How To Get A Gear Endorsement

Lets talk about endorsements!
Links:
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Merch: riffsandbeards.bigcartel.com
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Ello: ello.co/riffsandbeards
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Twitter: / riffsandbeards
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Soundcloud: / riffsandbeards

[@ScienceofLoud]

Solid advise here. The one sided thing can come from the companies as well, some are looking for free exposure with no interest in what the artist's needs are. The best companies are ones who ask how they can help you grow and expand, and have an interest in supporting your craft. Probably the hardest part of getting endorsements is putting together a plan of how you can continue to gain exposure for the product. Bands at a certain level can make a very visual statement live or in photoshoots and music videos, which works well for the likes of guitars and amps. Smaller, less obvious gear, like strings or picks, can be more difficult to showcase. For that sort of thing, social media is king.

[@joshfeenai8363]

Hey I like your videos, didn't know you watched fluff :P also I'm from Dundee so it's pretty cool seeing someone fairly nearby doing what you do, and I'd like to try it myself someday

[@megamountainman5230]

+CSGuitars I'm starting to feel like we watch all the same videos.

[@Epicc928]

Totally read the whole thing in your accent...

[@VictorVonBelmont]

Aren't you the guy who stole a phaser pedal kit?

[@dlheidemann]

I want an endorsement from Fluff. Not two notes or panama. Just fluff.

[@nsiepmann]

+Derek Heidemann Beard trimmings at cost price? SCORE!

[@RizzleK]

+Luka Cuturic Dino sippy cups on the cheap

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

This is so spot on. So many people confuse the fact the the artist endorses the product the company doesn't endorse the person. Great video Fluff :)

[@TheSammyreynolds]

+Robert Baker LOL. You're right. Billy Gibbons used to endorse Crate V series amps but he never used them ever. He would just sit the amps on stage and was plugged into the a Marshall off stage. He's notorious for using what he wants but he still has endorsements from companies who products he doesn't even use.

[@inrewts3936]

Once you don’t need any thing for free, you’ll get everything for free.

[@joeyjones9041]

it's kinda ironic, when you are at the point at which companies want endorsements with you, you already have the money to buy the shit you want. you don't really need the endorsement.

[@numberneinlarge9965]

Joey Jones It would also be somewhat pointless to have an endorsement when you not only have enough money to buy things you want, but when you actually start building your own stuff.

[@JIMISTONED]

Still... frees up money for reinvestment

[@RobMoutrey]

I always thought that too!! Honestly there is only one endorsement i want and that’s ibanez.. and for the sole reason to get the keys to the LACS kingdom.. and at that point i wouldn’t mind paying 10,000+ to get a guitar made.. just get endorsed so i can be put on that list to get a custom ibanez guitar made would be awesome!!

[@Rossco1382]

Endorsements are like sex. If you have to beg, you aren't getting any.

[@riverdragon_1]

hahahaha

[@tempjohn1111]

I just took a cold, hard look at myself in the mirror, and I cannot, in good conscience, endorse myself. But I am going to follow up some time next week to see if I have time to re-evaluate.

[@clausmix]

You are a big inspiration source in my book Fluff. You truly deserve everything you have picked up along your way. Thank you!

[@DaniTheDawg]

Thank you. Like, really, really thank you. Mosto of all, for the sincerity. Then, for the actual advice. You see people? That's the kind of channels I like to subscribe. Keep it up bro, you and other cool people like you inspire to prepare my own gear comparison vid, not for the money or the projection of it, but out of pure love for the music, the gear and everything inbetween.

[@WhatExitSign]

Love the videos man!! Great production quality, always straight-shooting and to the point, and you're a hellacious player as well. Best wishes to you moving forward!!

[@raytheonorion]

Thank you for demystifying the industry... one video at a time. Slow and steady wins the race. Top marks.

[@chrisadams628]

Fluff, this video was very eye opening for me and is applicable in many forms and spaces. These are words to live by.

[@josharena512]

FLUFF, thank you for this video. I was recently asking my self about if I should try to seek an endorsement. I have a few friends who are endorsed for being musicians and they encouraged me to give it a try. I enjoy your videos and please keep them coming.

