discreet

[quote name='Highfox' timestamp='1458660998' post='3009567'] Thanks. I can send you a pm later if I don't get in trouble with this. [/quote] Send me one anyway. You'll be fine.

[quote name='paul h' timestamp='1458647409' post='3009337'] If I get a sombrero I might even be able to hide my non-smiling mouth [/quote] Get one three sizes too big, make a couple of eye holes in it and pull it down over your head.

Wow, that I like! What is it and where can I get one? Is there a maple neck option? Nice score.

[quote name='phil.c60' timestamp='1458656791' post='3009489'] As someone else said: I'm in my fifties, would love to be able to shave off 20 years and get away with it but I'm not as handsome as Discreet (it's that pants picture in my mind again)... [/quote] Of course that pic was Photoshopped to make me look good. And I didn't say I get away with it. Not always, anyway. I'm in the same boat as you as regards free time, etc. and the problem with that is expecting everyone else in the band to be able to devote as much time as I do when they obviously can't, i.e. toddlers, two jobs, family, and on and on. This can lead to impatience on my part... as someone else said today, I probably need to be a bit more tolerant...

[quote name='phil.c60' timestamp='1458655864' post='3009470'] I'm sure there are a lot of people on here who got into a band through an advert, and to suggest that therefore their bands aren't "worth playing in" is a bit harsh. Especially since when you read/here about some of the great bands formation having started via an ad in NME or Melody Maker: JMB and the like is simply a more modern version of that. [/quote] +1. I did the 'recommendation only' thing from the early 70s to the late 80s, and since losing touch with those circles it's been auditioning and answering ads in the usual places as a 'Random' for some years. Both methods can get you in a crap band with idiots and both can lead to great things. It's not either/or. Being in the 'in-crowd' is no guarantee of success by any means.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1458655421' post='3009462'] Lots of 50+ saying age doesn't matter... ...but big silence from everyone under 30! [/quote] I don't think there is anyone under 30 on this forum, is there?? If there is, well... stay off my lawn, you little bastards!

[quote name='bonzodog' timestamp='1458654887' post='3009455'] What tires me out is the setting up and taking down more so than performing. [/quote] That was me when I was buggering about with two 410s, a heavy rack case, a pedal board, two basses and about a hundredweight of ancillary gear... I'm enjoying gigging so much more with one bass, one lead, one strap and a Rumble 500 combo (16kg).

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1458654018' post='3009444'] ...if you haven't made by 30 you probably never will, unless you're in a band where everybody else is considerable younger then you... [/quote] ...or you're Seasick Steve.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1458647467' post='3009339'] Shave it. Sorted. [/quote] When I go grey, I will!

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1458645407' post='3009302'] Problem solved with a mask. [/quote] Still doesn't look cheerful, imho...

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1458645633' post='3009305'] ...do it more often and you should be ok? [/quote] This. Doing weights only makes you better at doing weights. We rehearse as if we're gigging and practise two one-hour sets at least twice without a break. So gigs seem easy by comparison. It's nothing to do with age, it's training!

The music scene is shallow and very age-aware. If you're trying to join an original pop/rock band your age can work against you. Do you actually look old? When auditioning I say I'm at least twenty years younger than I am. Though I suspect this is still seen as too old by some. I well remember when I first started playing the bass as a feckless teen and knew nothing about anything, I assumed that anyone over 25 was old and worthless. It's all relative. I'm currently having fun in a country band (which I almost joined by accident) and in that genre no-one gives a toss about how old you are, how grey your hair or how inflated your spare tyre (though I've yet to go grey, which is a bonus). I'm doing more gigs than I have ever done in my whole life, apart from a memorable year or two in the late 70s. I'd say don't worry about it, if it's a problem for anyone then it's a good sign you don't want to be having anything to do with them. I think the general perception is that, for whatever weird reason, older bass players can only play roots and fifths and will want to be playing either old rock classics or soul/Stax/Motown covers. You can't possibly be an original, talented and tasteful bass player if you're in your fifties, can you?

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1458643152' post='3009270'] Where's Sue Ryder when you need her? [/quote] Hopefully at your bedside when you're terminally ill. Ha, ha! ...Wait, that isn't funny.

All gone by the look! Hardly surprising.

Not as bad as continually buying Jazz basses knowing full well I won't get on with them, then moving them on at a loss. When will I learn? I DON'T GET ON WITH JAZZ NECKS! But I do like the Jazz sound, however... I need a Jazz with a P neck. Or a P with Jazz pickups. Or something.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1458593726' post='3008987'] Good little book, my bass is featured. [/quote] Holy Mother of God Rick, I didn't know you had a real one! Which is it??

Fantastic amp. 100 valve watts is perfect for bass, imho. More than enough beans and very loud. I wish it were practical for me to use an all-valve rig.

[quote name='jazzyvee' timestamp='1458573367' post='3008698'] [url="http://www.facebook.com/junior.groovador/videos/1659004251032235/"]https://www.facebook...59004251032235/[/url] [/quote] Aagghh! Where's the brain bleach??

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1458570095' post='3008657'] I could do with another sunburst Jazz... [/quote] Nice pic, but where's the rest of 'em??

[quote name='hairychris' timestamp='1458567775' post='3008613'] ...When you're on stage you are putting on an act while playing a gig. Aim for a bigger/louder version of yourself as people watching will generally respond much better to you if you're [b]visibly[/b] enthusiastic... [/quote] All well and good and I broadly agree, but everyone has to make a big effort to learn the material to the point where it can be played back to front, upside down and on one leg while facing east - underwater. What I mean is, [i]without having to think about it or look at your fretboard[/i]. Otherwise any, er... 'stagecraft' is likely to compromise the quality of the performance.

If you're going to have a mid-life crisis, this is the place to do it.

Plenty of gear in the 'for sale' forums... bwa-ha-ha. Welcome to BassChat.

[quote name='paul h' timestamp='1458561212' post='3008525'] There are no photos of me smiling! Actually there are loads but I hate them and they send me into a spirally pit of despair and self loathing. Therefore I will not be posting them for your amusement [/quote] Aww! But that's the best amusement there is!