Sponsored Guitar Gear Reviews - Do YOU Trust Them?

After the recent Fender Tone Master Pro launch, lots of people started talking about whether or not there are too many sponsored, launch day videos in the guitar KZbin world. Rhett Shull and Robert Baker had some interesting thoughts on their live stream, but where do smaller creators fit in to the equation? Are sponsored reviews a thing of the past? Do they alienate the audience?
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[@TomButwin]

Since this video is NOT sponsored, here’s an affiliate link: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673

[@MattiaChiappa]

You never know man! I’m a KZbinr myself with almost 15k. I started my Patreon early on, as an alternative way to monetize and I was shocked to see how many people were interested in supporting a small channel like mine. I think I didn’t even have 1 thousand followers back then. Creating a course on top of that only sparkled more interest. You never really know until you try. We’re in a similar niche that has very much the same pitfalls. The gear related content is so overcrowded right now that I think a lot of people value and welcome anything that’s different. Don’t let the views tell you if your content is successful or not. I know it’s not easy, I experience this frustration first hand

[@jayplaysthestrings]

Hey Tom! This is another excellent video on a taboo topic that really needs more light shed on it. You raise challenging questions that don't necessarily have 'right' answers. In terms of my own opinion on this situation, I am really tired of sponsored videos. And, when I say 'sponsored,' I mean the videos that the creator genuinely has no care in creating (because they don't have an interest in the product...or at least don't seem to have an interest) but want the large sum of cash from the overarching company that offered to send the product to them. These videos are so frequent these days, and a perfect example of this is any videos done on the new Fender Vintera II series guitars. These content creators so obviously know that these guitars are crap but are forced to compliment things such as "cool finish" and "accurate tint of pickguard" to make up for how dull the Vintera II line is. I blame Fender and these other companies for making such uninspiring products that these reviews can't even come off as genuine because of how monotonous these new products are. In terms of how I feel about your videos? You always make the reviews on this channel fair, interactive and exciting! I honestly can't tell where these "obvious flop" videos you mentioned before are in your catalogue; they all seem like great reviews. As a subscriber to music/gear/guitar channels like yourself, what I want from these review videos are videos on products my subscribed channels genuinely care for. Because, at the end of the day, as subscribers - we take your word VERY seriously. So, if you (for example) play the Tone Master Pro, demo it and conclude that it nails JM tones, I'm more inclined to buy this product because you recommended it. However, if you recommend this product, but in reality, you hate it and think there are far better floor modeller options out there - but don't tell me, you would have given me that false hope that it would give me those tones and I'd drop the ridiculous price that the Tone Master Pro is because I believed you and respected your word enough as a subscriber to factor that into my ultimate purchasing decision. However, at the same time - I completely understand why you'd take that sum of money from Fender to do that video because, as you said, that's where the money would be at for a channel as "small" as yours (when compared to the other music/gear/guitar channels). So (to sum everything up), suppose you find yourself in a situation where you have to make a video on a life-less, boring product like the Tone Master Pro or Vintera II; try your best to find things that genuinely excite you about the product and re-iterate at the beginning and end of the video that it's all subjective and that ultimately, we should try them out for ourselves. Saying and doing all that would help us get out there, try it first, and take that video with a grain of salt. Sorry for the long comment. I have a lot to say on this topic, and I am so glad you made a video giving your honest opinion on it. P.S. Congrats on the new channel! I, for one, will definitely be one of the first subscribers! All the best Tom, stay well!

[@TomButwin]

I appreciated the long and thought out comments! Keep them coming. It’s honestly really interesting and helpful. I’ve got some Vintera II videos coming with a (hopefully) interesting angle. They are not sponsored 😂 No plans for the Tone Master Pro. Thanks for watching until the end too! I can’t overstate how much I appreciate everyone who commits to the channel.

[@JonKaneshiroGuitar]

First comment! First of all, people…Tom is a legit good dude, has great content, and is genuine. So subscribe! Secondly, I equate being a small channel and doing “sponsored” videos to how some artists have to start out in the pop scene before making music they want to make. John Mayer for example. He had to make pop music to get the attention, but once he got more recognized he got to make the music he enjoys. KZbin is a funny community. Whether we like it or not, we all rely on gear review videos whether they’re launch day shills or not. They all have their place! Keep it on keep it on Tom!

