Hi, Marc,

I guess I would be a big endorser of Indie, DIY, effects pedal builder's & modifier's sites... & of specific boutique & designer pedals, if they were ones who's sounds I liked. That's a magical art.

Also, high end FX & digital lighting , all of which I can't afford, but love anyway.

 

This may help:  http://www.bermudaschwartz.com/endorsement/index.html
 

hey guys,Esp guitars for example looks for 250 plus shows a year a cd and most of what your mentioned earlier,hope that helps a little,most companies are probably gonna ask the same as they are looking for maximum exposure of their stuff on a grassroots level,but with a very busy act,ie you guys playing everywhere you can within three to five states away as well as the other stuff like south by southwest etc.Good luck, Lorenzo.
 

Speaking as a maker in search of endorsees I can tell you what I would want from an endorsement arrangement;

I want to see an aggressive playing schedule, an endorsee who is willing to give access to the gear I make (hands-on when convenient, honest opinions when asked), credit on recordings, web sites and other high profile areas that are appropriate, feedback to me from the artist on progress with the gear and general gist of conversations had about the toy(s), copies of press the act receives (as I am likely to want to keep up personally), and there is more but it escapes me at present.

The idea is that these sorts of things are supposed to be a win/win. I would reciprocate with as much press and eye space as I am capable of, and a cost arrangement on gear.

Talent is obviously a high priority, but being public, prolific and honest serves everyone best
 

I'm an endorser for LA Guitars/Lehtela Guitar Craft (this was a few years before we started playing together). Basically, I got a very nice discount on a high-end axe. I think Ari mainly looks for guys who play out regularly. It's not hard to "endorse" his gear because people always come up and ask about it anyway.

I also know that certain major companies will give deep discount "endorsements" to hot local players. Usually they just want to see a demo.

 

If you WORK in a music store however, they may give you an "endorsement" just to tip your brand loyalties a bit. Warwick, for one used to offer a 50% of list "endorsement".

 

Last, This crazy guitarist I used to work with got into a near fistfight with a customer because he was a Marshall fan, and the cutomer wanted to buy a Mesa Boogie, which he refused to sell.

 

The fight became local legend. Marshall found out about it, and I believe they offered him a sweet little endorsement package for his loyalty...

 

 

Never underestimate the smaller companies - and being in the right place at the right time.  I have a deal through Walden Guitars - a small acoustic guitar company which still hand-crafts their guitars out of southern China.  I did my research on companies that I felt had a high level of innovation in their craftsmanship prior to heading to NAMM one year.  I discovered that this company not only made excellent instruments, but was also recently emerging into the American Market.  I just happened to start talking to the director of the company while playing one of their models.  I got the deal on the spot. 

There are stories like that all over.  You don't necessarily have to be signed, and you don't necessarily have to play hundreds upon hundreds of shows per year.  However, as has already been mentioned, you do have to have a show schedule that shows them that you are serious about your craft and that they will reap a certain degree of benefit from having you play their instrument.   

Remember, no one's going to give you something for free - they are going to expect something in return that is equal to or greater than the value of the instrument - be it money or exposure.

Great topic!

My $.02.

- Michael

 

One more thought... get to know your "local" music store well.  Many shops offer "endorsement" deals for things like strings, picks, etc.  It's basically a way to foster and increase loyalty.  It works - I get asked all the time where the best place to buy strings from is.  You can bet your sweet boots that I recommend the store that gives them to me.

M

 

I suppose I should mention that in every case, any company I approach as a potential endorser is one that I'm already purchasing gear from at retail price.

This is gear that I've already been using, and want to keep using, and to me that's worth looking into the possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties involved. 

 

Thanks for that valuable information!
 

That's pretty much a good overview man ,

I think that anyone looking for any endorsement deals should first ask themselves why they want to be an endorsee' for that certain product ? As you stated allready you go after endorsements that you have allready previously used the product and even in most cases paid for it and have a past experience with using the gear hands on . I think alot of times people view endorsements as either a way of getting free gear , or to gain brag rights being an endorsed player of a said product . Not that that's a bad thing , but an endorsement can be alot more rewarding in other ways that often get overlooked . I have also myself built some relationships with companies through myspace as well as other resources online to gain accounts with company owners . Although I currently don't hold any endorsements with companies ( mostly out of personal preference ) I have several business accounts with companies and have made some great friendships too that the respect is mutual on both sides . Something that I always tell someone looking to endorse is as follows : Would be as interested in a certain companies product even if you couldn't get a killer price reduction on their product ? Mostly I believe that people shouldn't endorse for something if they wouldn't play or be happy with their product if they weren't getting a deal on it .

Great topic man ,

sam(otacon28)

 

 

found another archived article on the subject, at the Aquarian Drumhead site:

endorsement article, from 'concepts' in Modern Drummer Magazine

 

He's right about some of the deals being only extremely discounted and not free. Something is better nothing. We only endorse a couple of people, just because we are so small. Their exposure is essential to us as we are to them. We save them money and they make us money. I think everyone likes that deal at some time or another. But cheers to all who have full endorsement deals!!!!!