Jam Session Blues

pdbass · #1 05-20-2008, 08:54 AM

This ever happened to anyone?

I play a jam session every Monday night. Mostly funk/jazz stuff. It's a blast. I love the other musicians, too. Alot of people come out to sit in.

So about a week ago, we're playing and I'm feeling good. I've got a new set of strings on the bass and it's just singing. The session starts and somebody comes up to sit in on my bass. He plays 2 tunes and I'm feeling a little uneasy sitting in the audience watching him. This guy is digging in pretty hard, you know? Long story short, I get back up there to play and my strings are suddenly 10 years old. No joke. In about 7 minutes, this guy took all the top end and sustain out of my strings. I'm playing a Fodera with freaking flats on it.

The question is: do I start bringing another bass, or what? I might as well have just taken $35 bucks out of my pocket and handed it to this guy, because he killed my Lo-Riders--just killed them. Do I ask this dude to just bring his bass?

This never seems to happen to the keyboard player. . .

Bass Boy · #2 05-20-2008, 09:04 AM

I always bring a "cheaper" bass when I do jam sessions. In my case it is usually a jazz session so I bring a plywood bass. I had my good bass marred by right hand thumb nails by a guy that sat in for a few tunes once. That was the last time I brought the good one to a jam session gig.

zenman · #3 05-20-2008, 09:04 AM

Every jam I've ever been to, you bring your own axe. No axe, no play. I wouldn't even think of going to a jam without a bass and have any expectation of playing. If that's not the case in your neck of the woods, get a cheap bass for the jammers to play.

Mushroo · #4 05-20-2008, 09:07 AM

I wouldn't be upset with the other guy, personally... jam sessions are supposed to be a fun, communal experience. Everything gets passed around and the vibe is loose.

Some people just have sweaty palms. I let a drummer friend play my bass once, for 15 minutes, and no joke, the chemistry of his sweat DISSOLVED the poly finish on the back of my neck! I had to sand it down to make it playable.

Anyway, if it's going to keep you from having fun (which all jam sessions should be in my book), just bring a backup (ie cheaper with old strings) bass in case anyone wants to sit in. I feel your pain, but no jury in the world would convict the guy

mjolnir · #5 05-20-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenman

Every jam I've ever been to, you bring your own axe. No axe, no play. I wouldn't even think of going to a jam without a bass and have any expectation of playing. If that's not the case in your neck of the woods, get a cheap bass for the jammers to play.

Yup. Big +1.

John Wentzien · #6 05-20-2008, 09:38 AM

Every mark on my main bass was caused by letting somebody ues it at a jam or sitting in.
If they can't manage to bring an axe--no sit-in.....
They either don't own one , or don't give a S***!

lonote · #7 05-20-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenman

Every jam I've ever been to, you bring your own axe. No axe, no play. I wouldn't even think of going to a jam without a bass and have any expectation of playing. If that's not the case in your neck of the woods, get a cheap bass for the jammers to play.

I've been in the host band and I've been a jammer from the audience and I've never heard of a jam where you could play the host band's instruments. If you want to play, bring your axe.

Slax · #8 05-20-2008, 09:54 AM

I have a friend that did the same thing... numerous times. Needless to say, he doesn't play my bass anymore. I'd say just ask him to bring his own or grab another one of yours.

(note: my friend is a horrible guitar player...if you can call him that.)

Pilgrim · #9 05-20-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenman

Every jam I've ever been to, you bring your own axe. No axe, no play. I wouldn't even think of going to a jam without a bass and have any expectation of playing. If that's not the case in your neck of the woods, get a cheap bass for the jammers to play.

That makes perfect sense, and it's the practice where I've played as well.

CelinderMotoMan · #10 05-20-2008, 11:14 AM

Why do you think I bought my Squier Vintage Modified Jazz? So my Celinder wouldn't get wrecked.

ksandvik · #11 05-20-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenman

Every jam I've ever been to, you bring your own axe. No axe, no play. I wouldn't even think of going to a jam without a bass and have any expectation of playing. If that's not the case in your neck of the woods, get a cheap bass for the jammers to play.

Yes. If someone wants to join a jam, at least they should bring their own axe. --Kent

Audiophage · #12 05-20-2008, 02:54 PM

Usually, in jam sessions you want to bring your own axe. I don't usually let people use mine in those situations unless I know them and know that aren't going to rip the strings off.

Don't make the person pay for your strings though, just don't let them play next time to matter how hard the beg.

ClassicRock55 · #13 05-20-2008, 04:14 PM

There's a few guys at jams that I mutually share my axe and rig with. We trust each other.

My suggestion to you is to get a fretless like I did, nobody will want to play it

JackANSI · #14 05-21-2008, 08:50 AM

The only time I let anyone play my main bass was someone who I had such a mutual respect going on that I didn't have to say a word. He could see in my eyes that if he damaged it he'd be like Boggs in Shawshank Redemption...

When I got it back I swear it played better than when I handed it to him..

I'd be ticked if brand new strings were ruined in such a short time. I definitely wouldn't let Jesus himself touch my fodera (if I owned one). I'd tell him to go miracle himself his own rig.

Maybe charge a rental fee, paid in advance of course. $35/song...

CelinderMotoMan · #15 05-21-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRock55

My suggestion to you is to get a fretless like I did, nobody will want to play it

Funny all I had to do was get a 4 string, nobody wants to play it because they all play 5's and are intimidated by a 4 banger. Lol

Supertanker · #16 05-21-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdbass

I'm playing a Fodera with freaking flats on it.

Your name would have to be Victor before I would let you touch my Fodera...

NJL · #17 05-21-2008, 02:56 PM

this is the real reason i play lefty

bradjonesbass · #18 05-21-2008, 03:01 PM

I never let anybody play my bass or through my amp. Well, there are a couple of exceptions but I know them well and they know what they're doing. Strangers who neglected to bring their own axe? no way.

Bassman822 · #19 05-21-2008, 07:35 PM

1 word to keep other people away from your bass- fretless!!!

Dave44 · #20 05-22-2008, 12:30 PM

Everyone is so worried that they nicked or put a little dent or dirtied their strings and god knows what else. It's a bass, it's meant to be taken out of the case and played. Cheeze Louis guys you begin to wonder if you bought your bass to play or for display.