Re: [Harp-L] Re: Some thoughts on Charlie's Red Knob Twin, endorsements, etc.

[Rick Davis <bluesharpamps@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greg, as I've explained to you privately, you miss my point completely.  I
have no doubt Charlie Musselwhite loves Gary's amps and your microphones.
My question was about the endorsements.

Your argument in this post hinges on the words "suggests" and "preference,"
which seem pretty thin reeds upon which to hang such a strident
point.  However, the endorsements that appear on your website suggest to the
reasonable observer a relationship that apparently does not exist.  In this
case -- for whatever reason -- Charlie Musselwhite did not play your mic or
Gary's amp.  The question is very reasonable:  What exactly do the
endorsements mean?  To the reasonable observer the endorsements imply an
exclusive commitment.

I asked the question and you got offended.  Sorry about that, but you have
yet to answer the question.  This topic may be uncomfortable for you, but it
is still worth exploring.

Are you a NASCAR fan? I don't think anybody believes Mark Martin uses only
the products whose names are festooned on his drivers suit, but they DO know
that the biggest emblem on his suit -- the Chevrolet bow tie -- means
something.  He wouldn't be caught dead driving anything else in a NASCAR
race as long as that endorsement exists.  This analogy may not be perfect,
but it is apt.

I'm working on a story for my blog about product endorsements among touring
musicians.  I've contacted many vendors and artists, and I'll try to lend
some clarity to this rather murky topic.  The story should be ready in a
couple weeks, and I'll post a link here when it is published.

-- 
-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/




On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Greg Heumann <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I have to clear something up. I don't like getting into "he said she said"
> stuff on-line. However much was made of Charlie using this amp by a
> particular fellow. He named the amp several times and said what great tone
> Charlie got from it. No problem there. Charlie gets great tone from
> anything. The FACT is that MOST professionals do NOT carry their own amp and
> gear to gigs when they have to fly there. If they go on a road tour then
> yes. Extra baggage fees, hassle, hernias and most importantly, the huge
> likelihood of damage (you've watched baggage handlers from the wind seat
> right?) - performers arrange for equipment to be available at their gigs and
> it isn't always their first choice. It is common practice. Gary (Sonny Jr)
> took a lot of time to explain explain this. I also responded with the same
> explanation. I  added, "I know Charlie. He loves his Cruncher."
>
> The author's response was "I don't understand.  The Fender Red Knob Twin
> weighs in at a hefty 77 lbs,
> about 40 more lbs. than the Cruncher.  Why would Charlie Musselwhite use
> the heavier Twin when he has to fly to a gig?"
>
> To me this suggests the author believes Charlie had a preference for the
> Twin. It calls into question the voracity of Mr. Musselwhite's endorsement
> of the Cruncher.
>
> SO -  OFF LIST, I had Charlie contact the original author. I was copied on
> the email. Charlie explained in no uncertain terms why he doesn't travel
> with his own gear (which was for the reasons Gary and i also posted), and
> also said:
>
> "I love the Cruncher and would prefer it anywhere anytime to any other
> amp."
>
> I then continued the dialog, OFF LIST, with the original author - who
> continued to reject Gary's word, my word, AND Charlie's - yet insisting he
> was being completely fair. I do not know if he has a hidden agenda, but I
> suggested that in case some people came away with the wrong impression, he
> simply correct his statements publicly by reporting Charlie's communication
> with him here on HARP-L. I thought that would be the gentlemanly thing to
> do. He didn't, so I did.
>
> Thanks.
>
> /Greg
>
> http://www.blowsmeaway.com
> http://www.bluestateband.net
>
>
>
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