Can I borrow a guitar?

Subject: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Acorn4
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 02:50 PM

Actually, this could apply to any instrument but it more often than not happens with guitars.

I've always been willing to lend my guitars to other performers - they are not a top of the range model but sort of mid-range.

I had a first uneasy moment at a festival this year when someone asked to borrow a guitar - it soon became obvious that they'd been on more than the bitter from the bar - the guitar survived and one of the other singers said on the way out that he admired "your nerves of steel".

Another slightly more humorous incident at a local pub. A very good finger style picker rather reluctantly led a guitar to a punter who then played something along the lines of "Irish Rover" -the owner had a strained expression on his fact throughout then said when the guitar was handed back:- "It's never been strummed before!"

Should we lend instruments to those who can't be a***d to bring their own?

Has anyone had an instrument damaged by lending it?

Suppose this could be on the "manners" thread but that's getting a bit crowded.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:31 PM

I'd have to know the person and their playing "style" before I would loan my guitar to someone.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Gurney
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:37 PM

I saw a well-known (and large) owner literally tear his Spanish from the hands of someone who had borrowed it, and then had violently flat-picked it. The varnish had been scarred by the pick.
The precursor was, when the owner objected, the borrower obligingly put away his flatpick and started donning metal fingerpicks!

So, I guess the answer is, ask them what style they play, first.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Genie
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:41 PM

Well, I have deep gashes in my old Martin, just below the pick guard, almost entirely from one heavy handed strummer borrowing it one afternoon at the beach and flailing away using a heavy flat pick, missing the pick guard for the most part.   He did an amazing lot of damage in about 25 min. (total) of playing.   

OTOH, I'm grateful that several Mudcatters (Big Mick, Nancy, and Bruce, Fortunato and Susette, e.g.) and FSGW members offered to lend guitars for use by us out-of-town flyers at the Getaway and singarounds.   

I think the wisdom of lending guitars depends a lot on the setting and the kinds of people involved.   I'd rather my guitar be used by a lousy player who's gentle with her than with a hot shot who leaves gouges and dents.

Genie

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: jonm
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:41 PM

Oh, the joy of being left handed!

The only time anyone has ever borrowed my guitar was a drunk on Paddy's night - he was the only person who hadn't noticed and it took him the longest to hear that he had a problem....

.... and that's why I only ever take cheap guitars to sessions on certain nights.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:56 PM

I have a fine guitar which has many nicks put there by a friend. She plays in places where no one has ever thought to put a guard. I forgive her, but if anybody else asked to borrow a guitar, I would say, 'Sorry, this one is real fragile and the top's unusually soft. I can't lend it out.'

With pawnshops full of guitars, a person who wants to play can just get himself one.

========
I solved the nick problem by putting Scotch Magic tape on the places she hits. It has been there three years with no damage. (The top has a matte finish.)

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 04:04 PM

I'm happy to lend my guitar (not an expensive one but it sounds good) to anyone who may have either forgotten or hadn't brought theirs for whatever reason but I remember lending it to someone once and when I got it back I couldn't play it - it was like the chap had spread evostik (contact adhesive) all over the neck and the strings.

It might well have been that he had the sort of skin/sweat that had this effect or he'd been eating a finger buffet beforehand and not washed his hands. I now keep a duster with polish on it and a cloth with some degreasing spray in the case just in case I meet someone with the same problem.

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: stevi
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 04:13 PM

I have lent to people i know (well)and not had any problem so far!
but several years ago someone throw a pen across the room to someone
else and it bounced off my guitar! a Lowden i nearly cried. A
drunk once just picked it up and asked if it was in tune. Ever
since i allways put it away in its case when not being played.

Stevi

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: gnomad
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 04:25 PM

Quite a lot in this thread.

I don't play myself, so don't encounter this problem. However I am frequently amazed at the stoicism I see among those who lend their instruments, sometimes quite valuable ones, to complete strangers.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 05:23 PM

I usually play a pottery ocarina at some point during most sessions. They're about 100 years old, and while they weren't very expensive (mostly off EBay) they would be very difficult to replace. So they stay in zipped foam-padded pouches until I'm ready to play and they go straight back in there when I'm done. They never rest on a table and nobody but me ever gets to touch them.

