Lee Anderton - The Full Story

[@SixStringTales]

Who do you want to see interviewed next on Six String Tales? Tag them below!

[@rockysloan3434]

I don’t know how to tag. But Dave simpson would be awesome!

[@brianmcveigh1958]

Bilt Guitars!

[@jaytee8188]

Sam Deeks of Reloved Guitars

[@sajisguitar]

Rabea Massad

[@nickk9285]

The Captain mentioned his never met Eric Clapton , Cmon Lee if anyone can make it happen it’s you…..

[@stratmagic6893]

It is easy to see why Lee has become so successful. He is a very smart and grounded individual with a nice, easygoing personality.

[@TheBoboMaker]

His interviews of artists are great to watch too. He knows how to get them to open up.

[@powerboon2k]

He inherited a fairly successful business, not to forget that ingredient.

[@oliverchapman51177]

And a terrific player taboot !

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Sorry, but he took his father’s business to the next level and beyond. I know many many people who have been handed businesses and they ran it into the ground because they were spoiled brats that didn’t appreciate their parents hard work. I have a lot of respect for this gentleman!!!!!

[@powerboon2k]

​@@tonymarinelli7304 2 totally different arguments. He has done all those things you said. However not everyone gets that leg up in life, nothing wrong with that per se but let's be realistic.

[@andertons]

Cheers for all the amazing comments - you guys have been so supportive of the channel & Andertons in general - we wouldn't be here without you. And a special thanks to Chris from Six String Tales - he did such a good job with the questions, the camera work & the edit. Made me sound so much more interesting than I really am :)

[@secallen]

Great story. And Dave and Cici are wonderful additions to the channel.

[@myhomeonthenet3120]

You sold me my Takamine 20 plus years ago which is still my everyday guitar and getting on to look like it wouldn’t look out of place next to Willie Nelson’s trigger. Thank you for everything you’ve done over the years for us all. Much love, Ch’O

[@frankierodriguez8661]

Great insight about the man himself. beautiful pictures with the story of the shop and modern developments. And you know what? I'm writing from Spain and my current newest guitsr is a Gibson SG from.... ANDERTONS, exactly. well done Lee. grettings for Pete !

[@schooldya.]

This tied with when you interviewed your Dad is priceless. Cheers to Andertons and to Lee.

[@stevecoward2095]

This is great video! Very nostalgic. Been shopping there since 1989 and remember guys like Stuart and Paul. Lee letting me and a mate try guitars out all day when we were supposed to be at college. Great memories and still buy all my gear there 👍🏻

[@bleeknoir]

I have so much respect for Lee. He’s created an empire from a Mom and Pop store, in the UK. A rarity. Perhaps the only example.

[@stuartgonsal8443]

Yeah, he's a gem.

[@motokev2727]

I wish I lived in England such a beautiful country.

[@iansobusy]

This isn’t a music store interview, it’s a B to C masterclass!

[@chcotydf1]

Lee is Andertons. His energy makes it. He also has a knack finding the right people for the journey.

[@billoost9389]

The number one thing that I got out of this video, is that you care about your employees! In today’s world, most companies are in it just for themselves! It’s nice to see that when things got rough, that you thought about your employees first!! Great job! Much respect!!

[@blodbrodet]

Thank you Lee,you have done a fantastic job for the guitar community

[@2ShadesOfGray]

Have just realised I have been buying from Andertons for nearly 50 years.

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, LEE, FOR TELLING YOUR STORY!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU, ALL, ALWAYS!!!

[@JavierID]

that was a great watch!

[@johntate5050]

He's done a great job. I bet the Anderton's videos generate massive sales.

[@guloguloguy]

FYI: I WAS BORN IN 1959, AND GREW UP, HEARING SURF MUSIC, (VENTURES, ETC.) ELVIS, SPAGHETTI WESTERN TONES, AND, THE BEATLES/BRITISH INVASION, I LOVE THE "EMOTION" THAT MOST GREAT GUITAR TUNES BRING ABOUT!!! MUSIC CAN MAGICALLY CHANGE/IMPROVE YOUR MOOD, IN A MOMENT!!!!...

