[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1320693413' post='1430177']
I examine the bass and then play it unplugged. If I like it so far then I'll ask to amplify it. Then I play all the notes on each string to see it it plays evenly. Then I play it with right hand by the bridge, then right hand above pickup, then right hand over the end of neck, etc. I'm checking out the bass not performing for a load of onlookers.
[/quote]
This. (In a shop)
Friends never ask me to play something as they've all seen me play and know how crap I am