photo: Kevin Ellsworth
"Soon after moving to Seattle in 1989, I met Steve Andersen, found myself hanging out at his shop a lot, and fell in love with his guitars. I eventually got one of his flat-tops and about two years ago bought a Model 17 archtop. As far as I'm concerned, acoustic guitars don't get any better than this."
"Most recently I've gotten a new Model 14 Oval Hole (a.k.a. "Little Archie"). I travel a lot and finally, with this guitar, I'm able to carry it on an airplane (which is a serious problem with the larger instruments). The Model 14 is not a travel guitar - it's a full-blown archtop. The combination of the smaller body and the added bass from the oval soundhole makes for an incredibly balanced sound. The acoustic properties weren't compromised with the smaller size. I'm so excited to finally be able to start taking a guitar like this with me, wherever I go."
- Bill Frisell
"I have to tell you that I am extremely pleased. The tonal qualities of this instrument are a pure delight. The tone is so sweet and balanced, with all the required "pop" that make great archtops special, that it had not even crossed my mind to try to play amplified before at some point I noticed I had a floating pickup."
Elie Kleiman, France
"Every time I pick up #305 I want to thank you for the way this wonderful instrument feels, plays, and sounds (not to mention looks). This could not be so without the extraordinary care and craftsmanship you put into its design and construction. I hope you are amply rewarded in this life and the next if there is one."
- Dawson Taylor, Seattle, Washington
"I have a custom oval hole, it has several upgrades that bring this guitar from fantastic to supreme. Steve's joinery, intonation and fretwork is nothing short of perfect, the workmanship in general is outstanding to say the least. The guitar has a beautifully balanced sound with great lows and projection to a singing quality in the Higher register. This is the nicest thing I own, period. I feel extremely fortunate to be counted as an Andersen owner."
- Alan Feldman, Aspen, Colorado
"Grace and elegance flow naturally throughout each guitar Steve Andersen creates in his prolific Seattle workshop.
It's truly inspirational to play these guitars."
- John Valentino, Pasadena, California
"The guitar is all I expected it to be and more. It plays great either fingerstyle or with a pick. As a purely acoustic instrument it is very responsive to changes in attack and of course, has a great tone. It's a monster played through my tube amp. The finish work is essentially perfect. Great job! Thanks again."
- Allan Bach, Colorado Springs, Colorado
"Hi Steve,
Greetings from Helsinki. It's -29 deg. C here this afternoon and I have been playing the Archie outdoors for the last 2 days. In the picture enclosed I'm on an ice-breaking ferry on the frozen sea. My hands are still numb from frostbite!"
regards, Henry Olsen, England
"Since picking up my new Emerald City guitar two days ago I have barely slept. It is simply beautiful. The tone is sweet and the sound is big. It is truly a work of art. It was well worth the wait. If I had it to do all over again I would order one today. Thank you for the time, effort, and talent that you put into it."
- Doug Maryatt, Shoreline, Washington
"My Andersen Guitar is not only beautiful and amazing sounding, but Steve's fret and intonation work are the best I have ever seen. The level of craftsmanship and creativity that went into its construction define it, in my opinion, as not only a great guitar but as a work of art."
- Omar Rane, Carson, New Mexico
"Full-bodied sound that can be pushed. Great Styling and workmanship."
- Tony Marcus, Oakland, California