[@karlhoward2737]

I’ll be getting my next synth from Andertons…..I’ll travel from Jersey to visit this brilliant place……now to convince the wife I really really need a nice new synth…..got my guitars…..now to get back to my roots…..brilliant company, just everything how a person and business should be….chapeaux to you and all at Andertons…

[@TheOldYellers]

Lee Anderton makes me want to move to England and work for him. Love the channel. Love the content with Pete and the fun. I love the vibe and feeling and it’s like PRS says. It’s gone global. I’d love to come over and work there. It’d be great

[@xlp3t3r]

Enjoyable video to watch. Lees a great guy and deserves his success. His parents must be very proud.

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

I didn't think I would enjoy that much! If I ever visit my fathers homeland I will surely stop in!

[@budgetguitarist]

I started my KZbin channel during Covid because of Lee and Rob. I still watch Lee's channel religiously.

[@hawkeye2816]

Anderton's KZbin channel really hit its stride when it stopped trying to sell a product, and focused instead on selling a community. Once you're in the community, once you're looking around, once you're invested in finding the next thing, that's what drives engagement. Even if Anderton's themselves aren't always the most cost effective solution (if you're outside Europe, for example), you know the name and you know their corner of the community. The Anderton's store has managed to become a sort of pilgrimage destination for musicians around the world, and that's a hell of a feat considering every major city in most wealthy economies has at least one music store.

[@William-uc4gq]

They became the guitar version of Top Gear which is the best thing that could have happened

[@christopherturner2479]

Loved watching this. lovely photos of the people we all or most remember being served by over the years it's like our musical family in a way , Lee doing a great job nowadays just like the people in the past lovely friendly and professional , I believe music is a life long relationship and I carnt imagine life without it listening playing watching supporting . Great video Andertons 👏

[@kirkwilson8738]

You can really tell that Lee is a very smart Man with excellent business sense. It is nice to see a gentleman that can be silly, have fun also excel at being a proper businessman. We could all tell that Lee actually cares about the Customers and the reputatation of his business.. This is what being a good person gets you..

[@waynekerr5645]

Absolutely spot on with your description on how your KZbin channel works Lee, you make your viewers feel part of Andertons. I’ve just bought a bass from you, online as I live miles away, and didn’t even contemplate shopping elsewhere.

[@johnnoipswich7239]

Easily one of the best things I've watched this year.

[@grep4]

I quite enjoy the videos on the @andertons channel especially episodes with Lee and Pete. Good job Lee building your business!

[@jrm2fla]

I told an English friend about Anderton’s… he had no idea… I have been grateful for all you have taught me, an American… you turned on my GAS numerous times, and of course, I then bought the gear from Sweetwater, Guitar Center, or Reverb… I venture to say that because of your KZbin presence, especially you and Chappers, you’ve helped the music industry worldwide! I’ve enjoyed you (Lee), Rob, Pete, Rabea, as well as the Andertons T.V. jam tracks! Thank you for everything! Thanks to your grandad and dad for getting it started!

[@pacovl46]

Been watching for over a decade already!

[@joelewis7072]

Absolutely appreciate The information Lee works hard to get to us tone guys. Plus he has chops....dude can play. Great show the andertons...

[@maxs.3238]

Ive started watching andertons 8 or so years ago and it is amazing how much lee has grown as a player during that time. Probably a plus to have such a diversity of great players around you.

[@johnqpublic2013]

WOW!!! Awesome interview and video. I've been watching Lee and Chapman for 5 years or so. I LOVE YOU LEE! What an awesome story, plus it was so pure, and honest.

[@timrussellguitar1516]

Amazing job Lee. You are a credit to the music industry.

[@babylon_bob]

Excellent interview, and I'm one of those people who played when I was younger and then gave up for around 10 years and then during the Pandemic thought "I loved playing, I'm going to start again" and 3 years on I've not stopped playing everyday and utterly love it. Keep up the good work!

[@alfiehenshall688]

I'v just taken delivery of left handed T style in butterscotch with maple neck, and what a lovely guitar it is. Played strait out of the box, i didn't even have to faff about setting it up ! I can't believe it only cost me £99 inc. Post ! How do you get a great guitar for only £99 ? Its blown my mind that a guitar that price can be THAT good ! Thank you Andertons 👍🎸

[@arnetoft2108]

Lee well done you are really doing the good things that make guitar playing going around, and your videos whit Danish Pete are amazing all the best in the future from Danish Arne living in Uk.

[@TobiasJakob]

I'm very impressed how while turning his family's local shop into a big player in musical instruments retail not only in Britain, Lee apparently keeps being a very nice person who really cares about his staff.... great work, keep it up!!

[@andyseal8134]

Love watching your videos for exactly the reasons that you said. I feel like it’s a couple of friends hanging out and I get to be a fly on the wall

[@jmaripen]

My favorite thing about Andertons videos is the banter. Awesome, awesome characters!!! Wishing all of you more success!

[@JoshuaC923]

It's a bit like the old topgear but with guitars

[@Claytolhowell]

Part of the reason I would frequent my local musical instrument store as a teen in the mid nineties were the people who worked there, they were invested and loved what they did. For me, that same sentiment is evident in the videos that Andertons, and many other music related content creators, produce. They LOVE what they’re doing, it’s joyful, it’s playful, it’s entertaining. Keep up the great work.

[@philipmarsh3522]

It’s a good sign when an interview with the owner makes you want to buy a guitar at his store. For sure on my list next trip to England.

[@JoshuaC923]

Man that boss katana mk2 video is still my favourite andertons video, 3 years gone in a blink. Great interview!

[@Crinkle65]

This was really cool and interesting.. I might add that if Lee’s videos didn’t show that he is obviously a genuinely good dude, no one would care. Congratulations on all the success, I’ve enjoyed watching it all from over here in the US.

[@getenlightened]

I'm happy for the success of Lee and Anderton's. And he doesn't seem to let it go to his head. He seems to be a good lad. I wonder how he is as a boss?

[@pCeLobster]

Lee is a living legend. He's sold me on a fair amount of gear even though I'm in the US and have never purchased from Anderton's. What sets him apart is that he retains a healthy skepticism about gear. You don't get the sense that he's simping for all these companies. He'll say he doesn't like stuff. That combined with his likeable manner and bawdy humor gives you a sense that he's a real guy and not just some marketing team-approved "influencer". Plus they upload every day. I start my days with coffee, email, and the Anderton's video.

[@adrianoconnor3020]

Love the history,reminds me of my own childhood/adolescence going to Crowleys shop in Cork,which was similar to Andertons.I remember watching Rory Gallgher 74 Irish tour film,theres a scene with him talking to Mick Crowley.I called in to the shop some time after to tell him, he was totally unaware of it and completely unphased.Lovely man,miss that shop and the staff.

[@kjneese]

Lee, when I picked up guitar again (after many years, back in 2017), yours was the channel I watched online and subscribed to first. For every reason you just stated. I loved the way you weren't trying to sell anything, but just explore gear and share your love of the guitar and its culture. Cheers to you, Pete, Chappers and the entire Andertons family for being the ROCK (all pun intended) of all music stores here on the Tube and way beyond!

[@yellowdudewithedibleshorts]

Dude, I love Lee. I met him in a Guthrie Govan masterclass that Andertons hosted in 2017. I took a plain from Inverness to London that day and back to Inverness the next morning to start my shift right as I came back. Lee came from his office just to meet me and say hi. He's just a great, down to earth guy. Really nice and friendly man who is passionate about all this world. I would love to have another chat with him sometime, I think he's really smart and apart from all the reviews, experiments and fun videos they do on Andertons TV, I would love to hear some of his wisdom about how the music industry is evolving, and just listen to what he thinks about being a musician in this crazy times. Great video, thanks for doing it!

[@000gjb]

One of the things I enjoy seeing is when the next generation of the family has the ability to take over the family business, make a greater success of the original business and make all the blood sweat and tears that went into the business worth while and still be able to enjoy the mayhem.

