Robert Bluman wrote:When artists that sell product like Vinnie Colaiuta switch companies, I can assure you that it's a financial decision. Paiste is a very wealthy company, in a very wealthy country. The top players all have an endorsement salary.
Robert Bluman wrote:It's actually not speculation. They are on payroll, signature products or not. But hey, believe what you want as it makes no difference. I can't divulge how I know this because revealing that in a public forum would be disrespectful, but it comes directly from the people involved. WillyZ I was saying Yamaha only needs it's TV drummers along with Gadd and Weckl to sell drums, I didn't say Gadd and Weckl are on TV. By TV drummers I mean, Anton Fig, Teddy Campbell, guest artists on TV shows, etc. Anything that shows that Yamaha logo on television.
Back to the endorsements, forget what I know that comes direct from the sources, just think from a business standpoint. In every other field endorsers are on payroll. They are paid. Athlete's , actors, and celebrities. Do you really believe that the greatest musicians on the planet are playing instruments with logo's on them, appearing in ads and videos promoting products for only free gear in return? Really? That's fantasy. They are being paid, it's all business. Any top drummer even the "lesser knowns" receive tons of free gear. Last year I took a lesson with a Yamaha artist in L.A. A lesser known artist but we know him, he works constantly. He get's tour support, is in ads occasionally and has about 300 cymbals 800 pairs of signature sticks, about 3 years worth drum heads , and 5 drum kits. All in his studio space where I took a lesson. He paid 0 dollars for the gear. This drummer does not get paid a salary, but he receives all the perks. What would be the difference between this drummer and Dave Weckl on the endorsement chain? Do you really believe that drummers such as Vinnie, Dave, and Gadd who are more successful and more famous, and historic innovators, endorse products for the same return as the drummer I took a lesson with? Minus the facts that I have been privy to, just use logic. There is no way. No way famous drummers suddenly switch playing brands without money being a factor. I know the stereo type is that musicians are bad with money, but let's not be ignorant folks! It's all business.
Kurtis, are you saying because they don't need the money that they don't earn it? Do you think Tiger Woods needs the money from Nike? He earns over 5 million in tournaments alone. It's the same business model, on a lesser scale. A drummer like Vinnie is the equivalent of a Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan in sports. Did you know that Alicia Keys receives $300.000 per year to be a Yamaha artist? Do you really think Dave Weckl or Vinnie Colaiuta are that naive, and don't realize they should be being paid? HAHA! Willy believes the Vinnie commercial. I love it! I guess you also believe that Brad Pitt wears Polo cologne because he likes the smell. I'm not saying Vinnie didn't work with Paiste to develop a slightly different 602 model and get a sound he likes. But if he loved the 602's so much, why was he playing Z's for 40 years prior? Do you think one morning Vinnie woke up and decided he would leave Yamaha for Gretsch, and Gretsch for Ludwig? He was approached by Paiste, he was approached by Ludwig. Approached with monetary and contractual benefits. These people are being paid, the same way others are being paid! You think somehow someone invented a rule that everyone in the world will be paid for endorsing products, except drummers? You guys drank serious kool aid. HA!
Robert Bluman wrote:I agree Groober, and having not been here for a while, it's not pleasant posting something and having it be controversial. My tone in my first post in this thread was not pompous or condescending, however I found the posts telling me I was wrong a little condescending, especially considering that I'm sharing info that comes from the artists who endorse these products. I found that insulting. One of them was very condescending. Paul I believe said that. Combine that with a little common sense and knowledge of the oldest system in the world, which is bartering, now known as business and capitalism, and you have a common sense answer. My apologies if you feel I said something wrong, but if you scroll back , you'll see what led me to be a bit more stern. Drummers are not idiots. They are compensated for playing brand name instruments, the same way athletes are compensated for wearing athletic shoes. Call me crazy, but I don't see an argument there.
My teacher, who is not really my teacher. He's a name player, just not like the top sellers like VC. Why would he lie? That's ridiculous. My post is just using info I received from the source, combined with that lesson experience, and just an overall business logic. It's not offensive. It's just honest. Maybe next time I'll keep my mouth shut. I thought some insight would be helpful. The drum industry is a business, bottom line.
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