Newbie: Sell me on a TA

[CJW]

I'm a PRS player of a few years. However, having picked up a cheap Mexi Strat for knockaround, I realized that, as a guy with bigger hands, that the PRS wide-fat neck is neither wide nor particularly fat.

So in the meantime, I was in Magdon Music (Jack's sold me all of my PRS') and played a Cobra and a Drop Top. Niiiiiice. Very nice.

So here's my issue, I have a Brazilian Limited McCarty with rosewood neck that is my only guitar right now. To get the Anderson, I'd have to sell the McCarty. Which is OK (I think) as I believe I'm going through a sea-change with regards to gear. But I will admit to being nervous about this - this McCarty was the guitar I sold all of my others for. It was supposed to be the "mine 'til I die" guitar. 3 months later... pffft. I mean, it sounds great but it just feels too far into Les Paul territory. I need something more versatile.

So I'm looking for Anderson-ites to sell me on these guitars. If you've ever played PRS, I'd love you to comment on the differences between PRS and Drop-Tops.

I'm looking into a Drop Top with an H-H configuration.

If you can (because with all due respect to Tom, the web site is pretty inadequate with real specifics), educate me about the different neck options (radius, width) and pickups (outputs and split options).

Basically, sell me on why Andersons are better than PRS. I'm going to pick Jack Gretz's brain as well, but I'd like to have a diversity of opinions.

Thanks very much in advance.

Chris

[killerburst]

I typed three different replies to this and erased all of them. I'll just say this:

It's good to learn about the line and all the options that TAG offers. Tom or Roy can answer your questions easily over the phone or email if you care to speak to them directly about the possibilities.

One last thought- My opinion about what makes one guitar "better" than another should be the absolute last thing you should take into consideration when spending hard-earned dough on a guitar, especially in this price range.

[andersonguy]

Ok, here is the thing. Play one, play a few. My opinion is very biased of course but you would be hard pressed to find a finer guitar. As with any change of guitars it takes a little time to adjust but you wont be dissapointed. PRS makes great guitars, LOTS AND LOTS OF THEM. Anderson is a small company, this makes a difference.
Here is the bonus:
Not only will you be getting one of the most clean playing tone machines you could get your hands on, you will be dealing with a company unlike any other. I can tell you first hand how great Anderson is. Pride in craftmanship, kindness, honesty, quality.
I have bought many guitars in my life and never delt with anybody like this. (ok, now Im gushing, sorry)

Call and talk to Roy, he can give you very detailed info on all Anderson options. (there are many)

Good luck with whatever you choose, if its an Anderson... Welcome!

AG

[oscar100]

ivr really tried to like an keep a prs but i cant

too limited and not enuff vintage mojo - for me - they are a modern guitar which is fine if that does your thing

toms guitars and ive had prob 12 over the past 14 years are beautifully put together and always v versatile

personally i find ta pickups a little bright but im totally in love with the m series - thats my pickup!

settled now on 2 andersons - walnut cobra m series and koa cobra peter florence voodoo 59s

i get on with the shorter scales best

prob an h s s layout is what you want - i d go for a drop top classic with coil tapped SA's and an H2+

vinatge pickguard looks but incredible tonal versatility

basswood and maple cap if you want rockier or alder/maple for more vinatgey

had a number of email and tel chats with tom/roy

they couldnt be more helpful -

goon just do - mccarty sounds nice but once youve been tommed you never look back

:rolleyes:

[mbrown3]

killerburst is right that what's "better" is a subjective thing. Having said that, TAs are better! :D Here are my reasons:

1. Quality...no way is PRS (mass produced) quality on par with TA
2. Customizability...Get a TA the way you want it, without spending ludicrous amounts (such as through PRS custom shop, etc.)
3. Customer service...TA service second to NONE (in fact, even if you read through these forums you'll see a pretty amazing commitment to customer service)
4. Stainless frets...one of the best things to ever happen to the guitar, in my estimation. Try getting that on a PRS
5. Stigma...everyone and their brother owns a PRS. I like having something different (and better!)

I would guess that most folks would agree with 1-4, 5 is just my own opinion (though some may agree with that as well). My advice? Play as many TA models as you can get your hands on (different models, different wood combinations, different neck sizes, etc, if possible), and then think about exactly what you want, all the options. Once you've got the list ready, shop for quotes. Oh yeah, and sell that PRS...;)

[sonsop]

I think it sounds like you’re already sold on Anderson.;)

Personally, I think PRS makes excellent guitars and marginal pickups. Most of the off the rack PRS guitars that I’ve owned or played were uninspiring. At least pickup changes are an easy fix. I think Tom voices his guitars exceptionally to not only compliment the player but to also offer each of his guitar lines a unique personality. I think the difference between a Cobra and a Classic are night and day, whereas, to me, a CU22 with stoptail is tonality only slightly different than a McCarty. I’m not speaking of side by side comparisons either, I’m more talking about using the guitar with an ensemble of other instruments.

Having said that, one of my favorite guitars {that I don’t own} is my friends ’96 McCarty with Duncan pickups. Again, my biggest issue with PRS guitars is their midrange heavy clamor – which apparently goes away with a pickup change.

Finally, the custom detailing, personalized service and input that you have over the specs of the guitar are simply not available on a PRS unless you pony up {or bend over – which ever they do} and dole out the big coin for a Private Stock.

Buying into the Anderson family is easy and gratifying. You will feel special because you will be treated special. TA customer service is outstanding and the follow up and support your receive from them will blow your mind. I grin a smile so big every time I receive my Anderson collateral package stuffed with a free gift, a current color catalog, a satisfaction survey and – the best part – a hand signed letter from Tom.

And if that doesn’t seal the deal for you then his stainless steel frets will blow you away. These frets are crazy. It’s like playing on a skating rink of bacon fat, only better.

