Paul Reed Smith Vs Tom Anderson

[BluesProf]

How do you think Tom Anderson and PRS compare?

[kccheers]

I think Tom has a GoTee???

[taclassic]

The lower anderson numbers allow for better quality control and better craftsmanship, but that is not to say a prs is bad. I love them both. They each do something the other cannot. My ideal collection would be one andy for the strat sound and one prs for the les paul type of sound. You cannot go wrong with either guitar.

[Kevin]

I think Toms hair is better. Especially back in the 80's when PRS had the long curly thing going on. But PRS has made a great improvement and looks very stylish now with short hair. I guess much like myself they are both starting to show a little gray but that just adds a touch of class right?
:D :D :D

[Stys]

Tom also wear Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops...........

[BluesProf]

PRS GUITARS vs Tom Anderson GUITARS
I think the only PRS to worry Anderson is the 513, especially when it is available with a mahoghany neck, bringing its tremendous variety of sound at a more affordable price.

[Suriel Zayas]

when i first saw the thread i was game. such as, anderson offers the anderson standard neck profile, prs does not. you get it? now the thread has evolved to tom worrying. i'm not one to speak for tom or anyone else for that matter, but tom does not strike me as a worrier. however, sports does make a great venue for competition.;)

[Mister T]

I agree. Tom has better hair.

[pipedwho]

TAG > PRS

Compared to TAGs, I don't really like the look of PRS's guitars. I also prefer the neck feel on TAGs ... and the sound too.

[michaelomiya]

Both are good in different ways. FWIW, the PRS folks are very tight with Roy, tom, Laurie, et.al.. Similar to the relationship that the TAG shop has with their counterparts in Lake Elsinore.
m.

[brian b]

After having many Andy's and my son has a custom 22 they are different beast. You just can not beat a anderson neck the feel and quality is the best no matter the size. Which brings you the 2 neck sizes for a prs and the many for Tom. As far tone my son has played his PRS and a classic "I wish had back now" made fromAlder and the Andy was just more clear and sustained better. He still play's his Prs and really loves because having just completed a year Austrailia and was only allowed one guitar to take with him.
And by the I think Tom just a better COOL factor about him.

[Woodash]

I think Tom's guitars could whoop PRS' guitars in a wrestling match unless it was some kind of lopsided tag (no pun intended) team contest, or unless there was some kind of doping involved. :eek: And then, of course, there's the hair thing....

[-CM-]

Since everything about guitars is subjective, there is no definitive answer. TAG and PRS are both top-notch manufacturers.

[Barry]

I think Toms hair is better. Especially back in the 80's when PRS had the long curly thing going on. But PRS has made a great improvement and looks very stylish now with short hair. I guess much like myself they are both starting to show a little gray but that just adds a touch of class right?
:D :D :D
Grey always seems stylish or sophisticated when its in someone elses damn head ! Do you have any kevin ?

[Barry]

I will chime in about another little tidbit about PRS . I ordered a PRS Artist Package custom 22 quilt top one year ago this past Tuesday 2/27/06. Guess what ? I'm still waiting . They gave me an ETA of August (18 months). Tom kicks their butt here ! I know PRS turns out bigger quantity and make great guitars but thats a rediculous time to wait on an order . Its the shortage of quilt they say . Learn from me . Dont special order anything from PRS unless you are very patient .

[Kevin]

Grey always seems stylish or sophisticated when its in someone elses damn head ! Do you have any kevin ?


Well of course I have some thats why I said "much like myself"!!
These days I am glad to keep the grey hairs.....it seems most of my hair is going down the drain!!! And when I eventually go bald I will try to convince myself that I still look stylish and sophisticated even though the lighting guy is having a fit trying to keep the glare off of my noggin !!!:) ;) :D

[Casper]

My 02. I think PRS makes a beautiful guitar and some of the color choices/pkgs are stunning. I think PRS has it's legions like we do and for the same reasons probably. I wonder how many guitars a week they do vs. TAG and if they buy lumber/parts/supplies from the same people? What is his quality control vs. Tom's.? Do Tom and PRS trade ideas, have coffee together or are they stiff competitors? I know Tom is good friends with many custom builders and I think that's great! The 513 looks like it will do anything, is it really the flagship of PRS? Inquiring minds want to know?:confused:
Shaun

[Mott]

Just about apples to apples. Build on the TAG maybe a tad better. I've got 3 Andy's(DT Classic, Hollow T Classic, Hollow Classic), and just one PRS Singlecut. The PRS does seem to stay in tune a little better than my TAGs.

I'd never get rid of the PRS--there's something about the Singlecut into my old Supro Thunderbolt that the Anderson's just can't match.

Not that I'm getting rid of my Andy's anytime soon either......

[kiko]

The only thing i dont like from my old PRS is the wrap arround bridge the intonation on them is so bad. On that the TA is a lot better. But also both guitars are diffrent beast's.

[Sir Ricardo]

Besides the obvious "apples to oranges" differences (set neck vs. bolt on, mahogany vs. maple/basswood, 2 hums vs. singles/hum, 8-9lbs vs. 6-7lbs, etc.).......

