got it for Christmas

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Editor’s Note: We do hear from “players” about our guitars—very nice, thanks. The following is one possible possibility of such. Enjoy:

I found this in the basement of my great uncle’s house. They say, he got it for Christmas from a good friend of his parents in late 1958.

It could most likely be a ’57—the last of the all maple necks for that era.

But then—after what happened to Buddy (Holly)—he never could play it again. So he left it stored in their basement this entire time—never really touched it after that. He became an oil man in Texas and then in 1982 he quit the business, gave all his money to charity and journeyed to the jungles of Borneo, where he became a momentary monastic monarch monk—used to do mantras all morning long.

But, that’s a story for another time.

Anyway…What a find! I discovered this guitar just a few weeks ago at their house. When you look straight on at the body, It’s like brand new…but old…but new. Most likely, this guitar was originally white but now the finish has a more satin sheen and has mellowed to a yellowed hue.

Or at least that’s what I thought it was until I picked it up and played it.

OMG!!!! Flat out—the best guitar I have ever, ever touched.

One strum—unplugged—and I knew it was something really rare and special. So loud and resonant—seems like it wants to ring out forever.

Bending and fretting is not like any guitar I have ever experienced—super effortless, fast and so fun. Chords resound ridiculously huge and in tune. Refines everything I know and coaxes me to do and learn even more. It is just a supercharged vintage experience.

It is like playing an icon.

But it wasn’t until last Saturday night when I noticed the headstock and realized what I was actually holding…

An Anderson!…I am in awe. Now I understand.

I have heard of these guitars—legendary, as well, and with the same guy(s) making them for the last 30 + years—far longer than any “vintage company” has held together at its core. Talk about vintage roots—this is really it.

This guitar model is aptly named Icon Classic—this particular one finished in Satin Mellow Yellow. Of course you can get whatever color you want.

Now, having experienced a real Icon for myself, I could metaphorically say: I have finally summited the vintage verticals that have always loomed large in all our guitar playing experiences and the view from the top is a spectacular one.

GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:

  • MODEL: – Icon Classic

  • Body Style: – Solid

  • SCALE LENGTH: – Traditional - 25 1/2-inch

  • BODY WOOD: – Alder

  • FINISH: – Satin Mellow Yellow

  • NECK WOOD: – Maple

  • HEADSTOCK FINISH: – Vintage Tinted Satin

  • NECK BACK FINISH: – Vintage Tinted Satin

  • NECK BACKSHAPE: – Even-Taper +.030

  • NUT WIDTH: – 1 5/8-inch

  • FRETS: – Medium—Exclusive Anderson Stainless Steel

  • BRIDGE: – Vintage Tremolo—Exclusive Anderson Design

  • TUNING GEAR: – Locking

  • HARDWARE COLOR: – Chrome

  • NECK PICKUP: – VA7

  • MIDDLE PICKUP: – VA7R

  • BRIDGE PICKUP: – VA7+

  • PICKGUARD: – Aged White

  • SWITCHING: – 5-Way, 3 Knob with Top Jack

  • PICKUP COVERS: – Coffee Dipped

  • SWITCH TIP: – Off White

  • STRING GAUGE REQUESTED: – .010-.046 Elixir® with NANOWEB® Coating

  • DESTINATION/LOCATION: – A1A Guitars & Art, Dania Beach, Florida

  • 09-07-15P