[@DanielDwightMusic]

This helped me with an actual bass endorsement. I dont have a KZbin following or many videos cause I dont have the time (because i play alot) however,thank you for your advice, as you said, a few different things than what I've learned over my career and being a good person is a HUGE part of endorsements too. Good call bro! God Bless and keep doing your thing

[@GeeMorno]

Great info. Reminds me of my audio engineering teacher; how much he stressed the importance of displaying a workable, professional behavior. He said it pretty much how you worded it.

[@Averag3Jo3]

One of the most useful videos I've watched in a while, thanks Fluff!

[@Scaryskullfella]

It'll probably be a few years before I even try to talk to a company rep about giving me a 1% discount hahaha but when that time comes, I'm going to be thankful you gave me and others this advice. Cheers fluff, you're a great dude.

[@lodougherty]

Love that Thrice Vinyl behind you.

[@PaulFournierMusic]

this is more than great! Thank you so much for uploading! Keep killing it!

[@alexanderstallings9352]

Man, you are a pleasure to listen to! Thanks for this.

[@nickr1627]

Lots of respect on the "Nice" thing. Too many people are just complete jerks, its always good to find people that look for the nice people out there.

[@benmoore7946]

I really love that framed picture of the forest snow scene!

[@GuitarLava]

Excellent advice. I wish I'd started my channel years ago. The good thing is I have tons of content to share and I'm a hustler so stay tuned! Thanks Ryan!

[@joeslo4.6]

Thank you for this video!!! I've been thinking about starting a KZbin channel focused on guitar but i don't really know much about it. This really helped me with understanding endorsement and stuff.

[@ForTiorIJohnny]

can i get an endorsement for beard growth from you? my dad didn´t pass down the best of genes for beard growth.

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

No dad endorsement = no life endorsement.

[@SoundSpeeding]

Hell yeah I agree, let's go get those beard endorsements!! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS! BEARDS!

[@luciansatanas5664]

thank you bro this was helpful advice and i think that i really should get to know a company before i even decide to deal with em

[@yourboykarp]

So stoked to see that thrice illusion of safety vinyl!!!!

[@averytheamazingone]

This was a very informative video! Thank you fluff!! I can now set goals for myself to meet some standards in the far future for maybe one day getting an endorsement, cheers and happy Tuesday

[@RobMoutrey]

I had no idea you were involved with 2notes.. that’s awesome dude!!

[@lemsdarkapprentice]

This is really insightful and helpful from both sides, loads of thanks, Ryan.

[@markwhitelaw7192]

"The Illusion of Safety" on vinyl behind him! Just discovered this channel. Some cool stuff!

[@natec2]

This is a lot of good advice, sometimes the little details make up everything.

[@zariisofficial]

Even though this is an older video which i've just come across, this is excellent advice!

[@guitarist6494]

FLUFF !!!!!!!! Such an array of knowledge !!! Could you please shine some light on some 80's metal in a future video please??

[@JobForAMaxboy]

Well it isn't going anywhere, and it's been here for 30 years already, what more is there to know?

[@guitarist6494]

Cmon Oak brah, theres no limit to what you can learn. Even pros are still learning, everyone is still learning something new....

[@fadejmg]

Great video with great advices. Thanks for sharing your experience Fluff!

[@ZombyGamr]

Fluff, thank you for being real with your viewers.

[@chrisbose]

thanks so much for sharing your hard won wisdom man, demystifying the process!!!

[@ferox965]

I was close to getting one from Orange (I already use the Terror bass for everything I do and was so impressed with their gear as a hard gigger)..they said as a player, based on my samples I sent them, they'd take me in a second, they said the only thing stopping them was my imprint...that I wasn't known enough, especially through social media...we've kept touch and they've been great.

[@AlexJohnson-cw3gg]

Diggin the Illusion of safety vinyl in the background

[@IanHolwood]

This video was so insightful. Thank you for your contribution!

[@mannijimenezmusic]

Thank You. I know, I have a long way to go to be endorsement material, but this video helps a great deal.