I would add the following:

> stainless steel frets on Anderson are a huge playing advantage. I called PRS a while ago and spoke with Shawn in tech support, and asked him if they had ever thought about putting SS frets on their guitars. He said "Paul doesn't like them" which I found incredible, no disrepect intended. What I immediately thought of was "Bruce at TAG is the best at these SS frets, good luck getting a crew of Bruces over at PRS to install SS frets by the thousands, the quality control just would not be there." Anderson by a TKO.

> quality of top on Anderson guitars is killer, virtually every one is a "10 top". I've got a couple of "10 top" PRSi, and they are great guitars, yet many many PRSi, even those marked "10", while extremely fine players, have uninspiring tops. Anderson guitars, on the other hand.....well, great tops are a dime a dozen, I guess TAG knows where to get the wood. Or, given their lower production volumes, can be picky-er. Anderson wins this round, for consistency.

> two strap buttons. Small deal, yet helpful. Anderson.

> "Solidness" of playing feel. Totally subjective, but the set-neck feel cannot be duplicated with a bolt-on neck, in my opinion. So if you want that feel, you need a set-neck guitar. PRS.

> trem. PRSi have a great trem. Arguably, it stays in tune better. PRS.

> Variety of sounds. Andersons have more pickups and pickup switching options. Anderson.

> Best forum. Tough call. BAM is great, this forum is great. But only in this forum does the maestro himself actually respond to threads, and contribute his ideas. Tom is the King!

my 2 cents

Richard

[mbrown3]

Well stated, Richard. I would also add:

Consistency (overall, not just of tops) - you can play one PRS that sounds/feels great, and another with the exact same specs that just doesn't.

BFTS - I know PRS has that compensated nut thing (is that on all their guitars?), but BFTS is a big deal to me.

Customer Service - TAGs customer service is top notch, and while PRSs is no doubt good, no company of their size and output can give the individualized attention to their customers that the good folks at TAG give.

[LearnedHand]

Both are great companies. Both men are taking guitars to the next level.

[Devnor]

Both are great but TAG certainly has the edge. More neck profile options, floyd rose bridges and its a guitar built to spec for the working musician. PRS seems to cater too much to the private stock, Mercedes club with $10000-$40000 guitars nobody would take to a gig.

I have a Custom 24 Artist that I love dearly but my TAG Classic is still my main axe.

[Kevin]

I can't believe this subject is even being talked about.

C'mon folks.....what are we gonna see next, virtual cage matches between guitar company owners sponsored by the WWF:confused:

Apples and oranges. Both taste good to me.

I agree. It's like Blondes vs. Brunettes!! Why not have both!! Wonder if my wife sees it this way too? Something tells me NO !!:D

[AndyK]

IMHO, the only PRS that doesn't play like a beautifuly made SG is the Mccarty - which is a sweet guitar compared to anything! The other PRS's are too thin sounding to me.

My guess is Mr. Smith doesn't talk to anyone on the PRS forum!;)

[Sir Ricardo]

I can't believe this subject is even being talked about..........Apples and oranges.

Ok, how about Babe Ruth vs. Joe DiMaggio?

:cool:

[deltone]

My opinion, Anderson Guitars are the standard to which all others are measured.

[Sir Ricardo]

My opinion, Anderson Guitars are the standard to which all others are measured.

Your reasoning?

[BluesProf]

Whilst TAG and PRS are probably level pegging in most areas, I think both companies could learn something from each other.
Tag should offer a carved top, especially on the Atom, if nothing else. I the atom was a carved top, I would order one tommorw.
TAG do not do any inlay work. Whilst this does not improve the sound, on an expensive guitar, there should be the option of some inlay.
TAG do not use Brazillian rosewood as a neck material, or ebony as a fingerboard material, which is something I think they should.
I have a PRS with a Brazillian Rosewood neck and fingerboard, and it feels sublime.
I do fancy and Atom though...

[Sugaree23663]

I had a 513 till very recently. Wonderful eye candy. The quality of the build was good too. I couldn't get used to the neck. The brazilian rosewood felt so nice and smooth, but it was the carve that I couldn't bond with. The pick ups and switching was pretty cool. It seemed to "wake up" when I used a compressor pedal. Odd. All in all, it was a nice guitar. Perfect for someone else. I'll take my TAG or my Suhr's instead. My buddy at work is still pissed at me for getting rid of it. He owns 3 PRS guitars. I loaned him my TAG over the summer and he didn't like it as much as his PRS.

Go figure...

[kiko]

everything its about of choise and taste.

[Mister T]

I work in the head office of a shop that deals both TAG and PRS...and have played many examples of each.

REALLY different instruments. To make a logical and valid comparison we must first look at like models. To me that means the PRS CE models vs Tom Andersons....I believe that in this instance the Andersons have a far superior build quality and overall finishing/setup quality. My experience has demonstrated that PRS CE's are hit and miss at best.....we had an orange one in the store that was inert and dead sounding. A true dud of an instrument. It sold because of the name not because of the quality of the piece.

