I just found out that.....

[MY_TURNING_POINT]

I was offered an endorsement by Saluda cymbals!!! Thanks to ToonaRockGuy (Kevin) for introducing me to these bad-ass cymbals.

These cymbals sound amazing and I'm pumped to be proudly endorsed!

Can't wait to get my first set!

[BDR]

BadDazeBags joins the Saluda team ... cool beans! You go, Buddy!

Seriously, Kev, since Jim played your cymbals at JP's Rock-A-Thon, he hasn't stopped talking about them. Cool news, guys! Thanks for introducing Bags to the product, Kev!

r:>)

[metalchurch]

Congrats BDB!

I have a question for Kevin and Jim about those endorsements. What do they entail? Do you get a certain amount of free goods each year?
Do you also get a discount on other stuff or not?

I'd love to have an endorsement, but I need a band first cause the bedroom doesn't really "get the product out there" so to speak.

[huntzen]

well deserved.....gonna get out to see you soon

[Trucula]

Very cool Dude!!...welcome to the team!

[xero380]

Congrats Jim as I was also offered an endorsement as well! Thanks again to Kevin and Bob for introducing me to these cymbals!

[ToonaRockGuy]

Congrats BDB!

I have a question for Kevin and Jim about those endorsements. What do they entail? Do you get a certain amount of free goods each year?
Do you also get a discount on other stuff or not?

I'd love to have an endorsement, but I need a band first cause the bedroom doesn't really "get the product out there" so to speak.

Here's the rundown on general endorsements, with assistance of Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz:

-Endorsers agree to assist in marketing the company's product by using it exclusively and making it known that they use it exclusively.

-Endorsers get a percentage off of their product. The higher the endorsement level, the larger the percentage. In the drum world, however, it is very rare for a company to give someone free gear. Less than 1% of top-level drummers get their gear for free, even from top companies. Other agreements may include exchanging old product for new, and in some instances, product is simply loaned as necessary. High-profile drummers may be compensated in addition to product consideration. The specific product may also govern the consideration. That is, a drummer is more likely to get free sticks from a stick manufacturer, than to get free drums from a drum manufacturer. The amount and type of consideration is usually proportionate to the marketing value of the endorser to the manufacturer.

-Endorsers agree to certain terms and conditions, things like being seen using, and/or pictured with, the product, and never using a product from the competition. Sometimes clinics are arranged so that the endorser can help spread the word on a more personal level. For endorsers who do recordings, a 'thank you' or mention in the liner notes is customary. Traveling endorsers may be asked to accommodate manufacturer employees or representatives at performances. In certain broadcast or performance situations, it is not always possible to use the endorsed product. When that happens, you should certainly not be seen using the competitor's product! Mask the competitor's name so it is not visible. In the studio, it is common to use various brands of cymbals and snares. Avoid being pictured with a non-endorsed brand, and don't make the mistake of thanking non-endorsed competing manufacturers in the liner notes! Endorsement agreements are almost always exclusive, and your credibility and contract could both be lost.

Here's the general jist:
Look to endorse only those products that you would use even without an agreement. Avoid being one of those drummers who takes whatever they can grab, whether they genuinely like or intend to even use the product. Your credibility as a spokesperson is important, especially as you begin to seek endorsing other products and manufacturers. Nobody will tolerate an endorsement-hopping "gear whore".

And there ya go. In both cases of Jim and Zac, I'm more than glad I could help out. Rob, just make sure to slap a Saluda logo on your MySpace page and on anything Bags-related!

[VENTGtr]

Congrats JimBags, and all o' BD! Really cool.

[Ron]

Good deal Jim!

[metalchurch]

Kevin, that was a great break down of how that works. Thank you
I always wondered about stuff like that, but there's not many local guys that I know who are endored by anything.
But we sure as hell spend the money and live by our fav products dont we?!!
I would Never endorse a product that I'm not happy with, only get get free goods.

....and a little just in case....Jackson rules!!! (god I'd be in heaven!)
Just one left handed Custom Shop King V, that's all I'd ever ask for.

Congrats again BDB!
edit: I saw that Trucula is a Saluda endorsee as well, very cool and congrats!!
ps, Kevin, how long have you been endorsing Saluda?

[ToonaRockGuy]

MC,

I've been with Saluda since 2006. Their president, Jamie Lambert, runs an online gear store that I used to purchase my Wuhan China cymbals from. One day on the phone, he suggested Saludas. I was very hesitant, but he sent me a few to check out, and I got hooked. I traded in almost all of my Zildjians except for my 1963 Avedis Ride and my 16" Oriental China Trash (currently hanging on the wall in my "man cave") and got my new set of hats, ride, 2 chinas and 4 crashes from Saluda, and been lovin' to play 'em ever since.

Here's the bio link if you want it. (Yeah, I gotta update it since I left Scream)

http://www.saludacymbals.com/c/ksiegel.html

[witchhunt]

I've been working on an endorsement deal from Michelob. Wish me luck.

[Trucula]

edit: I saw that Trucula is a Saluda endorsee as well, very cool and congrats!!
ps, Kevin, how long have you been endorsing Saluda?

Thanks Bro!
Kevin actually responsible for my endorsement. After seeing/hearing at the Band Jam/ Warrant / County Line shows, I was hooked!! I been there since Aug. of 06'

[xero380]

I have to give large part to Trucula AND Kev for getting me endorsed by Saluda as well. The cymbals sound great and can't wait to get them in my hands! have to say Saluda is great to work with on all ends. Again thanks to Trucula and Kev for helping me with my endorsement from Saluda as well..

[Trucula]

I have to give large part to Trucula AND Kev for getting me endorsed by Saluda as well. The cymbals sound great and can't wait to get them in my hands! have to say Saluda is great to work with on all ends. Again thanks to Trucula and Kev for helping me with my endorsement from Saluda as well..

Thanks for the plug!....glad I could help.