Loaning instruments reminds me of somebody I knew in the 70s who used to take a spare toothbrush to folk festivals. His rationale was that nobody who'd think of asking to borrow your toothbrush is going to understand why you'd say no.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 05:45 PM

I was at a get together one time and the MC asked a guy to puck one. He said he didn't have a gutiar and the Mc said "Well there are plenty here. Someone give him a guitar. The MC was not a musician himself just an organizer. A man stood up and said "here take mine but be careful." The man handed him a 1960's Gibson Super 400 special. This guitar (for the ones that don't know) is so expensive I don't even want to think how much it was worth. Mint condition all gold hardware it was an amazing guitar. The man put the strap around his head and stepped up to the mic. He took both hands off the guitar to adjust the mic stand. When he did the guitar strap gave way and it fell face first right onto the concrete floor. Parts of guitar went rolling all over the place. It smashed it bad and broke off all the hardware. All the guitarist just about puked. They pick the guitar up and then the peices of the guitar. It was horrible. I wiil never forget the look on the faces of both the borrower and the lender. It was BAD!!!!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:55 PM

No sorry I do not lend out my instruments!

Here is a link from a previous thread called Lending instruments especially in Pubs

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Melissa
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 08:13 PM

I hand off my guitar when I see people standing around the edge who obviously itch to play.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mooh
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 08:49 PM

What I wrote on that previous thread hasn't changed:

Generally the answer is a good firm but polite "No". I too have heard my guitars played by stellar players but they're in the minority. If someone is offended and considers me a prick then so be it. I will hand my guitar to a trusted player, but even one of my closest friends is so clumsy I won't trust him with it.

Most often the culprit is alcohol, crowdedness, roudiness, but I don't take any chances outside of my own home.

I'm waiting for a certain pain-in-the-ass to ask to borrow my Telecaster again. Won't he be surprised to find it has no frets above the fifth...that'll stop his wanking in a hurry...he can hardly find the right notes with frets.

A year ago I bought a student guitar (A&L folk cedar, orange, so it's known as The Pumpkin) so that students who are unable to bring their own have a decent guitar for their lesson. It's also the loaner/beater for, "Hey man, gimme your axe, will ya!" moments. Nobody (okay, maybe my luthier friends, and I will admit to letting [here's some name dropping] Tony McManus and Simon Mayor take one for a spin) gets to play my real guitars, but I like the cred I get for having a loaner/beater.

Seriously, there's nothing more horrifying for a working musician to find than some drunk jamming on their axe while they're in the loo between sets. Always carry a spare.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 04:22 AM

From: jonm
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 03:41 PM

Oh, the joy of being left handed!
I'm a lefty, too. I always take my watch off, if I play. I have a Martin D-21, and a custom, left hand rosewood strat, besides a piano.. as far as the piano, I'm not too worried, just don't touch the settings. As far as the guitars, mmm I'm a little picky(No pun intended) about who I let even try them...and NOBODY, even touches them with obviously dirty hands!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Zen
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 04:34 AM

No hard and fast rule for me... I'll usually decide according to the circumstances. If I've seen the person play before that helps. I only have one instrument that I prefer not to lend at all, unless I know the lendee well and that's my parlour guitar which is very lightly built.

Zen

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:00 AM

I've had people in pubs asking to borrow harmonicas.

I always refuse, giving hygeine as the reason.

Same with whistles.

Occasionally let others use my guitar, but am careful who

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:10 AM

I knew a couple of guitarist who refused or tried to, mostly successfully.

One reckoned that some people have very acid sweat and it rotted the string faster than his delicated digits. And he had 4 degrees, one a PhD and one in Psychology. And a diploma in counselling. Not that it helped him in the self-image department too much. Methinks he just didn't trust others to love his guitar they way he did. Can we blame him? He did know how to play it.

Now should I be a little more territorial over my Bodhrans? - they are not just any Bodhran they are specially red, which improves the playing of course! And I do feel somewhat peeved if they don't ask first - and one or two don't feel the need to.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Working Radish
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:17 AM

One reckoned that some people have very acid sweat and it rotted the string faster than his delicated digits. And he had 4 degrees, one a PhD and one in Psychology. And a diploma in counselling.

But could he drive a forklift?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:53 AM

Those who remember Diz Disley back in the 60s will remember that he ALWAYS borrowed guitars.

For a while he had a genuine Maccaferri, but it was either stolen, or broken, or repossessed or something.

After that, he never got round to getting another and, for what seemed like years, used to turn up at clubs and just pick a guitar from the half dozen or so propped up against the back wall.
Most people were quite pleased to say that Diz had played their guitar. And quite remarkably, it didn't seem to make much difference to him how good or bad the instrument was. He always seemed to manage to knock out all those amazing Django licks.

