<p>Malcolm Gladwell says his researches led him to the conclusion that it takes approximately 10,000 hours to master just about anything (and he uses musical instruments, and musical composition, i.e. Mozart as examples.) He may be underestimating, but for argument’s sake, say he is correct. To truly master the string bass, assuming you have the talent to begin with, starting now, if you put in 8 hours a day 365 days a year - with NO exceptions - it will take you about four years to get there. Your problem of course is that, relative to those who started much younger, you are “behind”, so you may need 10 hours a day to catch up. Are you up to it? If yes, you have your answer. If no, you also have your answer. Not difficult to figure out.</p>