Guitar Company Threatens Me With LEGAL ACTION!

[@vasotoe]

"If you want a perfect review, make a perfect product". Very well said Andy, this company's actions only reasures how insecure they are about their product. This community can't be bought. Period.

[@Kevin.Kelly.]

Do we always hang out in the same places?

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

No doubt.

[@csnide6702]

well, andy appears to be scared.

[@GeorgeGeorgeOnly]

Quite so! Andy has a reputation to protect as well, which should be that he is impartial, and making this video very, very necessary. I'm so glad that he did. This is not unlike telling a test examiner that if he/she doesn't give you a pass or high score it would damage your reputation, which of course would have to mean that you didn't have a reputation in the first place. How these people have the brass neck to send Andy this email is frankly mind blowing, yet they lack the confidence in their product for it to receive a genuinely positive review. If you were a vintner, would you send a less than great tasting wine to a connoisseur and tell him, "By the the way, if you don't give this a good and positive review I'll sue you for damages"? I think not!

[@csnide6702]

@@GeorgeGeorgeOnly so why not call the product out...? what he is doing now seems rather chicken.....

[@bronchick]

As a US lawyer with 32 years' experience (and a guitar player with 50 years' experience), assuming the company is in the USA, they have no case. They suggest that if you DEFAME their product, they will sue you. But opinions are not actionable, only FALSITIES are. Personally, I would post the video, and if they sue you, it'll give you MORE FAME, and likely, a local attorney in your jurisdiction (who is a musician) will offer to represent you for free! Also, keep in mind that proving in court that YOUR review cost them sales is almost impossible. Lack of sales can be for a dozen other reasons. Stand up to these pricks and do it!

[@RichardPrentice-s4y]

All very good but it could be construed as a breach of a contractual term and a liability for breach of such contract.....and a claim for damages. Easy solution, just buy one of their guitars and say what you like.

[@ScarboroughTourist]

Maybe true, but why get into a hassle when you don't need it; life is too short to take on unnecessary battles; unless you think it would be fun !!

[@bronchick]

@@ScarboroughTourist it will give this channel a TON of publicity!

[@YnnadzCatacutanizer]

@@bronchick Yay!

[@UDPride]

the courtroom is not a place to determine right or wrong. Its a place to make attorneys wealthy. Avoid a courtroom at absolute all costs. The juice is rarely ever worth the squeeze even with a favorable judgement (which can often take years).

[@spot007]

This video came up randomly in my feed, and I was impressed with your professional response to this situation. Your integrity was clearly on display. Liked and Subscribed.

[@johnpeace971]

Professional response? He bent over and let them fuck him. That's not the kind of response I want from a professional reviewer. "I agree not to post a bad review because you strongarmed me". "From now on I will give only good reviews no matter if the product is good or not" is the next step

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

Here here!

[@paulgolff4996]

Likewise-- just saw this randomly in my feed, never saw the channel before. This video makes me feel very much like I'm joining this situation in the middle. The letter from the company makes it clear that they were not offering a product for review. They were offering a product for paid promotion. Under the circumstances, every word in the letter is entirely appropriate. If you hired an advertising agency, you wouldn't let them make ads expressing their honest opinions about your products. You'd tell them what to say, and sue them if they didn't follow your instructions. Maybe the company sent out a product for promotional purposes without first explaining their intentions to the influencer. If so, that's their mistake. But maybe this particular influencer contributed to a misunderstanding, and if so, there's blame to be shared.

[@MarkM430]

Yep... same here. Popped up on my random feed. I'm not an enthusiast..., I don't even own a guitar. However, honest reviews, from genuine users are a dying art. i really miss the days of when you read a review, or watched a review video it was from someone who cared, someone who loved the product space they were in, and would give their opinion with the least amount of outside influence they could muster. I commend you for working on keeping your integrity and being honest about what goes on outside and inside that work.

[@HTMLbrowser]

Likewise.

[@timjonesguitar]

Agree with your statement of “want a perfect review, make a perfect product”

[@joguipo]

I absolutely loved that...

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

That would be Dusenberg and Framus. I just don't want to drop that much cheddar on a Guitar.

[@pipelineaudio]

honest manufacturers know that and know they are rolling the dice if I'm reviewing their product...I don;t go out of my way to be mean, and I clarify issues with them before release, but if you lay a balut egg in the electronics cavity, I'll report the smell

[@manamanotjeff]

couldn't be more spot on!

[@christopherlewis1847]

​@@CerealDust-nStuff agreed. Framus makes Warwick basses. I have 2 corvettes: one fretted, one fretless. Tone, ergonomics and playability are excellent. Even had a friend check out the fretless, and he thought it felt great. Can't argue with a blind man on that.

[@sizzlnm3]

Reveal who they are. Let them try to sue you. This is the last company I would want to buy a product from. Transparency and honesty about a particular product is paramount.

[@gg80108]

what company is it?

[@reineh3477]

Do a search "guitar for beginners review" and you'll find several videos talking about this guitar.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

theres nothing to sue over, hes not reviewing it

[@robertwilloughby8050]

MSA. The German guys.

[@cbjueueiwyru7472]

Are you paying his legal fees?

[@OlaEnglund]

What a great articulate video. I'm going to be frank, I haven't seen too many of your videos but you got a new fan here! Well done!

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

agreed!

[@chrisdigital]

Andy is a good dude for sure 🙌🙏

[@Gawnfall]

Helll yeah

[@vasotoe]

Glad you found this video Ola, Andy is an amazing human being

[@michaelm0524]

When Ola takes the time to comment, it's good content!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Not naming the company... well I never signed an NDA with these clowns.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

that is very true. I just want to be the bigger person here

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

Waiting anxiously, brother! Only a notification separates me from a piece of your mind about this :)

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

get 'em Glenn!

[@anthonystark5412]

Scorch 'em Glenn.

[@richarddwjensen]

GLEENNNNN! Review this gear and put them on blast!

[@reneglockner]

This is how a decent person with integrity acts. They don't bow down to anyone and they know the value of their work. Congratulations!

