Select Tops - Please would someone explain?

[Munkipuss]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here.

I am looking into ordering my first Anderson guitar. I've been reading around the forum, and have come across the term select top. Would someone mind explaining how this works?

I'm guessing that it's premium flame/quilt maple top, graded that way, because is has a particularly nice figure, much the same way as PRS grade some of their tops as 10-tops and some as Artist-tops.

Am I correct in assuming this?

Is there a significant upcharge for a select top?

Is it possible to order a select Koa or a select Walnut top?

Thanks.

[Munkipuss]

Sorry to bump, but... anyone?

:rolleyes: :confused:

[mdrs]

You'll get an answer, Munkipuss. I'm thinkin that they guys are all woodsheading, and will be on shortly to explain.

In the meantime, check out the Anderson Guitarworks web site, if you haven't already.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!

[Munkipuss]

Thanks - I couldn't find anything on the website, or any specifics on the forum, but I may just be missing it.

[santellavision]

There's thread above called "I am soon ordering a new TA Drop-Top!" there info there.

[Munkipuss]

Thanks. I'm still a little confused... So with your two 'Personalized Selection Flame Maple Tops', were you offered a choice via photographs?

They're very nice, BTW.

Is it the same deal with Koa/Walnut tops?

[santellavision]

No, I didn't get to see the exact top when ordering, but I did ask for one that looked like pics of previous tops built by TAG. Find a guitar you like and ask for one similar to that.

[Munkipuss]

Thanks. Is there an upcharge, at all?

[santellavision]

Yes, Personalized tops cost more. I don't remember how much and/or if it depends on the guitar.

[Munkipuss]

Ah... okay, I see... So just pass on any requests and images via my chosen dealer? Is that right?

[santellavision]

Ah... okay, I see... So just pass on any requests and images via my chosen dealer? Is that right?Yes, work through your dealer. Just let them know what you really want. Find pics of similar tops that you'd like to have on yours. They'll do you right. I've done two and they both were spectacular! I've got another in mind, but the economy won't let me order just yet.

[ConnemaraGuitar]

Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Puss,
Are you planning to order your guitar through a dealer? If so, they can explain the select top upgrade with you.

I've never seen an Anderson that didn't have a "select" top...they're all gorgeous. A select top is going to have more figure (like, totally awesome figure) and more consistent figure across the entire top. IMHO, some of these tops are so perfect they don't look real!

If I were you (and be glad you're not) I'd start with the body and top wood and the desired color finish. Once you have that decided, the folks at TAG (or your dealier) can advise whether a select top upgrade would be worthwhile.

Have fun, and welcome to the forum.

[tom]

slelct means we have to "select" a top as close to what you want as possible. we only buy one grade, but this is a natural material so there are all kinds of variations. for maple it is +$500 retail(dealers discount of course). we seldom have "select " koa or walnut, but it does occasionally happen on a per piece basis.

[Munkipuss]

Tom, and everyone else who's contributed, thank you for posting - it's all perfectly clear now. :cool: