swamp ash

[dave]

has anyone tried/seen a blackburst or trans black finish on swamp ash? Was thinking of it for a hollow classic spec.:confused:

[dave]

hmm.......2 weeks, 105 viewings and zero replies.....guess that's a 'no' dave!:(

[tom]

sorry, don't know how i missed that one. have never done that. have tried, but by the time the "trans black" isn't brownish from the wood showing, it's not trans any more.

[dave]

cheers Tom - I'd assumed that the lack of examples was indicative of a problem, so was beginning to think more along the lines of a 'natural satin' finish.:)

[tom]

that's a rare item too.

[dave]

oh dear - does that mean it doesn't really work either?:confused:

[tom]

no, just that most people are after more" fancy".

[taclassic]

I had a classic with the 3-color burst that looked amazing.

[tom]

maybe i should have said "shiney", or is it shiny, or shyny, or shinie...glossy.

[Stys]

I really like the cherryburst on my swamp ash classic. Tobaccoburst is equally stunning on swamp ash. I think the Anderson yellowish hues look really vibrant on the swamp ash.

[dave]

I think it's "shiny", but don't quote me!
It was seeing those 2 lovely guitars (in the guitar gallery) that you made for Tim Pierce that got me thinking about the natural satin finish - I thought they really 'oozed' undersated class (if guitars can ooze!).
I think one was maple topped and the other was alder - do you think swamp ash would also work as well? I was wondering too whether you set aside 'special stock' swamp ash as per maple tops? I was thinking of a swamp ash body, maple neck and tortoise shell pick guard, and hoping that the satin finish would really show off the swamp ash grain. If that doesn't work then I'd probably go for the 2-colour burst. Hope this all makes sense?!

[dave]

hey Stys - nice website!

[tom]

we do just have one pile of swamp ash, and we have to did through it for really clean stuff. it tends to have lots of little imperfections that we have to work around. it would look nice in satin as it has interesting grain patterns.

[dave]

thanks Tom - looks like I've got my spec then!:D

[dave]

nearly there(!) - but could use some guidance re. pickups.
Was considering the vintage series and the VA12/VA12R/VA23 option with bridge push/pull and VA booster for its combination of tone and versatility; but was wondering if this added versatility comes at any penalty with respect to tone versus say a VA1/VA1/VA2 combination? To complicate matters further, I noticed that the recommended pick up for swamp ash is really the SA series. Any guidance would be much appreciated!

[tom]

if you're after vintage sounds and hum is not a problem, i'd do the VA5's with the booster. it's the best of vintage with added bigness when you want it. there is not loss of anything with the va12 set. i believe the va5 w/booster set will eventually take the place of the va12 set.

[dave]

thanks Tom - but should't you be taking it easy at the weekend?
I am not wild about hum to be honest - would the SA's be a better option?:D

[tom]

sa's will certainly give you the humcancelling option, and i do like the way they sound in ash.

[Janine Doubly]

If you can't stand hum, the SA's are stellar pickups especially on the swamp ash Andies, either hollow or solid. Personally, I think an ash on hollow alder Classic with SA's is one of my favorite Anderson combinations period! The humcancelling is just an added bonus as well as no Stratitis that you get with VA's.

[dave]

many thanks T & J. SA's it is then! Any tips on configuration? Would SA1/SA1/SA2 be sensible? Booster/master splitter?

[tom]

a master splitter is the most popular with that set.

[dave]

popped in to see Uschie yesterday to complete the spec - decided to go for the '62 roundback neck. She's just waiting now for a reply re. price/delivery and I can then confirm the order.