There was also an apocryphal story that Charlie Christian had lent Diz a guitar, and had then gone and died so Diz didn't give it back.

When he eventually got another Maccaferri, he still used an old bit of string instead of a strap. And when the bit of string got lost, which it regularly did, then he would borrow people's straps.

I'll bet nobody would get away with it these days, even somebody as endearing as Diz was. But then, the folk scene was so much more inclusive in those days.

G

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:59 AM

I lend mine reluctantly, and try never to lend it to someone I don't know.
I always feel churlish when I refuse, but nonetheless I do so sometimes.
Usually when it's someone who says 'Ooh a Martin, can I try it?'.


JM

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 08:09 AM

Not any more, since I lent a new Martin OM-28 Marquis to someone with keys or a zip in their trouser-pocket and it came back with scratches on the waist treble side.

Never again. I don't borrow, and I don't lend.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Phil Cooper at OCFF
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 08:52 AM

I pretty much have to know the player. I've played Mooh's guitar and lived to tell the tale. Actually a couple of them. I'd be picky too.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 08:59 AM

From Starlight Express, Poppa's Blues [Richard Stilgoe]

'Don't lend your mouth organ
Not even to your best friend
Don't lend your mouth organ
Not even to your best friend
'Cos if the blowing doesn't get you
The suckin'll get you in the end!'

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:08 AM

On a packed night on Wednesday at the Rivelin Folk Club, a very enthusiastic (but very noisy and very drunk) fellow asked if he could do a song. The MC reluctantly said OK and he asked if he could borrow a guitar - the 1st he asked said "No - you're too drunk", the 2nd just said "Sorry - no" and he moved onto the next. If the drunk was an embarrassment then the hospitality afforded the poor feller was getting even more so, so I stepped forward with my Lowden and handed it over so the show could get back on the road.

He then asked to borrow a pick, and I thought "here goes some more cedar chips off the old block" and crossed my fingers. He proceeded to pick out a blues riff very gently, moving up and down the fretboard to places most folk don't ever go, before starting to sing a few lines he had great difficulty remembering. Now I didn't think his memory was any worse than others who have sung at the club, and I suspect that when sober he could play and sing many under the table, but he was soon whisked off to save further embarrassment. He handed me my guitar back (unharmed) and with a gracious "Thanks very much, that's a lovely guitar, and you're a star for lending it me".

As Thompson sang - "God loves a drunk" - just as well really...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:26 AM

Even though I have a ton of horror stories regarding this subject. I still lend mine out. Escpecially to younger players that are just coming on the scene. I know they are probably the most dangerous but I do. I remember being in thier shoes and not being sure of myself and not having a decent instrument. They normally get a thrill out of playing a real good guitar and I normally enjoy seeilng them perform. People were VERY cool to me when I started about this. So I guess I feel the obligation to encourage and help musicians that are just starting out. So far so good I have not had much damage (except for 1). My ex wife did more damage to my guitars out of anger than anyone has borrowing one lol. I had thousands of dollars worth of damage from her. I have just got some scratches from borrowers.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:32 AM

You have as much chance of a loan of one of my guitars as you have of being struck by lightning.

Or my other instruments.

I don't apologise ; I say No. If the would-be borrower persists, I just take me glasses off and stare them up and down. So far I haven't come across (so to speak) any who'll persist after that.

The only exceptions to this rule : I let my youngest grandson play my whistles, but not my taborer's pipes ; and I have a half-size, nylon-strung guitar that both grandsons can arse about on.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:41 AM

I have heard it said that asking some to borrow their guitar is akin to asking to borrow their wife. :-}
I don't usually mind lending my guitars because the ones that I own are far from being considered top end. A couple though sound very good and often the borrower has more picking skill than myself. That allows me to appriciate how they sound in a masters hand.
A few years ago I was playing some songs at a local variety concert. I was using my old Eko J54 (Ranger) that is built like a real dreadnought.( battleship) Sitting in the front row were several folks from a group home for mentally challenged adults. They were real enthusiastic about the music and they were very appreciative. When I came off stage I was approached by a young lady from the group who wanted to try my guitar. The attendant with her was trying to discourage her but she was very insistant. I carefully passed it to her and let her try it. She strummed the open strings several times and passed it back. The audience gave her an applause and it made her evening. It also made mine but in truth I was glad that it was the J54 that I brought that night.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: mandotim
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 10:23 AM

