Rand Guitars...Anderson Involvement?

[Rupe]

I have heard that Tom was involved to varying degrees with the short lived Rand Guitar Company back in the 80's. I own four of these instruments, one of which I purchased new back in '88. When I bought it, there were 5-6 other Rands at the store (Sam Ash, 48th St.) and they all had Anderson electronics. I also own an early prototype that has an Anderson pickup.

I would love to know a bit more about the history of this company and to what extent my current favorite guitar company was involved. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some pics of my Rands:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/rupe68/RandViv2.jpg
This one was used by Vivian Campbell in Whitesnake's "Is This Love" video.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/rupe68/Bulleye9.jpg
This purple one (posing with an old Charvel) is the one that I purchased new and has been my main gigging guitar for hard rock/metal for many years.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/rupe68/rand02.jpg
This is the earliest known prototype at this time. It is much more like a Jackson Soloist than it is like the production version Rand. Note the original Anderson pickup.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/rupe68/WhiteRandBody.jpg
This last one is an '87 production model. It has seen alot of use but is still a great guitar.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/rupe68/Rands.jpg
Group shot

[tom]

rand was/is a friend. we made the bodies and necks and he glued them together, sanded the contours and painted them. he had a shop around the corner from us. some had our pickups and some didn't. he did all the cool airbrush painting.