Lending instruments especially in Pubs

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,Allen Woodpecker
Date: 30 May 03 - 12:53 PM

If some one asks if they can play my (Seamus O'Kane) bodhran, I always reply with "I don't know. Can you?". If they can, they're more than welcome, but if they start slapping it with their hands, etc, I just take it back. I once asked a guy in a sesh if I could borrow his flute for a tune. He gave it to me, and I was playing something and the second time through the tune, he started saying things to me like "Stop hogging it", "Come on you've had enough", etc. As I played the first bars of the second part for the last time (i.e. nearly finished), he grabbed it out of my hands and said "Right, that's enough. You don't have to play it all night". I was so stunned I just sat there looking at him, until one of the other blokes there told him that was out of order and would he please leave, which he did.   Later discovered this guy is a serial a**hole. Why can't we all just get along??
a.w.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,M'Grath of Altcar
Date: 30 May 03 - 01:56 PM

I ask for car keys as a deposit.

Or front teeth.

My Martin is played by family only.

And I don't care if people are offended by this

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 11:50 AM

I'm thinking it's time to refresh this thread for quite a few reasons. The main one is that all the scratches and knocks have been removed from my twenty year old Gurian. I've even bought it a new Hiscox case to try and keep it that way. So any future knocks and scratches, although I would hate to have any will in future hopefully be mine. Russ down at Hobgoblin, in Leeds in the UK, has done a great job on a complete refurbishment on my JMD1887. Now this refurbishment cost more that most people would pay for a new Guitar so if you are an itinerant Guitar borrower who is only impressed by money go here. However even if you ask and you are willing hand over the cash as a deposit and drinks all round the answer is still NO!
It's also NO! To my other Guitars! As Musical instruments to me and others are a very personal thing. I get very attached to my Guitars; I do not like to hand them over to others to play ether. If you are musician who is of the same mind, we should meet in a session, I will support your right to refuse the requests of these would be borrowers. If you are not a musician you should also support the right of refusal even if you think the borrower is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I already know that if you were or are the best thing since sliced bread you would not have asked.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 02:00 PM

When Kendall and I go to the UK to visit he does not bring either his Taylor or his 12 string due to the baggage restrictions and the propensity of baggage handlers to destroy any musical instrument placed in their tender care.

We have been lucky in that someone either lends Kendall a spare guitar for the whole of his time in the UK or, when we go to sessions, someone is happy to let him use an instrument. In turn, we have lent guitars to Uk'ers at the Getaway.

I can see why a lot of musicians would not like to lend their machines. However, there can be genuine reasons why a musician has not got an instrument with them at any particular time. It all comes down to circumstances, I suppose.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 02:30 PM

"If anyone wanted to "borrow" my wife for a few minutes, they'd get a rude answer..................".

You have tied right into my response when asked by someone I do't know, or don't trust.

With the friendliest smile I can manage I say "Would YOU lend ME your girlfriend?"

My guitar is a part of me, and although I will lend it to people I trust, I'm never really happy until it's safely back in my hands.

The one thing that is guaranteed to get me royally p****d off is for anyone to pick up my guitar without asking. As far as I am concerned this is an absolute no-no, and something I have never done.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 03:35 PM

Don was that the smile with or without the front teeth? I have seen you lend your Framus to Billy - a rash thing but he does make nice music!

I would let Brian Rodgers play anything (preferably if it has Elixirs on as he does have acid finger) just to hear it played.

Subject as aforesaid: -

Anyone can play the Morris, or the Framus 12, or the no-brand 12 (when I have fixed it).

Most people I know can play the Mugen, or the early ladder-frame Hagstrom, or Simon's Yamaha 12.

A few can play the Martin OM1 or the latest Hagstrom

Almost no-one gets to play Jacqui's Hagstrom, but I made an exception for Martin Carthy.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 04:18 PM

I let someone play my wooden flute in a session. What I hadn't realised was that the person who played it was a heavy smoker. It took weeks to get rid of the smell. Never again!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 04:45 PM

I very rarely refuse anyone a go on my instruments. To refuse, I've got to be really fearful for there safety and that's probably only happened a couple of times. More usualy, I just keep a careful watch if concerned.

Borrowing instruments has halped me along the way, including trying instruments I've never even played before in pubs, and I try to be the same way with others.

Overall I suppose I could also say that the chance of someone finding interest or pleasure in one of my instruments is more precious to me than the instruments themselves (and no, I couldn't afford to jut go out and repair or replace a couple of them).

