Double Bass ritual

[Marc Piane]

Is there a process you go through to 'get to know' a rented/borrowed bass before the gig?

I have had several encounters of late with basses other than my own and I feel kinda lacking in the confidence to try stuff when I first start playing it. How do you expedite this?

 

[MR PC]

After checking out the height, sound and feel of the open strings, and the ergonomics of the neck and body the next thing I listen for is the sound and feel of A flat on the E string.