[@TomButwin]

Dude, thank you. I appreciate it so much. Grateful for other KZbinrs like yourself that I’ve met along the way. Makes it a less lonely journey. And I agree with your analogy! Can’t wait to have 4M subscribers so I can get 300k views on a video of me making a cup of coffee😂

[@JonKaneshiroGuitar]

@@TomButwin haha! Yes exactly. It will come man!

[@mikedr1549]

I actually enjoy launch day shill videos because I like learning about new gear - but I would never use them as a purchase influence.

[@michael-varney-music]

Looking forward to your Mayer Channel!

[@TomButwin]

You made it to the end! Haha! Thanks, brother!

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Heya Tom! Im a fan, buddy. Yeah the Fender TM explotion was the first notieable event where I saw the ridiculousness of it all. That being said, I bought 4 UAFX pedals because of your honest assessments. Im glad I did!! LOL Ultimately it comes down to the viewer using their own brain and watching who they prefer to pitch a product they havde interest in. YOu are class and I cant watch as much as Id like but for me its quality not quantity. You are gold, Brother. I say, do what feels good and sponsor what you believe in. Respects for this. Confirms my faith in your opinion. Cheers Tom.

[@TomButwin]

Thank you. I really appreciate it, for real! Those UAFX pedals were no joke! They are absolutely awesome. Backstory on how I got those is a friend of a friend is a sales rep. Had to do a little begging for them and crank out a bunch of videos very quickly before they went back. I learned a ton from making those videos! Thanks for the support, as always.

[@valueofnothing2487]

You are totally off base here. It's the consumers who are idiots. They just want to hear someone play something really cool. Do you think Daryl Braun will tell if you the action is too high, if there is fret buzz or other 'downer' stuff? Will Danish Pete? No way. Philip McKnight does, but Fender did *not* send him their new pedal. He says a lot of the companies hate him. Do what you have to do.

[@TomButwin]

🤷🏻

[@wilhelmrogue1]

Most of us are smart enough to watch the gear videos just for the gear, and not the you tube creator and his opinion,, as far are your channel goes i see alot of john mayer topics which is fine if thats your thing but personally i usually skip right by those videos ,, just one guys opinion…oh and subscribed

[@TomButwin]

That's actually super helpful feedback. As my channel has evolved, I've fortunately/unfortunately carved out different sections of an audience. I'm going to keep the Mayer guitar related stuff here, but if you watched to the end of this video, you'll know my plans to keep both the JM and guitar gear crowds happy! Really appreciate you subscribing.

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Tom, ❤ I am a new subscriber.

[@TomButwin]

Welcome!

[@Plextortion]

The more videos I can see on any given product the better, shills take on it or not. I'm smart enough to know what's BS and what's not. Bring on more product content.

[@TomButwin]

Noted!

[@kansasblues]

Tom, my work life hasn’t always been about making choices that have been what I like to do, as long as it isn’t illegal or morally wrong some of us have had to do things we didn’t like but we had to do it. As long as you are honest with your audience that this isn’t something that appeals to you but could be beneficial to others we get it. If you think it’s completely junk then you’re going to have to say that in a honest and way without alienating your sponsor. Tough job but that’s how life goes. Anyway I hope your successful

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate it!

[@davecouto909]

Hi Tom, made it to the end. Good luck with the new channel. 😂 You do raise some interesting points and I think it's a tricky situation for creators. I'd caution you against putting too much weight to your poll. The vocal part of your audience is probably not close to a large part of your audience. As Henry Ford said 'if I'd asked my customers what they wanted they'd have said a faster horse' Also, your poll design was terrible. 😂 For me gear reviews in general have very little value anyway. They give a view of a piece of equipment in a specific situation but your won't really understand how it works until it's in your hands. But I still watch them because they're interesting and I learn about other technical stuff, and I enjoy the creator. I'm happy they're getting paid, have some easy content to produce that may do well with the algorithm. But any review needs to be treated with a punch of salt. Sponsored or not. I do agree that the launch day blitz is laughable.

