Ashton AG131

My last encounter of Ashton guitars electric was back in mid 2000.The thing that caught my attention was the built in electronic tuner on the side of the top upper horn.I could see the creativity and its practicality coming from the manufacturer but to me it was funny plus uncool.As a matter of fact I was deeply offended by this unorthodox inclusion.I mean its fine to put a tuner on an acoustic because back then I couldn't care less about that world but in electric? That's like implying us shredder wannabe as tone/interval deaf.But come to think about it Ashton sin was atom size when compared to Line 6 Variax earlier(sorry no link,can't remember the early 2000 model) and 2012 Peavey AT200 which uses software/micro processor to falsify/impersonate/make believe the real tuning notes without ever touching the machine heads.It doesn't end there because in 2015 Gibson introduced the servo machine heads with a programmable tuner stuck behind the head-stock.Not only we the guitar players were seen to have some sort handicap disability but we are lazy to tune up too? Do check the jerrycan content before pouring on fire.

The Ashton featured here was the owner first electric purchase during his Uni years.Its a handed down guitar from his big brother so I could understand the guitar sentimental attachment to one or both of them.The electronic were jamned,electronic tuner is out(am not repairing this),frets are uneven,neck warped and some dirtiness here and there.

I was surprise to discover the bridge block is light.I'm guessing its aluminium.I was expecting a generic cheap cast iron block slapped under there .I know aluminium don't rust,light weight and strong but I didn't know that this material was cost friendly back then but I think its a good addition to what's already on the market(cast metal,steel,brass etc)

The tone is alright and normal in fact I think with aluminium hardness you'll get less loss of string vibration just as good the steel ones.I don't know as this is just my opinion.You should seek clarity from a metallurgist about this.

The stock broken pots threaded collar is longer than the common 3/8 inch CTS pots so I had to deep route for the new pots to come through.I didn't have any black conductive paint anymore so I use copper foil to cover up the exposed wood in cavity base instead.Frets leveled,setup and so on.

All in all this Ashton didn't gave any hassle during the work because when a guitar was built right,its easy to setup and upgrade right.

Correct me if the model is wrong

yustech