Ravi: Do your endorsement deals and professional relationships with manufacturers tie-in with sponsorships for All Star Guitar Night?
Anderson: The important thing is that I enjoy using and believe in the products. My friends at GHS had been sponsoring my All Star Guitar Night for several years. Finally, they asked me, “Why don’t you use our strings?” I told them that I use their “Bright Bronze” steel strings, as they intonate better than any others, but for classical, I preferred these very clear and warm sounding trebles that I had found, originally brought in from South America. They mentioned, “Oh, yes, that’s where we get our materials for our trebles.” I tried them and they were the same beautiful sound. Since they also had great sounding basses, I found the sound and intonation I like—all in these strings! We’re currently designing a signature set using a special alloy that is even better, and has finished ends that prevent the string from slipping out when changing the strings [these should be available by the publication of this interview]. I think these will be the finest classical strings yet. It will be exciting to see people gradually discover them!
 
Ravi: Do you ever have a need to go into a music store?
Anderson: Oh, sure, there are always things to pick up. Most stores I’ve gone to are great to the local professionals, and it really makes a difference when they know my name and offer me the “pro discount.” Even if it’s only a few cents, it feels good and keeps me coming back and recommending them to others. It warms my heart when they have my books in stock too.

Ravi: How did your relationship with NAMM begin, and how has it evolved over the years?
Anderson: The first year I did a guitar night at NAMM in Anaheim, I asked if they would consider sponsoring the event. They agreed, and we were one of only two sponsored NAMM events that year. Over time, people have told them that the thing they enjoy most about NAMM is All Star Guitar Night, so I think they know how it has become a tradition for many. It still is sometimes hard to get an early confirmation of available space though.
 
Ravi: Your latest CD Wildcat features you on vocals. Is this a first, perhaps a first of many?
Anderson: I don’t know where the music will lead me to in the future. Many of the tunes I had been writing came to me together with words. So, I guess I had to sing them. I’m glad some folks like the music.
 
Ravi: Your tour schedule is quite impressive and includes not only concerts, but workshops as well. 
Anderson: I’ve found that spreading the joy of the music through teaching workshops has become a more important part of what I do. There are ways to get more to the heart of the music, just by focusing your attention on different aspects that usually are not really taught in standard guitar lessons. It’s rewarding to see the light bulbs go off, and the inspiration being kindled all around me in the workshops.
 
Ravi: I imagine that performance opportunities are harder to come by for finger-style pickers than jazz players or rockers who can set up in a noisy bar. What career advice do you have for up-and-coming fellow finger style guitarists?
Anderson: With any kind of art or discipline, if you want to make it your livelihood it’s important to have something special to share; something that will improve the quality of a person’s life so much that they would want to actually pay money for it—to come to that concert, or pick up that CD. Together with working up the chops to be able to be a servant of the music, really examine what it is that you are expressing, and know it is part of you that you are giving and sharing with the audience.
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