A value-packed option from a world-class builder.
Clip 2 uses a Komet K.O.D.A overdrive
RatingsPros:Wonderful construction. Excellent price. Cons: Humbuckers aren’t that remarkable. Street: $950 Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel asherguitars.com | Tones:  Playability:  Build/Design:  Value:  |
For decades, luthier Bill Asher’s name has been synonymous with high-end lap steels and guitars made for pro-level players such as Ben Harper, Jackson Browne, and Marc Ford. Recently, Asher has developed a line of entry-level lap steels that come in at well under a grand. These Electro Hawaiian Junior models are impeccably built out of African mahogany and feature a newly designed aluminum wrap-around bridge. As soon as I pulled the guitar out of its gig bag, I was impressed with how stout the instrument felt. Naturally, a solidbody lap steel is meant to be rugged, but the Electro Hawaiian feels like it could be used as a weapon when things turn south at the juke joint.
The humbuckers had more output than, say, a traditional PAF-style ’bucker, but that extra meat was welcome. When I plugged into my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, I found the clean tones to be smooth and clear, but lacking some of the high-end sparkle you might find in higher-priced steels. The bass response on both humbuckers was a little dark and muddy. However, with an overdrive in the mix, I was able to suss out those frequencies and add some clarity pretty easily. If you’re looking for a way into the lap-steel scene, I can’t imagine a more value-packed option that feels like a pro-level axe.
Test gear: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV, Komet Amps K.O.D.A Overdrive
PG's Charles Saufley is On Location at the 2011 LA Amp Show where he visits the Bill Asher Guitars room. In this segment, we get to see and hear a demo the Marc Ford Signature model by guitarist and namesake Marc Ford.
PG's Charles Saufley is On Location at the 2011 LA Amp Show where he
visits the Bill Asher Guitars room. In this segment, we get to see and
hear a demo the Marc Ford Signature model by guitarist and namesake Marc
Ford.