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Loaning a Bass

#25
Like others have said, If you dont' have a personal relationship with them don't do it.

The only bass loaning experience I've ever seen was in highschool. My friend loaned his Aria Pro II natural finish bass for use at a junior class fundraiser event. Not only did someone break his E string, but they gouged deep pick marks into the soft wood. :crying:
 
#27
I loaned my bass once for a show. Nothing bad happened and I got 2 sets of D'Addarios. Maybe I got lucky.

I borrowed 2 Alembics from my 2 friends for a recording session. They both got fresh strings from me and their basses came back to them intact (I'm an Alembic lover, I'd rather cut myself than damage an Alembic!).

I understand them not wanting to bring their gear - stuff gets lost (or damaged) by airlines more often than not, especially when you change the planes (transit flight or whatever you call it). A well-known Polish guitarist lost his beloved vintage Les Paul this way. Of course, the airlines declined to pay a penny for it...

But... well, yes, a tricky decision to be made.
 
#29
do not loan anything without getting cash up front in case of damage. return the cash (minus any rental fee - you DEFINITELY should make some money off of this) when they return the bass. if they hesitate to give you money up front, you better believe that they'll be even more hesitant to pay for any damages incurred during the gig.

i once loaned an amp to someone and got it back non-functional and no one seemed to know how it got damaged or how come there was beer stains on the amp. i learned the hard way.

one time after that, i did rent out my bass. got like $100 for a week loaner and i held a check for the value of the bass while it was out. i returned the check when i got my bass back. everyone was happy.
 
#30
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?
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How about they leave their bassist at home and you do the gig??:D
 
#33
lonote said:
Every day I'm astounded by stuff I read here on TB. After touring for a bazillion years, Nazareth knows very well that you rent instruments when you don't bring your own. I think this is something the sound people and the promotor cooked up and it isn't anything you want get involved in. Run, don't walk, away from this silliness. :rollno:
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Couldn't agree more. Across the board. Besides, every touring act and those who support them know the meaning of one word: backline.
 
#35
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...

Think about the answer to these questions:

1. Are you being paid a rental fee? If not, are you okay with that?

2. Are you comfortable with this situation?

Answer those questions honestly and it will lead you to the right decision.

What I would do in that situation would solely depend on my honest responses to those questions. In a nutshell, it would just depend on who it was and what was going on.
 
#36
I wouldn't loan, cabinet maybe, if I was playing that night at the same show, bass, probably not.... definitely not if I wasn't part of the gig.

I wouldn't want to borrow either. What kind of pro is willing to play whatever bass turns up for a gig? Probably one that is past the point of caring about his sound... or his equipment... which doesn't speak well for how the borrowed bass will be treated.
 
#37
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...
IF they're a professional sound company then they know where they can RENT equipment and instruments. The cost is simply the cost of doing business. Not a chance I'd lend my bass out like that.
 
#38
I have once, and stupid me trusted him with my cab without my supervision. In the end it cost me a driver, and a whole lot of trust.

In the beginning I always assumed that they're musicians too, and they'll respect my gear as I would theirs.

Well that just isn't the case most of the time. I wont ever loan any of my gear out again, period.
 

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