Good luck!
Joe

[pluto]

I like looking at PRS guitars-they are really cool looking with the carved top, futuristic headstock, really nice maple top upgrades, etc., etc. Playing them has been hit and miss for me. I used to own a simple goldtop McCarty that was unbelievable sounding and played extremely easily. I still regret selling it. I have played a bunch of other McCarty's and I didn't think much of them. I've played some singlecuts that were smoking, and some that weren't. That's frustrating. One of the main things I like about Anderson and other smaller manufacturers (and the other posts have already highlighted this already) is that the instruments are very consistent. I know I could go anywhere and pick up an Anderson and know exactly what I'm getting. Also-custom ordering an Anderson usually doesn't take very long and TAG is pretty open about the options available. To me, that's the bonus.

[CJW]

Thanks everyone.

I've been impressed with Andersons, though I do want to play more of them before I jump.

As to the PRS, it is a fine guitar. My issue with it is that I'm not sure it feels right to me anymore. And the sensible part of me says that 'if it doesn't feel right, it's time to move on'. But the sentimental part of me is having a hard time letting go of a guitar that I thought would be the "heirloom quality" instrument that would literally sit next to my casket in 40 years and then be handed off to a family member.

I'm also aware that I go through phases and might someday regret selling the PRS.

So for the meantime, I think I'll hang here and just learn some more and try not to be rash. There IS an Anderson in my future, just not sure when yet.

[JoeB63]

I had one of those McCarty solid braz neck guitars a few years back, and I sold it. I really regret it now.

I had 4 PRSs at one time, and zero TAs, now I have 1 PRS and 3 TA's.

Neither is better than the other, just different. PRS won't sell you something that's like a Strat, nor like a Tele. That's one big difference.

As much as I love my TA's, my PRS Hollowbody is my #1 right now. I just love it.

If you like the PRS don't sell it, you'll regret it. Often, change for change's sake is a waste of time and $.

Save your money for a new TA, and spend the meantime dreaming up which model and options you'll get.

[guitararmy]

As an owner and fan of both PRS and TA guitars, I think
they're the proverbial apples and oranges.
If I had to own only one of each brand, I'd find a way to
have both! Used Andersons don't usually see too much abuse.
I would definitely keep the PRS ( my personal favorite is a
semi-hollow Custom 22 goldtop). My favorite TA has the
H-S-H setup on a hollow droptop with a madagascar board
and the 60's carve.

[dannopelli]

Originally posted by JoeB63


If you like the PRS don't sell it, you'll regret it. Often, change for change's sake is a waste of time and $.

Save your money for a new TA, and spend the meantime dreaming up which model and options you'll get.

I could not agree more. I would save my money for the TA. The more options the better

That being said, if you do keep the PRS, IMHO you should opt for a Drop Top with SSH, or a Classic, or a tele. You already have HH in the PRS. Why not have two different personalities?

[tunacaster]

I have owned two PRS guitars and never could get into them. They are cool guitars, but IMHO no way do they compare to Andersons. The cool thing about Andersons is that they make 2 guitars a day and you can pretty much order it the way you want it. Pickup combinations, body wood, hollow top etc, etc. The turnaround time is great. Plus you get a guitar with the best craftsmanship and quality in the good ol' USA at a price that is very reasonable. To get a PRS the way you want it, you have to go private stock and wait a year and the price is out there as well. Good luck in your search, mine is over... Hollow Classic.

[jimmieb]

Hope I'm not to late to chime in. First the Drop Top is further away from the PRS mostly due to the difference in scale length. Though you can order a Drop Top in mahogany the longer scale length is not as warm as the Custom 22, or the Cobra which is closer to the PRS tonally. PRS is not as comfortable especially on the forearm of the picking arm. The Andersons frets are stainless steel and they are dressed out longer to prevent slipping off the edge on the high 'E'. The options are on all the Anderson models are a huge differece to the limited PRS options. The Andie pick up choices are very diverse. The neck joint philophecy of the Anderson not have any glue between the joint thus a more direct
wood to wood contact makes a lot of sense to me. The maple tops on the Andie are consistantly more ornate, and on the "10 top scale" most Andies are 11's and 12's. The little creature comforts like the two strap pins on the rear bout to prevent the guitar falling are inguiness and the slanted neck joint to add comfort to playing at the 20th fret great idea. The Andies various switching configuirations are nearly endless. I too like the fact that Anderson is a small company. Though PRS is comitted to excellence in guitar building, working with a larger company has its shortcomings. The PRS reps alone have been enough to turn
me from feeling comfortable working with PRS. There are many more reasons, but the number one reason is I believe in the integrity of Tom and crew. I know that each guitar is meticulously
built. Tom plays and checks each instrument they build. If there is even the slightest issue or problem Tom bends over backward to remedy it quickly and usually take the short end to make a customer happy.

Jimmie B

PS Dollar for dollar Anderson is a much better deal. To get to the Andie level you need to spend 5K to 6K on a PRS as oposed to 3.5K to 4K for a full dress Cobra. (List Price)

[tunacaster]

+1 on JimmieB

[Terry]

Now that I've had my new Anderson for just over a week, I can honestly say that this guitar is the absolute best guitar that I have ever played. My Drop Top Classic has it all. The tone, the feel and most of all the craftsmanship that went into the instrument.

Everything is just easier to play and combination Floyd Rose, maple neck and smokin' pick ups is just out of this world!


I love my new Tom Anderson guitar!


Terry:D

[PaulS]

I know exactly what you mean:-)

I've had mine for only a few days now and I'm still in amazement over the quality which has gone into it...not only the construction, which is as close to perfect as I've ever seen in a guitar but also the sound and playability.

Anything I play on it is easier to do and just sounds "right".

Paul