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Anne Lister
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 05:16 PM

My line has been for years that I don't even let my teddy bear touch my guitar (you can tell I work a lot in schools, huh?). I do, however, let people who I know play professionally play my beautiful Ralph Bown koa 0028 Martin look-a-like, on condition they give it back (which many of them are tempted not to do). But never if they're drunk. I bought a nice little Takamine once, thinking it would do for occasions when I was not playing music as the main reason for being somewhere (ie running a storytelling workshop) but the trouble is I just love my Bown guitar ..*sigh*.
I have twice had people help themselves to a go on it - I'm informed by many witnesses that they saw steam issuing from both ears and fire coming from my mouth but I don't think I've caused any actual bodily harm to anyone yet. Been a close run thing, though.

Anne Lister

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 05:30 PM

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.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 08:00 PM

"Don was that the smile with or without the front teeth? I have seen you lend your Framus to Billy - a rash thing but he does make nice music!"

Hi Richard,

Wivout teef is the only one I have right now, tho' that should change later in the year. The sight of the two canines with nothing between (a la Dracula) does seem to discourage argument.

Re Billy, that was a mistake I made just twice. The second time he was rat arsed, and I grabbed the instrument back in mid song when he swung the headstock into the table edge. No damage, fortunately, but he'll never get another chance.

The aforementioned Brian Rogers is the one person who could pick it up without asking, and not be told off, but then it's his skill in setting it up that made it the fine instrument it is today.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 09:41 PM

Well yes I know baggage handlers have an allegedly a bad reputation. I'm also sure Kendal appreciates friends lending him a Guitar for his whole visit to the UK. But that is a bit different to some stranger asking to borrow and instrument in a session in a pub.

I'm not having a getting at you however just I just wanted to point out that buying a Guitar in the States has in the past been considerably cheaper then in the UK. So if I were going to the States I would take an Empty Strong but Old Guitar Case with me. I would bring back the case to the UK with a Guitar in it for my own use naturally, and not for resale, to remind me of the friends I had met across the pond. Why use an Old Battered but Strong Case well we wouldn't want the to distract the customs officers away from looking for drugs and to start looking for Guitars to slap on import duty especially if you returned to the States with an Empty Case or no case at all.

Check out the prices in the UK apparently its not just Guitars that are cheaper in the USA. I could be worth your while. Even if prices are the same due to exchange rates you will have 50% less risk of damage on your flight if it's a one way trip for the Guitar.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 07:35 AM

Tyke - we're over quite a lot and with a fair amount of luggage. (Goodies for my family in the UK mostly). An extra piece of luggage in the form of a guitar would be inconvenient at the best of times.

Kendall works on a quid pro quo - his 12 string was lent to El Greko at last year's Getaway and my Martin to KT from Alaska. Kendall would never use someone else's guitar without asking though, that just isn't done!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 12:40 PM

Drat! I've tipped off the customs and excise for nothing. Just have a safe journey and a good holiday that's the main thing.
Tyke

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 12:54 PM

Jacqui - different scenario when you know the borrower (helps if you happen to like him/her too!). As you know, I'm happy to let Kendall play my guitar any time, because I know and trust him. Similarly Sooz's husband Mike, or several others (some of them also 'Catters) whom I know and respect.

I started this thread really because I was horrified by the ignorance of a twerp in a pub who just assumed that 'No' meant 'Yes' and that, because my guitar was lying on a seat, it was available for her to abuse. She learned the hard way!

All the best Jacqui, hope you can both make it our way next time you're over here.

John
S:0)

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 09:13 AM

John - I'll be based in Newark this time - childminding my grandson while Mum works. Hopefully I should be able to make Gainsborough this go round.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 09:15 AM

Hope so Jacqui. Look forward to seeing (and hearing) you (and Kendall too!)
S:0)

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 12:45 PM

I'll be on my own this time - we got Kendall out of Maine once this year but any more than that would be a miracle!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Scrump
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 05:48 AM

From: Don(Wyziwyg)T - PM

"If anyone wanted to "borrow" my wife for a few minutes, they'd get a rude answer..................".

You have tied right into my response when asked by someone I do't know, or don't trust.

