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Hello...and welcome to the Asher Guitars & Lap Steels site! I'm Bill
Asher and I'm glad you're here!
  It
was back in my high school wood shop class where I made my very
first guitar body, a copy of my Fender Stratocaster¨. It wasn't
all that bad--it even landed me my first apprenticeship in the business.
So as you can see, I've come a long way since then. And now that
I've been in the business of vintage guitar repair, restoration
and custom building for over two decades, I still love what I do!
How cool is that?
Now, with Asher Guitars & Lap Steels, I am
finally dedicating my work to building and designing the highest quality--and
coolest looking--electric guitars and lap steels out there. Enjoy!
-Bill Asher
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BILL ASHER - LUTHIER/OWNER 
Bill Asher, founder, owner and master builder behind Asher Guitars
& Lap Steels is also the head honcho and master luthier of the
renowned custom shop Guitar Traditions in Los Angeles. Asher has
a diverse and extensive 22-year career in the guitar business and
has worked with an impressive list of clients including Grammy Award
winners and Billboard Chart topping musicians.
Asher began his career in 1982 as an apprentice at a Los Angeles
guitar making and repair shop run by Jeff Lunsford. In 1985 he opened
his own retail shop providing the highest quality guitar work built
on his natural gift as a craftsman, and soon became highly valued
by his clients for his creative solutions and excellent customer
service. After selling his store in 1987, he continued to broaden
his knowledge of guitar repair and the business in general by working
with highly respected guitar makers such as Rick Turner and Mark
Lacey. He played an integral part in managing and leading their
shops in vintage restoration and repair, guitar sales and marketing,
as well as custom design and the creation of fine instruments.
Through the years, Asher has established a huge list of loyal clientele
including over 1000 musicians, vintage dealers and collectors.
 In
1998, Asher collaborated with rock star Ben Harper to create
the Asher Slide Guitar: Limited Edition Ben Harper Model, which
is the predecessor to the Asher Electro
Hawaiian® Lap Steel. Ben Harper, who has given the lap steel
guitar a new voice in music history, along with the classic Hawaiian
lap steels made by Herman Weissenborn in the late 20's, ignited
Asher's love for designing and building a masterfully crafted modern-day
lap steel. Not compromising on style or quality, Asher set out and
created a lap steel offering more sustain, greater tonal variation
and pickup options much like modern electric guitars.
In December 1999, the Asher Slide Guitar in the hands of
Ben Harper, appeared on the cover of Guitar
Player Magazine. Needless to say, Asher's lap steels have become
widely popular. In 2003, Asher became one of the featured contemporary
steel guitar makers in the first comprehensive book about lap-style
guitars titled, "Lap Steel Guitar,"
written by musician and journalist Andy Volk.
Today, Asher is continually being sought after by musicians, collectors
and dealers-alike for his impeccable and creative work.
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THE ASHER TEAM
This is the Asher Team that makes it all happen
here at Asher Guitars & Lap Steels.
The mastermind behind Asher Guitars and Lap Steels is of course
Bill Asher. He is responsible for designing and
producing high quality instruments for the music-loving community.
He ensures the integrity and quality of each and every instrument
that bears the Asher name, and is constantly striving to improve
and grow the company. When he’s not working, Bill enjoys rock
climbing, surfing and moonlights as a local tennis champion.
Jessica Asher is the company's office manager who
oversees administrative and financial aspects of Asher Guitars.
She is also responsible for advertising, marketing and maintaining
commerce on the website. Jessica brings to the company a Bachelor's
Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Masters Degree in Print
Journalism from Boston University. Jessica also has another very
important job – full time mom for daughter Makaela. Makaela
will one day be working in the shop doing refrets next to her dad.
Asher guitar builder Cory Davis is an accomplished
craftsman who has over a decades worth of experience in finish carpentry
and high-end custom projects. He learned most of his woodworking
skills from his father through the years and has refined his craft
on a variety of creative projects. Cory is an extremely versatile
and valuable asset to the company. Cory is also a world-traveled
surfer, snowboarder and skateboarder who brings not only a positive
vibe and his many talents to this company, but also entertains us
with his colorful stories of his adventures overseas.
Asher guitar specialist Matt Bradford graduated
at the top of his class at the Guitar Craft Academy in Hollywood,
California. Immersed in all things guitar, from teaching, playing
and now repairing and restoring, Matt maintains a strong work ethic
and fresh enthusiasm for each an every instrument repair set before
him. Matt unsuccessfully performed his first repair job on his own
guitar when he was seventeen. That didn’t stop him, however,
from learning how to do the job right. Today, his skills are put
to the test daily on valuable instruments and major restorations.
His attention to detail and sheer determination to be the best at
what he does, will ensure his future as a talented luthier.
 Wylie
is the resident mascot of Asher Guitars. She is responsible for
greeting all clients and visitors that come to the shop as well
as upholding company morale and a fun-loving spirit.
If you have any questions, feel free to CALL at 310.821.2888
-or- email us at: info@asherguitars.com.
Click here if you want to see photos of
us in action.
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SHOP PHOTOS
Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images of our workshop:
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