[@stevehughes1510]

Yep music's built into our DNA, good on you Lee. Keep on rockin'.

[@philrougier5533]

What a great success story and well deserved. The Captain continues to steer a great ship 🤘🤘🤘

[@neilmc59MK]

There’s a reason I buy from Andertons. It’s because I trust them. And that trust is built on the fact that the company is owned and run by people who care.

[@DanielC__]

Their videos are pure entertainment. I like watching them to see the interactions. It’s great!

[@audiomonster303]

Im poor, I live in USA, and I will never buy from Andertons...BUT I watch every video non the less! I love LEE and PETE!

[@JDVISAN]

Lee , thank you for all the positive vibe you bring out to the world. Keep on…

[@davidderr-q6y]

HERES TO YOU. LOVE THE STORY. YOU STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM, HANDED THE BUSINESS AS A STAR. YOU TOOK IT TO AN ALLSTAR. WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS GROW EVEN MORE THROUGH THE AGES. MUSIC IS A WONDERFUL THING, BRINGS HAPPINESS TO EVERYONE. KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK.

[@endoflevelboss]

Such a chill guy, love Andertons videos with Lee, Pete, Jack D. Bought my Nord Electro from them, my Waldorf and recently my daughter's Eastcoast guitar after watching the captain walk through the options with Pete 👍

[@thefilthygringo9228]

Awesome bunch of people. I love in the USA and I ordered from them. There was a mistake and they promptly fixed it and I had my merchandise. I’ll order again because of the way they handled it!

[@ProjectNigel]

Hello, I worked with Lee in the late '90s for a short period at Anderton's. It wasn't wonderful to be honest. I did my best but clashed unfortunately with Lee, although I didn't realise it at the time. As I remember. Lee didn't keep me on because he didn't like northerners, but I honestly thought at the time it was because I was s much better guitar player. BTW, your dad was a cool chap.

[@hellbillygoatboy]

My ‘bucket List’ includes a trip to Anderton’s. My favorite music store is over the damned pond! Lol 😅 One day.... I absolutely LOVE this channel and it’s a reflection of real Leadership, Lee. Magnificent Team there from what I’ve seen and heard.... Good on you and your Crew, Lee. Cheers man. ❤

[@davidkeane2399]

Gotta be done dude, if only for a slow wander around the guitar gallery. It's the f'in business (and I've been to places like Rudy's in NYC!).

[@johnbriggs3916]

It's a music store -- and a small one by American standards. The display of Fender Custom Shop guitars is impressive, otherwise the really spectacular part would probably be the warehouse operation.

[@martintodorov6956]

Can't forget the day that KZbin suggetsted me a video in 2016 of sounds like Metallica on a budget which was the big introduction to the Andertons channel for me. Since that day i wanted to go that store so much that it was pretty much a dream beacuse it was in a far away country and place from me. In 2019 i've managed to achieve that dream and it was the best music store i've ever been into and probably it will stay that way. Amazing staff and atmosphere. Im soo looking forward to going there again.

[@jkennan]

I have to say, I was very impressed with that Anderton's order managements system. I recently ordered something reasonably large late afternoon and it was on my table by about 10am the next day. Well done!

[@TheKimgower]

I must make a trip to Andertons before to long. I really enjoyed listening to how it all started in 1964, great to see it surviving. I think people love to see the old photos of yesterday's gone by. I personally found myself on a lovely trip down memory lane. Superb!

[@anthony_shay]

This is great. I was fortunate to meet Lee and some of the Anderton gang at NAMM a few years ago. Terrific fellow.

[@VanPerszing]

Appreciate Captain's YT channel so much. Will go down to the shop to buy something and say hi.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

15:12 Andy was so legendary, so iconic, hard to grasp. Accidently I had to look up some of his old videos that made me buy the pedal he demonstrated, and/because you only need to see the first minute to fully get to know what the pedal does.

