Anderson Guitar Build Questions

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jeff5

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I'm considering an Anderson Angel build in the future and I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help with since there aren't really many ways to try these out.

Upper Fret Access - How does Anderson compare to Suhr, Ibanez and PRS in terms of upper fret access? I LOVE my Suhr Modern (just got it in March), but frets 23 and 24 don't have the best access. Not that I play up that high a lot, but I don't like to think about it when I do if you get my meaning. My Ibanez (best) and PRS (second best) have much better access.

Bridge - I really like the Edge and Gotoh Floyd (basically the same I think) on my Ibanez and Suhr as they are a lower profile then a regular Floyd. How does the Anderson locking/Floyd trem compare to the Edge/Gotoh? Is it set high like a regular Floyd, or a bit lower like the Edge/Gotoh? It's hard to tell from the website what brand it is.

Neck Shape - I get along with many necks as long as they aren't huge. I know Anderson only offers the 12 to 14 compound. I will get it with the wider nut at 1 11/16 and also with the -0.20, .790 to .850 shape which I think is their thinnest. How does the neck shape overall though compare to a PRS, Ibanez and Suhr? Any insights would be appreciated.

Neck Finish - In general, what is it like?

Finishes - So many to choose from! I know what I don't want, but it is still hard to narrow down or see examples of what I do. Besides Anderson's site, which has some examples but not that many, are there any other resources to see what the various finishes look like?

Body Wood - I'm loving the Basswood/Maple combo on my Suhr Modern and will probably order the Anderson with the same. I'm sure tonally the Anderson will sound different from the Suhr regardless, but I kind of don't want redundant guitars if that makes sense. What other wood combos besides Basswood/Maple have you guys liked? I play mostly hard rock and metal, so it has to sound great for that, I but venture into cleans and other styles as well.

Thank you!
Jeff
 
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Fret Access: Haven't played the angel model but the drop top and raven I had gave easy upper fret access, the angel is targeted at shredders I believe so fret access likely isn't an issue.

Bridge: Mine both had the non locking trem, but I believe TA uses original floyd roses. They are mounted recessed in most pics I've seen.

Neck Shape: I've seen TAs listed with different nut widths, shapes, sizes etc. you can get pretty much whatever you want... bear in mind the Suhr modern has a slightly asymmetrical shape and standard size is .800 - .850 with a 1.650 nut width. So if you like the feel of that neck use the dimensions from your build sheet and spec the TA up or down in size from there to get what you like.

Neck finish: Both I have had have been satin neck finish. Very smooth feeling and fast in the hand.

Finish: Google Images?

Body Wood: I tend to prefer mahogany with or without a maple top and a maple neck and ebony or rosewood board. Both my andersons were mahogany body, one had a mahogany neck, one had maple. Both were great...
 
Thanks for the reply! I should have said that I will definitely get the guitar with the 1 11/16 nut too and the thinnest -0.20/.790 to .850 shape. I don't mind the narrower spacing, but prefer it a bit wider.

Jeff
 
jeff5 said:
I know Anderson only offers the 10 to 14 compound.
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Do they make their own necks? Just seems strange there is no option and maybe a bit suspicious since Warmoth's standard is also 10"-14" and you have to pay extra for anything else.
 
Sorry, they are 12 to 14 and I believe that is all Anderson offers as far as radius goes.
 
Upper fret access with the Anderson neck joint is the easiest I've ever encountered. I can't comment on the Floyd because mine has the vintage tremolo. My neck is the even taper and it feels a tad thinner than my Fender 9.5"-14" compound radius neck on my strat. Especially in the lower frets. It's not uncomfortable by any means and I never feel fatigued from it. My finish is satin and feels great. Body wood is alder on quilt maple and it resonates like crazy. Hope any of this helps!
 
Anderson uses Schaller trems. I got this one early this year.
 

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alan67 said:
Mine has a Floyd Rose without the fine tuners
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That is the baby Floyd, right? That intrigues be because, even though I like a trem, I don't need a Floyd per say. I really like my PRS trem for instance. I've heard good things about the baby Floyd.
 
Metlupass2 said:
You're seriously asking if Tom Anderson makes his own necks? Please don't tell me you think he uses necks from Warmoth........
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My wife asked me if I was ok when I read that comment because apparently I made some kind of groan lol.

jeff5 said:
That is the baby Floyd, right? That intrigues be because, even though I like a trem, I don't need a Floyd per say. I really like my PRS trem for instance. I've heard good things about the baby Floyd.
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Their regular trem is nice as well. I have a Hardtail on my Angel and the Vintage trem on Tele, which stays in tune as well or better than my PRS.
 
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