Asher Lap Steels such as the Electro Hawaiian and Ben Harper Signature Model enable players to perform Hawaiian, Country, Rock, and Blues styles. Photo credit: Asher Guitars & Lap Steels.
Bill Asher did not deliberately set out to be one of the world's best builders of electric lap steel guitars.
That happened through serendipity in 1998 when he received a call from musician Ben Harper. Ben wanted a new electric lap steel guitar with two humbucking pickups that was based on the shape of a Weissenborn.
A Weissenborn is a type of lap steel guitar that features an hourglass shape and hollow wood construction. It was used widely for Hawaiian music beginning in the 1920s and 1930s.
Asher was more than happy to indulge Ben Harper's request. Moreover, he took it as a challenge.
The result was the Ben Harper Signature Lap Steel lap steel guitar, which has been offered by Asher Guitars and Lap Steels ever since. Hundreds of these guitars have been produced.
LAP STEEL GUITARS IN PERSPECTIVE
The first commercially marketed electric guitar was actually a lap steel.
Lap steel guitars have traditionally been used for Hawaiian and Western Swing styles of music. Players such as Sol Hoʻopiʻi, Jerry Byrd, Noel Boggs, and Cindy Cashdollar immediately come to mind.
Perhaps the most famous hit record featuring a lap steel guitar is the 1959 instrumental Sleep Walk by Santo and Johnny.
In more recent years, lap steels have increased in popularity and stylistic reach, thanks to modern players such as Ben Harper, David Lindley, Robert Randolph, Greg Leisz, and Megan Lovell.
ABOUT BILL ASHER
Bill Asher always had an inborn flair for the arts and creativity: his mother was actress Elizabeth Montgomery and his father was producer, director, and screenwriter William Asher.
Mr. Asher served long apprenticeships in the Los Angeles area as a guitar repair technician, restoration specialist, retail music store owner, and guitar builder. His mentors included Jeff Lunsford and Rick Turner.
ASHER ARTISTS
Asher artists include Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Jones, Keb' Mo', Gary Clark, Jr., Waddy Wachtel, Jackson Browne, Robert Randolph, and many others.
OFFERS AND DEALS
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Asher Guitars & Lap Steels
Venice, CA 90291
United States
310-821-2888
bill.asher@asherguitars.com
TEXT AND IMAGE CREDITS: Courtesy of Asher Guitars.
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