Author Topic: Has your Alembic suffered damage at a Jam session? (Read 2128 times)

mike1762 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 16, 2010, 05:37:46 AM »

I bought my Alembics used, so (relatively speaking) I don't have that much invested in them. As such, I'm not too uptight about other people playing them. HOWEVER, if I had spent 20K+ on a custom build I'm sure I would feel differently about that.

malthumb · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2010, 06:38:14 AM »

I am ok with people playing my Alembics in situations WHERE I HAVE CONTROL. I have yet to go to a jam session where I felt in control.

In situations like the one pictured below, where I know the guy (a Sadowsky owner who knows how to respect a bass) I'm cool.

Otherwise, it's NO as nicely as possible, but with me not caring what they think about me for saying no.

Peace,

James

cosmic · « **Reply #17 on:** October 16, 2010, 12:01:22 PM »

I pretty much don't let anyone play my Alembic. I don't care if people think I am a dick for not allowing them to get their grubby paws on it.

edwin · « **Reply #18 on:** October 16, 2010, 12:05:23 PM »

I noticed when flying back home yesterday that the TSA agent at the airport had a really hard time putting the bass back in the case and letting it out of his hands! Luckily he was wearing gloves and was very careful, but still, it was hard to watch him procrastinate.

sonicus · « **Reply #19 on:** October 16, 2010, 12:42:05 PM »

A few years ago at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport a TSA agent mishandled an instrument of mine and I corrected him on the proper handling so he called over his supervisor and told him that I would not permit him to inspect my Trumpet. I was then escorted to a back room and asked to completely disassemble my trumpet in front of the 2 agents while they tested individual parts my trumpet for explosives or other forbidden substances! I have been cleaning my horns that way anyway since I was 10 years old so it was really not much of a big deal . This whole event took about 45 minutes and I was grinning the entire time . Other folks who were in my traveling party later commented that they could feel the high tension in the room and were convinced that if I had been more adversely verbal and shown any agitation that we would have missed our flight.

hg30904 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 16, 2010, 12:42:59 PM »

One of the best times ever had to be at the NE/NJ Gathering and touching/playing Greg Locke's bass. Flax was encouraging everyone to play Scarlet and Dire Wolf. Everybody was really cool.

But then, perhaps that was different...

pace · « **Reply #21 on:** October 16, 2010, 02:11:56 PM »

That was a totally different scenario Harold... I was reluctant to play half the basses there that were offered to me to pick up!!!!

On a related note, I'm curious how many of us have showed up to a gig, only to have the supporting or headlining act demand to use our equipment??? It seems this type of request has become the rule rather than the exception of late...

richbass939 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2010, 06:07:57 AM »

Mike, that's good to know about other acts wanting to use your equipment. I haven't encountered it myself. My gigs are always one band gigs. Now I know to ask. Letting someone use my amp rig is one thing. My axes are another matter.
I see these players with lots of hardware on their stage costumes and it just makes me wonder. I guess, to them, the look is worth the damage. Then on the other end is Jimmy J. who has his belt buckle off to the side. It's just a matter of respect, I suppose.
Rich

jet_powers · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2010, 07:05:37 AM »

I used to be in an outfit that hosted open mic nights and it was understood you were supposed to bring your own instrument. However, there were always a few who asked to use my Alembic. If I knew the person well enough, I would sometimes consent. If I didn't know them I would respond with You don't mind if I f**k your wife while you are using my bass do you? It got me some strange looks and perhaps labeled a dickhead, but they didn't use my bass and never asked again.....

dwmark · « **Reply #24 on:** October 17, 2010, 12:36:52 PM »

Yes, but there's always the risk they'd rather play your Alembic. I think I'll just say no.

Other than at an Alembic gathering.

dw

crobbins · « **Reply #25 on:** October 17, 2010, 01:55:47 PM »

>>On a related note, I'm curious how many of us have showed up to a gig, only to have the supporting or headlining act demand to use our equipment??? It seems this type of request has become the rule rather than the exception of late...

gtrguy · « **Reply #26 on:** October 18, 2010, 12:05:22 PM »

I was at a jam this Sat and a guy knocked over a mic and stand and it crashed right into the fretboard of a guy's nice old Gibson SG and did it some damage that he will be fingering for as long as he plays the instrument. Stuff happens.

I once took my old vintage Porsche 911 into DEQ back when they drove them on the dyno to check them, and the clowns had every inspector in the place take turns driving it. They told me they were having a hard time getting it to 'match the curve' on the computer. They were all grinning like mad as they sat there like it was a video game.

Once your possesion is out of your hands it's at the mercy of who ever has it.

oddmetersam · « **Reply #27 on:** October 18, 2010, 10:11:15 PM »

For me, it's not even about my Alembic, since she's relatively late to the dance, being my 7th (and last) bass since high school graduation. I treat all my basses with the same reverence and respect. So far, most other players have gotten that vibe from me and usually don't even ask.

But if you are a dear friend, then by definition you can have a go at her! But I WILL pre-flight her with you; going over the controls, asking you to remove your belt; running the cord through the strap for strain relief to prevent pulling the jack out of the body (I normally play sitting down and don't use a strap); reminding you that a 35 scale means the headstock is really far away from the body and to always be mindful of the resulting kill zone, etc. At some point I also reiterate she's a posthumous gift from my mother and embodies her spirit.

By that time, they usually play really crappy cuz' they're scared shitless!

But as stated previously, if we are at an Alembic gathering I trust you implicitly....

(Message edited by oddmetersam on October 18, 2010)

bigredbass · « **Reply #28 on:** October 18, 2010, 11:31:05 PM »

Of course, you get the asshats who think it's an Olympic, doesn't want to play some Jap bass, and holds out for somebody's rotgut Fender. Or . . .

You get the guy who brought his rattletrap, crusty-stringed pawnshop special in, buzzes, beerstains and all, couple roaches in his case, and can NOT believe I'm such a snob as to not let him play my 'fancy' bass. Or . . . .

I occasionally will let a known-to-me pro try it. They get this glow in their eyes, and say, 'now I know what the big deal is about these things'. THAT's when it's fun. Or . . .

I just say NO. Doesn't bother me one bit.

J o e y

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #29 on:** October 19, 2010, 06:01:07 AM »

You get the guy who brought his rattletrap, crusty-stringed pawnshop special in, buzzes, beerstains and all, couple roaches in his case, and can NOT believe I'm such a snob as to not let him play my 'fancy' bass.

Roaches in the case? Hell, no - if they won't share why should anyone else?

Peter