Music Trades

Asher Guitars Launches Affordable New Lap Steel For a Reviving Art
Music Trades - May 2007

Asher Guitars, known for its ultra high-end lap steels, is launching a new lap steel guitar model - one that is specifically tailored for those looking for an entry-priced instrument that doesn’t lack in quality or sound.
 
The new Asher Electro-Hawaiian® Junior boasts impressive resonance, quality tone, and a professional feel, much like Asher’s top of the line model that was originally designed for Grammy Award Winning rock star Ben Harper. Built with simpler materials and components, the Junior caters to entry-level players by offering wider string spacing for smoother playability and a longer scale length suitable for guitar and dobro players.  Asher’s unique designs has made loyal clients of musical greats like Harper, Greg Leisz, Cindy Cashdollar and Lee Alexander with Nora Jones.
 
Founder and Master luthier Bill Asher, who has earned the reputation of L.A.’s “go-to-guy” when it comes to precision guitar work and restoration, said that the enormous popularity of the original Electro-Hawaiian® model inspired him to create the Junior, which would still retain the trademark Asher design, but come at a more inviting price point.
 
“The lap steel has made a comeback in recent years.  Players have discovered it produces a very dreamy, soulful sound, almost like the human voice,” said Asher, who has been in the guitar business for over 24 years.
           
Like its big brother, the Junior offers a full 25-inch scale length, making it the ideal choice for blues, country, or roots players who are looking for impeccable tone.  The Junior also features an electronic configuration much like a modern-day electric guitar including two humbucking pickups, three-way selector switch, and volume and tone controls.  Already, guitar players are raving about the Junior’s impressive tonal versatility and quality not always found in an import model.
           
“Although this guitar does not have the tonal complexity of its big brother, the tone it does have is screamin’, with an extremely punchy midrange,” celebrated funk guitarist Pete Madsen said after trying out the Junior for a Frets Magazine review.  “I play a lot of blues and blues-inspired music and I found this guitar was a perfect tonal match for my sensibilities.”
 
Nor does the Junior make any aesthetic compromises.  Personally designed by Asher himself, both neck and body are crafted from solid mahogany and available in an elegant tobacco-burst, antique-white or cherry red finish. The guitar, complete with gig bag, retails for $759.00
           
Players can now find the Electro-Hawaiian® Junior through the Asher website and select dealers across the U.S.  For more information on the Junior and other Asher products, visit www.AsherGuitars.com.