Renting Gear- advice needed

AdamJames306 · #1 06-29-2011, 03:16 PM

A band placed an ad in my local CL asking for someone to rent them a bass amp for a couple days. I'm assuming they're here doing a few one off shows or something, and don't have any gear. I responded with a brief description of my rig (A GK 1001-RBII through an Ampeg SVT 215)

My question is this- am I running too much of a risk letting some strangers borrow my gear, even if they are paying to do so? I like to help out fellow musicians, I think all of us, at one point or another, have relied on the kindness of strangers. But at the same time, I realize the risk of something getting lost, stolen, or damaged is very real. And should something along those lines happen, I'd no doubt be left holding the **** sandwich.

Has anyone done anything along these lines? Any words of advice? And how much should I charge for two days of using my hard earned gear?

I haven't committed to anything, just curious what the rest of you may think.

BassMan4Him · #2 06-29-2011, 03:22 PM

I would be hesitant to rent out my gear. I mean, thats a lot of risk. Especially, when your gear isn't cheap.. If you do it though, make them sign some kind of contract and get all of their info.. Name, adress, phone number, license plate, etc. If it goes south, you will need all the evidence you can have.

I once rented out my cab to a buddy of a buddy, and I kinda mentioned athat there was a GPS device that was installed by the previous owner. Of course, this wasn't true, but if I heard this, I'd think twice about stealing it if that was my intention.. Just my .02. Hoped I helped

Selta · #3 06-29-2011, 03:22 PM

If you're really going to be worried about it, two big options I can throw out there:
1) Make it such that you're present the entire time it's all used, and can pick it up immediately after use - at the gig during tear down would be best.
2) Get a written contract and have them sign it. Heck, get it notarized if you must :P

brendanbassist · #4 06-29-2011, 03:30 PM

I would only rent if they gave me a deposit for the full value of the equipment. Which is pretty much a no. Even if you have a contract, if they break something, it'll be a pain to collect the money.