[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1452607902' post='2951553']
I'd have thought Chris Wolstenholme has been responsible for a few sales - although not sure if they would be of endorsement/signature items.
[/quote]
He's certainly responsible for the prices of second hand Deep Impact pedals...
Endorsements definitely help shift product, no question about it. Especially for a brand that wants to establish it's credibility to a particular niche market. I've been reluctant to get a Yammie BBNEII even though they're cracking basses because of the Nathan East connection.
The degree to which endorsements help varies greatly too I suspect...depending on the cult appeal of a particular bass player. King, Sheehan, Hamm, Entwhistle, Clarke, Miller etc. have all benefitted to a greater or lesser degree. But if the musician really likes the product, the claims in favour of the product aren't based on smoke and mirrors, and the player stays loyal then I don't see the problem.
There are still some sales pitches out there which are bullshit, endorsement or not but the only way to tell is to play.