With the friendliest smile I can manage I say "Would YOU lend ME your girlfriend?"
----------------------
Ooerr, not a good move. I once said that and the guy said "OK, it's a fair swap!" You should have seen her - she must've weighed 28 stone if she weighed an ounce, with a face like the back end of a tram :)

Just kidding :)

If asked to lend my guitar I just say, politely but firmly: "Sorry, but I once lent my guitar to a stranger and it got wrecked. I had to spend £200 to get it fixed. So now my policy is never to lend my instruments to anyone else, no exceptions". That seems to work. Even if it's not true, you could try that - the would-be borrower isn't to know ;-)

Of course, if I know the person already and know they can play (e.g. if they turned up straight from working late, without their own guitar) I'll happily oblige, as I know they'd do the same for me.

If I turn up at a folk club as a stranger myself and am asked to do a song, if anyone offers to lend me an instrument I'll borrow it of course, and I'll take care not to play it too roughly and cause them any alarm, even if I have to subdue my own performance somewhat to match. Otherwise, I'll just sing a song unaccompanied. I did that recently with a song I'd never sung unaccompanied before, and it was interesting adapting it on the fly, to avoid the instrumental bits between verses. It went down OK though. It may even have added to the performance in some way as the audience were able to focus on the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 03:49 AM

Tyke I would never ask to borrow your guitar - I remember in Robin Hoods Bay when I was looking after it during one of your little boys breaks and Les and Maggie hid it - good job St johns ambulance were at hand!!!

seriously though it was the problems of 'borrowing' that set up my 'have a go' workshop - if you can play then you usually have your own and dont need to borrow ( or other people will offer to lend without asking because they know you can play)
Children and non instrumentalists on the other hand often are desperate to try out an instrument. Some musicians look down their noses at some of the instruments I have which have been bought or donated with the aim of letting people 'try before they buy'but I am doing my bit to encourage people to have their own and if the instruments were Martins etc that had cost me an arm and a leg I doubt if I would be lending them out!

The only half decent instrument I let people have go on is my appalacian dulcimer mostly because people dont know what it is and I am trying to increase the numbers of people playing it so I am not the only one taking up room in a session!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 09:27 PM

In one late night session in Girvan, I renamed my guitar the "communal instrument" as I think about 6 different people played it. If they can all play guitar, why don't they bring their own? As it happens, they all treated it with respect, and they all used different styles which made the one instrument sound like 6 different ones. It doesn't have a scratch plate and I use light strings so my main worry (apart from it getting dropped or bashed) is the "big strum" guys who thrash the casing in their "follow-through" and break the strings.
Oh........... and on another subject, am I the only person in the world who carries spare strings or am I just soft? I seem to be forever giving them away to people who have broken one, and I never get any back - even the cheaper ones are now over a £ a string!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 09:53 PM

In one late night session in Girvan, I renamed my guitar the "communal instrument" as I think about 6 different people played it. If they can all play guitar, why don't they bring their own?

Did they have other instruments? I'd usualy take a tenor banjo with me to a session but if a session went on late and turned (I tend to go to mostly instrumental) to singing, I could well ask to borrow a guitar for a song.

I've not brought a guitar to some events as apart from extra carrying, the space extra guitars if everyone that could play one brought one would be a nuisance.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GerryMc
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 06:16 AM

I once lent my guitar to a fine singer and player who respected the instrument, treated it well and put on a damn fine performance. I then put the instrument back in its case where it remained till the following Wednesday (this was a Saturday).

When I took the guitar out of its case to do me two numbers at the folk club, the guitar sounded as if the strings had been on for several months. I should have known better as Smurf has borrowed my guitars in the past and wiped out a set of new strings in just one song.

If the fine singer who I mentioned earlier ever becomes famous (which he might), I shall sell the story of his acid fingers to The Sun for a six-figure sum.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 07:26 AM

You can buy a plastic 'earthenware pot sealer' in a spray can - squirt his fingers with that, and it will keep the moisture and oils off the strings... :-)

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Mooh
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 08:30 AM

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: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 04:46 PM

Guest, Jon: most of them didn't have ANY instruments with them: one had a bouzouki. Have to confess to asking for a borrow last Saturday night, when we had just come out of concert and went on to a session which was due to finish very shortly. My guitar was 15mins walk away in my car, so we decided to just go straight to the sesh. I wasn't the first to borrow same guitar, and the owner seemed happy enough to lend it. Don't think I have the rusty finger problem either.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 08:01 AM

My reasons for adding to this thread and bring it back to your attention are due to a conversation I had with a Mudcater recently. I am not going to identify the person or the instrument because this person was too frightened to say no I'm sorry I do not lend out my instrument to this borrower of musical instruments.

