When A Stranger Asks to Play Your Guitar

[6L6]

I offer my friends the opportunity to play my guitars and they do the same back to me.

But for strangers, I just don't do it. I usually say something to the effect of, "I used to do that, but due to an unfortunate incident I no longer do."

That works.

Bill

 

[evenkeel]

I was playing at a open mic in St. Pete a few years back, came off the stage and was packing my guitar up. Next to me was the bar owner and a musician having a conversation. The guy was asking about booking gigs, the bar owner said get your guitar and I'll give you a listen. The musician said I just stopped by, did not know about the open mic and didn't bring my guitar. I offered him my J45, the guy went up a few minutes later and got himself a gig. The other musicians (and the bar owner) thought I was nuts, but it all worked out fine.

 

[Scratch]

Friends I know and trust: OK here.

Strangers: No

Case in point: A couple years ago, I was playing the F212c (mint; hard to find; special) at a friend's home with a picker friend. I let him play the Guild, of course, as he was known for taking care of his instruments. After playing, we put our guitars in their cases and left them in a corner of the host's living room as we went to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat.

There were probably 40 folks there that evening at the work-related get-together including a couple of youger fellas who evidently also played guitar. Friend, Andy, mentioned he heard guitars being played in the other room... We went to investigate, and these two guys had removed his Martin D28 and the F212c from their cases and were sitting on the couch jamming to their girl friends. Andy and I immediately approached them and took possession of our guitars. The two culprits didn't even apologize; chapped my hyde to say the least...

 

[dapmdave]

I have no problem letting friends and acquaintences play my guitars in my presence. But I'm not comfortable loaning them out, and really have rarely been asked.

Dave

 

[Steelpickin']

If a stranger asks to play one of my guitars I try and size him up quickly. If they can talk the talk, I'll usually let them as long as they are sober. If its at a gig and its someone I or the band do not know,I have no problem telling them no. I actually had one
drunk start to argue with me when I refused ...he could hardly stand up !!..and then he grabed my favorite Tele!!! :shock:
Lets just say that was a big mistake :twisted: normally I encourage all players to check out all of my instruments regardless of how much they cost or the skill level of the player..I own my guitars ,they dont own me....that said, I do like to be the first one to put a ding or a scratch in it....makes the next bump not quite so bad :lol:

 

[RussD]

Anyone sober can play any of mine, as long as it's within sight.

I like having other folks like 'em as much as I do.

 

[samriggle]

As long as I am sitting right there and the person's not too drunk, sure I like to here my F50 beeing played.

 

[Scratch]

Last Friday evening I played at an open mic in Sattler. The venue is a nice little music store that sets up a seating area in the store and a stage with backup band for anyone who wants to participate. Really neat idea that has caught on with the family crowd as there's no alcohol, smoking etc.; just lots of community folks and lake tourists.

The Gibby J-45 is the only six string I have with electronics, so it went with me, and when my turn came and the case was opened, it drew a crowd. It's a very pretty guitar with nice bling and it plays well, too. Anyhow, lots of folks admiring it and a couple of regulars who asked if they could play it. I probably would have agreed, but there are lots of things in the venue that are quite easy to bump into; guitars on racks, a couple of drum sets, stage stools, a service counter, low ceiling beams, audience chairs etc. In fact, I felt like I was walking an obstacle course on the way to the stage area.

It would have been nice to sit back and hear someone play it, but the crowded atmosphere didn't lend to the thought. As I get to know the folks there, I may relent and carry it to the stage for another to play; then bring it back. Must admit I get nervous when I see musicians hold a guitar with one hand as they're making amp/mic adjustments etc. I usually concentrate on securing the guitar first, make adjustments as necessary, then pick the guitar back up.

 

[Ravon]

Last Friday evening I played at an open mic in Sattler. The venue is a nice little music store that sets up a seating area in the store and a stage with backup band for anyone who wants to participate. Really neat idea that has caught on with the family crowd as there's no alcohol, smoking etc.; just lots of community folks and lake tourists.

