Endorsements - "HOW TO"

[feraledge]

I have one endorser currently: Curt Mangan Strings. I couldn't be happier with a company. Their strings are fantastic and Curt not only knows strings, but he answers the phone fairly often and loves talking about them.
I got the endorsement because my drummer's old band was picked up by them and I just used that as an in. As a smaller company, he was really easy to work with and I've been rampantly promoting them since. I've done some work to get touring friend's bands on board, but hit these places up while you're touring.
Ironically, I've gotten more people sold on these strings when I sell guitars with them on.

I was talking with Vader cabs for a while and it was left off with hit him up when I'm touring more and looking to buy a new cab. That's really the biggest thing most of these smaller companies are looking for. Solid enough bands that are touring, easy to work with and really behind their products.
The Vader deal not happening wasn't the end of the world though, I can't find anything as solid as my Marshall 1960BV - 300 watt version 4 x 12".

 

[Jimby Pearadoople]

I think the real concern lies with how Rappers can get endorsements easily and make tons of loot off of them...yet as a Rock-based musician it's ridiculously difficult and elusive and all ya get is a discount or free gear. I mean: Atheletes make so much. Especially the X-Games people. No, it's not about money but it IS about securing a future where all one has to do to sustain their life is play music.

 

[Andromalia]

Rappers are used to sell clothes, among other things, not just music. Their target marketing audience isn't musicians. (as evidenced by the fact that Beats headphones DO sell)
You can'y compare the costs either. A mass marketed consumer scratch table costs way less than an amp and its maintenance, and those brands also sell generic consumer products. A Gibson endorsee won't help sell fridges, while a rapper with Samsung headphones actually will.

 

[taysil11]

always a business!

 

[XBIGJIMX]

Great post full of great info. But I can give a different point of view. In my opinion the number one factor in getting an endorsement is being a able to be friendly and shoot the shit with people and luck. Mind you talent and being popular never hurts
I can only give my story as an example, this is who I have deals with (none of these are full rides. Unless you are in a top tier band you are not getting it for free but you are getting it for cost or close to it)

Mesa/Boogie
Ernie Ball Strings
Intune GP


Now other members of my band had Ampeg, Crate, Ibanez and Esp/LTD.

How did I get the mesa Deal? The small label i was on mentioned that all the bands on his roster got Mesa discount. I asked how well his best friend in HS was now the head of a & R at Mesa. So I asked him to introduce me. He did we shot the shit for a couple of hours. He asked what gear i was using and told him. He asked for some pics of the gear 20 min later I had a mesa deal.

Ernie Ball. We met sterling ball at the warped tour got him drunk a couple of nights he asked do you have a string deal? Nope you do now

Intune was totally legit like described on the first page. We filled out the forms gave them show lists and they reviewed it and approved us. (great people)

But my point is never underestimate being friendly and talking to people when you are nice to people, people tend to be nice back and help your band

 

[HUGH JAYNUS]

This was VERY helpful. My band probably isnt near any possible endorsements yet. But meow i have a better idea of how to go about it.

Just for fun, here are my dream endorsers:
Orange for the 4x12 cabs
Engl for their amazing amps, mainly pre amps like the E570
Fryette/VHT for the 2/90/2 power amps
Esp for axes. I want custom Forest bodies with pointed headstocks, Hipshot bridges, and Bare Knuckle Pickups.

One day........

 

[Phrygian]

Great read, thanks!

 

[Aztec]

Great thread, thanks!

 

[theonetruematt]

Great thread with great information. My endorsement fantasies were crushed when I was teaching at a guitar store a few years back and one of the sales guys told me he had a Mesa "artist account." Which, as far as I know is as good as Mesa gets with endorsements. And the artist discount is basically the same as the retail sales dealer accomodation pricing, so if you're looking for "endorsement" prices, just start working at a guitar store!

I actually work at one again now (in sales) and its definitely made me less anxious to try to get endorsed, since I can get the same prices already on anything we carry. And there's definitely some value in being able to play anything you want on stage.

 

[ZXIIIT]

What about just being on their roster list and promo stuff? (don''t want custom shop stuff or "discounts")

 

[Draceius]

Didn't see anyone post this here, so I thought I might contribute, this is from Schecter's blog.

Musicians performing at all levels consider acquiring endorsements at some point in their career. Some play with the idea; others move on it. Ultimately, it is the reasoning or motive behind one’s actions that determines success as an endorsing artist.

From the manufacturer’s point of view, endorsements are designed to help promote the credibility of a company’s instruments or accessories. They also exist to give the appropriate support to established artist and to help the company sell more instruments.

