Which Anderson for a Slowhand?

[BluesProf]

Hi Guys.
I am keen to get an Anderson, I know I have started similar posts, let me explain the situation.
I have a PRS Modern Eagle and 513 Rosewood. Both are amazing guitars, but produce a very high quality, hi fi sound. They both nail a 59 Les Paul and the wonderful rich, swet PRS sound. They have rosewood necks which feel awsome.
I play vintage blues and rock, and I use a Vox AC 30 and I am saving up for a DR Z MAz 18. (Any experience with Dr Z anyone?)
I am totally unsure which Anderson to go for.
I have no S type guitars, so perhaps a Classic or HDTC would be a good start.
If I were to go for a classic, I would be unsure about Maple or rosewood, I like the bright, gritty sound maple produces, but what about wear? Are the 'boards finished? What happens when the finish wears through?
Thanks guys

[Mister T]

maple fretboards are finished. If you have seen 'blackie' then you know what happens when the finish wears through.

[wreckfan]

Ill give this one a try. First and foremost I would recommend that you decide what scale length guitar you prefer. If you prefer like the shorter scale length of you Les Paul - I would recommend a Cobra or Cobra "S". Although not available with a maple neck for obvious reasons - the Cobra "S" is really the cats meow for an "S" style guitar.

If you do not have a preference for a shorter scale neck just pick any body style and then start to select the wood combinations to give you the tones you desire. Maple neck Andersons are just a blast to play - the finish is really nice and very durable. I have had 8 of them and the maple necks have been my favorites....very "fast"

Can't go wrong with a nice Drop-top Classic - (quilted) maple on basswood with a maple neck/vintage trem and a H2+ bridge pickup. Played a +.030 over neck for the first time a while back and it was very nice....highly recommended if you are used to a little bit larger neck without it feeling big.

[dannopelli]

For a slowhand? I would go with a Classic. No frills. Solid alder with maple neck, at least 62 RB 1 5/8. Anderson maple has a satin feel. Go with medium frets. They are as tall as heavy but not as wide.

For pups go with VA's either VA2, VA2R, VA3 or VA12,VA12R,VA23. VA 1's are a bit underpowered and make for a glassy sound.

Mind you I have the EXACT guitar above. It is used to belong to Casper and Tunacaster, (I changed the PUPS to the VA2- VA3 set up), and they can attest that it is probaly the warmest, most Strat-sounding of my six Andys.

Oh and I play out of either a Maz 38 or a Maz 18. Sometimes a Stingray. Sometimes an Evil Twin. Sounds great in all of them.

[LWilliams]

You should also try out the VA5 trio. I have one Classic with the VA12, VA12R, VA23 setup and I like it a lot. Then I got the 3 VA5 equipped Classic. I don't touch the first one that much anymore. Sounds more like a good beefy Strat type sound. Not that the VA1 series is bad, they are just thinner than the VA5's.

If I were to get another, it would have to have the VA5 setup.

I agree that the '62 Roundback with 1 5/8 width is the way to go. But also the '50s Small V with 1 5/8 is really nice for a closer to "slowhand" feel. I have both and love them equally. But considering the other guitars you play, the '62 Roundback will have the better "transition" feel for you.

Rosewood or maple? Well, with the SS frets the Rosewood is brighter sounding than on a guitar with N/S frets. However, the maple is brighter too for the same reason. So, unless you want really bright, I would go with rosewood.....but then again, YOMV.

Now I love TA heavy frets. But since you don't have another S guitar, medium is the better way to go. It will give closer to a traditional feel for you also.

Body wood: I would mate Alder with Rosewood board, or Swamp Ash with a Maple neck. Think 60's tone compared to 50's tone. That will get you in the ball park.

Now, I also play these through my Vox AC-30 and my DR.Z Maz 38 Sr. I too have the Evil Twin, and they do sound good through it although it does not compare to the Vox and Dr.Z Good amps love Andersons. I have several TA guitars and they all sound glorious through these amps. There is something about the TA pickups that mates really well with a good amp. I believe the TA guitars really make these amps sound better than the "other" S and T guitars.


Everyone has an opinion...... mine is (based on your post):

S Classic
Maple neck (solid, no separate board)
'62 Roundback 1 5/8 width
Medium frets
VA5, VA5R, VA5+
5 Way, Pull Adds Bridge, Vintage Voicing, VA Booster
Ash body wood

[dannopelli]

You know I have heard a lot about the VA5's. Might be the way to go.

I would also agree that Alder is a good approach, and the rosewood fretboard will warm it up even more.

My concern with a Swamp Ash Maple however IMHO will make for a very bright sounding guitar. I have that set up in a Hollow T Classic and an Alder/Maple in a second Hollow T Classic, both with identical PUPS configs. The Alder/Maple is a nice warm combination with good highs. The Swamp Maple is very glassy. In a nice way, but very glassy. I would definitely recommend going hollow if you did that combo.

Since you mentioned "Slowhand", what I was modelling was a Clapton style Alder/Maple. And from what I have read, the VA5's are a great idea.

[LWilliams]

I have the VA5's in an Alder/Rosewood guitar. I was suggesting the Ash/Maple to offset the darker VA5 pups for a more accurate "slowhand" sound while maintaining the beef and punch of the VA5.

My other classic is ash/maple with the VA12, VA12R, VA23 setup and it can get pretty bright.

The VA5 guitar never gets "fender strat" bright. So, anyway that's the reason I made that suggestion.

I forgot to mention that I don't think I would go with a drop top as my only S TA guitar. You would love it but would still be wanting a Classic. But, then again, ya can't have too many TAG guitars.......right??? ;) ;)