Tom Anderson

[Punkavenger]

I've been surfing the net for information on pickups and I ran across Tom Andersons website

He answered my questions about pickups quickly and all n all seemed to be a general "good egg"

I like some of his pseudo strat designs, "the Classic" I think it was and his prices didnt seem to be out of the question

How do ya all feel about ol Tom and his guitars?

Should I be keeping my eyes open for a deal on ebay? (after I have all the Hamers I want of course!)

Just curious ... The only electric I had before my Hamers was an SG

Thanks!

(this is the one that really caught my eye)

[Steve Haynie]

When I took a tour of the Ernie Ball/Music Man factory the first thing we were told is that they believe their quality is as good as anyone else "including Tom Anderson", so that must mean Anderson is a benchmark for quality in the guitar business.

The Andersons I have seen have looked great, but I was not really looking for a Fender design at the time.

I, too, have e-mailed Tom Anderson with a question about finishes, and he sent a well written complete response to my question.

[atquinn]

They seem like quality guitars, but for my money I'd rather get a Suhr because they have the same reputation for quality and similar pricing but Suhrs don't have string trees and they only have 2 strap buttons instead of 3

-Austin

[Punkavenger]

Damn, you're right ... those are pretty nice also

I'm shutting my computer down... NOW

[hamersandstrats]

When I saw Jol Dantzig on the Hamer tour someone asked him why Hamer no longer makes strat style guitars. He answered that they couldn't make them as good as Anderson.

[wyldbil]

Isn't Tom Anderson the old guy on Beavis And Butt-Head?

[Travis]

If I ever buy another bolt on guitar, Anderson and Suhr will be on the top of my list. I've heard nothing but absolutely amazing things about both of these guys.

[DEMENTED]

Andersons are amazing. I have never played a bolt neck guitar that rings like they do.

[JES1680]

I've owned a couple Andersons. A drop top classic and a Cobra. Finnished to the highest standards. Tom's fretwork is second to none. Alot of people say that Andersons are steril sounding. I think his Cobra is his best effort, a very nice focused LP type sound. THey do have their own sound. If you are looking for a Strat / Tele tone with better build quality I'd say (and have with my own money) get a Suhr. However Tom builds some amazing guitars, just don't expect them to sound like vintage Teles / Strats.

[edgar_allan_poe]

I have owned both Andersons and Suhrs...my nod goes to Anderson, no question about it. However...IMHO the guy building the best bolt on strat/tele type guitars in right down in Nawlins... Gerard Melancon has them all beat..and his guitars are priced *way* cheaper than both Suhr and Anderson.

http://www.melanconguitars.com/index.shtml

[jerseydrew]

If you're gonna buy an Anderson. BUY USED! They're great guitars but do NOT have good resale value. If you buy new, you'll take a beating when you "kurt" it.

[Jeff R]

I had a '91 or '92 Drop Top for a little while and it had the best fretwork I've seen on any guitar to date.

Agree that you should buy used - Anderson consistency is pretty much across the board like Hamer, so you aren't likely to get a dud.

Also agree that Gerard Melancon's guitars are in the same ballpark craftsmanship-wise, but substantially cheaper.

[tombo]

I love Tom Anderson guitars! Everyone should have at least one Anderson and one Suhr. Both companies are great, both have their own thing going on.

[teleman]

I've owned several Andersons over the years. A Hollow T, drop top T, Cobra and two classics. All great guitars with top notch quality and attention to detail.

[jettster]

Out of the ones I've played, I like Suhr better than the Anderson's. They both seemed like really nice guitars though. I would also add Tyler in there, just oustanding in every respect. (OK so some people hate the headstock)

[Guest pirateflynn]

I've owned several Anderson's over the years. Great, great guitars. I only have had one Suhr and it didn't work out...but it was only one.

Here's my '94 Classic....custom built for me through Lab Sound which is now Mesa Boogie Hollywood:

[SteveC]

I have a Hollow Drop Top Classic, and IMHO it absolutely smokes every other bolt-neck I've ever owned or played. Flawless finish, tremendous fretwork (no buzzes anywhere, ever), nice open ringing acoustic tone, great pickups, great whammy. Not cheap, but for my $$, worth it.

I own several other bolt-neck guitars, but they all fall short of the Anderson when you get right down to it (but they're also all more affordable than the Anderson!)

Your mileage may vary.