[@Oblivion175]

I totally didn't know you did Panama and Two Notes. That's awesome

[@Shreddster]

Thanks for the video helpful all around. I am building myself up socially lol and I will in the future get a endorsement!!! Thank you!!!! ONE DAYYYY!!!!!!!

[@TantricConvulsions]

That's some pretty solid advice, Fluff. Thanks, bud.

[@MojoPenguin]

Thanks for the info, very useful update Fluff ! Great stuff :)

[@JoeyConcepcionGuitar]

This video was very helpful Ryan, It was kinda nice to hear what's on a reps mind in perspective, Cheers!

[@jmd4free]

Found this while looking into Panama amps. I love all the products they produced. I'm not the best guitar player in the world, but I'm a really nice guy. 😀

[@salatieljyrustumanan4929]

Thanks a milli! Now I'm motivated!

[@olivierjacquet]

I was curious about endorsement. Thanks for your answers! I don't think I'm interesting enough to be noticed by companies yet. My views are lower than my B string ! Nevertheless, I keep working with the hope I 'll be able to build such a relationship with a brand. My two bands are currently recording, maybe i'll try to send some press kits before touring.

[@tristanserna1032]

Awesome Brand New album in background man!

[@beef198513]

hi fluff, i was wondering how to make a press kit. i contacted GHS strings (they are around the block from me!) and they asked for a press kit and i didn't know what it was lol your video explained what it was but i don't know how to make one. thanks man and you're videos are hilarious

[@ironmindset5237]

Thanks fluff!! Answered some questions I had on endorsements 🤘🤘

[@JesseWrangell]

One thing I have always wondered, is how do you word the email to the company?

[@bremsnix]

+Jesse Wrangell +1 Because I don't want want to sound like a) a greedy asshole or b) an arrogant prick I wouldn't know how to put it. "Dear Gear Company XY, my shit is so smokin hot and so many people watch it, give me an endorsement" Sounds like I'm a douche.

[@iopklmification]

+Jesse Wrangell "Bro, I'm the best guitarist in the world and I want some free stuff, do ya feel me bro ?"

[@jaredtorres1000]

+Jesse Wrangell Just like any email, try to be as formal and professional as possible. Though it might be obvious, but make sure that you're using proper grammar, tell them how you've heard of them, what you like about their products, and make sure you have links to your social media and/or use a EPK (Electronic Press Kit). You don't need to give them your life story but make it look nice and you'll be good to go! Hope this helps!

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

+Jesse Wrangell Completely the opposite of how you talk to your friends.

[@rumblepac6823]

+bremsnix As he said in the video, it's a give-give relationship. So explain how the endorsement can be profitable for both of the parties.

[@derekspringer1883]

Great info Ryan! I have never given an amp away. I always think my players value me as much as I value them. They don't like to work for free and neither do I. That's coming from a one-man show amp builder. The major brands can afford to do things differently. All that said, as a word to guitar players, you playing an amp or guitar on the internet or during a show does not usually equate to sales. Mike McCready has played his Union Jack around the world for the last two years, and while it adds credibility to the brand and I take a lot of pride in it, I can't claim it has amounted to any one particular amp customer... Just my .02

[@charliesilveria1998]

Intro song gets me every time... So heavy. So gr00ve

[@x.jeff.x]

Hey Fluff, I just want to start out by saying I'm a huge fan. I've watched a TON of your videos. I love seeing your videos and hearing the advice and information you give to your fans/subs. I would really love to see you and Rest, Repose play but I live in Tennessee and you guys aren't touring through here, at least I don't think you are. You, your band, Jared Dines ( even though he's part of your band), and Austin Dickey are all huge inspirations to me. I'm a 16 year-old guitarist that has recently started posting videos on KZbin and I really want to make my own music but I can't afford to get all of the gear that's necessary to do so. It's all so overwhelming to me and I don't know what to do. Got any advice for a beginner in the music industry ??

[@PetexZen]

The way this guy explains everything is great. Hes like a really smart dad type of guy lmao

[@KarunwiBabatundeAdeyinka-kj7sz]

It's very insightful. Thank you for the help.