[@RobChappers]

Just watched the video, dude tell them to fuck off and I’ll happily send you a bunch of Guitars to review in their place - their loss. You and I have been through so many situations like this in the past, together and separately, I sometimes feel like this industry needs a shake up before it gets rudely woken up… Love you, man

[@ricardod123]

Hi Rob! Can you send me a Ghost Fret please?! I love my ML3 but it needs a pointy counterpart 😂

[@scoutrifle6827]

Chappers in for the win! Love'ya, Rob-glad to see you back with the Cap'n lately.

[@dlmyrs]

Well said, Rob. I’m tired of paid “influencers” in society.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I’d be happy to review a Chapman as well

[@donsuccone]

I bought a crap Harley Benton thanks to you Rob. Keep up the good work 👍

[@shakinabe]

This video was the first of yours to enter my feed. Great job! It’s obvious that this particular company feels that if they are paying you for a review, it should be what they want as an “employer”. I applaud your honesty and integrity. Can’t wait now to dive into some of your other reviews!

[@JCO2002]

Same with me.

[@RockHudrock]

Same here! Subscribed!

[@amx360]

"honesty and integrity?" The guy is a shill. -definition of a shill A person engaged in covert advertising. The shill attempts to spread buzz by personally endorsing the product in public forums with the pretense of sincerity, when in fact he is being paid for his services. He seems upset that a company won't pay him for writing a bad review of their product. If he didn't take the corporate money in the first place, he could write an honest review of a product. Shills has no integrity.

[@JCO2002]

@@amx360 Yes, I realized that by the end of the video. It was very revealing about the entire "review" and "influencer" industry.

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Yeah, but they asked him to review it not advertise it, so they are trying to stack the deck in their favour. I find this dishonest at best, morality and legally wrong at worst. Not a company I would EVER deal with.

[@marklammas2465]

You've sold me! If ever I were to make a guitar, you're the first person I would go to to have it reviewed. Any criticisms you would have regarding the instrument would be taken into account to facilitate its improvement. Honesty wins. ❤ from the UK.

[@paulstuart7308]

I'm 74 and stumbled across your 'very professional' channel, I just love listening to opinions. You sir, are an example of what a true professional product reviewer is, or at least, should be. Any manufacturer that approaches a reviewer of your integrity and professionalism should 'take the bad with the good'. If a product does not live up to what it's supposed to, they should be extremely greatful for bringing it to their attention. What they then should do is this: They should update their marketing literature to include: "Based on customer feedback, including from professional reviewers in this industry, we have now carried out further tests and made some design improvements we hope you will enjoy. We are a company that listens to our customers and those with professional knowledge, this is how we improve our products for you, the end user".

[@privatepilot4064]

If a company is trolling for positive reviews then their quality is not up to par. If they believe their product is cutting edge and everything they say it is then the product will stand on its own. It won’t require bribery to help increase sales. I know this because I’m retired from a career in Quality Assurance. Not Quality Control. There is a huge difference between Quality Control and Quality Assurance. Quality Control is essentially sorting the good from the bad. Quality Assurance is to build quality INTO the product by design. Negative reviews should be utilized as an opportunity to improve. Great video!

[@richardervins]

Well. I‘ve been doing what you‘re doing for 20 years. That was through musicians‘ magazines - before everything was online on KZbin. What happened to you, happened to me a lot of times. And nothing actually happened to me, even though some US and German companies really turned on the heat with fierce threats like they sent you through their lawyers. So keep on doing what you‘re doing and don‘t mind these people. Every single company I‘ve criticized then isn‘t here anymore today. Their products were inferior and no legal battle could make them better. They had to give up the legal battles very soon anyway, because most of them ran out of money. So, have no fear, you‘re absolutely doing the right thing. Helping to neutralize these people is a service to all musicians.

[@BUNKERJR53]

I use to subscribe to that magazine. I problem read your reviews.

[@gunsofsteele]

I probably have one of the magazines with an article written by you in my closet. Anymore hints? ✌️

[@gunsofsteele]

Now I have to search them all for Richard Ervins. Gonna be a fun weekend! Thanks!

[@garyt123]

Exactly. Andy hasn't entered into any contract with these people, and these guidelines are "after the fact" so non-binding with the agreement he already made for the review. They literally don't have a leg to stand on.

[@talltim9579]

Except unlike magazines, he makes money from the MFG, so will not do the review without getting paid. One of issues with this kind of business model

You GO honest Andy. The guitar community has your back. It is immensely valuable for us players at all levels to have access to a gear review channel that we can trust. Rock on bro ✌️✌️

[@frankkalb4195]

Really enjoyed this video. The term "misinformation" get thrown around a lot lately and always because an organization or government (in the US's case) has something they don't want made public. Absolutely right move on your part to return the product, even better to make this video.

[@1987Devo100]

Thank you for this video, I’m in my 60’s now and have seen shady companies for about 45 years. Keep up the good work and don’t ever back down. You have a new fan here.

[@boomer3150]

I am a drummer and I appreciate this video for its honesty. If I knew the name of the shady company, I would not hesitate to spread the word among my musician friends, and then inform the company what I was doing. They could send letters or "Liam Neeson", without ever stopping me.

[@paula3124]

​@@boomer3150Aeroband guitar. Search KZbin, there are loads of terrible reviews 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EytschPi42]

Oh boy… I Wonder what happened!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

you'll never know.

[@purplechili2512]

"I know which brand you're talking about" button 👍

[@TVoltG]

You know who they are

[@christopherlewis1847]

Always do the right thing. You will gratify some, and astonish the rest! - Mark Twain

[@hozzer68]

Thought your review was very fair for that particular product 😁

[@BingsBuddery]

Watching this bolstered my confidence that I have found the right gear review channel for candid content. I respect the honesty and integrity.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

thank you mate.

[@PeterMoore350]

Totally agree and Andy makes fun and informative videos that nearly always has me watching the whole video.

[@justmedee]

i entirely disagree based on the premise Andy claims to be in his 40s yet looks 5 years younger than me (31)

[@imywt]

Damnit, you got there first. Well said.

