Endorsements?

[silenced]

Anybody here tried to become a product endorsee? Anybody succeeded? What are the benefits like? It seems like a great way to get some free or discounted gear?

Assuming you're just an average Joe with no special "inside track", what's the best way to start?

[plishous]

Washburn VINCY STRINGS they used to take care of my bass player and I with good shows and free strings what they do is bring in a rep from the company to raffle off a washburn guitar at our shows.good hook up still with them

[Danny!]

I would say the best way to attract sponsorships is to be good at what you do and get your band as much exposure as possible. Companies sponsor players as a means of advertisment, so if you're not being seen by a large audience or just not good at what you do, its going to be difficult to squeeze free stuff from them.

If you have some favorite gear, stick with it. Don't compromise your sound for a sponsorship. It's going to hurt both sides in the end.

Also, some bands go the route of covering up any brand names on their gear to send out a sort of flag to companies that they're not currently endorsing anyone. An interesting approach, but I think it's effectiveness is questionable at best.

[Gareth*]

I once got a Tobias String endorsement by calling them up and saying I had bought one of there basses and was a pro bass player. This got me a bunch of $40 bass strings for $10

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by Danny!

I would say the best way to attract sponsorships is to be good at what you do and get your band as much exposure as possible. Companies sponsor players as a means of advertisment, so if you're not being seen by a large audience or just not good at what you do, its going to be difficult to squeeze free stuff from them.

If you have some favorite gear, stick with it. Don't compromise your sound for a sponsorship. It's going to hurt both sides in the end.

Also, some bands go the route of covering up any brand names on their gear to send out a sort of flag to companies that they're not currently endorsing anyone. An interesting approach, but I think it's effectiveness is questionable at best.

couldn't have said it better myself! people will sponsor you if they want something from you; ie, cred.

[dagosto]

How can you get endorsed by Swirly Gig?

[smopo24]

call your band swirly; though be warned there is a dreampop/shoegazer band called the swirlies out there already. be carefull kids, and always retain a lawyer!