MusicMan Endorsements

[BigMESA]

thanks big mesa!

You're welcome! And the bass player will be playing his Stingray as well. We're a MM only band lol.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

and I played mil silo to 40 last night !!!

J

 

[beej]

I have to say, I'm in the camp that's pleasantly surprised to see players with EBMMs that I didn't know played them. Joe B most notably. Another one- just saw an upcoming clinic with Ian Thornley (great Canadian player, formerly of Big Wreck) and there's a shot of him playing a Silo doubleneck!

So BP, whatever your artist relations guys are doing ... keep doing it! I'm seeing more EBMM product out there than I've seen before.

 

[mesavox]

YOu guys are inclined to think signature guitars because that has what has happened the last generation instead of research and development. It is a surface no brainer....HMMMMM WE need to lock this guy up...we will stroke his ego and put his name on the headstock...we will make it unique by sanding some paint off in a few spots and put different frets...hell maybe even a different pickup. The artist will sign a contract that is favored nations...he gets the same percentage as the other guys....he is now obligated to play that guitar at least 60% percent of the time.....its ego driven handcuffs.

I really respect Joe Bonamassa's approach. He has a non exclusive deal with Gibson. He happens to be loving our stuff. We make him whatever he wants but he could be gone tomorrow or he could be still playing it. The bottom line is that when you go see Joe B he is playing exactly the tool that he needs for inspiration. Let me make this clear...we have a string deal with Joe and nothing on the guitars except he is playing a bunch of our stuff now...that could change but it feels really good and pure to me.

There is a market for that....maybe. The problem is that at retail if a dealer stocked all the signature guitars available from the multitude of players there would be no room for the regular stuff...and the regular stuff is what usually sells.

We dont chose signature artists by sound scan or people magazine...(but a jp was all over american idol!) The player has to be an iconic player within his or her genre and most importantly have a desire for a instrument that isnt currently out there for them to help perfect thier art. Seriously. Then we go from there. There are no contracts. Any of our artists can leave at any time.

The net result is that the Luke and JP are very cucessful guitars in their price point and the Albert Lee and the Steve Morse are very credible offerings with a very nice following.

DOnt confuse endorsements with signature guitars. As Ive said recently Hendrix edidnt have one

As mesa says...an endorsement is different that a signature model

I think another thing that happens with people thinking signatures as though they define Music Man's endorsement list because they are the one's on the webpage with pictures of their guitars in the models page. They don't think about the guys who are endorsed, play Music Mans, and just don't have a sig model and thus don't find their names on the high traffic areas of the site.

Also, everyone tends to think of endorsements in their own image. That is... everyone has their own idea of how they'd hope it could happen for them. Like me, when I look into the future as I go into my last semester of my music degree and find myself finally making some interesting contacts that could really get my foot in the session work world, and even see my band starting to do things that are next step (bands have usually broken up by time they've taken steps we've recently taken. LOL)... anyway, as I look into that future and imagine how things might develop (which we humans do so that we can build various series of contingency plans etc.) I don't particularly see myself with a signature guitar. Is it likely I'll ever be the iconic player JP is? Not really... he,and players like Luke, came along in special times in history. Of all the recent generation guitar heros, how many will end up a Satch, JP, or Luke in 15 years?

So, I tend to look into the future and envision the lucky stroke of landing a Music Man endorsement... and playing the JPs just like I do now. I think more in terms of being able to get one off guitars for specific needs that would never be cost effective to offer on the market, but the people I come in contact with might think is cool and drop by the MM website and go..."Oh... that JP looks similar to what that dude had..." I bought my first guitar way back in 94, largely due to research in finding a guitar that looked as much like what Phil Collen played as I could afford... lol Obviously Phil is in the icon realm of guitar players, but I think the point works. LOL

So, everyone looks into their future and finds themselves defining the current reality based on how they would hope they might fit in it one day. Well, not everyone... I just used that as an all inclusive word meaning... popular idea. lol

Then someone like me reads the first post, and then the references to signature models and goes..."no no no... I'm too anal a literal for this..." LOL

I can't think of new artists to add either... because I don't do that kind of research. If I did, I'd be working for a guitar company looking for artists to sign. lol I think people forget that these companies, MM included, have people that have things like this as part of their job description, and probably have already thought of the wild ideas we blurb out on the forum. I'd be surprised if someone at EB hasn't gandered by the Carvin Amp booth with a shiny Music Man in hand and wiggled it in Steve Vai's face..."see how pretty???" LOL That person would know as well as we do that he's not leaving that other guitar company... but that person has more to gain by trying anyway than we do by speculating and hoping for one maybe day. They're the one's losing sleep over the planning of executing their ideas. It seems logical to me that EBMM is operating within their niche, while always trying to creatively expand that niche, without sacrificing the soul of the current design philosophy. It also seems quite obvious to me that MM is not hurting by lack of good artist rep.

