Do you let other people play your bass(es) ?

[josie]

I'm amazed at the number of bass players I've seen who, when I've approached them after the gig asking just for a closer admiring look at their bass, have handed it to me to try out. (They do usually ask first whether I play myself.) I've been allowed to noodle briefly on instruments I could never dream of owning. Otoh I know many musicians who will never let anyone else even touch their gear.

I'm happy to hand mine over briefly to anyone I trust to respect them (I get a buzz out of having them admired ) , but not just to any random punter.

Interested to know how others feel about this.

Edited October 2, 2016 by josie

[WalMan]

A random punter? Not a chance.

Last pisshead who came up asking if his mate could play my guitar - to play the guitar part to I forget what - was told 'no' a number of times, and eventually something rather more blunt

[RhysP]

Friends yes, random strangers absolutely not.

[ambient]

No.

You never know when they last washed their hands.

Edited October 2, 2016 by ambient

[Pinball]

I like hearing other people playing my bass gear. In fact I have learned a lot that way.
I wouldn't just let anyone play it though, it has to be people who I respect.

[Cat Burrito]

I don't mind normally but the drunken punter grabbing strings mid song on Friday was a step too far.

[ahpook]

[quote name='josie' timestamp='1475442920' post='3145995']
I'm happy to hand mine over briefly to anyone I trust to respect them (I get a buzz out of having them admired ) , but not just to any random punter.
[/quote]

But to those people who have let you have a go on their bass at a gig...you're the random punter.

YMMV but I'd feel odd taking a indulgence that I wasn't prepared to extend myself.

[vmaxblues]

Friends and fellow bass players I know, no problem.. random numpties not a chance

[FinnDave]

I don't let people play my bass, nor would I ask for a go on theirs unless they trying to sell it to me.

[molan]

All the time. Maybe I'm just too trusting, lol

[12stringbassist]

I host a jam night and take a bass for myself and one for the mortals.
Tonight I let two guys I know play a Rickenbacker - but only because I know them very well.
Random people get the Squier.

Edited October 2, 2016 by 12stringbassist

[Cato]

I wouldn't let the drunk guy in the pub have a go, but if someone I knew was another bass player (as opposed to the drunk guy who tells you he can play bass) asked, I wouldn't give it a second thought before handing it over.

Mind you, neither of my basses are particularly expensive.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Cato

[itsmedunc]

It doesn't usually happen but I have done. I play a JV Precision and a couple of lads have asked if it was a JV. Those lads I've offered them a play on it when they have asked. They must have known their stuff and so worthy of trust in my opinion...

[alyctes]

One of my guitarists picks stuff up and plays it. I'm going to have to say Don't to him soon, before I say F*** OFF.

[neepheid]

Have done it before with people I have decided are trustworthy. Randoms can do one.

[chris_b]

Never.

No one touches my bass and I never lend my back line. They are the tools for my job and represent a substantial investment on my part.

This is one rule that is fixed in stone.

[Pinball]

Bass Bashes would be a bit boring if you weren't able to play them

[Roland Rock]

I suppose like most others, it depends on the person. If they are polite and sober, why not?

[Bilbo]

Happy to let people play it. It's a plank of wood.

[SpondonBassed]

I have no objection in principle. Like yourself, I'd have reservations but for the most part I enjoy sharing the experience and getting to try instruments that I may never actually own for myself. At the double bass bash yesterday for instance, I got to try some proper bass fiddles (sorry Owen, heeheehee). Of course, a level of competence is expected at a bass bash but from what you've said you wouldn't be expecting to give the great unwashed in general a go.

[Japhet]

Not a problem unless there is an obvious reason why not.

[leschirons]

The groom at a wedding we played, came and picked up my spare bass to "air guitar" to a Quo number he'd requested. Despite being slightly hammered, he did ask if I minded. Difficult one really as he's the guy who's spending a lot of money on you and there are 50 guest's cameras pointing at the two of you.

I said okay but if you drop it or scratch it, you buy it for £2,000. The wad of notes he took out of his pocket confirmed he could have so I let him have his moment although I wasn't happy about being put in that position. A random pub punter is no problem to refuse but it's a little different when it's the bridegroom and you want repeat work at the venue.

Forgot to mention, with other musos, no problem handing them an instrument.

Edited October 3, 2016 by leschirons

[markstuk]

If they're sober, sensible, a bass player and don't have scratchy bits on their clothing then sure...

[PaulWarning]

one of the few advantages with being cack handed, I've been asked and when I say "you're left handed too then" they scratch their heads and wander off

[lowdown]

Not really a problem for me.
With my high action they usually hand it straight back.