Fret Success creates honest, educational guitar gear evaluations and demos for players and for brands who value credibility.
Based in Calgary, Canada, with a growing global audience across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Fret Success helps guitarists understand how gear really sounds, feels, and fits into real playing situations. The focus is clarity and usefulness, not hype.
What Fret Success does
Fret Success is a guitar education platform and YouTube channel focused on helping players improve their musicianship and make informed gear decisions.
I work with guitar pedal builders, amp manufacturers, guitar companies, and music technology brands to:
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Evaluate gear properly
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Explain how it behaves in real musical contexts
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Be clear about who a product is for, and who it is not
The channel has steadily grown in influence and credibility within the guitar community by prioritizing education, honesty, and long-term trust over quick promotion.
Audience, reach, and industry connections
Fret Success serves a global guitar audience, with the majority of viewers and readers based in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Alongside YouTube and social platforms, I also run a direct mailing list of guitar players who have opted in for lessons, practical advice, and thoughtful gear insights. The list consistently shows strong open rates and meaningful action because it is built on trust and relevance, not volume or paid promotion.
Fret Success also has strong local industry connections in Calgary, including relationships with independent music retailers, builders, and repair shops. Through the Calgary Guitar Collective, I regularly engage with working musicians and serious hobbyists through workshops and community events.
This creates a mix of:
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Online reach
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High-trust education
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Real-world player interaction
which many brands do not typically access through traditional influencer channels
Ways to work together
Brands can work with Fret Success in a few different ways depending on whether the goal is private evaluation, public education, or broader promotion.
All options start with hands-on time and honest assessment.
Option 1. Evaluation Only. Bronze
Best for brands who want expert feedback without public content.
Includes:
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Hands-on evaluation and real-world testing
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Written feedback and observations in a short PDF or email summary
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Clear notes on strengths, limitations, and player fit
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No public content required
Often used by early-stage builders, designers refining a product, or brands seeking independent perspective.
Evaluation fees start at $600 USD.
Option 2. YouTube Review or Demo. Silver
Best for brands who want an honest, educational video for players.
Includes:
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Full product evaluation
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One long-form YouTube demo or review on Fret Success
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Organic short-form clips derived from the video
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Independent opinions with no scripts or editorial approval
This option works best when the product is a genuine fit for the audience.
Projects typically fall in the $900 to $1,200 USD range, depending on scope.
Option 3. Extended Promotion and Reusable Content. Gold
Best for brands who want broader reach and usable assets alongside an honest review.
Includes:
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Full evaluation
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Long-form YouTube demo or review
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Up to three short-form videos for YouTube Shorts and social platforms
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Optional mention in the Fret Success mailing list when relevant
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Permission to reuse video clips for your own website or marketing
This option suits launches, campaigns, and brands building longer-term awareness.
Projects typically range up to $1,500 USD, depending on deliverables and usage.
Timelines and turnaround
There is no guaranteed publishing timeline by default. Reviews are based on proper evaluation and real playing time.
If you have a specific launch date or deadline, this can be discussed in advance. Faster turnarounds may be possible depending on scope and availability and may involve an adjusted fee.
Editorial independence
All content reflects my genuine experience.
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No paid positive reviews
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No scripts or talking points
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No editorial approval or pre-signoff
Brands may provide technical background or product context, but conclusions are always my own. This is essential to maintaining trust with the audience.
Gear logistics, shipping, and ownership
All products must be shipped to Fret Success at the sender’s expense.
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Brands cover shipping costs, customs paperwork, and any import duties or taxes.
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Shipments should be declared accurately to avoid delays or unexpected charges.
Unless agreed otherwise in writing:
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Demo units are not returned
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Fret Success reserves the right to keep, give away, or resell the product after evaluation
Loan-only arrangements must be agreed in advance.
Beyond YouTube. Dedicated brand content
In addition to reviews, I also work with brands on high-quality demo and marketing videos through my production studio, Thumbmuffin.
This is a better fit if you are looking for:
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Product demos for your website
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Educational or explainer videos
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Founder or designer interviews
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Launch and campaign assets
Learn more here:
https://thumbmuffin.ca
How to pitch me
The best pitches are short, clear, and specific.
Please include:
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Product name and category
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What makes it different, in one or two sentences
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Link to the product page and a one-pager if available
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Your ideal outcome (evaluation only, YouTube review, or extended promotion)
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Any timing considerations or launch dates
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Shipping location and confirmation you can ship to Calgary, Canada
email us at learn@fretsuccess.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
Calgary, Canada. The audience is global, primarily in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Do you offer review-only evaluations without a YouTube video?
Yes. The Bronze option is evaluation only and does not include public content unless agreed later.
Do you guarantee a YouTube video?
No. Public content happens when the product is a good fit and the evaluation supports it, unless explicitly agreed.
Do viewers act on your recommendations?
Yes. While the channel is not massive, it is high-trust. Viewers regularly report making buying decisions based on the reviews.
Do you promote products to your mailing list?
Only when appropriate and relevant. Mentions are contextual and educational.
Who covers shipping and import costs?
The sender covers all shipping, duties, and taxes.
What happens to the gear after evaluation?
Unless agreed otherwise, demo units are kept and may be used, given away, or resold.
What brands are the best fit?
Brands that value education, clarity, and long-term credibility.