It is fun to talk about it and speculate because we are gear nerds... and fans of MM. So, we like talking about this sort of stuff, and want our fave guitars to be seen by the masses the way we see them. But, we're talking about a company that from all appearances is very successful across the board so I don't think we have anything to worry about.

Just my little perspective post of the day... LOL

 

[the24thfret]

Ha, I just read the first post of this thread and the first words that came to mind were "oh boy..."

 

[thiscalltoarms]

here's my take.

the easiest way to get me to spend money is to have a midlevel band that plays midlevel shows be endorsed- a few nights ago I played with a Christian spacerock ish band named the glorious unseen. After the set I was talking with their lead player and he handed me a Visual Sound sticker, and told me about his Maz18jr that he is endorsed by (i think).

I have never wanted that amp or those pedals, but he made it sound so good, and he took the time to talk to me about those pedals and amps, and now... *mouth waters*

It might be that the only way to sell the 3g guitars is with big names, but I've never s really wanted a signiture guitar or amp. but 200-1300 dollar stuff, if someone tells me its good and is a nice guy, and sounds killer and is endorsed...

I'll probably have a MAZ18 in a month or two. discounting endorsers is totally the way to go.

 

[Astrofreq]

Interesting thread. I could be totally wrong here, but maybe the initial post was referring not necessarily to just bands that are new, but in the same respect, bands that are popular.

I think the list of players that endorse Music Man are easily a cut above any list of players with any other major guitar brand. Kudos to BP for getting such established names to the brand. Unfortunately, there is no one on the list of music man endorsees that any of my guitar students have heard of. So, when I try to get a student to buy a music man, I'm butting my head up against brands that their favorite rock stars play. Simple as that.

Students of mine want Gibsons and Fenders because of The Strokes, Green Day, etc. One of my students wants an Ibanez because Dragonforce plays them. What is better music, Dragonforce of Albert Lee? The answer: who cares?

I don't care who plays EBMM as long as it's not the Jonas Brothers...

This is a very telling post, even though I know you are just joking around. The Jonas Brothers write incredibly well crafted songs and sell millions of records. People can make fun of it, but they know what they are doing. Having one of these guys play Music Man guitars would bring legions of kids to the brand.

I say all of this knowing that BP and the artist relations people know full well what they are doing. They can endorse whomever they want and I respect that.

 

[the24thfret]

This is a very telling post, even though I know you are just joking around. The Jonas Brothers write incredibly well crafted songs and sell millions of records.

They suck.

EDIT: Respectfully.

 

[ShaneV]

All this talk of endorsers without sig models is making me thing of DJ Ashba and his ridiculously awesome Axis collection.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

As I have said many times before, the only reason I discovered EBMM was the association with EVH. I am sure that if the EVH association had not happened I would not be playing these fine guitars today.

Of the young musicians I meet, I would say that the vast majority have never heard of EBMM guitars, and I doubt if they have heard of JP, Steve Morse etc. Everyone's dream guitar still seems to be a Les Paul....

Whilst in some respects it feels good to be an exclusive club, its a shame that more people do not know about these guitars. I think EBMM does need an EVH for this generation - I just don't know who though!

 

[mesavox]

Yeah.. endorsments are huge I think... I saw EVH and I thought.... that's weird but I kinda like it... then Luke went over and I wanted one of those!!!!! LOL But I really needed JP's switch layout and electronics so I went with that when I got my first 1K guitar... when he switched over I immediately felt he was in the place I wished he had been anyway.

I do wish the picasso had come over as an option but you have to move on sometime right? LOL

 

[the24thfret]

Yeah.. endorsments are huge I think... I saw EVH and I thought.... that's weird but I kinda like it... then Luke went over and I wanted one of those!!!!! LOL But I really needed JP's switch layout and electronics so I went with that when I got my first 1K guitar... when he switched over I immediately felt he was in the place I wished he had been anyway.

I do wish the picasso had come over as an option but you have to move on sometime right? LOL

I probably would have never thought about buying EBMM if JP hadn't had a model. Like a lot of DT fans, it was the protoypes featured on the SFNY DVD that gave me EB gas. I do think it is the best metal/floating-trem guitar there is. By far.

 

[Astrofreq]

as i have said many times before, the only reason i discovered ebmm was the association with evh. I am sure that if the evh association had not happened i would not be playing these fine guitars today.

+1

 

[paranoid70]

What about Alex Lifeson? He plays Les Pauls, 355s, Strats, Teles, PRS.... Somebody hand that man a Silhoutte Special!!! And Geddy would absolutely sound killer with a Stingray. (Yeah, I love Rush)

 

[brasco68]

What about Alex Lifeson? He plays Les Pauls, 355s, Strats, Teles, PRS.... Somebody hand that man a Silhoutte Special!!! And Geddy would absolutely sound killer with a Stingray. (Yeah, I love Rush)

I thought something similar when I saw Alex warm up with a Super Sport backstage on the Rush in Rio DVD...if he would only bring that A.S.S. on stage.

I think he would sound awesome on a JP as well.