[@evanalanjones]

Great advice fluff! Do you think you could do a video on record labels? because my band "You're Next" got hit up a couple weeks back by a record label called "Molatov Records" and they sent over a contract and wanted to have a meeting with the band to discuss the deal. One thing that was the problem was there was nothing to do with them online at all. So i e-mailed them about the issue and I never heard back. It was probably a scam but a video on how to deal with record labels would be much appreciated. Keep up the good work!

[@martinclayton7260]

Good advice, I would love some endorsements, but as you say, only from companies that make equipment I use. Plus the back up, and advise they could give me would be very helpful! I play in four bands, and each band is a very different environment. The need to use different guitars, aswell as other equipment is obvious! But thanks to your advice, I now know that I will have to put up some kind of social media presence! Thank you. M

[@chefkdowg]

great helpful hints. thanks buddy

[@benthicswimmin]

Those Thrice and Brand New albums. So good.

[@ebbulk]

Thrice on vinyl!! They were on a playlist I was listening to in the car today, sang al the lyrics, but couldn't remember the bandname :$ Awesome band.

[@RNAMusic]

great video. it's a tricky thing these social media endorsements. Sometimes an artist is better of without them if they like to use a wide variety of gear. Or work with a company who has a non exclusive type endorsement scheme. Being locked down to one brand may not be actually what someone really wants once they are in one.

[@RNAMusic]

for example if an artist already has a few guitars they love to play from other brands, but now you can not use them in videos or gigs. You can always end the relationship of course but then it looks funny when an artist changes companies frequently. Some brands will work with artists on this, especially if the artists main gig is demoing gear. Some brands wont.

[@RNAMusic]

Chapman for one. But there are others. Different levels as Fluff said. Companies can have different endorsement tiers and craft whatever deal they want per contract. Even when Zakk was with Gibson you would see him onstage time to time with another guitar. Even if for one song.

[@RNAMusic]

+John Smith any artist that you see playing a guitar other than a chapman in videos.

[@Richpena1598]

+John Smith Rabea Massad has multiple videos with himself playing a PRS.

[@Richpena1598]

+John Smith Also, Rob Scallon is an artist, even has two signature models coming out in the future, yet he will doubtlessly be using other guitars in his videos.

[@KF-is5uc]

you're working for panama and two notes ? AWESOME!

[@Doginthesleep]

Awesome tips; really something I was curious about. I'm saving my pennies for recording gear. I was actually looking at the Two Notes line because you can record silently; and I have a kid on the way haha

[@antiniorobles]

Thank you that was super helpful.

[@MarkusJNowak]

Really great advice, totally sincere. Liked and subbed. Thank you.

[@alexleatherdale711]

Hi, Ryan! I recently discovered your channel and have since become a big fan. I just wanted to say that I noticed your copy of Deja Entendu on vinyl. Have you ever produced music for bands like Brand New before or do you mostly work on rock and metal?

[@shredfreak83]

Definatly know the area where i need to work on. I'm pretty sure i finally found a company i want to endorse. Up to this point i haven't been upgrading my guitars but literally have been rebuilding them from the ground up, wich i doubt any company would want to see, Or plainly sent them back to the store for a full refund. Now to work on a social media presence lmao. guess the HD camera for xmass will be very handy for that.

[@Sackledpastry]

Hey Fluff, as the brand manager of Panama Guitars, could you tell me why i can't find tonewood 2x12s being sold anywhere?

[@BrianKupferschmid]

Thanks for this video. It gives me some insight on how endorsements work. As a new KZbinr, this is kind of a goal of mine, not necessarily for the free stuff, but mainly for gear reviews. I know I have a long way to go, but between watching you, Jared Dines, Rob Scallon and others, it definitely has been inspiring.

[@Terry3Gs]

Great advice & video +Ryan Bruce !!!

[@alaska1983]

Is that "the illusion of safety" down there? Good stuff (the video and the album)

[@MONKEYMANG1]

Hey Fluff! Came back to watch this because I've decided to begin taking my music career seriously, and I think in the future this could very well pertain to me. So first off thanks for making the video! Secondly, I was just curious, when it comes to following up on e-mails, is that just bad in general? When I was interning at Sony music a few months ago, they always told me to e-mail 10-14 days later as a follow-up, in case they did forget. Should I disregard that in general when it comes to endorsements?