I've got some nice guitars; some I would lend, and some I wouldn't. The one I use most in sessions is a Rainsong, made entirely of Carbon Fibre. It's pretty much unbreakable, and scratches can be removed with T-cut and Autoglym car polish (the method recommended by the manufacturer.) Sounds pretty good too, and it's the best plugged-in acoustic I've ever played. Having said that, I winced when I lent it to someone and he was using it to tap out the beat for another singers song by tapping the bottom of the guitar on a stone tiled floor! He's still alive, but it was close. If I'm playing the mandolin, or my 1975 Rob Armstrong doubleneck, don't bother asking...
Tim

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 10:52 AM

I'd lend my crappy old Yamaha guitar to anybody. My banjo? don't even think about it...
Ray

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:15 AM

At the Sun Inn in Beverley we have a guitar hanging on the wall that is used by those that need one - it was donated by mudcatter ETWIGGER and it ain't a bad instrument. There is also a fiddle but I haven't seen anyone brave enough to play it.

R

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:50 AM

Now that's a good idea a Pub/Session Guitar brilliant perhaps a pound or two in a Pot to pay for new strings and or to give to charity.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:58 AM

Lending a "house" guiar is one thing. Lending a personal guitar is something else. One shouldn't just casually ask to borrow one, and assume that an OK is forthcoming; if someone offers the use of one, that's a privilege, IMO. Unless they offer a crap guitar. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:08 PM

I let a guy borrow my Stevie Ray Vaughn Fender strat one time. That is really the only time I have been burned. It took me forever to get it back and when I did it was wrecked. Scratched all to peices (I mean chunks of paint off) even the ground wire was snapped. That is the only time I really got burned by someone borrowing. I don't lend stuff out over night anymore. If I do I am right there with them. In a "I want to get up and play a few." type setting I would let them have it no prob. If someone started abusing it though I would not hesitate to stand up mid-performance and take it back. I have been called alot of things in my life so being called one more bad name for stopping somone's performance really wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:16 PM

I tell people I've got a nasty skin disease.

I guess one of the most famous examples of guitar lending was when Bert Jansch borrowed Martin Carthy's to record his debut album in 1965. The rest is history.........

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:39 PM

Scenes from history that mercifully didn't happen (no.1)

Bill Leader: Right Bert, we're ready to start recording.

Bert Jansch: Hey Martin, OK if I borrow your guitar?

Martin Carthy: Actually Bert, I've got this nasty skin disease.

Bert Jansch: Ugh! I'm off down the pub then. Coming?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:42 PM

I copied and pasted this post of mine from the other thread, but it's still relevant.

At a session, I'll lend my guitar to anybody who asks as long as he isn't visibly drunk, and I'm there watching. I will take it away immediately if the player - drunk or sober - uses it as a percussion instrument.
This happened last summer at a session in Hoban's pub in Westport, Co. Mayo. A young fella asked if he could borrow my guitar, I said 'Sure,' and handed it over. Well, he started battering the lower bout in between chording (which he appeared to do quite well) and he had a handful of rings, which made it sound like a snare drum.
I instantly put my hand around the neck in mid-strum, and said 'It's a guitar, not a drum.' and took it off him.
He was miffed, but the session players applauded me, so he left in a huff.

On the same subject: a musician friend of mine is one of those individuals whose hands sweat profusely. If he comes to my performances, I usually get him up to do a couple of numbers knowing that he'll deaden the strings in 5 minutes. He doesn't abuse the guitar, he's a fine picker/singer, he just sweats like George Bush at a spelling-bee, and I have to change strings when he's done.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:57 PM

acid sweat, drunken louts, wandering geniuses showing up in Shefield, Bert Jansch anecdotes.....this is a good thread!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: maire-aine
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 01:37 PM

I certainly don't own a vintage Martin or Gibson or anything at that level, but I try to take good care of my guitar. I would only loan it to someone who I actually trust, or who is trusted by someone that I trust. Some people that I've known for a long time are the very ones I would NOT let play it.

