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Not just any ol'Joe

Do you let other people play your bass?

  • Yes, of course

    Votes: 56 30.6%

  • Not a chance in Poughkeepsie.

    Votes: 70 38.3%

  • Only if there are carrots involved

    Votes: 13 7.1%

  • Only I really know what's good for me (known player)

    Votes: 44 24.0%
  • Total voters
    183
#62
I never minded someone playing my axe as a sit-in IF it was a player I knew and respected (and a hoot to watch someone good play an Alembic for the first time). Otherwise, no, never, nada, ain't happening (even with the Squiers!).
 
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#63
GrapeBass said:
Guys,

I got a call from our singer asking (letting me know) that she's allowing a couple of her friends to sit in and play a couple of songs at a local club. The club is basically a community space. I'm just curious, as I'm a bit crusty and don't like anyone else sweaty paws playing my basses. What do you guys think? Asking for a friend. ;-)
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Don't let them play your bass if you are not comfortable with them playing it.
People sitting in on ones gigs is always a funny one though, I think.
You might suggest they bring their own, to be on the safe side - I think that's what I'd do if it is people don't know.
 
#64
I currently have two basses: a Fender Roadworn P that anyone is welcome to play (with my permission and knowledge of course) and a high-end five string (Marleaux Contra). There are two individuals that I allow to play the Contra. That’s it.
 
#65
Ah, the hidden advantages of playing sixers...

I've never had anyone ask me to borrow a bass, but the handful of times someone else played one of mine for a few minutes, I noticed immediately because the neck feels different in spots. Body chemistry, I guess. But i'm so OCD about cleaning it up after that I would have to throw it in a river if someone played it for a whole night.
 
#67
Well. Sort of Yes. I started out playing on borrowed or loaned out basses. So I definitely try to make a good bass or two available for a friend, church or young player starting out. But I loan out solid ... well set up peavey USA foundation or Fury’s. I originally did T-40s till they got stupid expensive and hard to replace. I loan out the same stuff I would use on outdoor or gigs with questionable locations.
 
#69
I don't mind people I know/actual bass players playing my bass; I actually like to hear how it sounds. My concern here is this- did your singer offer the use of your bass without your OK? I might suggest to her that her friends are welcome to bring their own instruments. I'm not super possessive, I just don't appreciate decisions being made for me.
 
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#70
MynameisMe said:
I am also this way about my hand tools and don't like it when someone sweats all over them when borrowing and wants to hand them back all gummy and nasty.
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Could be worse- I let a friend/kinda family member use my tools; when he was done they were coated in grease and motor oil. He also got oil on doorknobs and sink, and left motor oil footprints in my house. I was displeased.
 
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#72
lfmn16 said:
Ask her why she thinks YOU should be paying when SHE owes them.
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It's a complicated relationship between her and the people she's been jamming with. Honestly, she had always taken the back bench (with these guys) even though her talent is much greater. She's also has become accustomed to the open free jam atmosphere and the sloppiness that goes along with it. The besets compliment was that people (musicians incl.) said we sounded very tight! Of course when the others got up, who play a lot together, sounded like a mess. I don't really get it, if I were playing 1/3rd of the time they played, I'd be stellar.
 
#74
It’s a big piece of wood.

I don’t sweat the nicks and scratches and any damage that might affect the sound, I know how to fix.

So yeah, I love watching and listening to other players rockin’ on my gear.
 
#76
I only play 5's, so people usually don't ask. On the very rare occasion when they have, they often look like they are wrestling some kind of satanic octopus hanging around their neck. I have no problem with people using my amps. They are Ampegs so they aren't gonna hurt them.
 
#77
GrapeBass said:
It's a complicated relationship between her and the people she's been jamming with. Honestly, she had always taken the back bench (with these guys) even though her talent is much greater. She's also has become accustomed to the open free jam atmosphere and the sloppiness that goes along with it. The besets compliment was that people (musicians incl.) said we sounded very tight! Of course when the others got up, who play a lot together, sounded like a mess. I don't really get it, if I were playing 1/3rd of the time they played, I'd be stellar.
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I get HER relationship with them. I’m just saying YOU don’t have a relationship with them, and don’t owe them anything. I wouldn’t let someone I didn’t know use my main player, but if I wanted to keep the peace I’d bring a cheap backup.
 
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#78
lfmn16 said:
I get HER relationship with them. I’m just saying YOU don’t have a relationship with them, and don’t owe them anything. I wouldn’t let someone I didn’t know use my main player, but if I wanted to keep the peace I’d bring a cheap backup.
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Yeah, I know, but it does get complicated... Turned out well and I really don't have a cheap backup, besides I wanted to bring only one bass, by cheapie Aria fretless AGB as the room was small and the trio calls for it's timbre.
 
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