About:
Ian Anderson is a small shop, custom guitar builder. He has established his workshop in southern California, on the outskirts of San Diego--the perfect location for his craft providing a mild climate year round ideally suited for the seasoning and curing of the various materials and operations. He builds each and every guitar from inspiration and passion with the highest examples of old world craftsmanship, materials and expertise. The result is an instrument of unsurpassed quality, playability and extraordinary tone.
Ian's instruments are built with the philosophy of form follows function. Ergonomics, balance and feel are of primary importance in creating a vibey and toneful instrument with a refined esthetic and masterful execution.
Guitar building has been a life long endeavor. His lineage and influence comes from the esteemed builders fromsouthern California dating back to the orgins in the 1920s, up to the present day. With over 20 years of experience in the craft, Ian started his professional career in the early '90s with noted builder and restoration expert Scott Lentz, where he works to this day. Scott has been immensely influential and inspirational in his work. The hundreds of '50s and '60s era Fenders and Gibsons that came through the shop were enormously influential in forming his ideas on what makes a great guitar.
By 2001 he had completed his education in a machinist trade school and went on to work for Taylor Guitars, one of the most technologically advanced guitar factories in the world staffed with many brilliant people. There he worked in just about every department and specialized in the art of CNC machining. This was an invaluable time where he learned to utilize the latest CNC technology alongside traditional woodworking methodology and equipment to achieve the ultimate in precision and old world craftsmanship.
His experience with Scott Lentz and the historic instruments that come throughout he shop, and Taylor guitars, inevitably led to the Standard model guitar. The "Standard" was developed as a cumulation of these experience and his desire for a classically styled instrument comparable to the finest vintage instruments. Built using traditional materials and old world craftsmanship resulting in an Instrument of exemplary fit and finish that transcends function. It is an instrument for the modern world, built from materials and techniques from generations past.
Ian specializes in the model presented here and variations thereof, but is always open to custom work and commissions as time permits. He would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and inquiries on his work.
"What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do." Bob Dylan
