Preaching 2 the Choir

[curtisjames]

I have to give a short synopsis of my last several years of inquiry. We all know that carting off to your local guitar store will give us a snap shot or sample of many different guitars and gear to choose from. But living with an instrument, at home, or onstage, playing and wearing it will only then give you the most accurate account of sound and fit to the guitar you bought. Same with a house, car....whatever. In the past decade I set out to find the best guitar for me. I purchased, and played, lived with 50-60 guitars. All great guitars for the right player. All beautiful in the eyes of the beloved. But for one hyper obsessed reason or another....just not for me. Too bright, too heavy, not enough sustain, finish quality lacking, hardware and tuners didnt hold their own.Original Vintage 53 tele's, Strats, L.P's, Prs's, Ovations, 6 and 12 strings....whatever. They are someone elese' baby now. Life is about living and growing, sharing, and learning from others, so this is my 2 cents 4 u. 15 years ago I purchased my first Anderson, and I have to say its now clearer, more than ever, that they are the the finest guitar made. Like I said, its very subjective, as in art, beauty is in the eye. Other than my 25 y old Martin D41 I will strictly own and play Andersons now. Im convicted beyond a shadow of doubt that my searching is over. And as if its not enough, the Anderson team is the coolest family run buiseness that makes themselves available to the common man. They are there for us...its obvious through their actions.... Im proud to own custom Anderson guitars. Theyre something my kids will own someday, but for now ...Im one who lived with, and played, "many"...but only "one" was chosen. Anderson guitars. Like the title says, Im preaching 2 the choir....

[markus]

Couldn't agree more! I just sold two of my three remaining non-Anderson guitars on eBay this and last week.
And the last one is going up for sale this weekend to make room for Anderson #9. :D

[paleolith54]

Like the title says, Im preaching 2 the choir....

Yeah, I'm one of those who obsess over the small things to the point of stupidity, but that ended when I got my first TAG. I found that Tom and his folks had already done the obsessing for me, so I could just concentrate on playing. I now have two electrics and a Crowdster, will play them forever, and can focus my obsession on less expensive items like picks. I've said it before; I'd have been money ahead if I'd just started with a TAG, or at least gone to one earlier.

[gibson5413]

I just ordered my third custom TAG last week. The hardest part is waiting until September for delivery. I have always been a strict humbucker player. I decided to go with a more traditional SSS configuration this time around. I am interested in evolving as a player and felt that a drastic change would inspire me to try a new approach. The great thing is I still have my other Classic (with an H2+ in the bridge) and Drop Top to give me my heavier humbucker tones.

I am excited about my new Classic's specs. I will wait to share them with everyone until it is done and I can post pics.:p

I agree with your sentiment about the company. They make me feel like I am a valuable member of the family. It is fun to feel like I am a professional musician (at least from how they treat me).

[GASMAN]

I just purchased a "non-Anderson" guitar , out of impulse (GAS ATTACK!).

I've been checking it out and comparing to my Andersons. Very nice guitar, but I think I can tell already-----------it's not going to survive. After playing Andersons for a few years, it seems most everything else is just a couple notches below.

I'm afraid I'm hooked. Honestly feel at this point in my life, I'll never be happy with any other electric guitar. I love my Andersons.

Thanks Tom-----and the whole gang.

[markus]

Hahaha! Same experience here.
Bought a Charvel So Cal last year as I thoguht it was a great "beater" guitar for the relatively low price. Well, it ended up on eBay about 4 months after I bought it *sigh*. I had the same experience with an LP Classic the year before. :o Now my good friend Ed at the local music store detects my GAS attacks immediately and doesn't allow me to buy anything else than Andersons anymore... :rolleyes:
Works for me I guess! :D

[Pietro]

I do end up playing my Andys almost all the time...

...but...

I have to say that the fit and finish of this Soloway I just got is really as good, although very different.

My PRS is probably nearly as well built... although very different.

The Suhr I tried was definitely as well made... but, again, different.

I've owned a couple Heritages that were nearly as well-made... but different...

Tried a couple Bakers a while back... just as well made, but different. Same with Tyler and Grosh.

I've played a BUNCH of CS Fenders and a couple much higher-end Les Pauls... different, almost as well-made (not quite).

Tom makes a fine fine instrument, but he'd be the first to tell you there are other guys out there who are also great. I'm partial to Tom's guitars because they suit me personally so well... But yes, his company is also the best to deal with... of any kind... ever...

[markus]

Well said, Pietro! No doubt there are other great builders and fine guitars out there!
At the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference. I also agree that Tom's customer service is unparalleled in the industry though!

[GASMAN]

I can see myself falling for a Suhr someday. I've played some really nice Suhrs. Nothing against the "Big F" company. I just don't think I can go back after using Tom's guitars for a number of years. Played some very nice ones, but just can't get comfy with the feel, or sound.

After what just happened to me, I really feel that sticking with Anderson is going to simplify my life (musically).

Oh-------good ending to my story. The store I purchased from has a no hassle return policy. They've also sold me a bunch of Andys so-----I will be back. All is well.

[dannopelli]

Well said, Pietro! No doubt there are other great builders and fine guitars out there!
At the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference. I also agree that Tom's customer service is unparalleled in the industry though!

Pete does make a great point. I have some geetars from other manufacturers too. In fact I have more Fender guitars than anything. And I have five Andys.

Point is, when it comes to just pure joy of playing, I always reach for one of my Andys. I just feel like they are always plug and play ready. Kind of like my MacBook or iPhone. Just form following function to the highest degree.

I used to joke around and call it the "Secret Hand Shake." It is how your hands shake just a bit every time you open an Anderson case. And I still believe that!

I recently did a thing where the sound and look had to be vintage 50's, and the band was going to be featured. So we had to use period correct instruments, which meant a 52 RI Tele and 58 Strat. Then they changed plans and put us in a pit. I was so relieved that I could use my Classic and T Classic!

Anyway, I should like Markus sell off most of my Non Andersons, as they almost never get played....

[guitararmy]

Couldn't agree more! I just sold two of my three remaining non-Anderson guitars on eBay this and last week.
And the last one is going up for sale this weekend to make room for Anderson #9. :D
Wow. Any group pics of your TA harem?

[markus]

Hehe... no, unfortunately not.

Wow. Any group pics of your TA harem?