Do you let people play your bass?

[noeinstein]

I let friends and other reasonable people play on my bass, but no one who is too wasted. I'll also check out their hands and may ask them to wash their hands first. Especially young people- their hands are always filthy. If you're under 25, or you're a drummer, I'll definitely ask you to wash your hands first.

Ditto!

 

[jay tay]

I let other people play my stuff, I just have one ground rule... You break... You Buy! and I make sure that they understand how expensive my gear is before they touch it! but seriously I often loan things out at gigs, and usually have a couple of Basses out with comrades for long different projects here and there. i just remember a few times at gigs, or in the studio, when I've had equipment fail on me, and I've been very grateful of others loaning me their gear, Its only right to repay the favour when a fellow musician is in a fix.

 

[s_mcsleazy]

well honistly i have befor but i hate doing it. i did it for one guy since he was 35 miles away from his bass and couldent borrow another. so if its like really importent then yes. if they can find another then no.

however in regards to the op ive noticed that most drummers play bass with a really hard touch, as do most guitar players

 

[cnltb]

I was practicing Fri night; the drummer asked if he could play my bass. I agreed & stepped out for a minute. When I got back he was playing it aggressively like he was Abe Laboreal or something! Not that he can play like Laboreal but he was playing it like he wanted to be if you know what I mean. Sheesh! I had a heart attack. It's an acoustic Gretsch--not as solid as say a Pbass etc. Anyway it's expensive & precious--to me, and I have to wait a half a year & save up in order to have a decent instrument.
It gets worse: I noticed when I got home that my intonation was off & all kinds of dried sweat on the body. WHAT?!
I noticed Duff McKagan's P has a tape sticker on the head that reads, "TOUCH THIS AND I'LL KILL YA."
Do you or don't you let ppl play your instruments?

Depends who is asking, how they are asking,and if they‘ve washed their hands before touching my bass.
If they are drunk when asking it's a NONO whoever it is and however nicely they ask.

 

[bassspielplatz]

Never to strangers, and the ones who know me, know that nobody takes care of my instruments like I do, so that intimidates them.

 

[Lambic]

No, except when it's somebody I trust, and even then not for a gig: only to be able to hear my rig from a distance for a moment.

 

[Reaper Man]

people in my band that know- yes

random person- no

 

[vstring3]

Yes.

 

[39-Bassist]

I only let people play my bass if I am watching AND they have the funds to replace it.

 

[Dbassmon]

I's a piece of wood, it's meant to be played.

Disclaimer:
I don't want rummies in a bar playing my bass, guys with dirty hands, bashers or guys that have long strokes with a pick scuffing the face.

Other bass players are welcome to play my basses.

 

[moore.jcm]

I voted 'no', but I do let other bass players that i know fairly well and my bandmates play it.

In general, I dont like having other people touching my basses. Mostly because of dirty hands or they don't know how to really treat it.

 

[spade2you]

Friends and known bandmates: Yes

Dudes at the show: NEVER EVER.

Pretty much my rule, although you'd be surprised how many people don't want to touch my unlined fretless 6.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Most of the guys I know take care of their gear pretty well. Plus I find that most people who ask generally will sit down and play which greatly lessens the possibilty of mishaps. But if it was just some Joe Schmo, no way.

 

[mongo2]

Only once and it was because the player was a touring bassist with a guitarist I had heard of and like. He sat in for a song at one of our gigs and I figured I might learn something...I did.

At gigs I used to have guys in various states of inebriation ask...nay demand to play my bass. Ain't gonna happen. However, since I changed to playing EUBs, nobody has asked.

 

[Billnc]

I voted no. Never had a friend or fellow bassplayer ask. Would never let a stranger touch it. I used to keep instruments available for an open mic. One guy swung a strat around his head, another put a lit cigarette in the headstock. I immediately removed my instruments from them, mid song. No one but me has played my basses, in a way that is pure chance, I'd let a friend play them.

 

[SteveHeissner]

As a general rule I have found that anyone who gets up in my face asking to play my bass at a gig is usually inept. If they don't ask, are quiet and don't get in my face telling me how great they are... well, these are usually competent bass players that can be trusted to take good care of my axe.

 

[MaddAnthony_59]

I have basses that I'll let anyone play, and I have some that only Certain People can play. And I have one or two that I don't even feel comfortable playing.

When playing out I typically play a Disposable Bass, and I have let another bassist use it in a pinch. After they see what a POS I loaned him they have yet to ask a 2nd time...

 

[Fuzzbass]

I'm a firm believer in owning at least one "beater bass". I let anyone (within reason) play my well-worn 2005 Sadowsky P5. I bring that to every gig even when I play another bass as primary, precisely because it's already scuffed: if someone sits in on bass I'll lend it; if a fight breaks out I'll wield it.

I acquired two more Sadowskys in late 2010. They are still pristine, so I'm not yet ready to allow others play them. They'll likely acquire some dings, but I want to be the one to inflict 'em!

 

[NathanTbass]

Anyone can borrow my basses and do whatever they want to with it. Lets remember, its just a piece of wood and everything is fixable. if something happens and its not fixable, lets remember its just a piece of wood

 

[the yeti]

not w/o asking. nothing pisses me off more.