Am I Being Played?

[boristhespider9]

Invalid Link Removed

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I don't know what kind of space you're sharing. Like a warehouse? You're probably covering most of the rent, maybe all of it. Plus providing equipment use? Either tell them you'll be able to pay $50, or say you want to be able to use your equipment at home, and take it with you.

 

[PauFerro]

A markbass is pricey -- I wouldn't leave anything behind for those cats to use other than a practice amp. And even then, if it breaks, you're on the hook for the maintenance as I doubt anyone will pitch in to fix it. I wouldn't leave a bass there for them either. I have found people are much more callous wtih other people's stuff than the owner would be. I wouldn't ask for money for the use of the stuff either as that will only justify their mishandling it all like a rental.

 

[Bassmann79]

I'm sorry but are you crazy? I wouldn't let anyone play through my rigs. I have my own settings/sound and not to mention they could be red lining the thing for all you know. Nope, just nope!

 

[lordradish]

No way. At least take the head back with you. If you want to leave gear there, buy some old crappy amp to leave there. And seriously, is it 1200-1600 a month?

 

[fendermademygibson]

As far as transportation goes, I own an economical compact (might be considered mid size now) 4 door. I am able to haul two Hartke XL 4x10 cabs a GK 700RB II head and a bass in a case all in the cabin of the vehicle. Still have room for a passenger and didn't even use the trunk.

So unless one is riding a bicycle with partial paralysis and band mates that don't/won't help each other, there is really not much of an excuse not to vacate your gear.

 

[gumtown]

Make a fake head and install and electrically operated distress flare inside, so when used, it "GOES OFF" and they will think they broke your amp... then see if anyone owns up to it.

 

[TheBluePhoenix]

Here's a question you need to ask (and I didn't read all the responses so someone may have already mentioned this), what if someone damages your bass or your amp rig? Will they come forward and pay for it? What if someone damages something and doesn't realize it? Then later when you notice it you may not be able to pinpoint who did it. I wouldn't take that chance.

 

[sharkbait130]

If you keep leaving your stuff where other people can get to it , sooner or later you're gonna get screwed.
That kind of sex can get REALLY expensive.

 

[gard0300]

I would not let strangers use my stuff. If they want to use it, write up a rental contract at a set monthly rental rate and term. That's just me though.

 

[brianrost]

I would never leave an amp in a shared rehearsal space that wasn't a beater, for obvious reasons.

 

[gln1955]

IMO, the best answer is to get a decent used rig and split the cost with the other bass players, so everyone has some skin in the game.

 

[lfmn16]

Here's a question you need to ask (and I didn't read all the responses so someone may have already mentioned this), what if someone damages your bass or your amp rig? Will they come forward and pay for it? What if someone damages something and doesn't realize it?

Hahahahahahahahaha!

Stop, your killing me with these jokes.

 

[Nev375]

I didn't read all the responses, but you can count me among the numbers who say you are just asking to get your gear ruined.

Any rent agreement needs to be well articulated and verifiable as to how much is due and how things are getting split and who covers if someone doesn't pay their share. Don't take anything on trust. People, as a rule are seldom trustworthy, usually irresponsible and sometimes downright immoral.

 

[gazbass]

So I share a rehearsal space with some guys in one of my bands and I leave a rig there (Markbass LM III and MB 4x10). When I have gigs that don't have a back line I'll use this rig but most of the time it lives at the space. I pay $100/month. One of the guys in the band I play with at this space is in three other bands that also use this space and he uses my gear. So far there have been no issues, the gear is always left clean. And I don't think anyone is cranking this rig or playing at peak levels. But I feel like I'm being taken advantage of since none of the other bassists using my rig have to bring anything, I also have a bass there that is probably being used, I'm getting no money from this deal, and the wear and tear on my gear is increasing because of people I don't even know. Can a cab or head get worn or damaged just from normal use? I know tubes need to be replaced occasionally but the tube in this unit is a gimmick more than anything else. Curious to hear other people's thoughts.

You sound like a nice guy, but id want to keep my gear safe....

 

[000_Unknown]

Someone with a criminal mind said: "Don't be surprised if it disappears altogether.."

 

[fendermademygibson]

"A lock keeps an honest man honest".

 

[bass_lord_mutha]

Also applies to my backline

 

[crucislancer]

I never leave gear anywhere, not even a friends house. The only time I would consider it is if the location is only occupied by my bandmates and no one else, and even then it would only be an old, heavy cab. I've had too many bad experiences, including repairs, to ever do that again.

 

[MegaSwing]

One final FWIW: At the very least, you should know who is using your stuff. Everyone knows people they trust more and less with their equipment. Anyone who knows me also knows I'm not going to roach out anyone's amp, and if some misfortune befalls it while in my care, I will do the right thing. OP, shy of getting it out of there altogether, make sure that your stuff isn't being played by just anyone in your absence. There is always an idiot out there who has no idea what he/she's doing who will disappear if something goes wrong.