Etiquette question -- want to have an "open house"

[billyg]

Originally Posted by billyg

Most would probably be folks I don't know that well.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts so far. I should clarify the above sentence. I started to write "Most will be folks I don't normally socialize with" but for some reason thought that almost sounded snooty. While I will know the folks I would invite, they are not persons I normally hang around with -- so a chance to get to know them better, I guess.

All the responses above have been very helpful.
Thanks.

[Dave T]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Billy - I would have greater concerns about doing something like this. Not trying to be negative, but as a self-defense instructor looking several moves ahead is what tend to do.

You may have loose friendships with many of these people - they may be more acquaintances than friends. The fact that you own so many instruments and share this with others you may not know well opens you up to robbery.

Even if none of these folks are shady and are all trustworthy (which is doubtful) word travels from friend to friend to friend on down the line - eventually someone unsavory will gain knowledge of your collection. I constantly have to remind people on Facebook how stupid it is to tell people they are going on vacation and even for how long.

Perhaps having an "open jam" at a coffee shop that needs business and pr would be better. You could take 2 or 3 instruments and not open yourself up to possible negative consequences.

if you feel like you could take a 20 dollar bill and set it out in the open and it not come up missing at the end of the gathering you're probably okay to do it. Otherwise, I'd suggest something else.

Just my (negative) .02

As a retired law enforcement officer and defensive handgun and tactics instructor I completely agree. People talk about KOOL things they see and they aren't always careful about who they talk to or who's listening.

Dave

[fullsmile]

I think it would be fun and I would do it but only with older people. Anyone under 25 would not be invited maybe even 30 and I am in my 30s but many of my peers don't take good care of things and just aren't as careful. Also if I were doing that I would be sure to have my gun collection on display at the same time lol. But honestly if you live in a really nice home people already know you have nice stuff. If you drive a nice car people don't follow you home so they can rob you. But then again I live in a small gated community of 20 or so homes with a guard at the gate and access is strictly limited so maybe that is why I don't worry.

[philo426]

Sage advice today!It is rather sad that one has to be so security conscious nowadays but it is essential; that a friend of a friend tag along may see your collection and see a theft opportunity.Limit the guests to those that are known to be trustworthy.

[Judson]

It wouldn't be something I would personally want to do, but that's just me. In this area, there are several people who sponsor monthly jams at their homes that are open to pretty much anyone who signs up. I've attended a couple of them and they are fun.

[muscmp]

set it up in public first. that way you get a chance to scope out the people involved. then, you can invite the ones you may trust for a later date.

play music!

[scottishrogue]

I would NEVER invite anyone into my house without knowing them first. It sounds like trouble waiting for a place to happen.

However, if you know the attendees, a small "dinner party" sounds very enjoyable, particularly if the spouses are also invited. If you plan to serve wine or cocktails (or beer) make sure it's BYOB, so you don't break the bank...and be sure to take the car keys away as the guests arrive.

Glen

[aknow]

The first thought I had when I read your post was the Joni Mitchell line:
"I was raised on robbery"

[Jim]

The security thing is a good point and you should take it seriously. However, perhaps a more pressing issue is whether you mind any of your guitars getting nicked, scratched, or even broken. It would be really hard to invite people over to look at your guitars and then tell them they cannot touch them. Their first instinct will be to play them. And you also mention giving them beer. Hmmmmmmmm - mixing alcohol and delicate high value guitars, what could go wrong?

My suggestion is if you want to have some folks over to your house to jam with, tell them to bring their own guitars and you should only have one or two at most, of your own guitars out for only you to play. The others will only play their own.

[Greg Rappleye]

Actually, this sounds like good fun.



Greg Rappleye

[Jukie]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Billy - I would have greater concerns about doing something like this. Not trying to be negative, but as a self-defense instructor looking several moves ahead is what tend to do.

You may have loose friendships with many of these people - they may be more acquaintances than friends. The fact that you own so many instruments and share this with others you may not know well opens you up to robbery.

Even if none of these folks are shady and are all trustworthy (which is doubtful) word travels from friend to friend to friend on down the line - eventually someone unsavory will gain knowledge of your collection. I constantly have to remind people on Facebook how stupid it is to tell people they are going on vacation and even for how long.

Perhaps having an "open jam" at a coffee shop that needs business and pr would be better. You could take 2 or 3 instruments and not open yourself up to possible negative consequences.

if you feel like you could take a 20 dollar bill and set it out in the open and it not come up missing at the end of the gathering you're probably okay to do it. Otherwise, I'd suggest something else.

Just my (negative) .02

Totally agree with this thinking. I wouldn't invite people I don't know well into my home.

[jseth]

While I understand your pride of accomplishment with the new music room, I would never have a bunch of folks over to "view" my collection, unless I knew them well... both from a potential burglary/theft aspect as well as having folks handling your guitars who may or may not have the same sensibilities regarding fine instruments that you have...

Heck, I don't let people that I know fairly well play my guitars; not as a matter of course, any way... I sure would not let a bunch of loose "acquaintances" get their paws on my guitars... and I do not have nearly as many as you!

Not to mention the fact that, if you have such a stellar collection of instruments, your HOME is also pretty nice, and filled with nice things...

I just think you're inviting trouble to have folks over whom you have not "vetted"... there are plenty of places to go to play a bit, talk music and show off a couple guitars; I can not recommend that you do it at your home with folks who are basically strangers.

I have to add that I am one who believes that most folks are truly good people, and I am not generally a suspicious person... however, paying attention, having decent situational awareness and a modicum of foresight would tell me that this Open House is a BAD idea...

[chitz]

I'll bring chips and beer. What time you want me there?

[Twelvefret]

I make sure everyone knows the 14 Martin prewar models I have under the bed are off limits. I let them know that the event is over at midnight because I have to get some rest before leaving on vacation in Europe for five weeks.

[Greg Rappleye]

I can empathize with the OP. He wants to meet some other local people who share his enthusiasm for acoustic guitars. I sit here every day, thinking the same thing. I have all the guitars I'll ever need. I'd like to find some friends who share my interest and want to hang out and play.

If I lived closer to Memphis, I would come to the open house!



Greg Rappleye