50 is a magic, golden age. At 49, I bought an anglo concertina. I have "traded up" twice, and am astonished at where in the world and in my heart and soul I have gone with my little concertina. I have met wonderful people, fallen in love, and been places I never would have gone otherwise. It doesn't matter what the instrument o r the music style is. I think even your proficiency is only as important as you want it to be. What matters is the growth, the willingness to take new chances and learn new things, and the ability to look forward with amazement and anticipation. You can do all of that without changing instruments, but what fun to learn a new one. Yes, that perfect instrument is out there--somewhere....the search is half the fun!