When you're busking...

[sevargnhoj]

...does anyone ever ask you if they can play your guitar...

...and how do you respond?

[jzach46]

As a rule, no.... Politely.

[Ten]

Hardline rule...nobody at a show ever plays your instrument. Even more important when the venue serves alcohol.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Ten

Hardline rule...nobody at a show ever plays your instrument. Even more important when the venue serves alcohol.

Yep my policy also , no one period . This accomplishes two things #1 It is much more likely that you will go home with your guitar in the same condition as when you walked in. #2 you will never be put in the position of playing favorites
This was all learned the hard way.

[PHJim]

Never while busking (Unless it's a friend I know and trust)

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by PHJim

Never while busking (Unless it's a friend I know and trust)

Back when I was making most of my money as a musician by busking, I wouldn’t let a friend play my instrument unless things were totally dead, and even then it would be for one song only, never more. I was out there to make money, not to socialize.

whm

[Steadfastly]

If I busked, the answer would be yes and this is how much it is going to cost you.

[Wistah]

No way. Absolutely no way.

[bluesfreek]

Originally Posted by PHJim

Never while busking (Unless it's a friend I know and trust)

This

During summer I busk 2-3 days a week. Been doing it for 20-30 years. I never hand my guitar to a stranger. However years ago I used to busk at night with a wicked blues harp player. Drunks would always ask if they could play his harmonicas. His reply would be..."No would you like me to spit in your mouth?"

[GuitarMan420]

I'm left handed....no further explanation necessary right?

[flaggerphil]

.....No.....

[Paraclete]

No. I do not let other people play my instruments as a general rule. There are a few exceptions, such as my best friend/music partner.

[goldhedge]

In a word... 'NO!'

I have several 'character marks' from 'characters' playing my guitars... learned my lesson...

[CaptRedbeard]

I also, politely, say no and immediately play a song to prevent further problems. My guitar was and is rarely out of my sight. More than likely it would be locked up or under the control of a band mate. Got the idea from the Beatles who I noticed, on most occasions, came on and off stage with their instruments.

[Seagull S6]

Originally Posted by GuitarMan420

I'm left handed....no further explanation necessary right?

None required. The look on someones face when they remark how nice my guitar is and it sinks it that they aren't able to play it...............Priceless.