 

[musicmankixazz]

This going to get so loose so quick.

The question really needs to be refined...

Are you asking who the younger/up and coming artists are ??? ie DJ Ashba, Trev Lukather, Johnny Christ, Joe Bonamassa etc etc etc...

Or

Are you asking who the "big faces" are and have been since EVHs departure?? ie



It's a loaded question as it is currently phrased...

It's mainly about upcoming artists who are going to be big in the future.

 

[musicmankixazz]

again... what does endorsements in general have to do with signature models?

I for one don't have a rule I go by as for playing signature or not signature... I don't care if the guitar says puke on it if it's the guitar that meets all my needs. LOL The Petrucci models have done that for me since I first played one of the um, old ones... lol... and the MM JP does even more so with the piezo, better build, and smaller tastier neck.

Signature guitars are unique usually and that's the draw or appeal to people because they have features other guitars might not be offering.

I am talking about upcoming players who will be big one day and are skilled, not POP people.

 

[musicmankixazz]

YOu guys are inclined to think signature guitars because that has what has happened the last generation instead of research and development. It is a surface no brainer....HMMMMM WE need to lock this guy up...we will stroke his ego and put his name on the headstock...we will make it unique by sanding some paint off in a few spots and put different frets...hell maybe even a different pickup. The artist will sign a contract that is favored nations...he gets the same percentage as the other guys....he is now obligated to play that guitar at least 60% percent of the time.....its ego driven handcuffs.

I really respect Joe Bonamassa's approach. He has a non exclusive deal with Gibson. He happens to be loving our stuff. We make him whatever he wants but he could be gone tomorrow or he could be still playing it. The bottom line is that when you go see Joe B he is playing exactly the tool that he needs for inspiration. Let me make this clear...we have a string deal with Joe and nothing on the guitars except he is playing a bunch of our stuff now...that could change but it feels really good and pure to me.

There is a market for that....maybe. The problem is that at retail if a dealer stocked all the signature guitars available from the multitude of players there would be no room for the regular stuff...and the regular stuff is what usually sells.

We dont chose signature artists by sound scan or people magazine...(but a jp was all over american idol!) The player has to be an iconic player within his or her genre and most importantly have a desire for a instrument that isnt currently out there for them to help perfect thier art. Seriously. Then we go from there. There are no contracts. Any of our artists can leave at any time.

The net result is that the Luke and JP are very cucessful guitars in their price point and the Albert Lee and the Steve Morse are very credible offerings with a very nice following.

DOnt confuse endorsements with signature guitars. As Ive said recently Hendrix edidnt have one

As mesa says...an endorsement is different that a signature model

I have no objection to finding players that have talent and are in unique styles of music. But my point ultimately was that if you get an upcoming face with the company (even if they leave at some point) it would boost the image of EBMM products because I am sick and tired of people telling me they suck. Always gotta hear about LP's and Strats, thinking of innovation or a new product what would be interesting is if EBMM made your own version of a flying V and get some young metal player to play on them. I would buy that!

Anyway the point was not to say just sign anyone, sign people who can play obviously. You're the man Poppa

 

[Dante]

session dudes and metal players share one trait: we're usually up for a comfortable guitar. since black is available on most guitars, maybe the artist relations dept should start scanning the unseemly-yet-popular crowd. not saying anyone should get a sig, just make sure they're caught on photo with a ball. btw, caught a glimpse of a JP6 in the least likely place: a PSP add. some "thing" was playing a fully loaded blue JP6 hendrix-style (backwards).

on a side note, the absense of an obvious heavy metal guitar makes it easier for non-insiders to mistake the whole brand as a heavy metal brand. even though there are NO pointy guitars here.

 

[mesavox]

Signature guitars are unique usually and that's the draw or appeal to people because they have features other guitars might not be offering.

I am talking about upcoming players who will be big one day and are skilled, not POP people.

I didn't suggest you did say pop people... and I know why signature guitars have appeal... I have two of them. LOL Not sure why you quoted me. lol

Your last few posts have still not addressed the real issue... who? Who are they to sign? I already addressed the aspect of them having scouting minded people who worry about that stuff.... Don't you think they'd have signed a Jeff Loomis if he was interested?

With that... and I know he's not an exclusive endorsee, but what about Joe Bonamassa and other folks seen an awful lot with MM guitars? I mean, within the framework of virtuosos... there aren't many available, and they're doing pretty good at getting their guitars seen. I mean, it doesn't seem completely accidental to me that you see the Eagles guitar player with a double neck silo and next thing you know it's a new BFR model. It must have gotten someone's attention. I don't know how well they're selling, but I'd imagine they've sold about as many as they expected meaning they lost or made the money they were willing to experiment with, but the exposure alone retooled a whole guitar shop... or at least I suspect that exposure had something to do with it.

I guess it seems like you have a valid point, and people are saying that, but it's like hello captain obvious. To me anyway. I mean, it's not like they're sitting there watching the talent go by because they're afraid to approach them...