An aside on another thread got me thinking. The post said that Sandy Bell's in Edinburgh kept a house guitar, mandolin and violin for anyone to borrow if they wanted. Our club, Swinton, has a 'house' guitar which we are happy to lend out.

Do a lot of clubs or sessions do this? Is it a good idea? What instruments would it work with - Strings, percussion? What would it not work with - Whistles, mouth organs? Has anyone doing this ever been really peased they have done so? Or really regretted it?

One true story from Swinton. A young man came in for the first time on a singers night. I asked if he would like to do a spot. He replied he would but had left his anglo concertina at home. I grinned and mentioned that was my instrument and I had it with me. He went to the bar 10 minutes later never to be seen again. I will never know why!

Cheers

DeG