[Harp-L] endorsements

[SONNYTONE@xxxxxxx]

Bill, you could not be more wrong about endorsements when it comes to harp  
players. They do get whatever deal the builder and pro player and they work 
out  for the pro endorsing their product, and whatever they decide their 
endorsement  entails. NO pro harp player, even if you say you will GIVE them 
the amp to  endorse, will do it unless they feel that their name attached to 
this product is  for real. Every Pro can have any amp they want from any 
builder, and I am  speaking for myself, but every endorser on my front page is 
for real, plays my  amp because they love it and speak honestly when 
approached about what they are  using. All I ask from my endorsers is to hand out 
my business card if someone  asks about the amp, and give their honest 
opinion to whoever is asking. As far  as Charlie is concerned, he will be playing 
the Cruncher he loves because of  just that. When he had to fly for one 
night just to do a festival he initially  asked me and the promoter if a 
Cruncher was available and we did not have one.  So he asked for an amp he has 
played in the past, the evil Twin. However, while  working with Charlie and tube 
subs, understanding his amp, not just playing, he  has learned how to tweak 
any amp with the right tubes, which is what may have  happened in Geeley. I 
do know Charlie was excited to know be able to bias his  own amps, change 
any preamp tube and know what to expect, not easy to teach  someone getting 
close to 70, but he truly loves the freedom now.
 If for example Mark Hummel endorses my Cruncher for small to midsized  
rooms where he does not need to me mic'd, however endorses the Meteor which he  
uses two of for venues that require whatever volume where he does not need 
to be  mic'd. Even though I have a line out, Mark is just that way and that 
was our  deal. Plus he can play whatever vintage amp he has, as long as  
mine is his  main one for the purpose intended. I will not work with a pro who 
will take  another custom builder's amp for the same purpose as mine, I may 
be shooting  myself in the foot, but that is my policy and we are very 
clear, all my  endorsers. We all as builders know , or Should know, the schedules 
of top pro  players puts them in a situation at times when they are not in 
their van, or  driving a tour, and have to fly. They all cry the blues about 
money, and it is  not financially feasible to bring their amp of choice on 
the plane as cargo.  They don't want their amp damaged, and it is a HUGE 
cost to bring on say 100  extra pounds, as the good road cases are heavy. 
    I am glad to hear that the regular player counts  for your vote, check 
me website, I could not possibly list all the reviews I  have gotten on the 
410 and Cruncher, it would be overkill, but these reviews are  after they 
have played with the amp a while and honestly want give a review. I  do ask if 
they truly want to post a review once they have played the amp and  feel 
comfortable doing it, all these came without pressure. What you get from  
those reviews are not only their feelings on the amp, but their personal  
interaction with me in the process of the buy, and customer service afterwards.  
It is vastly different than the opinions based on what goes on in this  list. 
So thank you for your thoughts, it was a good observation, but not really  
true as the Pro player does want to endorse a product that has his/her name  
attached to it, knowing they have to honestly promote it, unless they want 
to.  Any pro can get a custom amp for free, possibly other builders are more 
liberal  about their deals, where they don't care how many custom amps they 
promote, as  long as the Pro plays their amp at some point. Can't speak for 
them.  Sincerely, Sonny Jr.
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