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A stranger asked to use my gear...

I know that there have been several threads about people using gear, for those that are planning on sitting in, be smart, bring your own bass.

...or check in and ask permission first.

Cool story, you handled it perfectly from my perspective. What a douchebag, "I'm a Nashville pro, gimme your bass." And your guitar player had to think about it, but he finally came to the right conclusion.
 
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Last night at one of our regular gigs, a bassist that played with the singer and guitarist showed up. Turns out they had not see the guy in 20 years, he had moved to Nashville years ago and has been there ever since. In the middle of the second set, the singer calls the guy to stage to play a few. He walks up to me, sticks his hand out as to take my bass and said, "let me play your bass". I shake my head and say "no", and he's says "I'm a pro in Nashville", apparently thinking that the word "Nashville" is the golden ticket. I stare him dead in the eye, lean in close, smile a bit and respond "No one touches my gear but me!". The look on the guys face when I said "no" was priceless, like he had been told that that his dog died. He stood there for a second and the said "OK" and turn to the singer, took his acoustic and proceeded to do 3 songs.

After the set, the singer asks my why I didn't let him play, that the guy has been a friend for over 20 years, I tell him that the guy is his friend, not mine, and being that you haven't talked to him in 20 years, you really don't know him anymore. Second, I don't loan gear, I don't let anyone touch my gear. End of story. He thinks for a second and says, "I apologize, I should have asked you first". Not what I expected, and tell him no problem.

I know that there have been several threads about people using gear, for those that are planning on sitting in, be smart, bring your own bass.

If you are ambushed, you have every damn right to drop the niceties.
 
It's just wood and metal.

Speak for yourself. For a lot of us, our instrument is a serious investment and represents a helluva lot more than wood and metal.

Actually, the story about what my bass is can start and end right here: My bass is mine to decide what happens to it. Anyone who tries to imply anything beyond that is an arrogant ass and can take a flying leap. I pity the fool who tries to guilt me into loaning my gear if they don't ask nice or I'm not in the mood.
 
Good job and I agree with almost everything said except if you go somewhere and expect to play you should tote your own bass.....that's a bit arrogant and pretentious to assume or expect to sit in anywhere and come in with instrument in hand for just such an occasion. I know a guy locally who does that and he has even less of a chance getting asked to come up because of it.
On everything else...well done. Dude didn't show much decorum for a "Nashville" pro....
 
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This would have never happened in my band. It would have been discussed first. Even if I didn't know the person, if my guitarist is for it that's good enough for me. He is a total pro and would only allow the same to sit in. Having said that, I'm not sure it's ever happened that it was a bass player that wanted to sit in.
 
Last night at one of our regular gigs, a bassist that played with the singer and guitarist showed up. Turns out they had not see the guy in 20 years, he had moved to Nashville years ago and has been there ever since. In the middle of the second set, the singer calls the guy to stage to play a few. He walks up to me, sticks his hand out as to take my bass and said, "let me play your bass". I shake my head and say "no", and he's says "I'm a pro in Nashville", apparently thinking that the word "Nashville" is the golden ticket. I stare him dead in the eye, lean in close, smile a bit and respond "No one touches my gear but me!". The look on the guys face when I said "no" was priceless, like he had been told that that his dog died. He stood there for a second and the said "OK" and turn to the singer, took his acoustic and proceeded to do 3 songs.

After the set, the singer asks my why I didn't let him play, that the guy has been a friend for over 20 years, I tell him that the guy is his friend, not mine, and being that you haven't talked to him in 20 years, you really don't know him anymore. Second, I don't loan gear, I don't let anyone touch my gear. End of story. He thinks for a second and says, "I apologize, I should have asked you first". Not what I expected, and tell him no problem.

I know that there have been several threads about people using gear, for those that are planning on sitting in, be smart, bring your own bass.

Good on you Tex. I would have done the same thing (I don't lend my gear either). A total strangers lack of gear certainly isn't my problem nor responsibility. I don't care what the circumstances are. The attitude of having the god given right to borrow anyones equipment just boggles the mind. And keep off my lawn! :D (sorry, I have a strong opinion about this :smug: peace.)
 
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I'm always happy to let people use my gear. I always offer to back line my amp for shows and festivals because I like the way it sounds. I tell people to adjust it however they like because I want the music to sound good. People are always appreciative. My bass teacher does the same thing. When I go to his gigs he always lets people sit it and use his old p bass or his Fodera. It's just wood and metal.

Where does your bass teacher gig? I want to try the Fodera. (But I will ask him nicely, offer to wipe it off afterwards, and say "Thank you!")
 
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for those that are planning on sitting in, be smart, bring your own bass.
if i was in a position (guest) who might steal someone else's thunder (or not), i'd be sporting my own instrument. i would never assume to play someone else's axe.

i only play fretless, however, so: no one ever asks to sit in. when others ask me to sit in (and i don't have one of my fretlesses) i politely demur.

but: i wouldn't hesitate to decline/avoid/schmice the scene where somebody that i don't know (or approve) uses my instrument. (having said that: i really don't care too much. if it's player's crowd: we could all have fun!)