Last week I was introduced to someone who wants to learn to play the flute. This was at a Tin Whistle class and no one else plays the flute there. This guy was full of himself - going to buy the best flute - seven year waiting list - going to be the best. Tomorrow he wants me to take along my best flute for him to look at. Now normally I will do anything for anyone - but this instrument cost me dearly and I am afraid I would only trust it with someone who knew how much it meant to me. alarm bells rang for me when he asked me how to play a flute - he has never tried, has no idea how to go about it even though everyone expained several times.
So in answer to the question I think it is a matter of which instrument - Never your best favourite friend of an instrument. Sometimes to people you trust lend out any instrument which you can stand to lose.
Roger - anyone want to have A Bodhran on permanent loan?