More people would try playing an instrument if they could borrow one to try it out. I already play several, but I’m running out of money and space for more. It’d also be nice to pop down to the library and check out the one I’m currently obsessing over to see if I want one permanently. Hell, I’d donate ones I hardly ever use to add to the diversity. This wouldn’t replace buying instruments any more than regular libraries ended book stores.
my Library does that too.
libraries are just books, they have a lot of services, besides being one of the few places you’re allowed to exist without payment.
mine has a maker space with so many tools, cnc, 3d printers, large format printers, sublimation printers, embroidery machines… office spaces, rooms to book, library of things with telescopes board games, repair tools, music instruments…
please go check your local library and get a card
Embroidery machine… Cool.
I have a card, but my little rural library is not very impressive. Thankfully I already have more toys than my wife thinks are necessary.
that kinda sucks. hope it’s still a nice place to just hang out and chill
Mine literally has PS5 games. Board games. I rented a huge telescope from my old library. I love libraries.
I like the idea, however there are some differencea between books and musical instruments. Hygiene is a problem with all woodwind instruments. Strings, sticks, cymbals, cables brake and need to be replaced regularly. Also a whole ass drumset is huge compared to a book. But there are rehearsal rooms that you can rent that also rent out instruments. It is expensive though.
With most woodwinds, you probably have to get your own reed for ~3,50€. But the rest can be cleaned well enough.
When my concert band lends out instruments they have to get a professional service at the local music store when you return them. They’ll replace any consumable parts that are missing, if you haven’t already.
Of course that would probably be a bit more difficult in a library setting, where the lease lasts only a very short time.
Having dreams, having dreams. You see, I have a whole ass drum set that I really don’t have space for and don’t play really ever. I’d love to turn it into that Goldtone fretless banjo for a month to see if I really like the idea as much as I think I do. I play banjo kind of unconventionally, and I think it would lend to my style, but I don’t really want to spend $400, to find out I’m wrong. So, the library I was wishing for is highly unrealistic anyway. Just dreaming.
If I look at how people handle CDs and Blu-Rays in our library I don’t think it’s a good idea. In theory yes, but people can’t have nice things
I’s just having dreams. You’re right, though, most likely.
Already a thing in Finnish libraries. You can also borrow powertools for home fixing.
Omg the tools would be dope. We have so much shit in our house that’s been used once and then stored away forever.
That’s very cool. How is the selection?
That will depend on the library. I never borrowed any instruments, only a power drill.
As someone who teaches percussion and constantly has to deal with kids that I KNOW breaking publicly used shit, I can’t imagine the instruments would last long out in the wild. Most instruments require care and maintenance from someone who knows how to take care of it. Even on a day-by-day basis.
I gave no consideration to such things. I was only craving a large building with as many different instruments as a typical library has books.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂
Neat
Libraries in blue states in the US do that commonly. I hear, but don’t know first hand, that it is less common in red states. I assumed europe did it too, but maybe they don’t?
most schools offer this for kids.
and a lot of music places offer rentals.
A great idea.
That sure would be nice. But certainly not something that is needed.
Sounds to me like you haven’t found your instrument yet. More people making music is definitely something this world needs.
Have you been to primary school? We all got to try out instruments there … and some people, including me, really shouldn’t have access to them.
At 48 I don’t think they would be too keen on me rummaging through their band room.
I dare you to try again some day. That’s how people get better at things if you didn’t know (;
Self actualization might be at the very top of the pyramid of needs. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have it.
Nah, that would be food.
Food is at the bottom. With all the other physiological needs that form the foundation for the other, less important, needs.
That’s how pyramids work.
Someone needs to read up on their Maslow again.
People who can’t afford instruments would disagree with you, I’m sure. Imagine all the great music we miss out on because someone couldn’t afford an instrument or a lesson. What we need as a society is to provide for each other.
People who can’t afford instruments would disagree with you
Right … but you could say that about a lot of expensive and niche hobbies.
Imagine all the great music we miss out on because someone couldn’t afford an instrument or a lesson. What we need as a society is to provide for each other.
Imagine all the terrible music we were spared because talentless randoms couldn’t just pick up an instrument for free.
Dang your pessimistic rhetoric is wild. Humans being musical isn’t just a hobby it’s one of our species defining traits.
No it isn’t. Whales and birds sing … it’s a hobby.
Ants farm. So farming is a hobby?
Could be, maybe the ant is just doing it recreationally. But it sure as hell isn’t a defining trait of theirs.
Imagine all the terrible music we were spared because talentless randoms couldn’t just pick up an instrument for free.
Have you installed bugs at all of your neighbors houses or something?
Probably not, because if you did you’d be more annoyed at people who play their instruments well. That requires hours of boring exercise that don’t sound well at all. And even when they practice a piece, they’ll usually practice 4 bars on repeat, for an hour.
My concert band does that. You can borrow an instrument and we arrange for cheaper tutoring. You just have to promise to play in our band a year later.
The local music school (the place where you go to get a tutor. Not a school for general education) and the local instrument store also lend out instruments.
Nice!
Libraries can also do that.
This already exists at some libraries! Example: https://collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/musical-instruments
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Not a library, but the EMP Museum in Seattle has different soundproof rooms with instruments and recording equipment you can use to produce your own stuff.
That’s pretty damn cool
There’s even a turntable and synth in one of them.
