Stops on the road to a Custom Tom Anderson?

[dannyp]

Hi,

I've owned close to 10 guitars over the years...a couple of Charvels, Ibanez, Gibson 335 and now a Tom Anderson Strat. I've never bought new and now that I have the resources, am thinking about getting a Custom Tom Anderson made for me. In doing the research of what I want, would it be better for me to buy a Fender Tele, Strat, or Gibson Les Paul first since they are icons of music and I've never owned a Fender or Les Paul?

I'm curious about what neck would feel right for me and types of wood would make me happy.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
D

[Pietro]

I think if you call and talk to them (I think it's Roy who helps with this) they will steer you right.

I haven't bought "custom" but I have owned 5 Andersons, and besides one that had a neck shape that ultimately hurt my hand (only way to learn I guess) I've been beyond delighted.

I don't think you HAVE to buy custom to be deliriously happy. YMMV of course.

I had a dream guitar in mind, and it already existed, and so I got it. There's nothing I'd change on this.

Might want to look at the new inventory in some of the better places that sell them. And if you do buy new custom, for heaven's sake, consider trying Jack's Northeast Music Center as a way to thank him for hosting this awesome forum.

[tom]

i think if your goal is to get an anderson, buying a les paul or strat would just be a detour as it would not tell you anything new about andersons. playing the variations is always the best to figure what is best for you, but roy is pretty great at sorting out what you say and turning it into guitar specs.

[Jimmy-Sekshun8]

BUT, if customization is what you're after, again, Roy can make your dream come true. He can talk to you about neck radius, fretboard, backwood, top wood, color, fret type etc...

As the proud owner of 3 Andersons, I can tell you that there is nothing they CANNOT do. I have 2 cobras and a drop top. One of my cobras is a standard cobra (mahogany back, quilted maple top, mahogany neck) but the neck is more like the radius of a Les Paul. This one sounds VERY much like a Les Paul without the weight. My other cobra is similar except that the neck is made of rosewood. This has an even darker tone to it, but the sustain is KILLER. So, in short, talk to Roy, he will get you exactly what you want.

[dannyp]

Thanks guys! That's the issue Jimmy, I've never spent any time with a Les Paul, Strat, or proper Tele. I have a 335, it's nice, but I really enjoy my Tom, which I bought used. It's beautiful and sounds amazing, way better than my 335. I don't have any complaints about my Tom's neck or anything about it. It stays perfectly in tune and really has a unique sound.

Kind of like food, if you have Steak everyday, how do you know what a burger tastes like, or Salmon, Foie Grois, etc. when you want to make the ultimate meal that you would like?

Would I just be disappointed test driving...not sure. But I would like to have something at some point that I made every decision each point of the way. Yeah, I'll have to call Roy just to see what he has to say.

[pipedwho]

There is something in the Anderson stable that will replicate those other guitars tonally. Also, these iconic 'standard' guitars have typical amp setups that contribute to their recognisable tones. If someone handed me an original '58 Les Paul it would probably sound pretty bad through my usual setup - which has been dialled in for other instruments. Likewise, if my standard setup was an LP through a JCM 800, then I'd probably have trouble if I tried to substitute another random guitar or amp.

So you probably need to play around with some other instruments and amps to work out what you like about your tone. This will also differ greatly between a bedroom arrangement, a studio recording environment, and a live stage setup.

You may decide that the Les Paul is your ultimate tone, in which case a Bull Dog or Atom could be the base of your custom build. Or maybe, you turn out to be a Tele or Strat man, in which you might go with one of the Anderson Classics.

Too many unknown variables IMO to nail down a single custom build without some further research.

[MantraSky]

I grew up on the classics and love them all! My all time favorite is still :)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/MantraSky/DSC_0025_zpsfd75408c.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/MantraSky/media/DSC_0025_zpsfd75408c.jpg.html)

[Harry]

I have been down the road with Fenders and Gibsons; all played ok to nice but for me the TAGS surpassed them in almost every way. Maybe the $8000.00+ Custom Shop planks are equal or better but I wouldn't think so. Just my 2 pecos...

[Drew]

I grew up on the classics and love them all! My all time favorite is still :)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/MantraSky/DSC_0025_zpsfd75408c.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/MantraSky/media/DSC_0025_zpsfd75408c.jpg.html)

I usually prefer S shaped guitars with a pickguard. And I'm not a fan of ultra flamed or quilty tops... But wow! I'd make an exception for that one. That's a really nice looking guitar.

[morty]

Hello! After years gigging and playing Fender Strats, i bought a used Tom Anderson Drop Top, in 2004..In 2009 I ordered a new one, and after years with one i figured out what i would change and not change.. the answer was a new Drop Top, but slightly different specs. I dont think you find any Guitarbuilders like Tom Anderson Guitarworks who work closely to the customer, and can give good advice for your choice, as they do!! They do all for making the customer happy. And they can make a guitar just for your taste and style.. you can get any neckshape and fret sizes you want! a wide range of mics and electronics.. And ofcource alle Tom Anderson have first class tonewood and very nice finich and accurate build qvality!! I dont think i would buy any other brands when it comes to electric guitars.. my main Fender electric just stand and collect dust..I tought it had the perfect neck and setup for me..The andersons is even better..and plays and sound just the way i like! soundmen both live and studio and guitar geeks on gigs, always comment my nice tone and clarity! The Tom Anderson Guitarworks have a big influence here.. and Thank you Tom Anderson!

[R2D2]

Back when i was working as a roadie, i was poor as hell but i still like to go to boutique guitar shop and try expensive guitar.
There's one day that i saw an old beat up Anderson Classic in the boutique that i always frequent.
I have always read about TAG online but have never tried one, and when i sit down and tried one, i know from that moment that i must have a TAG as soon as i can afford it.

During the period where i save up money to afford a TAG, i have went through Fender, Gibson, ESP Custom Shop, Japanese 80's golden age guitar (or whatever...), and lots of other boutique guitar brand (no name calling here).
All those guitar are good guitars but personally to me nothing beats a TAG for the same price point and quality of the parts and woods used, I have played more expensive guitar that is not as good (again, this might be personal preference). To end this, what really amazed me is that, the TAG that i received, is as good or better than the old TAG that i tried in that shop. Not much builder can promise you this kind of consistency.

If you want a Les paul/Strat, get a Les paul/Strat, a TAG is not an Les Paul/Strat,
But again... LP/Strat can only dream on to be a TAG too...