M

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 02:44 PM

Once I let a moron plug into my Fender Bandmaster cabinet, which I used a Carvin P-5000 brain, in which we already blew out the Jensens, and replaced them with Pyle Drivers. He fried both speakers, cranking his 'overdrive' up, way to high. That really pissed me off, but in actuality was fortuitous, because I replaced those(Pylie Drivers) with Carvin High Energy 12's. Now it is incredible!..and indestructible! Sounds better than ever!.....but try to plug into it???..ummm, no morons allowed! You can tell a moron, because they laugh like, 'Guh huh, Guh huh'!!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 03:35 PM

I have finish cracks on my 69 Martin from my brother leaving it in the car overnight on a winter day. Nice lace effect on the top from getting very cold. The guitar is fine but was perfect before that happened. That was years ago but it still reminds me of that borrow

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: CharleyR
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 06:48 PM

Playing in obscure open tunings is a good way of discouraging people from asking in the first place! I once tried to explain to a somewhat inebriated session participant that my guitar was not in standard tuning but he was insistent on borrowing it anyway, "yeah, yeah, it'll be fine", so I reluctantly handed it over, he tried to play a couple of chords and about 10 seconds later went "aah, **** it" and handed it back :-).

I'm more concerned about lending my fiddle out than my guitar though, I would only lend it to people I know and trust with it, and that's not many people...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:04 PM

Well I been and done that with different tunings. But I stopped, as I do like people to join in. If it's noisy I hope you can see my fingers and follow the cords. I'm into encouraging other people to play and enjoy the music. Who wants to sit there all night to play one song?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Bernard
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:26 PM

I usually take a cheap guitar with me to singarounds, so I don't mind if someone borrows it.

Not all that long ago a fairly well-known 'folk professional' asked if he could borrow it. As I know that it's a bit over-sensitive to capo pressure on the low E and A strings, I asked if he wanted the capo (only one song). He said he did, third fret... so I put the capo on and made sure it was in tune (by ear - I don't have a tuner). As soon as he got on stage he took the capo off, and proceeded to complain that I'd lent him an out of tune guitar, and could he borrow one that was in tune?!

As he was in front of my 'home audience' who know me well, and know my guitar is always in tune when I'm playing, he managed to make himself look silly and childish... it also shows that relying too much on electronic tuners is a Bad Thing!!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:28 PM

name names, Bernard, or at least give clues ...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 08:04 PM

I've loaned out my fiddle, which I treasure, not always to people who play well, but to people I trust. There's a certain skill level involved in the fiddle, and I guess I believe in a certain level of musical karma/kindness. There's also a lot of curiosity amongst us fiddlers as to sound, action, bow, etc. so we often are interested in trying out each otheer's instruments.   I always take it back as soon as someone moves to put it down though, and it always goes into the case when I am not holding it.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 12:07 AM

I was kiving on the island of Maui in the late 70's & trying to learn the guitar. At the time I was staying in a laborts Motel, most of us were construction workers from the other islands, so I'd end up practicing across island in Bayan Tree park near to where I hund around. Every once & a while some local would demand that Ilet them play, it was the way they asked that set my off, I'm sure it was cultural & not rude. One twilight an older teen asked if he could give my gitar a try. They way he askrd schocked my & I handed it to him. Right off I was scared, he started retuning ALL the strings. I stopped him & told him if he couldn't tune it back to where it was, I didn't want him playing it at all. He assured me, "no problem at all Bra". He started playing, I neally fell over, it was the 1st time I'd ever heard slack key style playing, he started singing in Hawaiian like I hadn't heard since I came to the islands. This was the real Hawaiian music he said, not the hapa holi (half white stuff they sing for the tourists). A couple Samoaians came by & I was set for a confronation thinking that they were looking for a fight, until they started dancing hula using "talking hands". The kid was only 18, he said that all his family played, danced & sung. I met him a coulpe other times & never thought to record him, a deep regret even to this day. I later realized he came from a family of traditional musicians/singers that were known through out the islands but were just unkown to the rest of the off island non Hawaiian world.

Barry

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Peace
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 12:30 AM

I would let Ron Bankley play it. That's about all.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Cluin
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 01:13 AM

I had been getting signatures from various performers and songwriters on my working axe for years.

One year, I performed a few songs for a telethon gig in a local establishment. These songs were being prerecorded to use as fillers during the night of the telethon a few weeks later. Everyone was so impressed with the sound of my guitar that they wanted to borrow it for the performances they were contributing. In the interest of speeding things up for the recording, which was being done by the local TV station, I said "sure!"

One particularly sweaty-armed player managed to smear out Dougie MacLean, Willie P. Bennett, Garnet Rogers and James Keelaghan.
In hindsight I should have sprayed the signatures with some sort of lacquer as I obtained them.

