History of HS Anderson
The History of the H.S. Anderson Mad Cat
A Japanese Icon. A Legendary Sound. A Guitar Unlike Any Other.
Few guitars have achieved the legendary status of the H.S. Anderson Mad Cat.
Born in Japan in the 1970s, the Mad Cat was created during a remarkable period of Japanese guitar craftsmanship, when small teams of builders were producing instruments that challenged the very best guitars in the world. Handcrafted with extraordinary attention to detail, the Mad Cat quickly became recognised for its unique design, exceptional build quality, and unmistakable character.
But its place in music history was secured when it became associated with one of the most influential artists of all time.
The Guitar That Became a Legend
The Mad Cat’s distinctive appearance has made it one of the most recognisable guitars ever created.
Its unique combination of walnut, ash and maple construction, leopard-print appointments, custom body shaping and striking visual identity set it apart from anything else produced during the era. Yet beneath its unmistakable looks was a serious player’s instrument—responsive, versatile and built to perform.
Originally produced by the Japanese manufacturer Moridaira, the H.S. Anderson Mad Cat represented the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship of its time. Production numbers were limited, and surviving original examples have become highly sought-after by collectors and musicians around the world.
From Japan to the World Stage
The Mad Cat became forever linked with Prince, who famously played a modified version of the instrument throughout his career.
The guitar became part of his visual identity and appeared during some of his most memorable performances, helping transform the Mad Cat from a rare Japanese instrument into one of the most iconic guitars in popular music history.
Its influence was never simply about appearance. The Mad Cat became recognised as an example of individuality—a reminder that a truly great instrument is not defined only by tradition, but by the artist who brings it to life.
Preserving a Legacy
Decades after the original production ended, the demand for the Mad Cat never disappeared.
Recognising the importance of preserving this piece of guitar history, H.S. Anderson returned to the original designs and manufacturing methods to create a faithful vintage reissue. The goal was simple: recreate the feel, character and craftsmanship of the original instrument while maintaining the standards expected by modern players.
The modern Mad Cat reissues are produced in the original Japanese factory environment, using the same commitment to craftsmanship and small-batch production that defined the originals.
The V3: The Most Faithful Mad Cat Yet
The H.S. Anderson Mad Cat V3 represents the next evolution of this legendary instrument.
Developed over several years, the V3 was refined with direct input from Takumi Suetsugu, Prince’s long-time guitar technician and custodian of the original Mad Cat. While the previous V2 reissue was already considered highly accurate, Takumi identified one subtle but important difference—the neck profile.
For the V3, H.S. Anderson returned to original 1976 H.S. Anderson instruments from the same production era as Prince’s guitar. The result is a slimmer, more traditional C-shaped neck profile designed to capture the feel and playability of the original instrument even more closely.
Every other element remains faithful to the formula that made the Mad Cat legendary:
- Walnut, ash and maple body construction
- Hand-shaped Japanese craftsmanship
- Vintage-correct angled bridge pickup
- Custom Heartbreaker pickups
- Signature leopard-print appointments
- Individual pickup measurement report with each instrument
More Than a Guitar
The Mad Cat is more than a re-issue of a famous instrument.
It represents a moment in guitar history—a time when Japanese craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail created instruments that would go on to inspire generations of musicians.
Every H.S. Anderson Mad Cat V3 carries that legacy forward.
Built by hand in Japan. Refined through decades of knowledge. Inspired by one of the greatest performers of all time.
A true modern classic.
H.S. Anderson Mad Cat V3
The legend continues.