[@justinTime077]

Totally! I generally avoid KZbin for reviews because they’re so gross and sketchy. I’ve made sure I was subscribed to Geek after seeing this.

[@laurencekimber8093]

One thing that has stood out in your videos from day 1......how real and "normal" your reviews are. Just a guy. Sharing his passion. A gear head. One of us. And this good sir ......simply cements that further. Huge huge respect.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Laurence. That’s exactly how I approach my videos. Just me having fun, talking with my friends

[@MrHitthespot]

The internet is riddled with bad reviews. I would now refuse their money, and then release the review.

[@rayl6901]

Thank you for exposing this. We need more honest people to stand up to these corporate bullies. The general public has been shafted for the almighty dollar too many times so it's time we all stood up and fought back.

[@bartdrennon1764]

He exposed no one.

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Not only did they send you a rather foreboding email, they unknowingly outed their " no hassle" return policy... Well played, laddies!😂

[@davitofarito]

Lots of manufacturers and retailers use that very same terminology.

[@rond1949]

@@davitofarito Does not change the fact the company is shady.

[@matthewgruba8040]

I love the use of the word "collaborators", which implies that you are on their side, rather than an independent reviewer,

[@wizrom3046]

Yeah that whole letter reads bad, like it was written by an angry 14yr old boy. Absolutely immature and unprofessional. The company is basically is the position of a beggar, begging people not to give bad publicity, while at the same time trying to act like a bully tyrant. Exactly like a 14yr old might do

[@itsmorphed6416]

It sounds woke .

[@evolv_85]

I agree with you Andy, a company has no place trying to tell you how to do your job. Your content is awesome and your honesty, quirkiness and massive amounts of information you include in your videos are some of the many reason I watch your channel. Really appreciate you sharing this. 🤘

[@ollietsb1704]

I'm only sorry you didn't name names. You ARE an influencer TO ME... I've been a professional studio and touring musician and composer since 1983 and, before that, sat around in jam sessions with musicians who were long-time professionals. That's why I believe I too could become one. All of them - and ever since - have told horror stories about some companies and not others, and their naming names did NOT stop me from playing or perusing those 'offending' products. They just alerted me, and I'm thankful they did. But it was always my own experience that sweetened or soured my opinions. I've had cheapo guitars that indeed fell apart in a couple of years but were reparable and became infinitely better (ie, I shoulda replaced parts a lot sooner but I still like to 'get to know' the parts and sounds so I can correctly identify Likes & Dislikes). I'd had expensive guitars whose maker were not upholding "lifetime guarantees" and that soured me on them, and I made sure I brought up MY example of THEIR bad behavior to everyone I could. I'll still watch and evaluate your videos and I'd object to anyone preventing ME from collecting others' opinions about products.

[@jimhyslop]

It's actually better not to name names. Not for legal reasons, but because six months later you will see the name, but you may not necessarily remember where you saw it. The saying "there's no such thing as bad publicity" is 100% true.

[@notquitehuman7402]

I can't be certain, but something inside me is screaming "Aeroguitar!!". That thing is a guitar shaped piece of junk.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

@@notquitehuman7402 Seems to be this

[@gdsmith4246]

@@jimhyslop "The saying "there's no such thing as bad publicity" is 100% true." Bill Cosby. Subway & Jared. United Airlines vs David Dao. United Airline vs Sons of Maxwell's guitars. KFC's Kristallnacht blunder. Chipotle vs E. Coli. McDonalds vs Morgan "Supersize Me" Spurlock. Enron & the late Arthur Andersen accounting firm. That saying isn't universally true and never has been.

[@aaron2709]

AeroGuitar

[@RiffsTonesCafe]

Hi Andy, those "Guitar in the Air" clowns don't even trust their own product to act like this. I don't think they have a future in guitar business. Your honesty and candidness honor you. Keep on the good job!

[@masamune9082]

I'm curious. What company did this?

[@ZYGTropicals]

@@masamune9082 🤫🤫🤫🤫 It’s a secret!!!!😆😆😆😆😆 I’m pretty sure it’s the new plastic looking guitar(that’s not really a guitar) with a speaker on it. Forget what it’s called, but it’s a complete joke, a toy guitar for $500!!😆😆😆😱😱Like it should be sold at Toys R Us!!!😆😆😆

[@cottontop99]

I see what you did there !!!

[@its.thered]

@@masamune9082 Something tells me it is: an absolutely Appalling company what they do is Extortionate trying to sue people like this is Ridiculous their actions are Obnoxious outright, it's Bad a lot of their products are also just Awful when they try to control reviews like this, it is Notorious overall, this stuff is Destructive Do with that information what you will.

[@therealHANSONgroup]

Love your channel Andy. Don't let these companies throw curve balls at you. Just tell them if they want a piece of the pie to go ahead and sponsor you full-time. I love guitars to man. I'm sorry your being threatened. Much respect for not throwing out the company who's messing with you

[@PunkFerret-x7l]

Love that you are holding your ground in a world of internet influencers that are being bullied by brands who are putting their own interests above any truth about how their product really is.

[@jeffmansfield914]

Wow, that company must be… Awful Evil Reprehensible Obtuse Bullying Abusive Nefarious Dastardly …and probably a bunch of other terrible things if they try to use threats to control reviewers like that. Whoever they are, I certainly wouldn’t want to do business with them!

[@EddKeudell]

I believe it. I saw their ad and thought it was a cheap gimmick, and the only benefit it might have is as a travel guitar to maintain basic skills while, you know, travelling abroad.

[@bryantherocker]

thanks

[@vicforlife18]

i want the link of that video about that guitar

[@ektrolleyboy]

LOL! Got it. 😂

[@CorbinSmith-yf3wd]

I knew it would be the minute I clicked on the video

[@JohnnyBrewer68]

Unacceptable behavior on that company's part. Thank you for your honesty and your tempered response. Subscribed.

