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

[Bassman62]

Originally Posted by Anthony Fury

HAHAHAH I would have slapped that stupid kid in the mouth!

The kids jaw dropped when the guy running the session told him that it was a 40 year old 1965 Jazz Bass, 23 years older than the kid.

[FretlessMainly]

Originally Posted by spade2you

Just get an unlined fretless 6. Even the most wanky of guitarists will be intimidated and leave it alone.

Indeed; noone has ever asked to borrow my 6er Smith fretless. At times like these I'm doubly glad I like high action. A few guys have checked out my basses at various times and declared them unplayable. "You really need to take this in for a setup," not knowing that I'd set it up myself specifically to my preferences and done 20 gigs on it like that.

[esa372]

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I said "yes" once, and after seeing a half-centimeter wide 5 centimeter long stripe of paint scraped down to bare wood on the back from a belt-buckle..... well..... I wish I would have said "no".

+1

Originally Posted by slick_tu

What is the most tactful way to decline?

I just say (honestly), "No, sorry - I've had too many bad experiences loaning and sharing gear."

I usually get an, "Oh... OK..." and some mumbling-under-the-breath in reply.

[TolerancEJ]

Originally Posted by spade2you

Just get an unlined fretless 6. Even the most wanky of guitarists will be intimidated and leave it alone.

That is a very good idea.

[alembicguy]

. [/quote]A guy asked if he could sit in using my flute. [/quote]




Finally a post that's probably true and funny!

[MIMJAZZ]

For these situations, you do this.

They say, "hey man that's a cool bass. Do you mind if I borrow your bass?"

Put your custom away.

That's when you pull out a Squier or SX and say, "here is my bass".

[eban3]

JUST SAY .....I DONT LET ANYONE PLAY MY BASSES UNLESS I KNOW THEM....THATS MY WAY OF AVOIDING POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS ...SORRY

[hrodbert696]

I agree that you can say no, but I'd also point out that you can send a signal that the answer would be "no" before anyone asks. When you're done playing, put the bass back in its case, close the latches, and put it away in a corner. That sends the signal silently that you're not planning on getting it out again, ergo you don't plan on sharing it around.

[angryclown5]

If you are in the band that's hosting a jam I think you have to say yes, and let them borrow either your bass or a backup that you bring for that purpose, your choice. It's the graceful way of handling the situation and keeping the vibes positive.

[fjadams]

Reminds me of an interview I once read with Albert King. He was talking about sitting around honky tonks and having cutting sessions. Said he always had a guitar to lend. An old beat up piece of .... that had terrible high action, wouldn't stay in tune, basically unplayable. Said they always had good laughs watching these hot shots try and play it and walking off stage with their tails hanging.

[Vince Klortho]

Originally Posted by angryclown5

If you are in the band that's hosting a jam I think you have to say yes, and let them borrow either your bass or a backup that you bring for that purpose, your choice. It's the graceful way of handling the situation and keeping the vibes positive.

I disagree entirely. Being a member of the hosting band does not obligate you to lend out your instrument. It is the responsibility of those who sit in to bring their own axes.

I guess the exception there is the drummer and keyboardist.

[gleneg61]

Do what I do: play lefty! Sorts out the monkeys from the apes n I especially love it when the drunk dude picks it up, tools around a bit n then suddenly says;"dude, your strings are on upside down!! Priceless!

[Mojo-Man]

Originally Posted by 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.

Same here.

[Duke21]

No sharing unless the other dude is me or somebody I know very well.

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by fjadams

Reminds me of an interview I once read with Albert King. He was talking about sitting around honky tonks and having cutting sessions. Said he always had a guitar to lend. An old beat up piece of .... that had terrible high action, wouldn't stay in tune, basically unplayable. Said they always had good laughs watching these hot shots try and play it and walking off stage with their tails hanging.

Great idea!

[Bassman62]

Originally Posted by alembicguy

.

A guy asked if he could sit in using my flute. [/quote]

Finally a post that's probably true and funny![/quote]



My post about the kid and my 65 Jazz Bass was true.

[Darren Low]

Originally Posted by spade2you

Just get an unlined fretless 6. Even the most wanky of guitarists will be intimidated and leave it alone.

And here's my excuse to buy one of these.
This would be a great Sig.

[carl h.]

This thread has inspired me! I have a Peavey that someone did an AWFUL job of converting to a fretless - he put on a wavy piece of ?plastic? for the fretboard. I bought it because the body was pretty and thought it deserved a better fate. So far no Peavey 5 string necks have turned up to bolt on, but I picked up an Alvarez that fits very nice but the scale is off. I'm going to pull the frets and put in a highly contrasting filler and keep it for jam situations. If anyone thinks they can swing a fretless it ought to be a good time watching them figure this one out!

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by kcole4001

If it's a good friend: sure.
Anyone else: not a freaking chance.

You're going to a jam and expect to play: bring a bass.
If not: you're SOL.

Who's fault is that?

All of this.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by Anthony Fury

HAHAHAH I would have slapped that stupid kid in the mouth!

You'd have slapped a teenager in the mouth because he didn't show enthusiasm for playing an old guitar??