I know most of you already know this, but endorsements are usually paid for by the company or manufacturer either with free instruments or cash to the artist-- something a small builder cannot compete with.If I were a beginner, I guess I would be influenced by who plays what-- but if I had been playing for a few years I would buy an instrument based on the merits on the individual instrument-- not what somebody else (who was paid) told me I should buy or it's brand name.