[@TomButwin]

Well, my watch time metrics thank you for watching to the end lol. And thanks for roasting my poll design. 😂

[@mkbmj]

Rhett Schull is the biggest schill. He would sell smallpox if someone paid him.

[@TomButwin]

Ehh, I gotta defend Rhett on that one. I don't think that's the case. He doesn't have to do that, to be honest. He's very successful in other ways on YT.

[@dougboal7425]

The problems with guitar and gear reviews are multi-faceted. First, many guitar companies are making high quality guitars at the $500+ mark today compared to 20-30 years ago. Where this becomes a problem is that modern reviews compare these new budget guitars to the crappy import guitars of 30 years ago. Gear reviews need compare products to similar products of the same time period to be more useful to consumers. Another factor is paid advertisements or promotions by guitar KZbinrs that are referred to as "reviews." These KZbinrs are incentivized to sing praises about new release guitars because they are being given free gear and/or being paid to "review" them. Companies are less likely to keep sending you gear if you point out shortcomings or say anything negative about their products. Consumer reviewers are also likely to be positively biased right after purchase. For example, if you buy an $800 on a guitar and review it that same week, you're likely still in the honeymoon phase. You haven't had the guitar long enough to discover or assess the pros and cons. This is why gear reviews that are made are made weeks, months, or years after purchase are more objective.

[@TomButwin]

I think you’re onto something with the “honeymoon” phase with gear and how it can affect a reviews. I did a review on my Silver Sky two years after getting it (not sponsored) and it was still overwhelmingly positive. Could definitely go the other way, though. Good point on the $500 guitars too. Here’s that SS review: PRS Silver Sky Review - Five Surprises After 2 Years kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJmwoo19rJmiitU

[@patrickcombs3443]

Well seeing as how I don’t play guitar, and have no realistic goals of ever learning… I don’t really care about paid reviews either way.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks for your contribution.

[@waltuhhimself]

Everyone is demoing fender's tonemaster but all of them sounds bad 🤣

[@TomButwin]

Well, some pretty experienced floor modeler guys I know have that same opinion. I haven’t played it myself, but after how impressed I was with the HX Stomp, I highly doubt I’d be a fan for that price on the TMP.

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

Not a huge fan of channels that tell us how they like the sound, just play and i’ll decide what it sounds like and if I like it. Done! I don’t need them to go on and on about how great it is or how bad it is. With a good player, the tones will sell the product. Less talk and more play. 👍

[@davecouto909]

That's valid, but I'm the opposite. We can't hear what the player is hearing in the room, so their impressions are valuable to me. And when the reviewer describes what they feel and hear it gives viewers the perspective and language to apply to what they feel and hear. I while there is value to reviewers just staying quiet and playing, especially for experienced musicians, for less experienced and educated viewers there is value to being told what you're hearing.

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

@@davecouto909 I see your point, in the first 10 seconds of one’s video I know if I’m staying or leaving. I’m looking for a great player who can actually dial in great tones with the gear they are demoing. I don’t need to hear anything more than that. Unless it’s something that needs to be talked about like technical stuff, like modelling amps for instance. Instructional stuff. If the guy can’t play and has no sense of tone,I’m out. ✌️

[@TVsBen]

I think it all comes down to trust. I trust your opinions because you've been honest in your non-sponsored videos. Other people have agendas or are trying to sell me something. Like I don't get Andertons having so many subs; they're a shop and the channel exists solely for marketing. And other people have a really low bar. I won't call them out by name, but for some people reviewing every Chinese Amazon guitar and saying it's the best thing ever have no trust. If you remain trustworthy I'll keep watching.

[@TomButwin]

I’m going to do my best to remain trustworthy! If there’s any benefit to being untrustworthy in this niche, I have to believe it’d be short lived. Appreciate you watching!

[@eanroad]

Take this with a grain of salt but you are in the process of growing the channel and taking on things that wouldn't be your cup of tea (but still need to be relevant) can bring an opportunity to further grow. The challenge is if you can make the video interesting, informative, and helpful (you and the audience learn from it), I say that is a win for you, your audience and the company that is paying you to do it...Cheers!

[@TomButwin]

This is true. Honestly, that's how I ended up where I am right now!