[@josephanderson3889]

Have a good heart and put your heart into it and you will be okay

[@BashorJ1]

I like that Deja Entendu vinyl!

[@kevinjones6529]

Could you do a video more in depth on what exactly would be a press packet?

[@AntiphaseBand]

Super stuff man! Thank you!

[@starwars095]

Hey Fluff: Good info here. Was just curious with all this social media stuff today it's easier to get noticed ,but I think you still have to prove yourself as you always did to attract sponsors. Also I've heard you shouldn't bug companies at the NAMM show to get an endorsement ,but can that show still be useful in making contacts. Thanks

[@AaronSmith-xi9uz]

fluff, I love you man. you're too rad.

[@Shadowmantra]

Great video, some excellent advice!

[@MartyDadRiffs]

I found this both helpful and entertaining

[@diegodoescovers4303]

Fluff i have a question if you don't mind answering it in a video or something but i need help, How do i record guitar covers with a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface with a Ableton Live 9 Lite with a camera, like how do i get the same quality i get on the Audio Interface to the camera with out echos and bad quality do i hook up the camera to the computer or what? Need Help Fluff!

[@CarlosMurgaHI]

Thank you! Great tips!

[@nemnock1583]

thanks man.as always great video.

[@ghostfaceninetyfive]

Do you have the song in this videos intro on your soundcloud? If so what's the name of it? The riff is stuck in my head 🤘🏻

[@OttoServe]

Hey Fluff, what would you see as a minimum amount of likes per example? My band is in the middle of getting a new album mixed and mastered and I'm curious if now is the best time for looking at endorsements. We're also looking into the option of getting a bigger label into the mix. Do labels help with endorsements? Do they strengthen your case for endorsements? Thank in advance and awesome videos. Was really curious considering this subject!

[@JaredDirtRoth]

Do companies prefer emailed press kits or a physical copy with cds and documents?

[@NowahRudolph]

Argh some day I shall be cool and popular enough for an endorsement! Since I started building guitars I've had ideas for production models that I'm pretty sure would sell like crazy, but it's still be fun to bounce them off of someone at a company and find out one day

[@dustinblair4749]

Bro awesome information on how to get endorsements

[@GeoffGordonStuart]

Great advice Fluff.

[@FrostByte_AC]

Is there a such thing as "test & evaluation" endorsement? For review units I can send back?

[@Codycraftmusic]

I would like to start making videos and such to get noticed, but I am also on a very low budget. I have the equipment to make the music and record it (not much knowledge on how to record just yet. I just got the focusrite scarllet solo studio pack and I'm using cubase and reaper) but I'd like to find a good camera and lighting sets to try and make videos soon. Hopefully later on get some endorsements. and this video really helped to motivate me to get on the right track on that. thanks fluff 👍👍

[@AlternateNik]

Could this work for a promotions company? I run a promotions company in the UK, only small at the minute, and have recurring nights at certain venues. Would it be something to look into down the line to get in touch with a company that make cabs to use their cabs at the gigs? Bands tend to ask to borrow a cab or only bring one, so if they were using said companies cabs they may come to love them and buy for themselves.

[@isaacchapa2522]

Thanks fluff preciate it

[@van502]

what about great you never used but are very interested in? like a line 6 fan wanting to try the new HD gear when it came out, but would support it regardless for the fact they are like 6 fans, or like me with my own digital studio, and getting into midi and digital instruments, like addictive drums or rapture on sonor and are looking to try out new gear or willing to treat great out maybe?

[@ryanwilliams2706]

speaking of endorsement on the other side I would like to purchase riffs beards and gear merch. I have googled for your merch fluff but have been unable to find an outlet to purchase any. where should I go. o find you tube videos but no merch. thanks as always for the videos.

[@chadaaron2478]

yessss thank you soo much!

[@megahurtz30]

Ryan, do you think it's a really good thing having a dedicated facebook page as well or does the youtube channel usually suffice?