[@conorohconnor]

What I, personally, gained from this video was respect. For you. Good on you man. Thanks for taking the time to explain core values we can all get behind. Have been subscribed for a while. Just became an avid fan right now.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That’s really good to read man. I’ve not pleased Everyone with this video but that was never the goal. Glad to have you here

[@Richardgreenmusic.]

100% agree with you. If a company wants a review (opinion) of their product then that’s what they get. It’s not an infomercial! Keep up the great work Andy. I value your channel.

[@nationaldemocrat]

It's not that simple. This "reviewer" admits he is being paid by the company concerned.

[@l00k4tstuff]

@@nationaldemocrat Definitely want to see the contract on that. If it's as TheGuitarGeek mentions "promotional", then the Kickstarter can claim breach for a non-positive "review". If, however, it's supposed to be a real review, then they are paying for someone's time to actually look at their product (like professional beta testers). It sounds like they are changing their request after securing the agreement, and doing so in a really strongarm way. TheGuitarGeek can refuse the money and buy the device and review it as long as there's $$ coming in elsewhere. After-all, when people review things for magazines or on KZbin there's $$ coming in hopefully to offset the purchase, and the reviewer can only do the review if they can offset the purchase and make some type of profit (otherwise why do it). Pointing out what happened in this video is the best review I can think of for this product. Best to avoid (and a quick Google search turns up what the bad product is - when I looked at it it appears to be an extremely expensive Guitar Hero knock-off). Good fortune Andy, the community needs to have reviewers it can trust.

[@nationaldemocrat]

@@l00k4tstuff You end by saying "the community needs to have reviewers it can trust". And this Andy chap is clearly not one of them, as he, by his own admission, accepts money in return for so-called "reviews". He is hopelessly compromised, and I am betting there are many many more reviewers ouy there we thought were impartial but like Andy, are actually taking the money....

[@GoingblindwithEarlyRiser]

I whispered into the wind and waited for a sign; the response I received? Aeroguitar

[@unprofound]

This is what I was looking for. Many thanks, Wind Whisperer!

[@steppenwolf_666]

I just saw a review by someone else of an Aeroguitar and I'm sure that is this company.

[@aksisoylenemez]

Aeroguitar as the name i need. Thank you.

[@Bigfoot-px9gj]

Hey Andy, I just wanted to tell you I applaud your dedication to being honest and forthcoming with your reviews. The way you stress that what you do is no walk in the park and the fact that you feel you even have to say that sort of thing reminds me of a situation I had once with an IRS employee. I had a business years ago with a band that was exclusively a tribute band for casino cabarets. I played guitar and we did a pretty good imitation, er excuse me, _tribute_ to ZZ Top. Somehow along the way I messed up my taxes filling out tax forms somewhere, so I went to an IRS office to try and fix it. The guy I talked to was nice enough, he didn't accuse me of attempted tax fraud or anything like that. But during our conversation I asked him why my tax rate was so high. His reply totally pi**ed me off. He said _"It's because you play for a living, you don't work."_ I sat there staring at him for a good 30 seconds before I said anything. Then I calmly asked him "Have you ever done any kind of work like we do?" He said no. I replied _"Ok, so let me tell you how it goes. First off, our joke is that our clocks are broken, because your AM is our PM. So we get up at 6:00 PM, do the morning thing, head to the venue and set up the gear, of which there was approximately a ton and a half of..."_ It took me a good 15 minutes to explain our full day and I went into minute detail, and I left out nothing. Now granted, that was a description of one of our days when we were playing one nighters, which we did for 17 years before we started playing in casino cabarets. But I wanted to drive home the point that there is a lot more to playing in a band than playing 20 or so songs and saying "Thank you! Good night!" He was like "Oh my God, I didn't know..."

[@pierre6625]

I know I'm late but.....honesty is the best tool to make great videos. One of the comments I read was, if you make a good product you will get good reviews, but if you make a poor product then you can expect a review equivalent to your product. Simple. Keep up TheguitarGeek.

[@xenophonkirby]

Andy, when that "guitar" fails (and it will), you will still be here reviewing gear and we will continue to trust your candor.

[@joseamartas7334]

Love your work! Love your Code Of Ethics against having reviews reviewed before posting.

[@filiposnibbor]

Andy, you should be applauded for this video. It shows your passion, honesty, intelligence and refusal to be bullied. We are very lucky to have dedicated reviewers like you who are prepared to 'stay in the kitchen in spite of some heat'. Keep it up.

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

Right on.

[@ranman58635]

Glad to have it. People need to stand up for themselves. What's messed up is, it takes one mistake to end it all. They can turn on you. I saw a video like yours. The guy wouldn't do a review in that guitar. He noticed that they were not good and sent the guitar back.

[@SergeantExtreme]

Is this comment a sarcastic joke? The dude was a coward who was illegally threatened and refused to name the company that threatened him.

[@BogStreet]

I can't imagine a company having the audacity to send a letter like this. How pathetic. Really appreciate you sharing this and your feedback.

[@mrtomcat91604]

I am sorry you had to deal with this and glad you shared this info. I have only recently discovered your channel and it has already helped me in a few decisions I made about getting a product. I sincerely enjoy your videos and honesty and am looking forward to more. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@gregf9160]

You've just gained a follower. Excellent message, and I'm glad you took this absolutely moral stand 👍

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

He folded. Stopped making a review because of a baseless threat. Censored anyone discussing it in the replies here.

[@shaft9000]

Whats moral about caving to a liar and then censoring your own subs?

[@conordyer2307]

When you are threatening legal action it shows how much of a scam they are...

[@nedim_guitar]

I wouldn't call it a scam (except for the lying in a promo video in which the sound is obviously coming from a recorded acoustic guitar), but they obviously believe in the product and have invested a lot of money in it, and now there's a risk of it crumbling and them losing money. However, I don't think that more than 0.001 guitarists would buy that product anyway...

