Dad3353

Having been a 'pro' player (drums...) for many years, then semi-pro for a few more, I'm currently, and only just, holding down my place in our band, but will soon (When..? Dunno..!) have to give it up altogether as rigor mortis sets in. So it evolves over time; what's true today will not be shortly. I nevertheless chose, optimistically, Hobbyist/Week-end Warrior (although pacifist by nature...).

There are fewer now, but in the '60s and '70s, every French village had a dance night, especially during the long summer season. The standard timing was 21h00 till 02h00, with no break, in either the town 'salle de fêtes' or a marquee in the town square. Weddings could go on for longer; much longer (dusk till dawn and beyond on occasion...). I played these for many years, drumming (or, very occasionally, bass...), with a very varied repertoire (hence the name 'variety orchestra'. It built stamina.

There is a flaw in your logic.

We're all different. I don't need (or use...) an amp or cab for practising guitar or bass, just the instrument, and I've got several of each, so... And I'm long past 'practising' drums; I did all that decades ago. I just listen to the track that needs learning, then go and play it. S'what comes of being old, I suppose. It's true I wouldn't leave my stuff unattended in the village square for weeks on end, but other than that, I've never had a problem with stuff being nicked. S'what comes of having unpopular gear, maybe..? The bass amp and cab that we use most have enough mass between 'em to bring the Moon quite a lot closer, so no-one is going to be 'lifting' them and legging it..! In all the festivals I've helped organise and/or played at, I've never once come across a case of stuff 'going missing'. Just lucky..? Perhaps, or folks where we live are less on the look-out for committing larceny.

The band I play in is called 'The Daub'z', as we used to rehearse in an outhouse at 'La Daubellière', our singer's parents home. All our gear was permanently set up there. Our Eldest was also guitar with Kiemsa for several years; they too would rehearse there, using our gear, simply by commodity. I play drums 'lefty', so Daniel (their drummer...) would switch the elements over, and I'd switch 'em back when we were there. No carting gear around, everything set up for a quick start; why would one not, as long as the place is clean and secure..? The parents sold the place; we now rehearse here, at home; our second guitar has his Marshall stack all ready to go when we play here. Suits us all just fine.

Maybe so (and I've had my share...) but principles are principles, and I've a strong streak of stubborn in my DNA. Doing what one holds to be right and proper is the goal, whatever the quirks and foibles of some (not that many, either, when all is added up...). To each his/her own, though.

And there were I, trying to be diplomatic..!

For my part, I need no further information to have an opinion as, with the issue as related, the value has no bearing, nor the reasons for the loan request. It's just a question, to me, of simple principles and one's generosity, that's all. It might change things if there was some kind of form; if Pete Townsend asked to borrow my Hiwatt I'd maybe be more reticent.

Pure speculation. Maybe it's being repaired..? Maybe it's bben lent to yet another friend..? Maybe it's an acoustic bass, or one of those Ashbury things..? Maybe it's a (Shock..! Horror..!) Rickenbacker, and so useless for Blues..? It's of little matter in the story related by the OP; the case has come up and opinion asked for. The rest is just fantasy.

By definition 'choosing' infers more than one possibility, Shirley..?

(... and maybe even gained a few Karma points..! )

Lucky ol' Jason..! Happy birthday, wishing him many happy returns of the day.

It's not something to be spread around too much, but since you asked... Shh..! Not so loud..! Walls have ears..!

Good afternoon, Bob , and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share.

I abandoned long ago the idea that others might have the same standards as those I set myself, and am thus rarely disappointed, but on occasion pleasantly surprised. I'm more of a 'glass half full' mentality, generally.

From the OP... "...it was okay to use it within the practice room if he wished, to save him lugging his own bass down..." (My Bold...) ... so he does have gear, but maybe less well adapted for the gig taken on. 'Snot much use being friends if one can't accept a bit of a hand now and again. If things were reversed, how many here would never consider asking a friend for the loan of something..? Seems an odd way of living to me, but 'To each his own', I suppose. I'm much less of a materialist, it would seem. It's only gear; friendships are of far more value, in my eyes, and couldn't be spoiled by a simple pecuniary loss. Still, whatever...

It's difficult to get bad sounds out of a Hiwatt amp. Less is more...

Good morning, Alex , and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share.

Good evening, JMT, and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share.

BL = Band Leader

I'd lend 'em the gear and be glad for them for getting a gig. What's rankling with you here..? I can't see the problem. Am being too naive (hard to imagine ..!)..?