Explain endorsement please

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

You obviously have to be a very good player to be endorsed.
Does the endorsee buy a steel of His choice and at a later date He is approached by the builder to sing/play the praises of this guitar for which He receives monetary reward ?
Perhaps the player is approached and given a free guitar in order for the guitar to be seen by many at shows etc.,
I recall seeing Buddy Emmons playing a Zum D 10 at the Dallas show and at a later date,after Buddy had retired ,the guitar was on sale at the Zumsteg stand at Dallas.
I fully admit that after seeing and hearing John Hughey in person I opted for a new Zum.
Are there any players in the U.K. who are "Endorsed" ?

[Willie Gamble]

Hi Billy
I am lead to believe that Davy Adams is being endorsed by Bentley Steel Guitars, although I don't know what the deal is.
I also don't think he has received the guitar yet, I know he has been waiting a while, maybe Davy will chime in.

Asleep at the steel

[JeffM]

The terms of an endorsement deal can vary a lot and, generally neither the company nor the person endorsing the product will make the details public.

It can range from the artist being provided with instruments/amps/strings etc. for free, or being able to purchase the products for a reduced price or at cost or wholesale.

In return the artist will appear in adverts/promotional material and use the product in live shows, on TV and plug it in interviews (or some combination thereof).

Sometimes the artist has to agree to use that company's product exclusively, sometimes they can use other stuff too.

It all depends on what is negotiated between the two parties - there is no such thing as a "standard" endorsement deal.

Sarah Jory endorses WBS Steel guitars.

http://www.wbssteelguitars.com/testimonialsus.html