Can I say "No" to sharing my bass at a jam?

[slick_tu]

It hasn't happened to me, yet, but if I go to a jam, and someone asks to try my bass or use it for a song, is it OK for me to say no? Or would that be very bad manners on my part? What is the most tactful way to decline?

I have a Fender Custom Shop P, and I would rather not let someone else play it. After all, most guys probably wouldn't let me fondle their girlfriends if I asked, right?


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[carl h.]

It's yours.
Say no.

Originally Posted by malthumb 2/1/2013

So.....the answer to the original poster's question is "No, you don't have to share your bass at an open jam".

Supporting that answer we have a lot of folks saying they would never let someone else use their bass at an open jam. We also have a lot of people saying they would allow others to use their bass at an open jam.

I think that pretty much sums it up......did I miss anything?

[dbnet03]

Your equipment, your rule.

[jacojbass]

I say no all the time....

[Stone Soup]

Just say no.

[neren]

No means no! My Fender, my rights!

[fuzzychaos]

Of course you can. If it's someone I have seen and built a rapport, I usually think it's okay.

[pete rallis]

it all depends on who is asking...if I don't know them, its a definite NO...if its somebody I know and is truly a good musician, I will say yes. And then watch them like a hawk.

[alfred88]

Some people I can trust so I find no problem in lending. As for others, I would never let them even touch my basses.

If you want to say no, especially with an instrument like yours, it's perfectly alright.

[charliefreak]

I tend to pimp mine out. I've made hundreds in a night trickin' a loose mim fender jazz 5. I've probably paid for it 10 fold come to think of it... And that is including money I saved on drinks!

[Vince Klortho]

I agree it's OK to say no. Especially if they have a big metal belt buckle. I always wear mine to the side and my thirty year-old bass has a pristine back.

[tdub0199]

I have said NO plenty of times.... Bad manners or not....

[GM60466]

I do not lend my bass to anyone, especially at a jam.

[fjadams]

Perfectly acceptable to say no if you don't feel comfortable about it. I know some people I'd trust with any instrument I have, and some I wouldn't let use a $12 pawn shop special.

[wmheilma]

If you do not want people to play your bass, don't let 'em! If you feel obligated to 'share' then bring a bass that you are willing to subject to unknown slime, grime, bash, and smash!!

[TolerancEJ]

Not only that, it's generally proper open jam etiquette for a person to bring their own in the first place. Check this stickied note on Open Jam Etiquette.

Open Jam Etiquette

[pacojas]

it's only bad manners if you throw up the middle-finger when saying "NO".

[Baird6869]

If I host a jam, I always bring a backup bass that isn't expensive.

Sorry, no drunk or hack touches my MTD or Spector, but one should be prepared.

[Kubicki440]

Tactfully decline, it's good manners by all means. Don't go to a jam session without your guitar/bass, and certainly do not ask for someone else's. J/K.

I wouldn't be offended if someone declined on my end.

[Kubicki440]

Originally Posted by TolerancEJ

Not only that, it's generally proper open jam etiquette for a person to bring their own in the first place. Check this stickied note on Open Jam Etiquette.

Open Jam Etiquette

+ 1

Drummers need not apply to this rule just bring your own sticks.