Was this persistent borrower a stranger a drunk in a public house?

NO!
It was a Mudcater!

Shame on you for asking in the first place and even more Shame for frightening and bulling someone into lending out their instrument.

So please will all decent Mudcaters, Non Members and session organizers please help to put these Bully's in their place.

Suggestions welcomed on how to deal with these people when you see it happening.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 08:57 AM

I have a new format for refusing, I just say "Sorry but it's only insured for me"
Will lend it to certain people in certain circumstances, apart from that someone would need to pay a deposit of about £2000, before they get their mitts on my guitar.
G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: kendall
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 09:22 AM

I'll lend my guitar to anyone if I know them, but a drunk in a pub? No way.
My instruments are insured, but it's only money and neither of these guitars could be replaced for any amount

For someone to just grab my guitar without asking would be almost as dangerous if he groped my wife.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:22 PM

Well, as a sometimes visitor from the States, it's not feasible for me to bring a guitar over (I do bring a banjeurine that fits in an overhead luggage rack.)If I'm asked to sing in a pub, I've been lucky enough to have folks lend me their instruments.
    I find that flatly stating that I don't use pick nor fingerpicks seems to alleviate at least some trepidations.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 01:56 PM

The decision to lend or not to lend is up to the individual and yes there are certain circumstances when, as with Dick Greenhaus, you are unable to bring your own instrument. Prior arrangements can be made to help out and lend instruments in special circumstances.

I have myself stepped forward and lent people my Guitar when the need has arisen, as for an example a Guest on stage breaking a string. But this is not about prior arrangements or making sure a concert Guest can give his or her best.

This is about anyone who thinks that putting people on the spot to insist that they have the right to borrow anyone else's instrument. But when other so called musicians who should know better use tactics that make people too frightened to say no It has to be wrong and even more wrong when they purport to be member of the Mudcat. In this case the repeat offender has been told time and time again ether directly or by the use of this thread for the past 4 years. Drunkards can at lease be given the benefit of their ignorance but how do you say no to them when they have seen instruments being lent out wily nily.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:59 PM

Tyke ,it all depends on the situation ,im sure if I was guesting in a club and a spring broke on my concertina,a concertinist would lend me their concertina .If someone Iknew,like Lou Killen,Damien Barber , Keith Kendrick,Alistair Anderson,Roy Clinging,asked the answer would be yes,because I could trust them.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Bert
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 03:47 PM

I don't have a problem lending my guitar, it wasn't too expensive.

Trouble is the buggers always make it sound better!!!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 04:57 PM

Well, I was without my fiddle at Sharp House in London. We'd been tramping all over doing the tourist thing and I didn't want to carry her all day. Tom Paley offered me his fiddle. I had already borrowed one tho.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Greg B
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 05:18 PM

At Sharps, someone volunteered his Castagnari Tommy for my
use, nearly out of the blue.

I was truly touched by that gesture.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 06:10 PM

I'm just guessing here Captain Birdseye, I don't play a concertina, but I would like to bet that you have your Concertina set up just the way you like it. I'm sure you would lend out your concertina to someone in an emergency. Even though there playing style might conflict with your own and the possible excess strain on its springs could make an early service necessary. Then there is the chance of the grunge that seems to poor out from some people's fingers making at best a mess of your buttons. Yes and you, I we would still lend instruments out in case of and emergency.

But what we have here is someone feeling bullied into lending out an instrument. Well I just don't see that as right! My view is that the borrower is showing little respect towards the person who they are subjecting this abuse. Goodness knows just what respect they are showing towards the borrowed instrument.

Saying no has little to do with the cost of the instrument. It's about people's relationships with there instruments. Please can we all help and stand up for peoples right to say no!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 06:57 PM

You know, I just realized that this hasn't happened for a while. It did when I was young and innocent looking.
Here's one though.
A friend of mine owned The Red Lion in Powell river & I did a few gigs for him. The town is full of old Pipe Band members and there are some fine Pipers and Drummers there.
During the break, I lent my Banjo to a drummer who sat and played various, intricate rhythm patterns on it for about twenty minutes.
Best the damn thing has ever sounded.
Makes a marvelous bat as well.
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Tyke
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 07:14 PM

Suport the right of banjo players to say NO! But don't tell them I said so!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Rockhen
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 07:33 PM

