I am a Yamaha endorsee and have been for about 7 years but before that I was buying their drums and hardware for almost 10 years. For a breif stint I was also endorsed by a cymbal company as well but the cymbals just weren't me, weren't the sound I was looking for and no matter what Jedi mind tricks were used I went back to the sound I loved in the first place and just fell in love with them all over again. I am a fanboi of Yamaha and if they decided to no longer endorse the company I would still buy what I love. I do not get paid by Yamaha for anything, appearances, clinics, drummers days.... nothing, if you like the gear and like to play and talk about it then getting paid for it kind of takes the excitement away from being an endorsee of the company.
Gretsch make some great stuff, I heard a viine kit anf thought "WOW" and not in a good way, the sound wasn't me and all I wanted to hear was a YAMMY, thats the sound I like, thats where my musical heart is.
Who cares what he plays or anyone plays for that matter, you go to see the player, not the gear.
Sorry I whaffled....
