"No, you may not use my amp."

Fawkes007 · #1 01-22-2011, 01:55 PM

OK, just venting a bit here - I am sick and tired of bass players from other bands sharing the same bill with my band asking me if it's "OK" if they "borrow" my amp for their set. Bring your own gear, dammit! I even had one guy ask if he could play my bass! Are you freaking serious?

And I am sick and tired of this newfound practice by the clubs asking that "bands share equipment to make transitions easier." The only people this makes it easier on is the club, all so they can pay the band $100, if that?

Maybe I wouldn't be such a jerk about this if the one time I did loan my amp to another band their bass player fried it during their set (and we went on afterwards - I had to play through house PA!). Guess who got stuck with the repair bill?

onosson · #2 01-22-2011, 02:00 PM

If that's standard practice at the club, maybe you should just write up a rental invoice and present it to the club owner before the show? With damage deposit!

**Staccato** · #3 01-22-2011, 02:20 PM

My amps are not community amps. Generally speaking: anyone that wants/expects a "freebie" is a leech/moocher...

pie_man_25 · #4 01-22-2011, 02:23 PM

well, I've actually asked to borrow another band's cab - I know this guy and his amp and I know I wouldn't blow it with my head, but if I did, I can guarantee that I would repair/replace it out of my own pocket. I have a good enough amp, but I'd have to leave early if I were lugging it there. If they're actually recommending to share gear, or if someone else is using your gear - with your permission of course - it would be a good idea to make sure that they have the means to actually fix/replace it, and perhaps like onosson says, get it in ink.

**Staccato** · #5 01-22-2011, 02:31 PM

The comeback to use with moochers (anyone that is not a trustworthy friend) is:

"If you have plenty of money in your wallet, hand me your wallet-with the money inside,
and I'll hand the wallet with the money back-after you return the amp in the same condition."

This is a good reality check for some borrowers! Take it as collateral in the presence of numerous witnesses that know you.

kuys · #6 01-22-2011, 02:33 PM

I agree with you.

I have never let anyone use my equipment. Or maybe I should clarify; I've had bands ask to use my equipment on a few occasions and I said "Yes. With caveats of course." I wrote up a document and asked them to sign which clearly states any damage done to said amp would be paid for by the borrowing party. Needless to say everyone has passed on my offer.

fleabee · #7 01-22-2011, 02:38 PM

Sure you can borrow my gear, just need the full value in cash up front just in case..

onosson · #8 01-22-2011, 02:41 PM

I would add that I have and do lend my amp to other working bass players that I personally know, and where this is worked out between us beforehand, as I know they will treat my gear with the same respect they treat theirs. But that's it, if I don't know the guy he should have his own equipment.

jsingles · #9 01-22-2011, 02:42 PM

I only loan to people I know

oldbassplayergu · #10 01-22-2011, 02:47 PM

nobody ever said you have to lend you amp to anybody. its your stuff. you paid for it. say no, get lost, I dont care if the other band doesn't have bass gear or not. thats their problem.

YogaBear · #11 01-22-2011, 02:51 PM

I just bought my new marshall, and I'm soo proud that I said to the soundguy: "People can use my amp if they need to."
He says in reply: "Nope it's your amp, if somebody wants good sound he'll have to bring his own gear".

This is reverse of what you said. Regarding to this, it made me think and now is the time I'll never ever let her be used by somebody else.

It's like lending your wife to another band, because the bassist forgot to bring his wife to the show.

onosson · #12 01-22-2011, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YogaBear

I just bought my new marshall, and I'm soo proud that I said to the soundguy: "People can use my amp if they need to."
He says in reply: "Nope it's your amp, if somebody wants good sound he'll have to bring his own gear".

This is reverse of what you said. Regarding to this, it made me think and now is the time I'll never ever let her be used by somebody else.

It's like lending your wife to another band, because the bassist forgot to bring his wife to the show.

new sig!

MikeyThrottler · #13 01-22-2011, 04:38 PM

Only if I know them, and KNOW they can afford to fix it (and will fix it)if they break it.

Oh and by the way, just because we backlined doesn't mean my rig is to be used as a beer coaster during your set.

s_mcsleazy · #14 01-22-2011, 04:43 PM

ill hand em a d.i but not a amp

lowend219 · #15 01-22-2011, 04:50 PM

my band agreed to provide backline for a show once. BIG mistake. last band of the night was drunk and started a fight on stage with the club manager, sound man and bouncers. I was at the other end of the bar, but my guitarist and drummer hopped onstage just to get between the fight and our gear. I got to the stage in time to see the keyboardist from the offending band got thrown (and i mean THROWN) into my bass rig and my amp took a tumble off my cab. Luckily it was in a decent rack case and was unharmed, but i think that will be the last time we let anyone touch our gear....

Lowbrow · #16 01-22-2011, 04:51 PM

I gigged NYC clubs for more than 30 years. A high percentage of locals do not own cars, and need to hire a van and driver to get to gigs.

To help relieve the burden on all - and to save changeover time - the members of the bands on a given bill would often work out an arrangement like you bring drums, we'll bring bass amp, you can use my cab but bring your own head, we'll bring everything and split the van fee, etc.

This worked out to the benefit of all. BUT the key is in communicating BEFORE the gig rather than ambushing other bandmembers. The communication also helped create an inter-band dialogue that worked to make everyone act responsibly with one another's gear. I can say I never had a problem.

Rebecky · #17 01-22-2011, 04:51 PM

If I've organised the gig or if it's just one or two other bands using it then I don't mind lending my amp - I can't be bothered to faff around with moving stuff between bands. Also, I worry about leaving my amp somewhere I can't see it. Although it is a pretty crappy amp and I'm sure it's already broken. Normally after having to deal with my amp for a set they'll make sure they bring their own next time! However I wouldn't lend my amp to loads of band I don't know.

Passinwind · #18 01-22-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fawkes007

Guess who got stuck with the repair bill?

The guy who broke it, of course?
Been there, done that. Just got stuff that's harder to blow up, problem solved. I almost never share bills with strangers though.

Skitch it! · #19 01-22-2011, 05:01 PM

I don't mind now and again, as long as the user is, personable?
I actually like to hear it's character from an audience point of view and see how it's performing, if I'm getting the fundamentals I *think* I'm getting.

bommer · #20 01-22-2011, 05:02 PM

if im there i see no reason to not lend em the amp. just give them the talk (dont drop it, crank it to 10 or screw with my settings) and its all good.

i find it IS easier that way, so not everyone has to lug their own crap arround.