In frustration, I took a damp rag and obliterated the remaining ones.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 08:05 AM

Bugger!!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 08:08 AM

On the other hand, I was doing support for Martin Carthy at Lymm Folk Club (one of many occasions) and couldn't find my capo, so he lent me his. Okay, a far from unique occurrence, but hey!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 01:03 PM

I was at Staithes for a music event earlier this year.
When we went to the pub for some grub,some of the performers were having a bit of a sing and a chap called "Twilt" who I beleive is a resident performer at the "Twa Dogs" pub in the lake district,
Said here you go and handed me his beloved Martin so I could "Do" a song.
Lovely guitar nice fellow.
The other strangeness was "Dave" from Hartlepool who said here try this one and stuck his Lowden(don?) in me sticky mits.
Then went to the bar for an hour.
Quite a nervous hour on my part.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Melissa
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 03:55 PM

Why did that make you nervous, Tim?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 04:03 PM

It looked expensive and you know how guitar players get about their instruments
Just look at the rest of the thread.
Yup I cant handle responsibility

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Melissa
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 04:17 PM

ha..this thread makes me nervous!

Handing off a guitar is just a show of trust and most people really do want to be trustable.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 04:24 PM

DO you let folks play your guitar Melissa?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Melissa
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 04:31 PM

Yes

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 04:54 PM

I often borrow a guitar in particular Dave Bennet has been known to comment that he doesn't feel he has been at a festival if I have not borrowed a guitar. On the other hand if I have a guitar with me I always lend it to anyone who asks even though sometimes it is nerve wracking - what goes round comes round -

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Rockhen
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 05:56 PM

Thread drift, but....I would say...at least most people ask to borrow your guitars...I have had people use my piano without asking, frequently, balance their drinks on it, (which I take off if I can,)nearly knock it off the stand when they are fooling around as they get up after playing it...
Now, I have a notice fastened to it...suggesting that if they want to use it they at least ask, like they hopefully would do before picking a guitar or other instrument, up. I am happy to let others use it, but if they don't ask, I think it is rude. I wouldn't loan my sax out and I am wary re my accordion as it is a bit more fragile.
Like others, I would politely but firmly stop them playing my piano if they were mistreating it.
I don't consider having too much drink is something to excuse someone being careless. You couldn't use being drunk as an excuse if you crashed your car. Instruments cost money and are also personal to their owners. Most are bought with what is often very hard earned cash and/or are often valued for sentimental reasons, too. My accordion was a cheap one but I would be gutted if it was damaged. I asked a friend to watch it once while I got up and played piano at a music night. They managed to knock a key off it, in one song. They were very upset as they had been tapping their foot in time to the song I played...too near my accordion...(Yes it WAS an accident, lol!) They are still my friend but they are no longer asked to look after it! I was really upset and still feel done when I see the, now-glued key with a big groove in it.
Back to guitars...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 06:10 PM

"I was at Staithes for a music event earlier this year.
When we went to the pub for some grub,some of the performers were having a bit of a sing and a chap called "Twilt" who I beleive is a resident performer at the "Twa Dogs" pub in the lake district,
Said here you go and handed me his beloved Martin so I could "Do" a song.
Lovely guitar nice fellow.
The other strangeness was "Dave" from Hartlepool who said here try this one and stuck his Lowden(don?) in me sticky mits.
Then went to the bar for an hour.
Quite a nervous hour on my part."

Must say you didn't seem nervous Tim - no need really either 'cause Twilt's Martin is only one of those 5 grand jobbies, and Dave's Lowden only worth about a couple. Dave's from Sunderland by the way. Great bunch of folks at Staithes... most of them would share their last meal with you.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 08:14 PM

No-bring your own.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,erinmaidin
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 06:14 AM

When my youngest son was about 3 months old a teenage friend of my daughter's asked to hold him. I showed him how and passed him the child. After five minutes (about the average length of teenage attn. span) I came into the room just in time to see him place the child on the floor...thinking that the child could stand on his own. Near tragedy! Not remembering this warning from the planet...years later I allowed a man, not a stranger and well respected in the music field, borrow my Gibson. Same story...played it....set it on the floor as if it could stand on it's own. Busted a tuning key off of it and never even noticed. children/guitars....need to be protected!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 06:34 AM

Hey I was trying to be polite and not mention Sunderland.
I was worried about the Lowden 'cos he wandered off for so long.
Twilt was guarding his.
as LJ says a great bunch at Staithes as always.
Rockhen you told me that story at least 4 years ago.
Let it go you will feel better.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 08:55 AM

The guest on the 24th was me (hadn't realised that my cookie had gone). The pub guitar does get quite a bit of use. However, I have loaned my Landola out quite a few times too - I'm not bothered about the odd scratch or ding as long as they don't drop it on the stone floor.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 09:20 AM

I would never ever lend anyone my instrument. In my refusal I usually include something along the lines "if you were to accidentally damage it you would never forgive yourself" If that's not the case and they feel that they could easily forgive themselves, then they're not borrowing anyway! :-)

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: meself
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 12:47 PM

Depends on the situation. I've played in a lot of slightly-less-than-genteel places in which the threat of physical harm - to you as well as your guitar - is never far away. In such circumstances, to keep a hard-and-fast rule about lending instruments, letting strangers up on stage, etc., can be unwise - you need to be ready to modify and improvise if you want to get out of the dive and into the van at the end of the night with your pay, your instruments, your gear, and your life.

