It's nice of your singer that he apologized and said he should have asked you first. I would do the same, I don't lend or borrow any gear anymore. Learned it the hard way, no hard feelings.
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
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.
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.
It's just wood and metal.
He walks up to me, sticks his hand out as to take my bass and said, "let me play your bass".
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.
What exact gear do you play that's so golden?
If its that fantastic maybe it belongs at home
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.
peace.)What exact gear do you play that's so golden?
If its that fantastic maybe it belongs at home
My retort to that "pro in Nashville" business would have been"oh, yeah? Which corner you work?" NGTFOHIf he was a "pro in Nashville", he wouldn't have been drooling to get on stage.
^^^ LOL!!!!!My retort to that "pro in Nashville" business would have been"oh, yeah? Which corner you work?" NGTFOH

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.
I'm glad he respected your feelings. Just curious, how did he sound on the tunes he did?
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.for those that are planning on sitting in, be smart, bring your own bass.