Clinics?

19:36 Talking on the phone with a few people to set up a couple of clinics in the near future. It's funny how I am doing more clinics now that I have basically stopped caring about endorsements. After a couple of offers I could only refuse, I figured unless you have a contract that specifies some benefits for you that go beyond the free instrument, an endorsement is not worth it.

I know some musicians who said yes to an endorsment agreement only because they had been dreaming about getting a free (or discounted) guitar since they were kids. I believe bad endorsement contracts are the most harmless in the whole music industry, but still, you shouldn't sign anything unless it produces some tangible (not only economical) results.

What good is it to have a free guitar that you might even not like, if the contract doesn't include a way for you to showcase it (and yourself)? Are clinics on the contract? If they are, who is getting paid for them? Why? I have received 3 offers so far and had to turned them all down for the simple fact that they implied 99% on my part and 1% on them. As you know, there are no free rides in the music business, but this should work for everyone.

To make a long story short, read what you sign, and if you don't like it, don't be blinded by your ego (wow, they offer me a guitar, I must be VERY good!) and pass. If you do like it, by all means, sign and get the guitar!!! There are some very good endorsement deals out there! I am in great terms with two hugely popular computer software (recording) companies and have enjoyed a long lasting relationship with them. But READ IT first!