OTOH, once you've reached A Certain Age, your grey hairs act as a bit of a protective shield, and large, belligerent drunks and their large, belligerent, drunk friends are usually a little more inclined to defer to your moral authority than when you were a callow, whey-faced, beardless youth.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 02:27 PM

And yes I hav elent my guitars out and sat there listening to the sort of sound I would like to be able to make with it myself.
Also lent one out for ayear to guy at work who started having lessons.
That guitar is far better trained than I am.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Charmion
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 03:31 PM

In a group of Mudcatters or similar folks I will happily lend my guitar. However, I have a young cousin who walks wide of me to this day, after I snatched my Peter Cox out of his sticky paws for whanging at it with a quarter instead of a pick.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 10:22 PM

I have done more damage to my guitar than anyone I might lend it to.

Still, I couldn't afford to replace it and I'm too attached to it now (we've been some real strange places together) to risk having it put out of commission. So, no, I generally don't lend it.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 02:31 PM

32 years ago I was wandering around Greenwich Village with my brand spanking new OOOO guitar, made to my specifications by Ivon Schmuckler. I had waited months for him to finish it. I happenened to run into Phil Ochs walking down MacDougal Street with his old friend Jim Glover(of Jim and Jean). Phil was supposed to do this X-rated late night cable TV show, I think it was in the basement of the Cafe Wha, and needed to borrow a guitar. He asked if he could use mine. Christ, it was PHIL OCHS for chrissake! Of course you can, I would be honored. As Phil was walking on stage in the dimly lit room, his foot missed the step, and he appeared to stumble! Do you know that sound? When you miss the step and come down on the next one with a thump? My heart almost stopped. He didn't fall on the instrument. but if he had I probably would have killed him!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 06:08 PM

That was me on the last post, cookie disappeared. Anyway, if someone wants to use my axe while we are sitting around trading tunes or playing together, no problem, but it doesn't get out of my sight!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 05:39 PM

I recently borrowed guitars at gigs,reason:ryan air wanted to charge 60 euros for transporting it.
I would like to thank Swinton folk club,Helen Pitt and also Liam Haywood for lending.
I would like to thank Mary Humphries for lending me a concertina.
http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: masha
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 05:52 PM

One summer day my hubby and I were playing in our local session here in Northern California. The session was held in a bar on Highway 49, a favorite route for all kinds of tourists. Well, into the bar walks this big - and I mean BIG - biker, all clad in leathers and chains, a bandanna tied around his shaved head. He stood listening as we finished a tune, then walked up to my husband, and in a deep, gruff voice said, "Can I try?" My husband, sweet, gentle, generous man that he is, said, "Sure", and handed over his very lovely fiddle & bow. The biker took them in his huge, gnarled hands, looked them over, then tucked the fiddle under his chin, and proceeded to play one of the sweetest, prettiest renditions of "Danny Boy" that you could ever hope to hear. When he finished, we cheered, asked him to play something else, and he gave us a very nice Scottish tune. As he handed the fiddle back, he said, sheepishly, "My mom made me practice."

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: astro
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 08:41 PM

I'm new at playing mandolin, so when I go out and someone wants to play my instrument (a pretty Collings MT-2), I let them figuring that if they screw it up it'll give me a chance to buy a new instrument. It'll probably be my clumsy self who will screw up my instrument...astro

I suppose that as I get better and I buy a great instrument, I may change my attitude...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 10:21 PM

I think you can be as nervous watching a cheapo as a very expensive instrument in someone elses hands.
Point is it yours and you should love it even ,if like my guitars, they are fickle and sound better for the stranger than they ever do for me.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 04:22 PM

I ws at a 'Tiunes' Session at Grove (W H F F ) and playing the mandolin in a tune - Guy walks and points at my Martin D35 (Owned by me from New) . I sad " If you want to play a D35 , you should buy your own" -Guy said OK , walked out , came back in withhis guitar case and took out a D35 ! I felt JUST a tad foolish , but he obviously knew what I meant !

