One of the few perks of being left handed... The only issue I have ever had is the drunk or Neanderthal who wants to 'try' a lefty bass, never happened, never will. I agree Jazzyvee, especially an Alembic, no way!

http://m.spin.com/articles/prince-smashed-someone-elses-guitar-fallon/

Playing a 6 string bass is a pretty good deterrent also. The width of my Rogue's fingerboard seems to scare a lot of people off.

Playing a 5 or 6 string Double Bass helps to keep those pesky Varmints away too! I use the NS design  5 string double bass or fully carved Sinoman Double bass & for fun I'll invite em up but they seem to shy away! (ah heh! heh! heh!) Sometimes I'll bring along a guest bass so no one will play my Alembic during Monday night Mash Check it out on Facebook!! it's called Monday Night Mash up

Just checked the link sounds like its a good fun night!

Just checked the link sounds like its a good fun night!

+1 to the no comment. I know it feels bad, since we all can relate to the situation, but a $5k/$10k/$20k+ instrument? Nope. Nope, nope, nope. I don't even let anyone check out my SCSD unless I know them well.
 
I wouldn't be opposed to loaning out my backup, if I had one at the time, but not a primary. Of course, my usual backup/second bass is my NS Design OmniBass (fretless), so that usually scares the crap out of anyone who asks.

+1 to the no comment. I know it feels bad, since we all can relate to the situation, but a $5k/$10k/$20k+ instrument? Nope. Nope, nope, nope. I don't even let anyone check out my SCSD unless I know them well.
 
I wouldn't be opposed to loaning out my backup, if I had one at the time, but not a primary. Of course, my usual backup/second bass is my NS Design OmniBass (fretless), so that usually scares the crap out of anyone who asks.

Jazzy, I picked up an inexpensive Hohner headless to carry as a backup when I didn't feel like lugging two full instruments. They're not that expensive, not that large to carry, and a lot better than silence should the bass you want to play have an issue. They also work fairly well as a loaner if you need to go there.  
 
Even if you might only need a backup once every five or ten years, I believe that carrying one is the price of being a prepared professional.

I don't think I will lend out one of the basses for a gig, but I love to let others play the basses so they can experience the awesomeness of these gems :-)  I always bring backup basses for a gig (for the 4 and 5 string, so minimum of 4 basses) but they're all Alembics... (not much choice here)  My Fender is with a youngster now, his dad asked if he could borrow one to make sure he's not wasting any $$$ when he buys the kid a new one and the initial enthusiasms fades away. (nice to show up at your first bass lesson with an US Fender + Alembic guts) :-)  Of course they who get to handle the 'lembics must be mature and responsible individuals:  

 

  (Message edited by fc_spoiler on October 18, 2014)

nice pics FC,
 : )
thx

I suspect she gets to play any Alembic she wants. lol    
 
Very cute pic.
 
Bill, tgo

Very nice of her to let you play her bass.

As you can see in the first pic, she was a bit reluctant :-)

Jazzyvee,
 
You played it right.  While I have let others use one of my Alembics, as recently as a week ago, they are always people I know and whom I've seen treat their gear well.  But Mr. Random I just met you and want to try out your bass.  Nope.  Ain't happening.
 
In this case, the guy (Paul) is the house bassist at a Blues Club where my guitarist son (yes, my 17 yr. old) has a standing invitation to sit in with the band.
 
Paul usually plays a really nice Ken Smith.  After one set with my 5-String Series II he is SERIOUSLY considering switching camps.  He made my baby sing.