Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: JedMarum
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 10:02 AM

I love to have other people play my guitar (or banjo), of course I have refused that request from those who've obviously had too much to drink - it is an issue you have to weigh with each request. And as for borrowing my harmonicas, well it amazes me that anyone would want to but I have had to refuse that request a few times!

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: GUEST,Mikey Joe
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 10:15 AM

I'll relieve of you the bodhran Roger if you're serious. My neighbour is realy annoying me with his gazoo of all things.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: GUEST,Rich(stupidbodhranplayerwhodoesn'tknowbetter
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 10:32 AM

I've gotta go along with Ella on that one. If ti's somebody that I know can play, and is sober, thenyes. Otherwise usually, no> I spent an obcene amount of $$ for my bodhran, because I really like Albert's drums and i've a good deal of time on it before even thinking about playing sessions. What's more, the bodhran is one of those instruments that people think posession confers an instant ability to play! I don't POUND on my drum and I don't want anyone else to. If nothing else it disrupts the session.

Rich

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 01:23 PM

I hardly ever say "no" to lending my fiddle, and then only when the person is extremely drunk and uncoordinated, in "show off" mode, or simply if I want to play it at that moment. Other than the drunks and show-offs, people tend to be careful. Musicians just know they should "handle gently," and non-musicians often treat the fiddle with a certain reverence. If someone who was trying to be careful had an honest-to-goodness accident, I doubt I'd get mad at the person or quit lending instruments. I have only one violin I consider to be irreplacable, but although it's precious to me, it isn't sacred. While in my care, it's been sat on, spilled on, scratched, dinged, thumped, and left in a bar. Maybe the thing is actually safer with someone else!

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: P05139
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 01:58 PM

Mbo, cello is v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v. difficult to learn. Mind you if you get a good teacher it can be v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v. easy!! I ended up getting to Grade 3 practical and Grade 2 theory before i gave up. I then went on to keyboard which I have played for about a year and a half, but I can't learn it anymore cos I've left school and I wouldn't get free music lessons any more. The only reason I got them was due to my GCSE Music course!!

Anyway, if you do start learning cello, remember this, KEEP YOUR ELBOW UP!!! I was forever in bother over that!

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 02:17 PM

If you've had a year and a half of keyboard lessons, you should be okay for continuing on your own using an adult tutor book... unless, of course, you've got no keyboard. In which case, tough!

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 02:18 PM

Then again, this thread is really about borrowing instruments...

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Bert
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 02:32 PM

Well that's what you get when you spend too much money for a guitar. I'm happy if someone picks up a guitar of mine and starts playing it. They are made to be played. Sure they are fragile, but so is pottery and glassware. They are disposable items. Get a few kids in your house and you will learn not to take such things too seriously.

And if you think a couple of dents are going to do it any harm just take a look at Willie Nelson's guitar. Even with a bloody great hole in the top he still makes it sound good.

Put your effort into playing and into encouraging other people to play. And if you suspect that the party might deteriorate or is going to be outside, just take along a cheaper guitar.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 02:36 PM

My brother played Drums in a Rock band for years. They played bars and clubs. There wasn't a night that went by that some guy would come up and ask to sit in. He let a few guys try. After a few broken skins and sticks (With no offers to replace them) he politely told them no and remained firm.

On the other hand, someone recently loaned my sister a restored fifies era Gibson ES125. He wasn't using it and thought that she may as well. She's scared to death of playing it in public for fear of it getting damaged or stolen, so she plays it at home and uses her Yamaha and Takamine for gigs.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Mooh
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 08:47 AM

In controlled circumstances (like lessons and rehearsals) I'll lend an instrument, but I have to be there and I have to transport the instrument. Very good and trusted musician friends might borrow an instrument, like when Brian Teheny used my guitar for a festival set, or when a local bass player of note borrows gear. Normally I do not loan instruments as I have more to loose than I'd ever gain. I've seen how things are treated and it scares me.

Perhaps it can be summmed up this way, if someone hasn't taken the care to provide themselves with an instrument, how can I be sure they'll take care of mine?

As of yet I haven't equated this issue with charity. I would like to have some old beaters to loan for students so they don't have to cart more than one to a lesson, or for when their own are in for service...but I'm a musician and that means I can hardly afford my own instruments, never mind others.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: GUEST,spence
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:08 PM

Just ask what kind of car they drive, and if you can borrow it? Another good way to gauge a guitar cadge is to ask them if they have a pick. Chances are, anyone walking around with a pick, can pick and will rewpect your instrument. I suppose the flippant answer is to reply that the instrument doesn't actually belong to you, but rather to the credit card company. I had a Sindt whistle stolen two weeks ago by a casual "borrower" at a friendly Irish session and am strictly non-lending for awhile.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:23 PM

While I was sitting in a Barcelona Spain club having a drink with my wife and some friends, The group that was playing that night came in and started to set up. I for one was quite surprised to see one of the guys come in with a 5 string and two guitars.

I told him I was surprised to see one here in Spain. At that time I wasn't aware of how far bluegrass had gone around the world. (My pre-mudcat days) I told him I was a beginner and just bought a good banjo to learn on. I then went back to my table. To My surprise he came over to the table with his Gibson, handed it to me and said Here warm it up for me and I'll see you in a bit.

What a joy, I played with it for about a half hour and then out of sheer concern that I would damage it, I gave it back to him and thanked him profusely. What a way to end a vacation

Sailor DAn

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: GUEST,Sailor Dan at work
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:27 PM

One of these days as a guest I will remember to put my name on top.

But I guess after the above experience I might have a hard time not lending an instrument. But I would have to gauge the sobriety and reasons for someone wanting to borrow it.

Sailor DAn

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: Lucius
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 10:11 AM

Thanks again Animaterra.

My own instruments are fairly scarred, I like them like that. My personal relationships are a little less scathed, but I figure no pain, no gain.

Lucius

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From: guinnesschik
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:05 AM

I usually say yes, too, but as a fiddle player, the fiddle often comes back smelling of someone else's perfume/cologne/beer/cigarettes. Just say no to people who smell of fragrances not found in nature, and even some that are.

Subject: RE: Borrowed instruments - just say NO ?
From:
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:14 AM

... best reply I heard to the question of "Can I borrow your guitar" was backstage from a well-known country/folk artist (who shall here remail nameless) who replied, "Sure, if I can f*** your girlfriend."

He then patiently explained that the two requests were on the same level.