The Gibby J-45 is the only six string I have with electronics, so it went with me, and when my turn came and the case was opened, it drew a crowd. It's a very pretty guitar with nice bling and it plays well, too. Anyhow, lots of folks admiring it and a couple of regulars who asked if they could play it. I probably would have agreed, but there are lots of things in the venue that are quite easy to bump into; guitars on racks, a couple of drum sets, stage stools, a service counter, low ceiling beams, audience chairs etc. In fact, I felt like I was walking an obstacle course on the way to the stage area.

It would have been nice to sit back and hear someone play it, but the crowded atmosphere didn't lend to the thought. As I get to know the folks there, I may relent and carry it to the stage for another to play; then bring it back. Must admit I get nervous when I see musicians hold a guitar with one hand as they're making amp/mic adjustments etc. I usually concentrate on securing the guitar first, make adjustments as necessary, then pick the guitar back up.

Good idea Scratch. How did you respond to them when they asked to play your guitar (in case I run into a similar situation)?

 

[powerwagonjohn]

Most of my guitars are old and well used and have no problem letting friends play my guitars, but I make friends easily and am a pretty good judge of others. No one has played my GSR Starfire yet, but I have made the offer. I enjoy hearing other people playing and enjoying my guitars.
Thanks john

 

[Jeff]

Anyone sober can play any of mine, as long as it's within sight.

I like having other folks like 'em as much as I do.

Russ,

Thanks bro, I often remember playing your F30R in Arlington.

 

[Scratch]

Last Friday evening I played at an open mic in Sattler. The venue is a nice little music store that sets up a seating area in the store and a stage with backup band for anyone who wants to participate. Really neat idea that has caught on with the family crowd as there's no alcohol, smoking etc.; just lots of community folks and lake tourists.

The Gibby J-45 is the only six string I have with electronics, so it went with me, and when my turn came and the case was opened, it drew a crowd. It's a very pretty guitar with nice bling and it plays well, too. Anyhow, lots of folks admiring it and a couple of regulars who asked if they could play it. I probably would have agreed, but there are lots of things in the venue that are quite easy to bump into; guitars on racks, a couple of drum sets, stage stools, a service counter, low ceiling beams, audience chairs etc. In fact, I felt like I was walking an obstacle course on the way to the stage area.

It would have been nice to sit back and hear someone play it, but the crowded atmosphere didn't lend to the thought. As I get to know the folks there, I may relent and carry it to the stage for another to play; then bring it back. Must admit I get nervous when I see musicians hold a guitar with one hand as they're making amp/mic adjustments etc. I usually concentrate on securing the guitar first, make adjustments as necessary, then pick the guitar back up.

Good idea Scratch. How did you respond to them when they asked to play your guitar (in case I run into a similar situation)?

It was a matter of timing, Ravon. It was my turn to go to the stage, so I just winked and walked up there without saying anything. As it turned out, I wound up playing with the backup guys for about 20 minutes and there was time for one last guy to play before quitting time. The fellas who asked to play it had performed earlier, so it worked out OK...

The store owner asked me if I'd like to sell it which was a bit tempting because I'd love to have another OM size/style guitar and the only way I can afford it these days is to let one go. The Gibby would probably be traded to make it work. But, it's one pretty thing and as a dread, although not arthritic-shoulder friendly, I'd miss that booming thump.

 

[JerryR]

Mine is an old D30 - so not exactly lacking scratches and dings - and it is nice to hear it played properly (instead of the way I play it) so yes - I let others play it

 

[GC]

Years ago, I was playing at a restaurant when a stranger approached me and asked if he could try out my 1966 D-40. Even though I was a little uneasy about it I didn't want to seem unfriendly so I let him try it out. He accidently bumped it into the edge of a stone fireplace and then apologized as he gave it back to me with a nice ding in the top and no offer to do anything about it. I determined then and there that no stranger's feelings were worth how bad I felt at that moment and if anyone was going to damage one of my guitars it would be me, or at the very least a friend. I know if any of my friends were to damage my guitar they would offer to repair it.
Strangers? No thanks.

