluegrass band, at the age of 51.
My only advice is to practice well and practice often.
My only advice is to practice well and practice often.
I started a little over one year ago at age 30 and am now playing with a cover band filled with guys from my work. My work schedule can be a bit gruelling but I feel like I've gotten much better even with my limited practice time.
I now feel that picking up the bass was one of the best decisions I ever made. So go for it. Don't stop. You are always as young as you feel.
I now feel that picking up the bass was one of the best decisions I ever made. So go for it. Don't stop. You are always as young as you feel.
I had the same worry. I'm 29 now and started playing almost a month ago. I want to be in a band, that is my main motivator, and I didn't know how easy it would be able to get in a modern rock band by the time Im good enough (31, 32?). But really it all comes down to the joy of playing music; even if you dont ever become a virtuoso, it's still one of the most enriching hobbies you can have.
The greatest adventure to playing Bass is that the instrument never defines the limits. Enjoy the ride. 
I'm 46 now and starting back into it. After a 20+ year lay off. The thing I notice the most is how little I knew about playing (when I was being paid to do it).
How ever it gets frustrating when my fingers just can't move like they used to.
How ever it gets frustrating when my fingers just can't move like they used to.
And to think I thought that 14 was a late age to start playing (i'm 15 now)! Seriously, all you old guys have given me hope 
From what the rest have said, I would reiterate that when it comes to something you enjoy, age should be no barrier!
From what the rest have said, I would reiterate that when it comes to something you enjoy, age should be no barrier!
I started when I was 21 (first instrument). I had wanted to play for a couple years before then, but I had convinced myself that I was too old to start and the only people that became good started when they were in HS at the latest. How wrong I was!!!!!!!!!!! I eventually just said screw it and got a bass for X-mas. BEST DECISION I EVER MADE! 
Played through my teens and early 20's then due to cash problems sold the only thing I had of value: My ibanez bass and my Carslbro amp.
At 40 I started playing again, at 41 I got my frist 5 string. I'm a hobbyist enjoying every minute of playing, actually trying to study some music theory this time around. You'll have a great time and unfortunately I've reached that age where I consider 33 to be young!
Go out, get the bass, plug in and play. You won't regret it.
Watch the GAS though - I'm 42 soon and planning my first ever fretless!
At 40 I started playing again, at 41 I got my frist 5 string. I'm a hobbyist enjoying every minute of playing, actually trying to study some music theory this time around. You'll have a great time and unfortunately I've reached that age where I consider 33 to be young!
Go out, get the bass, plug in and play. You won't regret it.
Watch the GAS though - I'm 42 soon and planning my first ever fretless!
