Plainer and visually simpler, this is The Classic. But do not be fooled. The Classic is the supreme ruler of the vintage world in which nothing can even begin to offer it challenge. Lavish vintage tones, that you only secretly wished were possible, gush forth from these instruments in boundless abundance while Anderson’s legendary playability insures effortless expression of your musical vision.

It would perhaps be wise to consult an expert outside the Anderson realm concerning these outrageous claims. Not a mere mortal but someone who is continuously immersed in all things musical and has experienced everything first hand—but where to begin? We must make the journey to the top of the mountain. At the summit of that proverbial mountain resides many of the answers we seek. A medium sized building stands in a clearing. Let us enter. The sign reads, “Gelb Music.” Ah, I’ve heard of them. To many, Gelb is considered one of the best music stores in the entire world. It is a store stuffed full of all the best musical equipment and staffed with seasoned professionals that are warm and welcoming. They are great players and giging musicians who live and breathe music and are thrilled to graciously share their knowledge with others.

Over there, standing at the Anderson wall is the one known as Keith. He is thought of as somewhat of a…I’ll tell you later. Anyway, this stunning Burgundy Mist, Classic belongs to him. This is certainly not his first Anderson and will not be his last. For this one he selected an alder body, a tinted, maple/Madagascar rosewood neck with a 62 Roundback backshape and 3 VA pickups mounted to an Aged White pickguard and concealed beneath Dark Coffee Dipped covers to specifically bring forth an unencumbered early 60’s vintage tone.

And then there is the legend Keith told to all of us around the Gelb campfire that goes something like this. “I was once asked the best way to achieve perfect vintage tone and I of course replied, ‘The Classic.’ The response was, ‘Yea but I already have a guitar like that. It is a $199.00 @#$%^*# and it looks a lot like The Classic.’ ‘Oh,’ I replied. I turned on my heel, snagged a Classic from the wall, whirled around in one motion and gently placed it in his hands. It only took 3 strums. He never said anything like that again. He is now not only the happy owner of a Hollow Drop Top but a spectacular Classic as well. Just because it doesn’t have a maple top doesn’t mean it can’t rule the earth! And there is one added benefit to The Classic—the more you ding it, the more vintage it looks.” Keith sometimes gets carried away at campfire.

Obviously he loves Anderson guitars but let’s see what he has to say about his:

Interviewer: Keith, you can play any guitar, why do you choose to play Anderson?

Keith:

Interviewer: What sonic role does The Classic play in your musical pallet?

Keith:

Interviewer: How do you feel about that illusive characteristic inherent in all Tom Anderson Guitars that some are calling “Harmonic Unity?”

Keith:

Interviewer: Keith! You know, “Harmonic Unity” where all the overtones of the instrument ring out sympathetically, greatly enriching the overall sound. With the absence of internal sonic conflict comes a richer, louder, fuller, wider musical expression that possesses a soothing sweetness and musical harmony with every chord.

Keith:

Interviewer: Okay! How about the playability of Anderson guitars, do you find them virtually effortless to play?

Keith: (a cricket chirps in the background)

Interviewer: Anderson guitars sound really impressive even unplugged. Do you think this has any influence on how their VA, vintage single coil, pickups reproduce expansive vintage tone?

Keith:

Interviewer: What is your favorite color Keith?

Keith:

Interviewer: If you could be any animal, what would it be?

Keith:

Interviewer: Keith’s new Burgundy Mist, Classic has left him totally speechless! And great players don’t always give the best interviews anyway. Keith would prefer it if you call him and ask him these, or any of your own Anderson questions, directly. He’d love to talk with you. You can get him at 650 365-8878.

I can tell you no more, it is up to you and Keith now!

Editors Note: When Keith received his guitar he was so thrilled that he sent down a giant box of See’s Candy to say thanks. True, we like treats but this did not influence the Guitar of the Week judges in anyway—probably.

GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:

 MODEL: – The Classic

 FINISH: – Burgundy Mist

 BODY WOOD: – Alder

 BODY WOOD BACK COLOR: – same

 NECK WOOD: – Maple with Madagascar Rosewood Fingerboard

 HEADSTOCK COLOR: – Vintage Tint

 NECK BACK FINISH: – Vintage Tint Satin

 NECK BACKSHAPE: – 62 Roundback

 NUT WIDTH: – 1 5/8th-inch

 SCALE LENGTH: – 25 1/2-inch

 FRETS: – Heavy

 BRIDGE: – Vintage Tremolo with Piezo Pickup for Acoustic Guitar Sounds

 HARDWARE COLOR: – Chrome

 PICKGUARD: – Aged White

 NECK PICKUP: – VA1

 MIDDLE PICKUP: – VA1R

 BRIDGE PICKUP: – VA12

 SWITCHING: – 5-Way with Add-Bridge Switch for 7 sounds

 PICKUP COVERS: – Dark Coffee

 PICKUP RINGS: – n/a

 STRING GAUGE REQUESTED: – .010-.046

 DESTINATION/LOCATION: – Keith @ Gelb Music/Redwood City, California

 12-12-01N