[@MrNeilltupman]

Great video, a real insight! I've lived near Andertons all my life, and have been buying gear in there since the late 90's and still do today. I've never seen Lee, Pete, or any of the other KZbinrs in the store, however. A mate took his step-son a few weeks ago for his first trip to Andertons - they met Rick Beato 😂

[@jonathanmurphy9038]

Amazing story. Lee, you should be very proud of yourself and your team. Love this.

[@bobdekett]

What a great story! I lived in Surrey in the late 90's and that was my 'go to' gear store. Where you've taken the store is insanely cool - mega well done Lee:)

[@Hexonip]

Wonderful interview of a wonderful man!

[@misternobody4786]

It bring such piece of mind, never going to stop.

[@yellowtruckproductions7502]

The consistent regard for music, gear to make it it and fun to have with it is what attracted me to this channel and it still does! Thanks Lee!

[@chrisraatz6672]

yep. Andertons took their time but have kept true and done so well. And yes I watch almost every video because of the people, not so much the product. Being half Danish helps too, I guess, lol. Being on the other side of the world (and not so wealthy) are the only reasons I haven't bought half the stock they have! Keep up the good work and keep experimenting with content! Thanks Six String Tales and thanks Lee. Even watching Lee's guitar proficiency was and still is inspirational. Rock on!

[@DavidHunterChunkyRiffs]

I'm pretty sure we all love Andertons because Lee comes across as a genuinely lovely human being, and that goes a long way. Great interview, thank you 👍

[@mauikrawalski1074]

I am big fan of this guy! He shows people how to have fun making music and be satisfied with gear

[@sethhallstead1939]

Such a cool group of guys over there at andertons I'd love to be able to actually go visit the shop

[@dortoh1]

Great interview, I've been watching Lee and Pete videos for a couple of years and always enjoy them. Going back and watching the older ones with Rob are hilarious. I really enjoyed the one where Lee interviewed his dad.

[@alanreynolds5430]

I live in South Africa ,but have bought two instruments after seeing your video's First was a Roland Blues Cube ,and the most recent was last week on a visit to the UK when I bought a Huges and Kestnner De Luxe 20 amp. I will continue to follow Andertons in the future.Thanks for this informative video.

[@IansGarage]

Love the pic at the Mean Fiddler, used to go there all the time!

[@justjames1138]

Best. Video. Ever. I did struggle with Lee's cockney-ness at first, but now I'm a regular viewer. Plus I've bought a funk ton of great stuff from Anderton's. Although, tbh, if I see something on their YT channel I like, I usually buy it from one of their... cough... competitors. You know, just to keep the playing field level. Love you, Lee x

[@TheJimboe11]

Really liked that. Sounds like a top guy. Bought lots of stuff from Anderson’s. From staring at your iPad to opening your goodies seems like a it’s been delivered in a taxi. Gold standard. 👍

[@breekolean2758]

Thanks for a glimpse of your life, hanging out at the local guitar store was the same for my generation, to bad alot of brick and mourter stores are closing up,kids need interaction to progress

[@paulspinella]

I'm so happy with all your success Captain Lee, and it's great to see how friendly all your friends/ employees are! Wish we had a Andertons in the US, preferably the Boston Massachusetts area!!

[@eoinc_Ire]

Fantastic insight into Anderson’s and Lee! Thanks for doing this! Happy Birthday 🥳, for Sunday! We share the same birthday 🎂

[@bikeman123]

I bought a Fender Strat and several amps from Andersons in the late 70s, early 80s. No one told me I could haggle!

[@PhreddCrintt]

What do I add to what - in so many ways - has been already shared. Been a Customer for quite a while Lee - not least because your pricing policy is competitive (!) and you're 'local' (Bracknell). This video shows me - above everything else! - that your Company is Customer Service-driven (and boy do I know about that! - I ran some major corporates computer maintenance support back in the '90's!) With you at the helm Lee, Andertons - and ALL those that are privileged to have gained employment with the Company - are in great hands.

[@elevenAD]

Over the years Andertons has helped me improve my playing, tone and overall gear knowledge! I effin love me some Captain Lee!

