Hello Folks, going to retire in the near future. Will be 63. A lot of folks suggest I get a hobbie. Used to try to play bass about 40 years ago. Was no good. Figured for a relatively small cost, I am going to try to teach myself to play bass. What do you think, am I to old to start?
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You’re never too old to start.
I had also a bit hiatus… (about 20y)… picked up bass last year… some mishaps in between but still playing.
And yes… hobbies will keep your mind fresh, your wit and ear sharp.
Nobody is asking you to be the next Victor Wooten… play for fun, anything else extra that comes is added bonus!
Feel free to go to Introduce Yourself! (2024) if you haven’t already and don’t be afraid to ask questions… people here are friendly!! 
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The best time to start was 40 years ago. The second best time is today. I wish I could remember who I got that from here so I could give them credit but it’s absolutely the case. There are quite a few folks here who started their bass journey with more years behind them than you have. You’ll find all of the advice, and wisdom, and cheer leading that you’ll need here.
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Welcome @Pat_L
It’s not too late to start especially you’ve played before. Technology has gotten better and now the lessons and learning is just very easy, too easy in fact. Here you’d also have the community support and pretty much there’s someone here playing your kind of music.
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In fact, start a new hobby BEFORE you retire - don’t wait!!
Nope! But don’t teach yourself - take Josh’s course! We pretty much all did!!
Also, I had this lying around somewhere on my hard disk:
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Do it. I am 59 and just started Josh’s B2B. It is so much fun.
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nope! I am 65, I took b2b about 4 years ago. I have been WAY busier the last 4 years than I ever thought I would be, and have not progressed real far, but I also will be retiring in about 2 months. I am going to retake B2B from lesson one on as soon as I pull the plug at work. I have 2 really nice basses and I will be spending a whole lot more time with them very soon.
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My thoughts are, as someone also born before the Beatles released their first single, that you are too old not to start re-igniting a passion that still calls out to you after all these years.
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Hey @Pat_L loads of lovely people on here have started in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Take the Beginner to Baddass course. Put the work in every day and within a relatively short period this could be you. Welcome.
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I started at 43.
I will never be a great player, but it’s just fun and I like it.
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Never too old. Don’t wait to start. just do it. Get Josh’s course.
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I started somewhat over a year ago at 66. I did some Talking Bass courses and then started Josh’s B2B in May this year. Almost finished module 11. The whole journey has been great fun. It’s never too late!
The one thing I am too late on is retiring. I run my own company and just seem to be struggling to find a way to retire!!
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I’m a few years younger (42), and I’m glad I’m starting. I’m a much better student than I was 25 years ago.
I’d tried learning piano when I was a teenager. It didn’t really take. Learning an instrument today is sooo much easier than it was back in the 90’s. It’s not just me and some sheet music alone in a room and seeing a teacher once a week.
Online instruction videos I can pull up whenever. The ability to pull up youtube videos of people showing you how to play songs. The ability to slow down the play speed on songs and videos to learn at a lower pace with full accompaniment. Online sheet music and tab resources with integrated midi demos or synched to YouTube.
I’m also a better student. I know what works for me and what doesn’t. No one is standing over my shoulder making me do boring worksheets that make me resent practicing. I get to pick what works for me. I know what works for me, and anyone who tries to tell me to do something I don’t want can get off my lawn!
Have fun!
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Life’s short. What are you waiting for? Dive in (I am also 63)
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Absolutey not!! I am 65 and this is the first ever for me.
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if you hang around here you will be surprised at the average age here. we’re generally a little older than you would think.
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I said this before, bass is like Othello board game, it’s quite easy to be good, and it can also take a lifetime to master.
Us, older players have the advantage of having been around music for many more decades than fresh face YouTubers, we can do it. 
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Pat, I’m 67 and I’m giving it a go. Welcome
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Never too old. @PamPurrs and @Lanny were both in their 70’s and Pam had never touched an instrument before.
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Ha! I’m gonna claim that one, I have typed it a couple of time on this forum 
As everyone else has said, jump in, the water’s lovely. Well, they haven’t said that, but that’s what they mean!!! In addition to the ’second best time is today’, I also tend to reflect on the fact that life is indeed short, you don’t know what’s round the corner, so what have you got to lose…?
I started a year ago in about a week’s time, the journey has been super-fun, I’ve learnt stuff I never thought I’d learn and I’m eager for more!
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