I know most people are discussing guitars and similar instruments but I often take my piano (yep, a nasty tinkly thing, lol!) to music nights. It is not that heavy but, with the case is damned awkward to lug in and out. I have some great mates who always help if they are there but sometimes have to manage it, the stand, my accordion, etc, which is a bit of a pain. I don't mind people using my piano,(it is an electric creature with less personality than other instruments, I own, ) if they ask, but I do mind people just getting up, playing it, without asking, then sitting down, and...then watching me struggling to carry it out at the end of the night, without offering to give a hand, or at least saying thanks. People wouldn't go and help themselves to someone's guitar without asking, well not usually, anyway! As for my accordion, no one ever asked to borrow it, (ok ok accordion jokes..........!)but I think I would feel very uncomfortable and not happy about lending it out unless I knew the person well and that they would play it carefully. It is fairly fragile and would not stand up to being knocked. Someone once asked to borrow my saxophone, yeuckkk! I made the excuse that I had a bad cold, (I didn't) and said, no. Some people are really thick skinned and oblivious to reading vibes. I wouldn't dream of asking to borrow that sort of instrument, bleughhhhh!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Bernard
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 07:42 PM

As Dick mentioned above, it's not easy for him to bring an instrument to the UK. I'm one of the people who has lent him a guitar to play on such occasions.

The instrument I usually have with me is a cheap (but adequate) Yamaha F340 which, as others have already suggested, is one I'm not particularly attached to, but I would rather not see it trashed.

I'm not in the habit of lending my better guitars out, though Dick knows he'd be an exception to that 'rule'... and not many people share that distinction.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Gulliver
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:35 PM

I'll lend my guitar (Lowden, expensive) or banjo to anyone who can stand up straight. It's got a few scratches as a result, but what the hell... Gives it a bit of character, and doesn't affect the sound.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: rock chick
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:07 PM

I loaned mine out once and had to stop the guy half way through as he was truly abusing it, I had no problem walking ( very quickly) up to him and retrieving it back pronto. I now will only lend it to someone I know, all the rest will get a very polite no. If they want to play then they should bring their own instruments, it a bit like asking if they can borrow your partner!!! And well we know what our answers would be then, well I do anyway. ;-)

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:57 PM

I will let anyone, at any gig (except festival shows where I don't feel that the option is mine to grant)come up and sing or play - but they will have their own instrument or be accompanied by me and my guitar. Simple; plain; and, across-the-board. I cannot accurately gauge a strangers emotional and/or physical state in a pub situation -and I shouldn't have to - therefore, no one uses my guitars, period. God, I'm stingy; but my guitars all work just fine. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Grab
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:02 AM

No problems lending anything of mine to anyone who's fairly sober. Drunks get refused politely. But I *do* choose instruments to suit environment. If I'm going to be in a tightly-packed session where there's a significant risk of things getting bashed, I'll probably bring my steel-body resonator, on the grounds that anything it collides with is likely to come off worse (including chairs, tables, the floor, other musicians... ;-)

Graham.

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Anne Lister
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:15 AM

I once made the mistake of lending my (custom built Ralph Bown) guitar to someone who seemed like a nice chap. He then proceeded to thrash it in "accompaniment" to a song as if it was a piece of chipboard. Everyone around stood with their mouths open in disbelief. Luckily (and it was luck) the guitar was undamaged, but that's the last time I have considered lending the guitar to anyone whose musicianship I didn't know and trust.
I've also been in situations where I've made an effort to take my guitar with me to another country and met people who fancy having a go on it ...the stock line from them is "but it's so hard to travel with a guitar", as if I didn't know! And no, I don't lend the guitar to them and always feel hard-hearted.
In theory I have a less wonderful guitar (a nice little Takamine) for this sort of thing. In practice I prefer to play my Bown!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 03:14 PM

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 03:23 PM

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 03:29 PM

I didn't mean to post anything. The first time, I just moved the mouse and accidentally clicked the submit button. Then I managed to do it again. Now that I'm here, I might as well join in the discussion.

There's nothing I like more than hearing someone else produce good music from one of my instruments. I did lend my guitar to someone who took it across the room and left it leaning it up against a post. When it came crashing to the floor, I retrieved it immediately and fortunately there was no harm done. Now I make sure that my instruments stay close - that way I can keep an eye on them and get to enjoy what's being played.

DC

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Gulliver
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:11 PM

Hiya Doug--thanks for lending me your prized mandolin in Germany!

Subject: RE: Lending instruments especially in Pubs
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:34 PM

Now there's a good example. Without Don playing my mandolin, it wouldn't have been half as much fun for me playing the fiddle.

DC