Would you take an Endorsement ???

[LegGodt]

I would not take an endorsement from a company I wouldn't support on my own.

Currently I have endorsements or deals with Ernie Ball, EBMM, Dunlop and Rocktron. I was using all their products before I got the endorsments. For me it's not about money. It's about the companies, their products, and my support for them.

 

[paranoid70]

Any guitar company stupid enough to endorse me probably doesn't know how to make good guitars in the first place.

 

[mb99zz]

I'll pretend I'm a great player (lord knows I'm not) and answer the question in three possible scenarios:

Scenario 1). I'm single (or maybe married) with no kids and I'm totally comfortable with my money situation. Even if I'm living in a shack, a trailer, or sleeping in my parents' basement, as-long-as that lifestyle works, then I stick with the guitars I love to play and politely say "no thank you" to the vendor.

Scenario 2). I'm married and have little ones at home to feed. My music isn't really making life comfortable financially (from sales/downloads/touring and so on). I have to say that I would most likely sign the contract. That's not selling-out IMO. That's making a perfectly rational financial decision for the family. That being said, I'd use my MM guitars for my recordings and when I'm sitting at home

Scenario 3). I'm a huge guitar star living very comfortably off my music with a few Porsches in my eight car garage and my detached studio next to the pool. Hell no, I'm not selling out and I'll continue to play what I love best. I like this scenario...

 

[dwells]

good answer LegGodt!

 

[bbake1]

Maybe when I was younger and that opportunity was presented, but knowing what I know now and how particular I have become on what feels good to me, there's no way. I love the way how certain iconic guitars look and sound, but they just don't do it for me in my hands. I've found what's right for me. Taking a deal you are not 100% committed to would be a tough lesson to learn.

 

[dhalif]

i will!!! only if its EBMM

 

[smd24fan]

Only endorsement I would take would be from Big Poppa, and I doubt that will happen anytime soon! I've owned many guitars over the years, but Music Man kicks butt! Others make good instruments, but it's the small company feel and respect for the customer that keeps me buying Music Man guitars. I'm already plotting my next EBMM purchase!

 

[Bad Taco]

It would depend on the exclusivity, term, and conditions of the endorsement along with my needs.

If it meant I couldn't ever play anything but the endorser's equipment, then I'd have to be pretty hungry.

If it meant all I had to do was be seen with their gear and learn to smile and answer, "Why, yes. I love ____ and wholeheartedly recommend them," then I might, assuming I basically like their stuff but can play whatever I want so long as I fulfill a small requirement.

I know endorsees who have signed on, but they (or somebody) modifies the supplied gear to the point that it basically only LOOKS like the endorsed equipment, and go with that. (A couple of harmonica players I know have mics and harps that look like one thing when they're really another, and at least one endorsed guitar player I know still plays his old amps dressed up to look like what he's endorsing.)

 

[Gio_Force_One]

Since I have started playing EBMM its been hard for me to play my other guitars so i have been selling them off, so for me I couldnt do it, but i do love the hollow bodies that i have that would be the only reason you wouldnt see me with a EBMM.
I just love how EBMM is with their customers and how nice and helpful they are no other company I have ever dealt with is as helpful when you call them for support or to order parts. Some of the other guitar companies I felt like i was bothering them when i called for info
So between their amazing guitars and top notch customer service i would have to say i would stay with EBMM no matter what.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Endorsements to me are like a job. I've been in a similar situation (but not for guitars, or any instruments for that matter) but as Jack said earlier, you kinda have to let your situation dictate what you will do.

If you're in a financial dire straits, you've obviously gotta look out for your self and do whats best for you to ensure you have a solid foundation of financial security...

HOWEVER, Deano, you're in the creative industry. You GOTTA play what moves you. Playing an instrument you don't dig doesn't cut it in a world where comfort, gelling, and the "IT" factor is so important. The guitar is not only an instrument, but an extension of your body. You channel your style, your voice into it. Using anything less than your absolute best is not an option for me. Personally.


Besides, I don't have any idea why you're asking by the way.....

 

[PaoloGilberto]

Deano, being a pro musician I think is important to think at the benefits too.
cause an endorsement means more exposure, more money from the contract later, maybe a sig model after some time.
If it is a serious company think twice about this. quality may be similar, the rest are subjective perception aspects that will change in time
I've notice that pro players can play almost any guitar you'll give to them, and will more easily adapt to neck profile, neck playability etc than an amateur.
I am convinced that many players considered this aspects when deciding to give up their guitar for another company endorsement.

 

[lukeuser78]

I think if you were playing that brand by choice in the first place then yes, if PRS offered me a deal tomorrow i would say no as i just dont like them and we play for the joy of playing and choose our guitars to suit our needs so i guess most opn this forum would jump at a EBMM deal! I would!!!

 

[lukeuser78]

And when you look at the currant roster of EBMM artists, some serious company! What was Vinnie Moore thinking of????

 

[The Devil]

I have been in this situation a couple of times.

My thoughts are use what you believe in and don't take the freebie/money.

You cannot fool yourself!

In my case I bought the product before getting hooked up with the company, I believe this shows more commitment to the manufacturer as well because you spent your hard earned cash on their product.

You do not want to be known as a "Gear Slag" as everyone knows everybody else in the industry and word soon gets around.

Thats my two-pennies worth.

 

[dwells]

great answers guys glad i asked this question.

 

[Big Poppa]

OK Dean...first thing....an endorsement wont make your band...your music will.
#2 even if you get a sig deal that is just handcuffs as retail hates sig guitars. Seriously..there are only so many hooks on the wall.
#3 Almost no company will pay you no matter how many records you sell

You may get in a collage ad and impress your friends but endorsement advertising basically been beat to death

 

[metalmarty]

Dean, I've seen it happen with a few friends who took the deal and it never worked out if they went with a product they weren't in love with to begin with. The right gear sets you free, on stage and in the studio. What you want to play at any given point is YOUR call and you shouldn't be shackled to something you will start to dislike rapidly if you're not into it for a 100%. Those friends always came back to their own guitars. They didn't get any the wiser financially either .

 

[Luc]

#2 even if you get a sig deal that is just handcuffs as retail hates sig guitars. Seriously..there are only so many hooks on the wall.

Well done BP since the JP is the big seller of the Music Man guitar line!

 

[lukeuser78]

Anyone wanna give me a endorsments of Lukes inbox me!!!! ha ha

 

[straycat113]

I would not want to own anything I did not love let alone endorse it. I have seen so many arguments on this subject since most guys believe that guys with endorsements are making a fortune which is as far from the truth as it gets. First there are so mane levels and types starting with getting picks or strings to breaks on gear to an instrument. You have to be at the very top of the food chain to be getting free gear or making some scratch or then the highest step of legend or guitar God to be able to play or be seen with another guitar-think 5 decades in the business English guitarists lol. I know everyone would love to see Joe Bonamassa with his own EB guitar which I believe he could have in a heartbeat if he wanted. But believe it or not in a way he may be the best endorser EB has since he plays just about every model they have every night which is way better than him having his own ax as the audience is getting a preview of just about the whole line. Funny but I wound up on the JB Official Message Board on his site the other day and all his fans were talking about the Game Changer and one guy said how could EB get it so right while Gibson blew it, and some other guy said EB guitars are made by musicians for musicians and listens to input of virtuosos while Gibson is made by guys in suits which I found funny.I love Bonamassa and he is deffinetly to me the best of the younger guys in the rock/blues style which is my favorite, and once again EB lands the perfect players player.