Need Advice on Purchase

[PaulS]

Hi. First message here...this looks like a great community.

I need some advice. Unfortunately I live in an area where there just aren't any TA dealers so doing a side-by-side comparison isn't going to work.

I've found two guitars which I think will definitely work for me but can't decide which one to get. I want a bright, detailed and very open sound...almost acoustic in quality.

The first is a Hollow Drop T with maple on alder....SA1R+SA1+H2+

The second is a Hollow T Drop T with Maple on Basswood....H1+SA1+H2+ Switcheroo.

Both rosewood on maple necks.

So basically looking at the one which will produce the biggest, most resonant sound. Not looking for LP warmth or necessarily Tele twang.

Thanks a bunch.

Paul

[pluto]

Originally posted by PaulS
Hi. First message here...this looks like a great community.

I need some advice. Unfortunately I live in an area where there just aren't any TA dealers so doing a side-by-side comparison isn't going to work.

I've found two guitars which I think will definitely work for me but can't decide which one to get. I want a bright, detailed and very open sound...almost acoustic in quality.

The first is a Hollow Drop T with maple on alder....SA1R+SA1+H2+

The second is a Hollow T Drop T with Maple on Basswood....H1+SA1+H2+ Switcheroo.

Both rosewood on maple necks.

So basically looking at the one which will produce the biggest, most resonant sound. Not looking for LP warmth or necessarily Tele twang.

Thanks a bunch.

Paul

I would say the basswood/maple top version. I love that combo and used to own a hollow t with that combination. Very open sounding-basswood is fairly neutral, letting the brilliance and top end of the maple top to shine.

[killerburst]

Don't listen to Pluto- he thinks Ibanez makes good guitars. :p

Either one will be great, but I would go with the basswood H-S-H model myself (Pluto can't be wrong all the time!) . Without playing both side-by-side, there's no way to predict which one will get you closer to those qualities you describe, but I've yet to play any Anderson that didn't sound great. Either one of those guitars is a winner, I'm sure. Pick one and enjoy!

Welcome to the board.

[pluto]

Originally posted by killerburst
Don't listen to Pluto- he thinks Ibanez makes good guitars. :p

Either one will be great, but I would go with the basswood H-S-H model myself (Pluto can't be wrong all the time!) .

Hey, I'm only wrong about 99.1% which gives me at least a .09% chance of being right! Not too shabby in my book!! :D

[Dave K]

Paul,

Welcome to "Anderson Addicts Anonymous." ;)

I think judging by your tonal description,either would work,depending on what kind of mid response you like. The maple/bass combo is a broad midrange,with more even lows and highs.The maple/alder has stronger low mids,with a little more upper end,more chime to the overtones,and less middle mids,if that makes sense.

If you want the most out of either,the Switcheroo system will allow a huge range of tones.I have a hollow DT with a series/split/parallel switch for the two HBs,and the variety of tone is very cool.

Before you buy either,you could always call Roy at Anderson and he could help steer you in the right direction.

[michaelomiya]

Originally posted by killerburst
Don't listen to Pluto- he thinks Ibanez makes good guitars.

I'll second that warning!:D

welcome!

[PaulS]

Thanks guys.....and yes, Roy has been subjected to more questions than any human should have to answer:-) It's getting narrrowed down.

I'm an artist by profession...mostly 3d now a days and have worked with smaller companies consulting and beta testing their products so have frequented many forums similar to this one. I have to say, this one is the friendliest and most open (developer to end-user with real and honest answers) I have ever come across. Very refreshing and shows an integrity which permeates the company and ultimately these fine guitars.

Thanks again.

Paul

[pluto]

Originally posted by michaelomiya
I'll second that warning!:D

welcome!

OUCHHHHH! :mad: :D I'm gonna smack you with my RG!! On second thought, better not, the wizard neck might break off.

[michaelomiya]

Originally posted by pluto
OUCHHHHH! :mad: :D I'm gonna smack you with my RG!! On second thought, better not, the wizard neck might break off.

:D :D hey, spoke w/ Brian this AM, and he says "good choice". (on the Tiger Eye Cobra S, not the Ibanez). It's like a bunch of alcoholics in a bar, each trying to prevent each other from ordering a drink, and failing miserably!. (no offense to anyone who suffers, or knows anyone suffering, from such a condition)

[michaelomiya]

Originally posted by pluto
I would say the basswood/maple top version. I love that combo and used to own a hollow t with that combination. Very open sounding-basswood is fairly neutral, letting the brilliance and top end of the maple top to shine.

ditto on Pluto's opinion of basswood. Very even sounding across the midrange spectrum as opposed to Swamp ash, which accentuates the high and low-mids. Alder is focused on the lower mids, which make distill some of the "highs" that you were looking for.