I invested alot in my bodhran, and I love it! I get almost fanatical about it sometimes, and I try to make sure it is taken care of.

So I will lend it out, only to good friends, and people I know can play it, as I like to hear someone else play it. Especially if it is one of my heroes...

As for joe public coming up - usually in a drunken manner. Then absolutely not! I just say no, I am sorry, but it is very dear to me and I invested alot into it.

If it is a kid who is interested in having a go, I do let them, as long as I can show them what to do.

Put it this way, if my drum was damaged I would be really upset if that happened. I spent ages finding a good one, went and visited the maker - infact buying the bodhran was an experience in itself. It was like going for an interview - and the makers last words were.. Now you will take care of it won't you. Lol

As for whistles - always a dodgy area... I tend to loan just to good friends again. Or keep a general loaning out one nearby to give out. Nothing worse than someone elses bits in your whistle - especially if it is crisps.

yeuch!