When comparing the set neck PRS guitars to andersons you are in pretty cloudy waters....the comparison boils down to the old set neck vs. bolt on neck arguement that I am sure we have all heard. I dont think there is a winner in that debate.

Bottom line, to me, is that when you are dealing in high quality guitars the difference is about taste.

[Pietro]

My opinion, Anderson Guitars are the standard to which all others are measured.

They are certainly one of the standards, but I think there are several companies making excellent guitars who might be as good. Grosch, PRS, Tyler, and Suhr come to mind. There are others that I haven't played so I won't mention them. And really well-made Gibson and Fender Custom Shop stuff is pretty sweet, too.

If you're into that thing...

Of course, a Mexican Fender will sound better in the hands of a great player than a tricked-out Drop Top in the hands of someone who... well... isn't...

...I will offer this: Tom's are my favorite of what I've played.

[LonestarGtr]

I like both guitars a bunch. I'm really fond of the PRS tremolo system and I like the carved tops. On the other hand, my Andys are solid as a rock and always sound awesome. I use both during shows and to me, Andy's have a little better quality control. Every Anderson sounds and plays almost perfectly. You can still find PRS's that a not as good as others. I have 3 PRS's and 5 Andys and between those, I can get just about every sound and feel that I want. Love my Andersons!

Mike

[BluesProf]

Would we agree that TAG and PRS are the 2 best manufacturers, with which you go for being dowm to personal taste?
Does anyone agree the Atom should have a carved top?
I personally think the Hollow Drop Top Classic with exotic woods and switcheroo is the best example of TAG at their best, but I am lured by the Gibson-nes of the Atom.
Has anyone played a Les Paul and an Atom next to each other?

[VCuomo]

Why would we agree that "TAG and PRS are the 2 best manufacturers"? Have you ever heard of Suhr? Lentz? Melancon? And, in the same price category as TAG, how about Custom Shop models and custom orders from (gasp!) Fender? :rolleyes:

I found much of the information in this thread inaccurate (PRS has only "two neck size options" [how about Regular, Wide-Thin, Wide-Fat, and D carve], "PRS seems to cater too much to the private stock, Mercedes club" [what the heck does that mean, other than the guy who wrote it can't afford one], "Every Anderson sounds and plays almost perfectly" [no offense, but that's not true just as it isn't true for any other guitar manufacturer, including PRS], implications that PRSi are all set necks [the CE22, CE24, and the Swamp Ash Special models all have bolt-on necks], etc.).

C'mon guys - if you're trying to be humorous, you've succeeded (I sure got a laugh out of some of this thread). But if you're trying to be serious, some of you guys are way out in left field. I own PRSi and TAGs (and Fenders, and Gibsons, and Reverend, and others). They're both fine guitar manufacturers and both make great products. The only guys I agree with in this thread are the ones who've essentially said "apples and oranges". :)

[Woodash]

I hear you.

This type of thing has been described to me as overzealous brand loyalty. I have a couple of TAGs and I love them. I also love my other guitars, too.

[bud]

Things are getting testy. More hair comments please. :D

[tom]

yes please. my latest doo is a subtle variation form what you may have seen... well not really, but i do do it myself.

[Pietro]

yes please. my latest doo is a subtle variation form what you may have seen... well not really, but i do do it myself.

I liked your hair when you were wearing the David Crowder Wig and Beard the BEST!

As for me, all I can say is my favorite Bible verse is Leviticus 13:40.

Look it up here in the King James. laugh a little...

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=leviticus%2013:40;&version=9;

Oh, and I LOVE Tom Anderson Guitars... but I confess I really want a McCarty, too!

[VCuomo]

Good one Pietro! :D

[tom]

i do still have my hair, but i try to stay as clean as i can. i let my amp get plenty dirty though.

[Woodash]

Just for the record, it appears that a post was removed (by the author?)between 7:50pm and 8:25 pm yesterday. I just mention this in fairness to [the context of] the remaining posts....

BTW - Haven't seen your hair, Tom, but I'm sure it's real nice.............
Maybe you can start a hairdo of the week thing?

[Sugaree23663]

Ummm...is a dirty amp a sign of a dirty mind?

Yikes!

[Johnny Raz]

Both are great guitars - for now I prefer my Anderson, but I may own a PRS again in the future (I had one and sold one during tough financial times).

[kurt1981]

I'd have to say, I played a bunch of Prs models, and for me, and this is just me personally, I liked the feel of the anderson neck, and I liked the strat type sounds of my clasic. I haven't played a Prs that can get me that sound. But now, I guess I have to start looking at them, I need a dual humbucker guitar, and I don't think I will be able to afford the prices people are charging for andersons. Just my opinion,
Kurt
Ps, I don't know if this is a blessing or curse, but it's sometimes cool to not even think about the look of a guitar, all the pretty stuff sometimes gets in the way of people's decisions. As I'm unable to see, I have never considered the look of any instrument I've ever had, and I've owned some ugly ones, as evidenced by the comments of fellow band members. I had this old yellow fender, that someone had done a horrid repaint on, but it was the coolest sounding tele, and I loved it.