The bottom line is, We'd ALL like to have one of those high end basses! While I disagree with Mr. Callowhill statement about everyone being in the same category, I do agree that there are a million cats out there trying to get something for nothing! Almost ALL of the companies are small with 1 or 2 people working there. Their costs are very high and their profit margin very low, so they cannot afford to give away gear (Basses, Amps, whatever). As to Mr. Callowhill's statement, There are some players who can actually boost manufacturers sales, those are the guys that they give stuff to. BUT, relationships & loyalty are equally important in in these instances! I personally know some well known guys that skip around from company to company trying to get as much free stuff as they can, thats why a lot of companies are not quick to do it. I personally have been playing Mike Tobias' basses since 1987. The 1st bass I got from him, I paid 2000.00 for, IN 1987! (Thats like a 5000.00 bass now), But I recognized the quality, and the sound was like nothing I'd EVER heard! I didn't ask him to give it to me, I scraped up the money and just bought it. I still have that bass today! We live in a microwave society today, everybody wants things NOW, but listen my brothers,(and Sisters), there is a process to everything in life. We gotta pay some dues, work towards our goals, and go through some things, so that when we do achieve and acquire some things in our lives, We'll have a greater appreciation for them.
I've been playing bass since 1974, but it wasn't until 2000 (26 years),that I got an endorsement for ANYTHING, I used to boil my strings just like everybody else! If you are TRUELY playing to he glory of God, just keep playing, and stay faithful, He'll reward for your faithfulness, and He'll bless you in the face of your enemies, Believe me if you stay faithful, you will have enemies, Trust me, I know!
Peace & Blessings