[@ky9999]

@@nedim_guitar if they are confident in their product, then there is no need to control reviewers opinions and criticisms like this

[@Hans_van_Gurp]

Well said. Amazing that companies do things like this

[@nedim_guitar]

@@andym2612 Yes, but as Henning said in his latest video about this, it's like they've had a lot of yes men around them and now they will consult with Henning to see if they can make it better. Henning's ideas for the app that needs a lot of work, could be a step in the right direction. But it's an expensive thing with way too many features for beginners. It's like they didn't know their target market.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@ky9999 That's true, but that's probably more about damage control now that they've got bad reviews. Sending this out to guitarists was a mistake. Their target market is in the tech interested young people (below 30) who also happen to have money to spend.

[@harley9699]

I JUST ran across your channel. Watched the 'cheap Amazon' one. Very cool! I looked it up even. Then: THIS vid... I know b/c I'm new here, I'm prob WAAAAAAAYYY behind. But, I'd really like to hear the other story you mentioned toward the end of this one. I've been dealing w/ censorship for a lifetime now (which, by appearances, seems like double your 'lifetime' hahahaha) As we're both Creatives, we have to deal w/ all kinds of shit. I've been a guitarist forever... plus a visual artist for even longer. Regardless of if I hear back, the whole honesty think reminded me of my days teaching HS art in a very poor, rural, public school. So, if you can... point me in the 'new' direction of the other story. Thank you for putting out quality vids like this - not many people have any kind of values anymore.

[@RobChappers]

Love you man, you always keep it real ❤

[@ben.sundin]

Chappers!

[@vitnemec8365]

Holy shit!

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

Damn right

[@skapslag]

Love you guitars specially the ml-3 traditional

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Love you too my brother 😍

[@gregoryallen6376]

I am grateful for you and your channel. I have found, over time, that you tend to review products that interest me. Many times I purchased products after considering your review, and others, and I have been generally happy with decision I made based on your reviews. At least for me, you have provided a valuable service and I am happy that I found your channel. Given the current legal climate and sue-crazy nature of the corporate world, It makes perfect sense not to review products that would result in a negative review. It’s saddening, because negative reviews could enable the manufacturer to remedy product shortfalls and improve the item’s usefulness and profitability, IE GM Corvair VS Ralph Nader. This nameless company used the word collaboration. If you are “a collaborator”, then you work for that company and they may have the right to dictate the content of your review. However, since you are an entity the provides truthful, helpful, and reliable independent reviews, the “Company” has no business telling you what to report. That being said, the legal expense of defending you position could end in bankruptcy. Returning the product without review and distancing yourself from “the company” is a prudent move. Thank you for all of your hard work and I look forward to seeing you next reviews.

[@Mancunian4]

It's funny that he didn't mention the brand, and yet I knew immediately who it was. We have seen the other reviews that have appeared recently, not all of them positive about the "guitar". What they should have done is take their loss on this one, put in some R&D and build something better with the criticism they just got. What they have done now is kill their brand with NO coming back from it. Great marketing!

[@ConceptNull]

mixed gas guitar? :D

[@ruckaf6310]

What brand???????

[@Mancunian4]

@@ruckaf6310 Well, Andy does not want to mention the brand and also doesn't want us to mention it here. But we know it's a kickstarter project about a guitar that's not realy a guitar. Shouldn't take you much more than one google search with the terms "kickstarter" and "guitar" to get there :)

[@ruckaf6310]

Thanks!@@Mancunian4 I'll look it up. Though I highly doubt that someone in the KZbin comments can possibly be liable to a law suit for merely speculating. You wouldn't actually be guilty of any sort of crime.

[@ConceptNull]

you have answer in my comment@@ruckaf6310

[@vorteco7692]

This is the first video I have seen from you. You earned yourself a subscriber. I appreciate your honesty and class in handling this matter! Thank you for being genuine!

[@ScottMacLeodCompany]

I had no idea being a KZbinr was so difficult: appreciate you even more now. Rock on polite guy!

[@the_hessian__]

Editing is insanely time consuming

[@WailingRaven]

@@the_hessian__ True, just making a 60+ secs meme videos took me several hours. Imagine editing a 20-30 minutes gear review with multiple camera angles, without live camera switching (Which is what I assume Henning (Eytschpi42) does). Also having to synchronise the audio, adding in the text and extra eye candy effects.

[@andresilva8444]

It’s the AeroGuitar, isn’t it? With its silicon “strings”

[@section8usmc53]

It's "silicone" not silicon. Typically I'm not the grammar and spelling police, but in this particular instance, the difference between silicone and silicon is huge.

[@lebojay]

Yes

[@justayoutuber1906]

@@section8usmc53 my dog got silicon implants....a chip

[@TehAwesomer]

I have very little interest in guitar content, but I appreciate the hell out of your approach to this video and your transparency about the relationship between gear companies and KZbin content makers. Thank you. 🙏

[@1RobHunter1]

This is why that product name needs an honest review by people. A company threatening honest reviews? Their conduct is unacceptable and unprofessional. I am glad you shared their unprofessional email. I would have my lawyer respond in kind to them in a passive aggressive manor promising all emails from them to be shared to the public and they are named for their threats and misconduct. The review would happen and if it performed good or bad, their email would be on screen at the end to expose such threats.

[@masuka666]

It's a pleasure to listen to a man with an unshakable balance 🙂

[@garyoneill5648]

Great message, it’s why we love your reviews andy. Honesty & integrity are at the core of this channel for sure. (& bum notes as well😂)

[@TheBrainlessSteel]

i'm not a guitar person but you came up in the suggestions, you seem like a chill dude and agree with what you are saying. i hope you get to review a lot of stuff you like and that that will help a lot of ppl make the right choice in buying gear. have a good one.

[@pickngrin85]

Appreciate you sharing this buddy! I love meeting honest, hardworking guys like you brother. Keep pumping out the vid's!!!

[@pauldavid22212]

What a shower of a company. Overpriced crap product receives honest reviews and they try and go strong arm. Lesson 1 in how to ruin your own business. Kudos to you HP and the rest for the honesty and integrity you show to us all Andy. 👏👏👏

[@jimdolecek6760]

Thank you for being so honest with your reviews, I love your content and your personality....you make the music industry a better place, thank you for that.