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 08:07 PM

Need a plumber but can't aford one and you need a special spanner Why nor start a thread can I borrow your spanners.Car needs servicing why not start a thread can I borrow your garage. If yor right handed why not ask to borrow a left handed joiners saw.

It's not the cost of the instrument the fact is that it has become very special to its owner. If it upsets you that you can't borrow it go down the loacal snooker hall and try and borrow a profesional players cue.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 11:37 AM

well I think it depends,if you know the person,and you know they are not irresponsible no problem.
for example if I was at maidenhead folk club,and leadfingers wanted to borrow MY guitar [no problem],or if Tony o Neill wanted to borrow my concertina no problem.
If someone was stoiciously drunk,or a complete stranger and not sober then no.
Sean Cannon always used to borrow guitars when he was guesting,and therewas never any problems.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 01:35 PM

I hope you left Liam Haywood's Guitar Tuned to open D Captain Birdseye. Oh and don't forget Liam Haywood is now entitled to borrow your instruments.

I also hope you will be there to explain to every drunk why he or she can't borrow a guitar when someone else has just borrowed it! What are you going to do when they ask who is going to stop them.

The rest of us just have to explain that we don't want Lead poisoning or suffer from an anaphylactic reaction to Fish Fingers.

Far better to cut down on your carbon foot print and take the ferry bringing your instrument with you.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 04:11 PM

Tyke, I left it as I found it.
dont tell me how to travel.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 08:22 PM

I'm sorry Captain Birdeye I didn't realize you had such an aversion to traveling by Sea.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 05:26 AM

very droll,I dont, however I find the journey by coach and ferry,too tiring.
I find that I can perform better,not having to put myself through that endurance test.I am paid to give a professional performance,so I choose to cut down my travelling time,and travel by plane,perhaps Ishould change my name to Biggles.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Musket
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 06:12 AM

I had (still have I think, but my son nicked it and took it to university...) a guitar that was a pig to get or retain in tune. Being still a teenager at the time, I carried on, (the guitar is out of tune, guess I will have to sing out of tune...)

Then I lent my guitar to a bloke at a festival singaround. His mate was trying to get past him whilst he was introducing his song, tripped and the best part of three pints of stones best bitter managed to find the hole in the guitar.

I kid you not, that guitar has been brilliant since. I assume a bit of warping of the untreated trusses inside the belly pulled things in the correct direction.

Beer hasn't improved the singing though, despite regular attempts...

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 07:15 AM

I'd be happy to lend the Washboard of Mass Destruction, (though not to those waving firelighters and matches) or the spoons, noone would want to borrow the kazoo after seeing where it's been! I'm always amazed at the generosity of my Greek friend who puts out guitars for customers to play, even his beloved 12-string.


RtS

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Jon Nix
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 12:30 PM

Actually, I'm happy to lend my (not too pricey) guitars to anyone who can play a bit.
This is because I love to hear them played from "in front". They always sound so different when playing them yourself (from behind).

The other factor is that many of my acquaintances can play much better than me!

Jon

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Gulliver
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 04:44 PM

I'm happy to say I've had my Lowden battered about in the hands of strangers all over Europe for the past 20 years and it's still going strong. A few scratches, but I can live with that - gives it character. Look at Willy Nelson's!

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:21 AM

" and the best part of three pints of stones best bitter managed to find the hole in the guitar.

I kid you not, that guitar has been brilliant since."


Lucky for you the beer wasn't flat.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 10:51 AM

Here's something that everyone should be told when they buy a guitar.

A pick or a human fingernail is harder than the top of the guitar. Not something you would expect is it?

Therefore, if a person is using a pick or if his style is so dynamic that his fingernails fly off the strings and into the top, then the guitar needs a pick guard or other protection.

As for Willie Nelson, I despise the sight of his poor, mutilated guitar. I think it's just a publicity gimmick.

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Greg B
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 12:51 PM

"noone would want to borrow the kazoo after seeing where it's been"

Band camp?

Subject: RE: Can I borrow a guitar?
From: Tyke
Date: 03 Dec 08 - 10:22 PM

Check out how much anguish the loss off Dick Miles best instrument in a fire has caused him. Then, just think how you should be feeling if you borrowed and then damaged an instrument. Insurance! Any instrument is not just an instrument! Money is not the answer even if you could get insurance that covered the loan or loaning of it.
dick miles concertina