Although hugely popular MCR don't find favour with many fellow musicians. I found a new level of respect for them when I heard about Frank Iero's approach as a Gibson/Epiphone endorsee.
When MCR were up and coming and gaining a decent young fanbase, Gibson offered Frank Iero a contract as an endorsee. They figured that a cult-ish band like MCR would sell a lot of their low end Epiphone guitars. Frank took a few stock off-the-shelf $200 Epiphone SGs as his stage and studio guitars, insisting that they not be modified in any way so that fans could buy the same cheap guitar he was using
MCR hit the big time (Three cheers for sweet revenge went triple platinum) , their tours sold out, and Gibson contacted Frank to offer him a new endorsement contract. They wanted him to use a custom built Gibson SG, a guitar that would retail as his signature model at $3000+, a deal a lot of musicians would see as the pinnacle of endorsement deals.
Frank's response was, " Thanks but no thanks. I'll stick with what I've got." When asked why he stated, "Because I want anyone who is a fan to be able to buy my guitar without bankrupting their parents or having to put themselves in debt."
The Black Parade ws recorded with Frank's guitar parts played on one of his $200 Epiphone SGs. He eventually agreed to Gibson's pleadings to endorse a signature Frank Iero guitar. He said he would, but it had to have the cheaper Epiphone name, and cost less than $500.