[@pigxstix]

I'm on the other side of the world (California) and dig your videos. Watch them all the time. They're fun and informative. I'm not your target customer of course, much too far away. But hopefully I'm adding to your clicks because your content is great. If I ever went to England, I think I'd try to make a point to see Anderson's simply from being a fan of the videos.

[@paulfox3276]

that was so good, especially to hear someone being so honest.. I live in Peterborough and we don't have a music store anymore and that's a shame . Whilst I'm writing this I'd just like to say thank you to Andertons for your wonderful customer service

[@matthewboxall2012]

Great interview :) love hearing about the origins of what inspired Lee. Also lovely videography 🎉

[@peterjones4621]

That was nice Lee, I've wondered for a while about your working at Anderton's and how it all started. You laid it out really well and I loved hearing the history of the store. I wish my family had a family business like yours, a music store, how fun is that!! Thank you for your life's story, I realize it was tough at the beginning but seeing where you are now made it all worth it. The things you've done for Andertons and how you've made it grow is a huge success story, you're an amazing business man and you play the guitar really well. These videos you put out with Pete are extremely entertaining and they have motivated me to buy more gear! Great video, thank you Lee!

[@davidroberts1187]

I loved the old shop , I bought a decent used seissionete 4x10 bass amp with a 1x15 ext cab in about 1988, forgot to put them in the car after a gig and left them in the car park. Gutted. Used to be a great record shop and east west hippy shop few doors down from Andertons, fond memories.

[@MrRocketguitar]

Brilliant. I have spent many hours watching your videos… interestingly I will buy my next purchase from you. Something I was aware of but you then presented with such enthusiasm. I will buy from you Thank you.

[@richardsmith8035]

Listening to Lee talk about the business and covid sounds a lot like what the bike shop I work for have gone through!

[@timallen6025]

Fascinating and like all the best things, kinda obvious when you retro engineer the thinking to where you guys are now and how much encouragement and enthusiasm you generate . Blimey google makes a few bob along the way eh !

[@NebulaStudios1]

Great to see a family business. I wish I could shop at Anderton's. We have lost so much of this type of businesses in the USA. So few actual music stores around. I took lessons as a store like Anerton's in Boston, MA in the 1960s. The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA is left and has an outstanding staff. I miss Venneman's music in Rockville, MD. Gone. I look forward to all of the Anderton videos. Great content and you really feel like you get to know the staff through these interactions. You bring in so much talent. Wising you more and continued success.

[@naycnay]

I've bought a few things from Andertons, but the one thing they really led me to and I love it, my Victory Sheriff.

[@fernandes5986]

Very good interview plus those vintage photos are priceless.

[@ALIASZARDOZ]

Excellent interview with heart ♥ !

[@altaylor9186]

Hey Lee been watching your videos since you and Rob started doing them. I’ve probably watched more Anderton videos than anything else y’all keep it real and I really enjoy watching. I would also like to say that your playing has improved wonderfully over the years I’ve watched you. It makes you feel really good that you can play what you want and play it pretty darn good. I know playing with Pete and Rabere sp Has helped a lot. It really feels like on a wierd way that I almost know you guys from watching how you interact with the other guys you can tell how genuine and honest you really are. Thanks for being how you are. Peace from the bch Myrtle bch sc. keep it up.

[@gergemall]

Liked and shared,subscribed. Brilliant video.❤ As an aging rocker I love to hear about the evolutionary of the electronic movements . I’ve been recording since I had a play reel to reel . But now .. wow .what a playground for people. Wonderful video and heart felt video. Be yourself as it’s working it’s way through.❤

[@jamesnelson1443]

Love ya Lee! Steve from Michigan USA!!!

[@joehannis2475]

I went through my late teenage years watching your videos while learning guitar, and ive bought loads because of them! Its great after spendng years watching you messing about and having fun with the gear we all dream of, to realise youre a very introspective, thoughtfull dude. You really know your market and your industry and your success is on the back of being in love with the job. You can hear it in the way you talk about it. Good luck to you and when i buy more gear, i alway come to Andertons first!