Ask Why

When someone asks a manufacturer that they want to endorse their instruments, they listen without interrupting until they are completely finished with their pitch. Then, after a long pause, they look you straight in the eye and say one word, which is one of the most empowering words in our language. They simply ask “Why?’

The artist’s response will ensure or quell any interest on the manufacturer’s behalf. If they continue talking about how good they are, or how close they are to signing that big record deal, or how they would be crazy not to sign them, then they’re invited to send a package and the conversation is ended as quickly and politely as possible.

If, on the other hand, the artist says that they love the instruments, have found complete freedom in musical expression playing them, and indicate that they will continue playing them whether they are endorsed or not, they continue to listen.

Be Professional

It is amazing that musicians will apply to several manufacturers at the same time. Consider the lack of credibility involved here. What does this say about their musical decisions? What they are really saying is that it doesn’t matter, musically, what instrument they play and that they are just looking to find the company that will give them more.
Musicians “get a clue.” If you want to be taken seriously in the big leagues, act like a professional, make a musical decision, and stay with it. If you want to be considered for a corporate, musical, and personal relationship through an endorsement, consider the following:

1. Cast a clear vision for yourself: know who you are; determine your own sound; devote yourself to music the songs, the group, the sound, your students, and your career. When you are making a living playing music and have something to offer others, then move on to number two.

2. Ask yourself why. Why are you asking for an endorsement? What are you willing to offer? What do you bring to the table that would matter? What attributes do you have as a person and as an artist that would make you invaluable to a company?

3. Do you have an established career in music? This is a yes or no question. Be realistic, as this is the real world. Some guidelines: how many thousand or tens-of-thousands of recordings were sold last year with your name listed as the main artist? Are you currently on a major tour? How long have you been in your current band or symphony? Of what college or university are you a faculty member? If you are still in college, stay focused on your music and forget about endorsements.

4. In order to merit clinic support, you must be a great clinician. A great player is not necessarily a great teacher or clinician. This is an important point. Before you ask for clinic support, have 100 clinics under your belt and make sure that belt is a black belt in the art of teaching. It is important to the manufacturers that someone who calls himself or herself a clinician is indeed artful and effective at this work.

5. Make yourself an expert on the company that manufactures the instruments you play. You show know its history, philosophy, current artist roster, and position in the market. If you want to be an endorsing representative of a company, you simply must know and respect whom you would be representing before you approach them. Study the company’s website and determine how it represents its artists. Do you fit in the roster?

6. Establish rapport. Introduce yourself at trade shows to the company’s staff without presenting a package or even mentioning the word endorsement. They assume, if you are talking to them, that you can play. Remember, many of the people working for instrument manufactures are fine musicians. Many of them would surprise you if you ever heard them play. In the endorsement context, you need to present yourself as a businessperson. They would like to know what it would be like to work with you.

7. Prepare a well-crafted promotional package. Your package should include a short letter, a biography, a recording, a photo, and the URL to your website. Take time and have fun constructing this package; it is your first impression. Do some background work and be sure your sending it to the right person. Get the correct spelling of his or her name, as well as that person’s correct title.

8. Don’t expect free instruments or to be paid money in return for playing a company’s instrument. Artist discounts will be discussed after your package has generated interest. Companies expect endorsing artists to play their instruments exclusively; to mention their companies at educational events; to thank the company for their support; and, when possible, to include the company’s name on recording materials. Individual companies may have other expectations beyond these, which will be discussed if they are interested.

9. Keep focused on the music while paying attention to your sound and to your business skills. Music manufacturers are, above all, interested in being represented by good, professional musicians who truly love the tools of their trade.

An endorsement relationship with a company is a privilege. It is a truly reciprocal relationship, which is based on trust and great communication. Endorsements do not exist to propel anyone’s career. Rather your successful career will propel endorsements.

 

[MeriTone Music]

well said!! Rock on

 

[SebastianGrosu]

Really great post. I have learned a lot!

 

[Joseph Kimbrell]

Thanks Jan, good read! This is something lots of musicians are curious about

 

[Carnage]

thanks for posting, was a great read

 

[jonesjane]

Nice videos.......Keep sharing this,,guys...

 

[Pat Olson]

Thanks so much for the insight!

 

[JeremyRodriguez5544998]

Thank you very much for the post. This is a super great starting point for musicians like myself who are interested in partnering up with a great company.

 

[Ryan Duke]

Simple straightforward basics. Good post.

 

[Gregory Frus]

Great info!! Thanks for posting!!