Renting bass sax, problems?

[tensopbass]

I have had the odd request to hire my horn, for visiting gigs such as West Side Story. So far I've declined. What are your experiences? nicko

[Bootman]

I have had the same enquiry in the past and after I heard what was done to the last Bass that was hired and so called repaired in Brisbane, I wouldn't allow my to go up there at all, no matter how much they were offering to pay.

[saxtek]

I have a lot of saxophones and everyone in my neighborhood knows it, so in the past I got lots of requests to "borrow" my horns. People in Florida are too cheap to pay for anything. I quickly learned several things.

1. No one else will handle your bass sax as carefully as you do. When I did loan instruments to others, they almost ALWAYS were returned with damage.

2. If the borrower doesn't own a bass saxophone, they probably don't know how to handle one. When you first got your bass, think about how long it was before you got past the basics - where to grab the horn, how much clearance you needed for a giant sax to avoid crashing into things, etc.

3. The larger the instrument, the more likely damage will occur. As for bass saxophone, INERTIA alone will kill your horn. If a soprano or alto falls off the stand, there is probably no damage. When a bass falls over, it's dead.

4. When a bass gets busted, I'ts harder and more expensive to get it fixed. I know - I fix them for a living. If the one who broke it for you tries to fix it, he will often seek out someone who has no business touching a bass saxophone. Then a proper repair becomes expensive or impossible.

When music stores rent instruments, they get a signed contract that says the renter is responsible for the full value of the horn, and that amount is specified up front. They also get a credit card commitment or CASH UP FRONT for that amount. For your horn that's probably $5,000 to $15,000. Remember that you are renting an item they can't get anywhere else. It's worth what you are asking. Don't take anything less.

My personal advice is don't rent your bass sax.

[tjontheroad]

Sure anyone can use your sax... Just as long as they hire you with it. I'd think that's why you bought it in the first place. So YOU can play it and get the gig for yourself :)

[whaler]

You actually own a bass sax and the one time it is needed for something, they don't just call you to do the gig? I'd tell them to go sc**w themselves. I thought that was the reason that guys bothered with a bunch of doubles was to be in the position to do gigs that call for that.

[Merlin]

I've managed to borrow a bass for a gig, but the loaner of the bass new that I was the former owner of one, and had confidence in my ability to properly care for it.

One of the problems with something like WSS is that the bass is one of MANY doubles on the book. Often the people who are motivated to buy a bass sax are not great picc players...

[tensopbass]

Thanks for your feedback, guys. Rather than a point blank refusal, I asked what the gig involved. Tim O'Dwyer is an Aussie who looks after a jazz department in Singapore and was involved in an Asian based production in Brisbane.The horn was to be featured on stage and used to produce "effects" To shorten the story, I wrote a list of demands, including that it that it was never left unattended anywhere, and that it was insured for its full value, plus it was then subject to a personal "interview".
He produced the documents, then ran a few bars, (which firmly removed any thoughts that I do the gig!) IU've never heard BBb played on full volume for 20 seconds (circular) or multiphonic chords, or "several pages over the stave" altissimo.
He got the horn, and I just picked it up undamaged, but in a twist of fate, my Sunday lunchtime gig ran over and I was too late to see the show. I will try and locate some video or recordings, it sounded pretty good through the crack in the door!
Bottom line is that the stress of renting is huge, no matter how good the gig. I don't think I'll go through that again. In future its only available if I go with it. nicko

[JfW]

I have a lot of saxophones and everyone in my neighborhood knows it, so in the past I got lots of requests to "borrow" my horns. People in Florida are too cheap to pay for anything. I quickly learned several things.

1. No one else will handle your bass sax as carefully as you do. When I did loan instruments to others, they almost ALWAYS were returned with damage.



It bears mentioning, that I've found this to be true with nearly everything I've ever loaned. A pocketknife for a camping trip that was returned ruined, a CD that was 'reloaned' by the second party to a third that I never saw again, it's like life has in some way been preparing me for Bass ownership by illustrating that sharing is absolutely moronic.

[paulwl]

Ironically, I loaned stuff (not instruments though) to a guy who would never loan anything of his own, because he said people never returned his stuff.

He didn't return my stuff either. Said he lost it during a move...but. This was a collector and scholar type of guy, who never loses anything and was really hot to borrow my items. So I don't buy it.

I think he just felt, "I have more use for these things than paulwl, here in my important historical treasure trove. So they'll just be mine from now on."

>:(

[saxtek]

I once got a call from an excellent symphonic flute player who wanted to borrow my alto flute. I explained that I had a strict policy against loaning horns, and I had no problem with her personally. The conversation continued for quite some time, remaining cordial throughout, but the request to borrow the instrument persisted.
Finally after it became apparent that I wouldn't loan the alto flute, the would-be borrower commented, "I understand. If I had an alto flute, I wouldn't loan it either."

[tbone]

I have had the odd request to hire my horn, for visiting gigs such as West Side Story. So far I've declined. What are your experiences? nicko

Tell them "sure you can rent it! But, it only goes out with it's opperator!" ;)

[tensopbass]

Thanks for reminding me. I must get back the chainsaw now that winter's over. Soon I'll be needing the mower back from the kids too! nicko

[Auktyon]

We are desperately trying to find a bass saxophone to rent for 1 or 2 days in NYC. The Russian band Auktyon (www.auktyon.com) is coming to US to record an album with John Medeski, Marc Ribot, and Frank London. The saxophone player DOES own a bass in Russia, and is perfectly capable of handling one with great care and respect. We would pay for a rental, and the owner is more than welcome to come to the studio if they are worried about the instrument.
Any information from anyone on where to find this would be much appreciated.
We would need the instrument for 1 or 2 days in the middle of September.

Thanks in advance!
:bass:

[cleger]

Check out these sites for bass sax owners who may be able to help:

http://www.basssax.com/

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bass_Sax_Coop/

Good luck in your search.

[Auktyon]

Good luck in your search.
Thanks so much!

[tensopbass]

;) 2 plane tickets, a couple of nights in town, stretch cab for the horn. Yeah, I might think about it ! nicko

[bari_sax_diva]

Anyone know if Roberto's still has that Keilwerth bass in the shop? I got to play it a couple of times when I was in town, and if I were coming to the East Coast to record something, I think I'd be calling them.

That reminds me, though... seems like us bottom-dwellers should develop our own private co-ops for all these weird (and expensive) doubles. If you only have the need for a bass sax, or contrabass clarinet, or whatever once every 3-4 months, it might make sense to split the cost with a friend who's in a similar boat and then just swap the horn as necessary. I've often thought about it.

[Bootman]

Not a bad thought but usually you are more keen to have them all for yourself.

[paulwl]

Ain't that just like a man? Ain't it? 8-)

;) :D