Would you let strangers touch it?

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: Spider Tom
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 08:12 AM

How tragic to be an instrument, condemned to a life of the trivial meanderings, of an unsatisfying player.
To lay in some box or bag knowing the most you can expect is a slow,sloopy rendition of wen- de -sains-go-margin-in. Put yourself in the place of such an Instrument, and ask yourself would you be content.
You are after all, only the owner,
YOU SELFISH BASTARD!

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 09:30 AM

I very rarely let others touch my instruments, but will if I'm absolutely sure they have enough sense to treat them carefully....and if they're not drunk/stoned!

These are, after all, the tools of my trade.

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 09:50 AM

I have a bad habit of buying guitars. Fortunately, we're making a little money from gigs now, so I can indulge the habit without blowing any "real" money - although I've been known to borrow from myself against future gig earnings...

Anyway, I have some guitars that I consider "beaters," to take to festivals, outdoor gigs in hot sun or possible rain, or other places where I know there's a high probablity of their getting messed up more than they already are. Other instruments, which represent more of an investment, get much more careful use.

Anyone can play the beaters upon request, although I still consider it minimally civil for someone to ask, not just grab the instrument. In order to play the good ones, I expect the person to ask in advance, to be obviously sober and drug-free, and to be as good a player as, or better than, myself.

The last requirement still allows a great many people to play my guitars.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 11:20 AM

My cousin's boyfriend plays Harmonica and is often asked if someone (usually male) can borrow them. His response is 'Sure but you have to kiss me first' This often shocks at first, but tends to get the message across.

My brother is a drummer. He is always being asked by drunks if they could sit in for a song or two. He is a pretty nice and accomodating guy, but after several broken sticks and split drum heads he now declines politely. And of course, the risk of having someone spontaneously combust while playing your instrument is much higher with drummers.

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: GUEST,Kim C
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 10:00 AM

Well, it depends. We have two nice guitars and one cheap one - any of our friends who really can play (and not just bang) can play the nice ones, and pretty much anybody else can play the cheap one. (But to tell you the truth, the $60 Epi is a nice-sounding instrument, and a peach to play.)

I have only one fiddle and while it is not a valuable instrument in terms of money, it is the only one I have. Mister screeches away on it once in awhile; after all, it was his electric bass that we traded for it, so he does have touching rights! While I agree that it's nice when children are interested, I am not in any wise about to hand my fiddle and bow to a 6-year-old who's never seen one before. I might, however, let them hold it with me helping them. Kids need to understand, though, that even though we speak of "playing" an instrument, musical instruments are not toys. Except for kazoos. :)

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: GUEST,Ella
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 11:16 AM

I only ask the other musicians in my group if I can have a go on their instruments which doesnt offend.

But I wouldnt let anyone use my bodhran who looked drunk/ didn't know what they were doing, or looked like they could run fast and leg it with it.

Saying that, I have on occaisions been playing one of my older drums and had another player with (at the time) a much better in quality drum pass me their bodhran and say would you like to have a go on this.

I always feel a little honoured that someone offers to let me have a go on their treasured bodhran.

But I am still very very possesive over my instrument. Especially whistles I have a recurring nightmare that I go to play it after someone else has used it, and I find it clogged with crisps, peanuts and other food found on the tables in sessions (cheese sandwich etc)

Heck heck. Blurghhh

Hmm anyone for seconds - there's a whole meal in this whistle!

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: Sailor Dan
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 01:45 PM

Last summer I was in Barcelona Spain coming off a cruise. (Wife works for the cruise line) Down the street from the hotel I saw a sign that said Country Music tonight only. We went in for a drink and while we were waiting the musicians showed up.. I was surpised to see one of them bring in two guitars and a banjo case. I asked him if that was a banjo and he said sure is.

We talked for a few minutes and then he continued to help the rest of the band bring in their equipment. I had mentioned that I had just acquired a used Deering and was taking lessons. AFter the group had set up the guy walked over to my table and handed me his 35 year old Gibson to play around with and get the feel of. Shocked the heck out of me, but I spent 30 minutes playing around with it. He sure did make my evening. Besides he sure could make that thing talk. Oh well someday maybe I will play half that well.

Subject: RE: Would you let strangers touch it?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 04:26 PM

"I lent my fiddle to a woman of the opposite sex"

Now that could make an interesting song...