[@elmarg7966]

When they asked for review their product, did they realised that your channel have you own standards and rules and it contradict their demands? If no, they didn't do their homework. If yes, they new potential outcome and it is their fault. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@fcmacken]

Sadly anyone posting to KZbin now days has to have a lawyer on call.

[@RuiPalmeira]

For all it's worth, I did not know about your channel and this video appeared on my recommendations. Thank you for your work and the transparency. If I wasn't a regular viewer, I will be from now on. We need more of this on the field!

[@sdgakatbk]

I like where you said that it's really hard and that you love it. That is where it's at. Excellent content in the whole video.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it valuable. Your support means a lot!

[@KelvynTaylor]

Well done Andy. We used to get this all the time reviewing tech products for our magazine. Editorial independence is essential for reader trust. Smart companies discuss their upcoming products informally with reviewers at an early stage to get feedback to avoid this kind of nonsense.

[@devcybiko]

Even when you're sharing bad news, you're very energetic. I don't play guitar, but I've enjoyed the three videos I watched (the $75 guitar I & II). Continued Success!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I appreciate that! I hope I put some kind of smile on your face.

[@Abs-sr9lx]

Your honesty and integrity is everything, and you don't give it up for anybody

[@billvilla7799]

Good on you Andy! Never let anyone tell you what you can or can't say something that is an honest review. Keep up the great work!

[@ianmerricks4818]

This just demonstrates that you have integrity and confidence in the service you provide whereas 'they' obviously don't. Keep up the good work Andy.

[@AGabaldoni]

First time in your channel. Your integrity earned you one more subscriber. NEVER put up with bullies and assholes. I hope I can find out what company is this one. Great job, best wishes and a lot of success!

[@revolver330]

I'd never heard of you before but this video showed up on my home page, probably because I subscribe to other guitar channels. Excellent video and it's great that you've made a stand and told these people where to get off. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Welcome to the channel mate

[@cerberus50caldawg]

The same here. This may be the best kind of bad news un-fun video you have had to post. Hope you get great success from it. I'll be watching all the reviews and fun videos from here on out. 😁

[@amosluyk]

Honestly Andy, you probably should name and shame the company. That kind of corporate bullying is unacceptable, and they should not be able to do so in secret. The company seems to think it is your job to promote their product, not review it. Unless you have commited to promotiing the product they have no grounds on which to sue. I understand why you are being so cautious, but sometimes we need to stand our ground. Keep making the great content :)

[@sidlarson4669]

We all know it’s that areoguitar thing so him saying the company will only make it worse

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

Very bad advice.

[@xplank]

Keep doing what you do, the way you do it Andy, don’t change or let others change you, you’re content, you’re channel, or your integrity

[@arustydodge2111]

Came across you channel years back, just surfing. Instantly loved it and subscribed. You are very honest and learned on your topics. Bottom line; when you review a product you are, HONEST, and therefore I TRUST YOUR Reviews and recommendations! Hats off to you ANDY! I stand with you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🙏😇🙏

[@walterfisher4214]

The “ closer the truth the louder the Libel”. Makes my blood boils listening to your story. I’ve encountered this type before. They lead with threats because they don’t offer value. They are in every industry and usually settle in politics unfortunately.

[@ZYGTropicals]

They lead with threats because of the thousands of dollars they put into the instrument and then only to find out the designers of the damn thing failed miserably!!! They are extremely BUTT HURT!!! And scared that they won’t get the money back they already poured into the ridiculous thing!!!!

[@johnbgoode3]

This just reassures that there are honest reviews out there! “They’ll never take our freedom.”

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You're a real one!

[@sofa_king_kool]

Oh, we goin' William Wallace up in dis B?! Do you wield a guitar one-handed or two? Do they make hand-and-a-half guitars?

[@ZYGTropicals]

@@sofa_king_koolwait, huh????🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@Dovith]

They already took his freedom, and he is taking ours by not allowing people to name "the company"; if there is really one.

[@pmclellan123]

You handled this really well. You loose street cred if you only post what they want you to. Keep up the great work👍

[@davidhunt4679]

I appreciate your honesty and integrity. They’ll never take our freedom!

[@michaelbennett8981]

Wait till you get a load of my comment.

[@cradd00]

I admire your honesty. Shady companies pay influencers to pedal products all the time and I'm glad to see your integrity has led you to make this difficult decision. It could have been easy to just take the money, but I'm glad that you didn't do that. You're honesty has earned my subscription. I know that's not much, but I hope it helps.

[@rmaxtpmx]

Honest and thorough reviews like the ones you provide are not just helpful, but frankly necessary. There's so much new stuff out there, very few of us have the time to run to a store to play and compare everything that comes out. Late night video-watching however, we can all do. Thanks for not giving in to the insecurities of inferior companies!

[@tcf70tyrannosapiensbonsai]

The email is not only a threat, it's a trap. It seems they want to shut you down anyway. They don't give their own product any chance to convince anyone.

[@IronClan2024]

fact is : if a comany produces a bad product IT ALLREADY HAS VIOLATED US LAWS ! ( cant remeber how those were called but MR. Bronchick a lawyer may know to what laws i refer ). as a compnay you are oblidged to deliver a sound and good product that does fullfill quality rules set by those laws. Nowq if your product is not in perfect accordiance with those laws, not only are you ( as example ) the Company to be draged before court but anyone can and is free to publicly anounce that there is a bad product around and that noone should ever give money away for ! As a compnay they must fullfill all reglements set by US/UK/GB laws and if they dont : the state where the company is based , the fedderal state aswell as the US state as such, is absolutly able to sue that company. Now if the producst that company made are so bad that they do not fullfill any rules, is every sold product to be returned or retaken and the buyer is to be refunded even than when he or she retruns the product ( reparation for havind got a bad product ). The nexyt step of the state would be to take that company into deeper investigations: if in case it turns out the company does produce only bad products that do not fullfill any rules set by law: its owner or CEO could easaly face even imprisonment in the worst of all worst case scenarios and the company could get even closed ! everywhere in the world there are several laws in regard to Producing stuff and selling stuff that every company must fullfill. Now UK GB and EU , have of the most hard and harsh rules but the US is not so different : you must deliver qualitiy and if you dont you must refund and if you produce only crap , i know very well in the US ( differs oinly from federal state to federal state ) you could be punished very severly up to even getting your company closed ..... i suggest, if Andy is US based, that the US GOuvernment goes after that company to find out what they are up to and whether or not they do fullfill the rules set by law in regad to production and quality .

