Met Tom Anderson the other day!

[mysticaxe]

A few years ago, my parents moved to Southern CA, about 15 minutes from the Anderson shop (which I didn't realize until earlier this week). So my brother (who posts here from time to time as Chakosh), my dad and I popped for a quick tour. We called ahead and they said something along the lines of "we're here all day, come on by."

As soon as we walk in the door, a guy walks up to us and says, "Hi, I'm Tom, can I help you?" After my brother asked for the tour, Tom grabbed his coffee cup and we were off. He took us around the shop from the raw wood receiving area through everything to the final setup. Every single step, it was bluntly obvious that we were with someone who thoroughly loved what he did and talking about how and why.

We saw stuff every step along the way from roughed out, tops that hadn't been dropped, necks drying out, initial sprays for some of the crazy finishes, pickup winding stuff, and a couple that were on their way out the door. Tom spent a good hour (OK, a great hour) with us and answered any question we could come up with.

Now there's only one problem... My GAS had been more-or-less under control, but I seem to have pangs for a nice new Atom...

 

[thiswaythatway]

 

[ctoddrun]

I've had a couple of Andersons along the way and am convinced they are among the best guitars available.

I fell in love with the "idea" of Andersons a long way back when I saw Vivian Campbell using them.



I joined the Anderson forum (its been a long time since I visited it) at one point. Tom mentioned that he loved the old stretchy straps from the 80's.

I had one and sent it to him. He sent me a t shirt in return. I thought that was cool.


Signed,

What a cool story.

 

[mysticaxe]

He was such a cool, laid back guy. I wasn't expecting a tour from the boss. When he introduced himself as just Tom, it took me a few seconds for it to sink in.

 

[locoed]

Did you leave a trail of drool?
My eyes would have been popping out.
All that candy.

 

[jcj]

They're some of the nicest people around. I had a similar experience 10 or 15 years ago; just dropped by and they gave me a full tour. My favorite guitars, too.

 

[mysticaxe]

Did you leave a trail of drool?
My eyes would have been popping out.
All that candy.

My other brother asked me if I had a semi when I walked out. I told him I had a full-on-full-on!

Some serious candy in that shop!

 

[stratotone]

They're some of the nicest people around. I had a similar experience 10 or 15 years ago; just dropped by and they gave me a full tour. My favorite guitars, too.

I'm already missing the drop top classic! Are you bonding with it?

pete

 

[jcj]

They're some of the nicest people around. I had a similar experience 10 or 15 years ago; just dropped by and they gave me a full tour. My favorite guitars, too.

I'm already missing the drop top classic! Are you bonding with it?

pete

Yes. Deeply I love it.

Should I ever lose my mind and offer it up for sale, you have dibbs!

Thanks again!

 

[thiswaythatway]

Let's show the Andy love.

 

[thiswaythatway]

The Andy gets more play time than that "other" guitar.

 

[stratotone]

Three guitars in middle - red quilt cobra S, drop top quilt tiger's eye burst, bora bora drop top classic sold to JCJ

Pete

 

[gibson5413]

The Andy gets more play time than that "other" guitar.

Great looking rig Dan! You too Pete!

 

[mysticaxe]

Here is my fireburst Drop Top - most insane finish I've ever seen. It's also the best playing guitar I've laid hands on and sounds incredible too (just depends on if it does what you want).

 

[Mr. Willy]

I absolutley love Anderson pickups, got 3. I've emailed Tom a couple of times asking him questions, and he's politely emailed me back every time. I don't know abou the rest of you guys, but a positive attitude from a builder greatly influences my decision when buying new gear.

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

yep, i was wiring up my first set of Anderson pups and called with question and was pleasantly suprised to get to talk with Tom!

Tom rocks!

 

[Shark Diver]

Very cool story. Great guitars. Great way to end the year!

 

[locoed]

Did you leave a trail of drool?
My eyes would have been popping out.
All that candy.

My other brother asked me if I had a semi when I walked out. I told him I had a full-on-full-on!

Some serious candy in that shop!

I bet,that's awsome.

 

[Mr. Willy]

What's the deal with the dual strap buttons on Andersons?

 

[jcj]

What's the deal with the dual strap buttons on Andersons?

Keeps the guitars from falling over if leaned up against an amp