Dingwall NG3 5 strings (arrived a couple of weeks ago)
My son (13 years old - drummer) is now inviting a few friend to practice sessions, including a friend who is half guitarist / half bassist.
Question to you, would you lend your basses for the practice sessions (in that case, leaving them on the rack)
yes, all of them
yes, some of them (less expensive ?)
Yes, all the new ones (excluding vintage ones - which does not apply for me as I don’t have any)
No
I initialy decided to remove the Dingwall from the rack (first session on their side and first week of the Dingwall at home) but left the Dingwall for week 2 considering that instruments are there to be played (my son suggested to his friend not to use it as he was unsure if he was allowed to)
The dingwall is very attractive to them as they focus on metal (slipknot) but also more stressful for me because of the energy level
I’d let them use the Squier and maybe MIM but I wouldn’t leave the Dingwall. If they are not careful they can “Ding” it if they are too careful, they can definitely “Ding” it.
It’s difficult to rely on a 13 year old judgement sometimes. If you are there during the session, they can definitely try it.
On the plus side a Fender or Squier can definitely benefit from scratches and dings as it adds to the aesthetics.
I think this is the thing here! Prove you won’t beat up the squire and move up to the MIM J bass.
All of this said how will you (OP) feel when the Dingwall get’s dinged? If the answer is bad then hold it back for sure. I sometimes tell my kids (5, 8) that I’m the one who has to do something because when it gets broken I don’t want to have to be angry at someone else - it’s all on me. They get it.
It’s awesome to provide space and some of the instruments for them! I’m 46 now and still remember the parents who helped us out when we teenagers with space to play and lent gear.
My advice - encourage this! Drop a couple hundred on a cheaper Squier and simply give it to the band. “Decided to get you guys a bass, this is yours! Make it yours and go wild.” Later teach them to mod it if they want.
Yeah an older Ibanez actually might be a good move for the more metal styling. Also higher quality in general than the Squier would be. Maybe something like a TR70:
This is such a great idea. I love the inspiration.
@desl i know that you are in NorCal. Do you come down to SoCal often? If yes I would donate my Sterling SUB4. It’s perfect for medal. It’s in great condition. I have a few I bought for my project. They are more than welcome to have it. Just PM me. It’s matte black maple neck.
My son plays guitar and his friend plays bass, if they play here, I let them use my basses, but only because I know his friend and trust him to a degree
Any other friend would be case by case.
I probably won’t hand them my 40th anniversary Stingray or the BFR but I’ve handed student at my daughter’s school my Purple sparkles to play before.
As far as “how will I feel if they ding it” … I don’t really care to be honest, I’m more on the side of the “use it and break it (or lose it or have it stolen) than put it in a safe and use it only a few times”
I also agree that somepeople pay a lot to have an “aged” FSO , they will do it for free
I’m not so much into buying a new bass for them as I consider I have what I need and rather use them
Maybe the way forward should be they can use the Squier and MIM as needed (the Squier P is with flat … not very metal) . I will hand them the Dingwall when I can be with them ; if they don’t destroy the MIM, then they can use the Dingwall alone.
On side note, the fender rumbe 500 is probably used at much higher volume than I do … I live in a flat in Paris… the neighbours might call me one day
But it’s cool to help them, and our music teacher who is there to supervise is having “the time of his life” as he likes their energy but believe that they are quite talented. they also make me discover new styles of music ; slipknot is interesting, esp. the comment section in youtube
You are so nice and generous. You are doing more than you know in shaping young people’s lives in a positive way.
I would talk with them and show them the respect instruments need and tell them your expectations.
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