[@timhallas4275]

The way around this "legal" nightmare is to send this item back to this company, then purchase one of these items and give the world your opinion about it. The problem is, you are taking money from the manufacturers to "promote" their product, whether they say it or not. You OWE it to YOUR customers to fully expose the motives of this company and do an honest review of their product. I have subscribed to your channel, and I will be following this story.

[@garyfinch1025]

and that's why I have just unsubscribed.

[@Clayne151]

The problem with payed reviews is: we are not the customer. The brand is the customer. The viewers are the product. The reviewer will be biased, even when he does his best to be honest.

[@timhallas4275]

@@Clayne151 Correct.

[@Rondoggy67]

Nope. If a company supplies a reviewer with a product that does NOT create a contractual obligation to write a positive review.

[@Clayne151]

@@Rondoggy67 nobody said that.

[@danlscan]

Good on you! You give me faith in the human condition.

[@1Live2Love3Thrive]

Didnt know being human was conditional

[@joybuzzer]

since Andy can't name the product, can someone in the comment section drop me a hint as to what it is? I haven't heard of it.

[@cirisirpula152]

EytschPi42 is a nice reviewer

[@louisfryzel4618]

@@cirisirpula152 About when did he review this product-that-'can't-be-named?

[@the_algorithm]

SixStringTV did a video on it A SCATHING review That is what this is all about The product deserved the review

[@louisfryzel4618]

@@the_algorithm I saw that video. Yikes!!!

[@sjfamilomusic]

Your commitment to integrity made my subscribe to this channel right away.

[@distrustfulmonkey2832]

Liked and subbed. Product review channels need this kind of honesty. Well played and good luck.

[@pipletjomphe6804]

The greatness attitude is yours, keep on being the great guy you are, honesty is the most valuable and precious quality that we can have, also kindness is a plus. I rely appreciated your video and the way you brought it, very good production, even if a so called company 's bad action or philosophy is misleading in a non sens, your presentation is so good that I instantly pushed the subscribe button and the like button being sure to be back on your channel for all your content and honesty, because I am a bass player since the last 53 years and I also love every things about guitars.

[@manson9083]

Never let someone silence you Andy

[@andybaldman]

Except he’s being silenced.

[@clintonfriend8237]

And he is silencing commentators in this feed. We can’t name the product even though other channels have name and shamed it. When you see this companies marketing you’ll understand why it needs to be named to protect the consumer.

[@danteyoutu]

@@andybaldmanexactly. If Andy wasn’t planning to mention the name of the product he shouldn’t have made this video at all. It just shows that if a company doesn’t want a negative review they just have to threaten KZbinrs legally and that’s it

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@@clintonfriend8237There is absolutely zero reason for him to have any fear in the slightest about these unfounded threats. He has less than zero reason to "control the narrative" here. The approach to censoring this and censoring himself is ridiculous.

[@ss_avsmt]

A 3 R 0 B @ N D

[@KangasAri]

I do hope you got from all this the most important part: Have a contract that states clearly what you are doing and what you aren't doing and have them sign it before accepting any gear from anyone. Less drama, more time to concentrate on what you do. It doesn't have to cover everything, just the parts that are integral for your reviews and your channel - and your integrity. If they're not willing to do that, their gear probably isn't worth reviewing in the first place.

[@gdavidfrye]

I was "fed" this video thanks to KZbin's algorithm so I came into it blind, but it was a very interesting story. My immediate reaction was to write something similar to your comment, but I'll instead just reinforce it with an "amen" and a gentle suggestion that any agreement an influencer makes with a gear provider makes it clear that the content creator is not a PROMOTER. That word (and its variations) appears a number of times in their threatening email, and it's clear that they thought Andy was such, even if he didn't. Just try to be explicit about it, and if you were and they agreed to your terms, they have no grounds for legal action. And of course I'd also love to know the product/company, so if anyone reading this know, please reply!

[@Wadey1960CS]

What a LEGEND! You did the right thing Andy, and we’re here to support you. 🙏🏻

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

He folded, censored himself and engaged in censorship of viewers here at the behest of the people who made this unfounded threat.

[@danieldecker2711]

@@whatilearnttoday5295 , nonsense!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@@danieldecker2711Except here he is, censoring himself, censoring comments, and saying nothing.

[@danieldecker2711]

@@whatilearnttoday5295, I disagree. He explained the story clearly and gracefully. He is also being a gentleman about it. This is the first time i have ever watched any of his videos and greatly respect the approach he took here.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@@danieldecker2711What is gentlemanly about censoring your viewers because of a baseless threat? That's simply passing on the violence.

[@barilochebarracuda846]

"you deserve the truth" but "i won't telle the brand name" 😀So their threats worked perfectly as you didn't expose them clearly.

[@tygereyes]

I will assume that you are not unintelligent, merely lack an understanding of the legal system. I will begin by saying - a bit tongue in cheek - how about you put up the quarter of a million dollars to cover the potential legal fees that a lawsuit from said company and then mouth-off. In short, I think you do not understand that even if you did nothing wrong and win a law suit brought against you clean, clear, and free... you STILL have to pay your own attorneys out of your own pocket as you cannot always, file much less win a counter suit such that the company has to pay for your attorney fees. So, I think that there is a great deal of wisdom for this gentleman, who is filming on a phone (not with high end studio camera and not in a high end studio setting), because even if he is right - should they file a lawsuit - it will cost him unnecessary money (and possibly money he does not have... hence, I suggest you front the $250,000 so he can place a legal retainer down on some attorney's then suggest he make the video that includes their name). Just a thought.

[@keithjeffries5469]

That's precisely the problem with these type of videos. The company gets the outcome they desired, preventing bad publicity, with threats couched in passive aggressive legalese. As such, this video is not a service to the guitar community at all. Very disappointing.

