From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Mon Sep 23 17:47:50 2002
Subject:Re: Take a breath ...Carvin's for Clones (OT...OT....OT)

Hi Tony,

>And why Roland had the same Joey D as their point man
>for the VK7. (Come to think of it...is Joey a slut?)
>;)

Uh, let's see: You're arguably the greatest living player of an instrument that has been out of production for almost 30 years -- so long that the original manufacturer no longer supplies parts. You play jazz, which is a very demanding genre, but doesn't pay all that well anymore, with minimal opportunities for endorsements. Although you prefer the original, you're not afraid of trying alternative gear from time to time. And every manufacturer of a clone of that original would love to see you in a photo with their gear.

You do the math ...

I mean, realistically, how many players out there use the gear that they endorse, exclusively on a regular basis? It doesn't work that way. Eddie Van Halen actually prefers PEAVEY over any boutique amp out there, and vintage amps, too? I doubt it. Eric Clapton loves Strats, but I think he prefers his '73 more than anything coming out of the Pro Shop these days. But there's no endorsement money for playing a '73 Strat -- they sell themselves, when you can find 'em. But an "Eric Clapton Signature Series" Strat? That's another story.

I saw Joey D a few months after the VK-7 came out. He had one on stage, sitting on top of the B-3. He soloed on it once or twice per set, and he smoked every time. It probably helped Roland sell a few VK-7's, too. But Mr. DeFrancesco has also used clone gear to record in the past, so no precedent was being set. Just the business side of the "music business" in action.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group and HiNote moderator
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com