An New One for Dan!

[dannopelli]

Trans Blonde Classic 12-19-07N

My first with VA5's. WOW! Most vintage sound ever. And the Even Taper neck is GREAT!

Got to say I really do like the feel of the new neck joint too. My first with that.

Tom, you and your folks really are the best!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/AndyClassicWhiteBody.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/AndyClassicWhiteBack.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/AndyClassicWhite.jpg

[Casper]

Notthing quite like the "new Andy high'
Shes a beaut! Did DT get that for you or did you pick it up in Philly?

[dannopelli]

Notthing quite like the "new Andy high'
Shes a beaut! Did DT get that for you or did you pick it up in Philly?

You know I was looking for some sort of Classic T when this came up on ebay. I just really wanted something understated. I am moving away lately from the "fancy top" guitars. I just fell in love with it. Since I am primarily an "S" player I went after it. I bid on it twice and was high bidder both times, but did not even come close to the reserve. So it did not sell.

Seller needed to make it go, so I got it on a second chance offer. Really a nice guy. He is selling a nice Trek road bike right now.

Guitar was in DIRE need of a set up, which thanks to DT's training I was able to accomplish. Essentially, using a micrometer, I set it up exactly like your old girlfriend, (Pictured below.) It has some belt dings on the back, but I got it at a VERY fair price and it will be a player so I am not concerned.

I have to tell you Shaun, these two classics could be the only electric guitars I need to bring to anything.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/AndyClassicWhiteBody.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/AndyClassicWhite.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/2sbclassic2.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/dannopelli/2sbclassic1.jpg

[tom]

some day i'll grow up and be able to play a classic:o

[dannopelli]

some day i'll grow up and be able to play a classic:o

Hmmm.

BB King
Larry Carlton

Don't these guys play primarily humbucker equipped guitars?

I think you are in pretty good company!

[tom]

ah yes, but larry plays a pretty mean strat too. last time i saw him he played a tune on an old jr or special with p90's and it was breath taking.

[Casper]

[QUOTE=dannopelli]You know I was looking for some sort of Classic T when this came up on ebay. I just really wanted something understated. I am moving away lately from the "fancy top" guitars.

I know what you mean. I haven't really missed the fancy tops either, thats why the new Proam is so enjoyable (one day I'll figure out how to post pics for everyone.)
Its even better that you got a deal! Looks like my old girlfriend is still in good hands. (I used too much coffee in those pickup covers, though)
I think I have my 2 Andys...FINALLY!
later bro--

[bud]

Congrats, love trans blonde. Is it ash? Which pup's are in the 3 tone burst? Could you briefly compare contrast the two?

Sorry, I need something to take my mind off of CT's.

[dannopelli]

...Looks like my old girlfriend is still in good hands. (I used too much coffee in those pickup covers, though)...

Oh man your old girlfriend is MUSIC in my hands. That is just such a great guitar! Best neck of all my A's 62RB .50 over.

Regarding the coffee stained pups, actually Shaun it is just the camera causing that effect. It makes the pickguard look FAR whiter than it actually is. The 2SB is more brown than black, the neck as you know is tinted and ONE piece, and the pick guard is nicely yellowed too. Very vintage and VERY classy.

[dannopelli]

Congrats, love trans blonde. Is it ash? Which pup's are in the 3 tone burst? Could you briefly compare contrast the two?

Sorry, I need something to take my mind off of CT's.

Sure Bud,

The Blonde is Hollow Alder, Swamp Ash top. VA5 VA5r VA5+ with VA boost. Even Taper 1 5/8 Medium frets.

The 2SB is Alder, 62RB .50 over medium frets. One piece maple neck. VA2 VAr VA3. The guitar had VA1 VA1R VA2, but I replaced them.

Interestingly, while I have not weighed them the new one is not that much lighter. My hollow T feels like a feather, but my other hollows are all around the same as the Blonde.

The neck on the blonde is naturally a bit less chunky near the nut, but it fills out nicely as you move along. Very happy with this. Very comfortable up and down. Very fast in the middle fret range, frets 5-12. I do like a neck with some meat on it and these two are very nice without being overly big. Great for chording or soloing. Great for adding character to the sound.

The 2SB sound wise is VERY warm. Kind of surprising on a guitar with a solid maple neck. It also sustains for days when distorted. This was a GREAT guitar with the old PUPS and is killer now. It kind of growls when you push it. It definitely has more output, but is still nicely balanced. In other words, you hear the wood and not just the PUPS. I spend a LOT of time on the neck PUP and it is great there. Big sound. Really great and round clean.

The Blonde takes all of the above, but adds a high end shimmer that is quite nice. The sound is very much like a very light weight Sonic Blue CS 60's NOS Strat that I have. The Anderson has more character and definition but is still a very vintage sounding and looking guitar. I think if you closed your eyes and listened it would be quite hard to tell that it was not a 60's Fender. Compared to the 2SB it does have a touch less sustain. And just a smidge less output. That does not mean it dies out. Just has a more refined and less growly character. I am really quite pleased with it.

Overall both are extremely versatile and for the most part interchangeable. Sonically, at least to my ear, it is more a textural thing.

Some guys on other forums say that Andy's sound more "modern". I have really not found that to be true on the classics or T Classis equipped with VA's or TV's. I think they play and feel like everthing Leo would have done if he were still around. From what I read, he always liked to make incremental changes based upon player input. And I can tell you I am VERY happy with this new guitar.

Hope this helps.

[bud]

Thanks Danno,

This is great info. Pleased to learn that trans blonde can be done over ash/hollow alder. My HTC has that combo and wanted a classic that matched it in character. I was starting to kafetch over what solid color I'd want when I really wanted trans blonde.

[tom]

one warning about trans blonde over alder. because the alder is browner to start with, the blonde can have a mauve tone to it while it's whiter on the ash.

[bud]

one warning about trans blonde over alder. because the alder is browner to start with, the blonde can have a mauve tone to it while it's whiter on the ash.

Olympic White will have to do, wait maybe Fiesta Red... Oh great, now I'm back to "finish choice paralysis" :)

Seriously, thanks for the insight. I need to go start my own thread before I hijack this one any further.

[toadcaller]

Wow, Dan. Congrats on the new arrival. She's a beauty! She was born a couple of weeks after my Drop Top Classic S. I know you are loving this one!

Here's your TAG's cousin. The Trans Blonde on Swamp Ash is a work of art both acoustically and visually.

Congrats and enjoy!


http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm133/robious/Tom-Anderson-Classic-T-2.jpg

[theatomicjeff]

Love that axe, Toadcaller!

[robert75354]

That's one "Classy Classic"!...Oh I crack me up !

[dannopelli]

Thanks! I'm d
Really happy with this one. She's a keeper!