[@sw_9_9_9]

Easy for someone to say who isn't potentially facing ruinous legal action. 😕

[@mftoms59]

It took me 5 minutes to find it on my own, no spoon needed.

[@Kronaphasia]

Yes.........as someone who works in the civil legal industry the mfg case is outright bullshit but that does not prevent you from spending thousands of dollars & time defending such an action before a court of law. You may be able to ask for costs but that is ultimately left up to the court to decide if defending such an action merits it.@@sw_9_9_9

[@gwoodtones]

Thank you for the honest transparant reviews. Since there are less and less physical music Store it is a bless to have these honest reviewers.. otherwise we all buy stuff completely blindly and this helps a lot to make a choice. Keep on doing that!

[@Rain-Dirt]

Why would you as a company agree to have someone review it and then follow up with a request that would influence the integrity of the review... Those practises belong in scambusinesses imho, and the disguised intimidation parts are rather maffia-esque. Not cool at all and it shows how insecure they are about their product as well. Oof, that will not help the review for sure! It's good to see you protecting your sincerity/honesty and standing up for these precious values!

[@cnilecnile6748]

CCP controlled.

[@Rich_G22]

Kudos to you. Glad to hear you standing up for your rights as an independent reviewer. Love your channel and will continue to watch

[@peterblum613]

I am considering buying my first guitar. I have been watching massive amounts of videos before I spend my hard-earned money. Your toil and honesty is especially appreciated by beginners like me.

[@chrisstephens6194]

Harley benton all day long

[@peterblum613]

@@chrisstephens6194 Thanks bro. I was leaning heavily towards the HB 35 plus. But my local guitar store has a Gretsch 2622 p90 on steep discount. It seems like a great opportunity to get a great guitar, get it set up, and build a relationship.

[@rilauats]

Your honesty and approach to content are invaluable. Keep on rockin'!

[@jarneskegge]

Andy, thank you for sharing this story and giving us a look behind the scenes so to speak. Surely I am not the only one to be curious about the business side of what You Tube product reviewers and influencers do. It's obvious to most of us that you work hard to do something you enjoy, believe in and that also pays the bills. It's also no shock to your viewers to learn that you go out of your way to share your actual and honest experience with each product and that you don't let anyone put words in your mouth regardless of the money the are offering to put in your pocket. That being said, watching this video made me realize how hard it might be to remain honest as a reviewer and the amount of pressure product vendors might be willing to apply in order to get you to say what they want to hear. So thanks for sharing this with us.

[@rushy67rr97]

The clue is in the name, it’s a “review” not a “promotion”. Great to see someone with good morals and standards sprinkled with a dose of honesty. Subscribed. 👍🏻

[@rjlchristie]

You are half way there. But he doesn't dispute their initial claim that he had entered into an agreement to "promote". He said that description of the understanding was fair and accurate. A negative review is not usable as promotion. Based on the first sentence of the letter, which he confirms here, he walked into this dilemma. As we we are not shown the initial negotiations and agreement we cannot assume he agreed to provide any review other than one that can be used to promote.

[@KevinWale]

@@rjlchristie found the bootlicker

[@rjlchristie]

@@KevinWale Good for you. Now put them on trial and judge them on insufficient evidence.

[@KevinWale]

@@rjlchristie logical fallacy. try again. I don't need to put them on trial to know that the product is overpriced, and something that is detrimental to learning an instrument of which part of my living comes from teaching people how to play. You can't play sus chords with it. You don't learn how to keep notes in front of your fingers clean (proper basic muscle strength to play an instrument), there are NO dynamics, no vibrato, and no timbral manipulation abilities of the toy. It is nothing more than those 20 dollar toys at Walmart. Even the sounds are as cheap sounding. You might be surprised what I could prove in a court of law if I were called as a witness as to why they are falsely advertising this product (or should I say you are falsely advertising because you're either a shill, or part of the company.)

[@miccullen]

@@rjlchristie Don't post drunk, mate. You're making assumptions that you know nothing about.

[@jeffmaestro]

Much respect for you man! You’re earned my respect. You were honest about what you do and why you do it. I wish all others were like you…some are not.

[@jeffreyvanhorn1996]

Well done, well done, Andy!! Can you see the standing ovation you’re receiving from those who have heard this? You’re certainly getting one. I’m not smart enough to figure out who “the brand” is, but I sure wish there was a way to inform viewers to protect them from this company. Perhaps after the instrument is returned you would have the FREEdom to let the viewers know who they’d be dealing with if they purchased the instrument/ product. Your integrity is 100% authentic, and we all know it. Thank you SO much for your honesty and transparency. These days it’s sad that someone is thanked for their integrity, but that’s the way of the world. However, your authenticity is second to no one. I’ll probably never know who the company is, but I would never have any dealings with them. Worry not, dear friend. They won’t come after you. They have zero traction with which to do so. Your channel is awesome. May God bless you and your family, and also protect you and your business here. Carry on! Great stuff!

[@cinnamongirl8158]

You probably have it in the suggested videos at the right

[@rsj993]

read this, out loud to yourself, very slowly..."I’ll probably never know who the company is, but I would never have any dealings with them. ". ffs

[@stratman4327]

”Don't let others get in the way of your happiness.". This comes at a time when I'm very much hurt due to someone else's actions. While we all know that this channel isn't about self-affirmation, I truly appreciate this reminder to not let others dictate our emotions or actions. Thank you and much success always.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The channel may be about guitars but I endeavour to make it more than that! I hope you make it through quickly

[@bananapeehole782]

Very well said, Stratman. BTW, I'm sorry someone has caused you unjust pain. You gots lots of folks out in the world that could be here for ya if ever needed be. There are WAY more good people than there are horrid, hateful people out there.

[@bananapeehole782]

@@TheGuitarGeek Wow. Very nice of you, Andy. Class act. Cool Cat! Keep up the great work!!!!

[@wetsand7379]

I appreciate your honesty and integrity. You've earned yourself a new subscriber.