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Loaning a Bass

L

Laserman

Jul 19, 2004
135
0
Ft Walton Beach, Fl
#1
Guys,

I was asked by my Band's sound company to loan one of Basses for an upcoming show for Nazareth. They are coming from Overseas and need equipment. Would you loan one of your basses ? Of course I get to be there backstage and take care of it before and after the show to make sure It doesn't get damaged. I'm betting they will shortly be asking for my Bass Amp/Rig as well. What would you say if it was you?
 
#4
I'm not a rental shop. Are you? I'm betting not.

They can go rent whatever they need from a music store - of course, they'll have to insure it and if the band knocks it around (90% chance this will happen) they'll have to buy it.

The only way I'd even get close to this is to RENT them an easily replaceable bass (something like an MIM J or P) provided that it was fully insured for any damage (no matter how small) with NO deductible. Chances are that there would be damage to the bass that would buy me a refin in my color of choice.
 
#5
Is Nazareth doing the gig for free? How about the sound company? The venue, and vendors?

I'd say they should rent and and insure, or pay you enough to insure your gear. Then, choose a bass you can afford to lose or have damaged, and let them use it. I can't imagine the honor of "hanging out" backstage is worth much more than $5, really.....:hiding:
 
#7
What I find interesting is that if they are coming overseas to play a show, why wouldn't the bassist and guitarists bring their own instruments? I understand the need to rent some rigs, but to go somewhere and play a show, I would bring my own bass. A nice hardshell case can survive a flight.

Anyone else wondering why they don't bring their own bass?
 
#13
Laserman said:
Guys,

I was asked by my Band's sound company to loan one of Basses for an upcoming show for Nazareth. They are coming from Overseas and need equipment. Would you loan one of your basses ? Of course I get to be there backstage and take care of it before and after the show to make sure It doesn't get damaged. I'm betting they will shortly be asking for my Bass Amp/Rig as well. What would you say if it was you?
Click to expand...

I would not loan anything I minded getting dented/scratched/etc... otherwise, if you're fine with that, then cool.
 
#14
Thats how I lost a really nice Guild (my only bass at the time). and that was a loan to a "Friend". I wouldn't unless they were willing to let you hold enough cash to replace it - which begs the question "Why not buy your own"? - tough love - but hey - Love Hurts.

badamp - bamp! i got a million of 'em!!!
 
#15
If it was an act I liked or thought was cool and I was going to stay with the gear, I'd do it. Loan out to someone otherwise, nah. Rent? Nah, already had a problem with an SVT cabinet that vanished. At this point I don't even like loaning basses to friends; the strings never seem to rust when I play my basses, but often if someone else does they never feel the same afterwards. Your call, but if you feel any apprehension I wouldn't.
 
#16
I'd do it in a heartbeat.....right after hell froze over! Unless you think the additional mojo of having a "world-class" bassist possibly damage your instrument and not repair it is worth the risk.....

Then again I may be bitter from having a huge Sonor drum kit stolen after I loaned it to a guy. I will NEVER loan out an instrument again!

Dan K.
 
#17
Laserman said:
Guys,

I was asked by my Band's sound company to loan one of Basses for an upcoming show for Nazareth. They are coming from Overseas and need equipment. Would you loan one of your basses ? Of course I get to be there backstage and take care of it before and after the show to make sure It doesn't get damaged. I'm betting they will shortly be asking for my Bass Amp/Rig as well. What would you say if it was you?
Click to expand...

I would just politely decline and suggest rental from a large outfit that rents gear regularly. They will have insurance coverage and the wherewithal to recoup losses much more readily than you.

Do you have a personal relationship with Nazareth? If it's strictly business, then I wouldn't.
 
#19
Eh, if it was me and I was playing on the same bill with them, I would. When I was playing guitar I loaned my 5150 to a member of the band playing after us whose amp fried in the rain before the show. He messed with my settings, but it's hardly a big deal, and we're actually pretty close now, our bands play together very often. I've had to borrow a bass rig from somebody else in the past as well, which worked out just fine, and I've loaned guitars and stuff. It's not a big deal as long as you're going to be around when they get off stage so you can just help them load it off and take it to where you need it to be.
 
#20
I look at it like loaning my toothbrush: No.

You can use my amps and cabinets all you want. I have no sentimental attachment to those at all and quite honestly don't care what happens to them, even though they are expensive. The bass, however, is the genesis of my sound and it is a very personal thing.
 

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