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Pros:
- Easy to use electronics
- Rich sound
- Extra accessories
Cons:
- Tuners
- Might seem a bit pricey for a beginner instrument
If you plan on buying a lap steel guitar you should be prepared to shell out a couple of hundred, if not thousands dollars. That is just something that you cannot avoid. So what do you do if you are new to lap steels or just cannot afford a $1000 models? Well, there are quite a few models that offer great sound and quality for lower prices but if you want a lap steel with electronics, there are not as many affordable options that will guarantee good quality. One of the few models that do not break the bank and yet offers more than most lap steels in its price range is Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel Guitar.
Build
First things first, this is a beginner model so it will definitely fulfill most of your “requirements” and needs, but if you are a more experienced player, maybe look somewhere else. This is a 6 string guitar measuring 25-inch scale in length. Solid mahogany body with neck through the body offers sturdy construction that yields amazing resonance. The rosewood fretboard with 22 lines is playable and well crafted while the finish is perfect thinness to allow the wood to breathe and resonate. This model is available with three different finishes: tobacco burst, cherry burst, and other colors.
Hardware
This Junior lap steel guitar features 1 7/8″ micarta nut with perfect string spacing that allows for perfect playability. Apart from that, there is metal-wrap around the flat bridge that is easy to use and adjust. While I did not have any issues with the specific model that I got, there are players who received models with broken or damages tuners. This Junior also ships with some handy-dandy accessories like a gig bag that’s been padded for extra protection, extra set of Asher strings, carry strap and backpack straps that have an extra compartment for your other accessories.
Asher Lap Steel Sound
Sound – the main factor why we even pay attention to the build and tonewood of the instrument (well, that might be an overstatement, but you know what I mean) is really impossible to describe subjectively. To fully see how all the parts of this instrument come together to achieve the resonance, sustain and volume that this model offers you just have to go to your local store, try it out for yourself and (probably) buy it. Sort of “I came, I played, I bought” scenario. This instrument, for its price and all the hardware, accessories and electronics, still manages to surprise with the tonal range and nuances that are rare with instruments in its price range. It’s a great beginner and intermediate instrument that lends enough playability for you to practice and gig with it is any style including rock, blues, and country.
Electronics
So what can an instrument that already offers very nice build and hardware offer? Well, electronics for a starter. Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel Guitar is equipped with two high output humbuckers, master volume, tone, and 3-way pickup switch. The pickups provide great, seamless sound. This electronics are pretty simple, elegant yet provide a lot of versatility and space for you to experiment and achieve the perfect sound.
Conclusion
Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is a nice entryway into the world of lap steel guitar. It offers versatility and comfort without taking away the nuances tonality and resonance. Overall build and construction of this model might not be the same as with models that are more pro-level, but it still manages to deliver solid quality. If you are a beginner looking into your first lap steel guitar or a bit more experience and need a nice quality model without overpaying for it, this is one of the best lap steels for this price.
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