A value-packed option from a world-class builder.
Clip 2 uses a Komet K.O.D.A overdrive
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RatingsPros:Wonderful construction. Excellent price. Cons: Humbuckers arenāt that remarkable. Street: $950 Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel asherguitars.com | Tones: Playability: Build/Design: Value: |
For decades, luthier Bill Asherās 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 ābucker, 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 youāre looking for a way into the lap-steel scene, I canāt 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
The revamped lap steel features lightweight African mahogany and a neck-through-body construction.
Venice, CA (October 8, 2018) -- The best electric lap steel on the market just got better. Asher Guitarās Electro Hawaiian Junior 6-string lap steel got a complete overhaul and although the look is generally the same, the telling is in the details.
Known for its solid construction and quality components, the use of lighter-weight African mahogany with its neck-through-body construction, provides the optimal foundation for creating an impressive resonance and tonal range. The improved high output humbucker pickups produce an impressive huge sound with depth and clarity without being too dark.
The Juniorās slightly wider string spacing allows for effortless playability making it a great cross-over instrument for guitar, Dobro and Weissenborn players. The 2019 version also now has 24 frets (expanded from 22), which allows easy access to the 3rd octave.
A newly designed aluminum wrap-around bridge with flat radius has been added for improved body contact, string spacing and sustain. Other upgrades include better performing machine heads, USA low-friction nut by Graphtech and a reliable padded gig bag with heavy duty zippers.
The 2019 Jr. now has a Granadillo fretboard which is CITIES compliant, so this lap steel can safely travel across international borders.
This work-horse lap steel now comes in 5 enticing colors (tobacco burst, trans cherry, antique white, lake placid blue and a limited edition Gold Top). Although it is moderately priced for all players the Jr. performs up to the standards of the Pros. Professional artists including Robert Randolph, Emily Robison (Dixie Chicks), Bruce Bouton (Garth Brooks), Mike Johnson (Reba MacEntire), and many other pro and gigging musicians use the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior to add depth and musicality to their work.
The Jr. is suitable for any musical genre including blues, rock, folk, jazz, country, Hawaiian, etc. and also used for many applications including studio recording, live performance, large venue concerts, soundtracks, commercial work and most predominantly for pleasure at home.
Price: $950 (retail) for tobacco burst, trans cherry, antique white and lake placid blue
Price: $1175 (retail) for Gold Top Limited Edition
Gold Top Limited Edition has vintage brown back and sides, cream top binding, and a treble bleed filter
For more information:
Asher Guitars
Get inside the sounds of one of the most revered slide players on the planet as he goes deep on lap steels, his philosophy on tone, and his mythical Dumbles.
Premier Guitarās John Bohlinger hung out with Ben Harper and his long-time guitarist Jason Mozersky before a gig at Nashvilleās revered Ryman Auditorium. Harper and Mozersky took PG through a slew of truly one-of-a-kind axes and amps going well over an hour.
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