 

[Jahn]

My son's pals ask me all the time if they can strum the F30. Since I bought it as a "beater" I always accomodate. While they bash and scrape away, the joyous looks on their faces is totally worth it. Maybe one of these kids will be the next Clapton!

That said, my son couldn't care less. he's a lefty and loves LEGOs. oh well! plenty of time to still get him hooked, muahaha...

 

[West R Lee]

What the heck, I'll play.

We're in the Yacht Club at the 2008 Arlington Guitar Show. We'd been having a blast and Don is sitting on one side of me, while Hans is sitting on the other and we're taking in the great music. I was taking a break and had my prized, my one and only, my much beloved DV72 sitting on a stand several feet away. Someone is performing and the room is just about filled to capacity when in walks this gray haired guy that none of us know from Adam.

The gray haired guy doesn't introduce himself or say a word to anyone, walks through the folks sitting and listening, past Don and Hans and myself to the front of the room. He grabs my :shock: :shock: :shock: DV72 :shock: :shock: off the stand and sits down. About that time, my wife happened to snap a picture of my face and it is posted in another thread, though I won't post the thread here in open forum. :lol: I think Don began to laugh. :lol:

I hope Hans doesn't mind my telling this part, I'll delete it if you do Hans, but I turned to Hans and asked if he knew the guy. Hans sort of smiled a sheepish grin and rolled his eyes and said, "Yes I know him, his name is Adrian something or other and he's one of the owners of Crafter guitars."

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place thinking this guy is incredibly arrogant and really wanting to say, "Excuse me, that's my guitar!!", but I'm in a room full of people and certainly don't want to make a scene. Then he begins to play. I don't know that I have or will ever hear that DV72 sound so beautiful. "Adrian" accompanied several people as the night went on with several different guitars.

It ended up being a non event as "Adrian" took good care of my baby and was eventually asked to play some more.

Just out of curiosity.....what would the rest of you do if this happened to you? :idea: :?:

West

 

[JerryR]

What the heck, I'll play.

Just out of curiosity.....what would the rest of you do if this happened to you? :idea: :?:

West

I seem to remember y'all are allowed to carry guns in Texas :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[chazmo]

What the heck, I'll play.

Just out of curiosity.....what would the rest of you do if this happened to you? :idea: :?:

West

I seem to remember y'all are allowed to carry guns in Texas :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Bwahahahaha!!!!!

Boy, that sure was arrogant of that guy to crash your party and do that without asking. I honestly think that's an exception to the scenarios we've been talking about. After all, you were showing your guitar to other LTG friends, and in that light having the guitar out on the stand was only an invitation to your friends.

I'm not sure what I would've done. We had a couple of crashers while we were displaying our instruments in the LMG events base hotel, but they were unbelievably polite and while they looked at the instruments they didn't just grab anything.

I will say that I let everyone do so who wanted to play "Cap" (the archie '67 F-50R) a couple of years ago at that event. Never thought twice about it. It was not pristine like your DV, but it was the most valuable guitar I owned at the time.

 

[Ravon]

Whether he could play or not, that was rude :wink: . Guess you handled it about as best as you could West considering the circumstances.

 

[Brad Little]

Pretty much let anybody play my guitars, as long as there are no big buckles or major intoxication. One exception is my Artist Award, but so far I've only brought it out once or twice. Never had a problem with a guitar, but once a guy who I let play my 40s Epi archtop decided he wanted to rib the brim off my straw cowboy hat. I grabbed a hard case and was about to brain him when the bikers in the bar heard the commotion and walked him out into the lot. Not sure what happened to him then, but he didn't come back.
Brad