Exclusive lessons, interviews, presales and features from the GW archive
Curated Newsletters
Handpicked guitar news, lessons and gear highlights
Early Access
Our biggest stories will go to Backstage Pass holders first
Achievements
Unlock badges as you learn and explore
Join the Conversation
Connect with fellow GW fans across the globe
Tailored For You
Lessons, gear and stories picked for you
Sign up to Guitar World Backstage Pass
For the quickest way to join, enter your email below. We’ll send a confirmation email and sign you up to Guitar World newsletters with the latest news, gear reviews, lessons and exclusive offers.
Join Backstage Pass for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.
By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over,
have read our
Privacy Policy
and agree to the
Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.
The redesigned guitar features an all-new folding mechanism and updated aesthetics, and clocks in at over $1,000 cheaper than the original Ascender Custom
Now, the San Diego-based brand is back with an equally fascinating build, the Ascender Standard – an updated, more affordable version of the Ascender platform, which was built in collaboration with industry legends, Grover Jackson and Joe Glaser.
And when we say more affordable, we really mean it: with a targeted MAP of $1,800, it weighs in at over $1,000 cheaper than its $2,999-priced predecessor.
Not only does it sport a fresh new look courtesy of Jackson and Glaser, who redesigned the body style and headstock, it also debuts a redesigned folding system – an innovation that is said to reduce weight and increase usability.
Said folding system operates via a mid-neck hinge, which works alongside a “throttle-style” actuator that loosens/tightens the electric guitar strings prior to folding. When collapsed, it measures a miniscule 18” inches in length.
You’d think that with all the hinges and mechanisms going on, the Ciari clan would’ve had to compromise elsewhere, right? Well, that’s not the case. Like the original version, the Ascender Standard comprises a wealth of impressive functional appointments, including a basswood body, mahogany neck and pau ferro fretboard.
We managed to capture the wizardry of the Ciari Ascender Standard for our NAMM 2022 live blog while perusing the show floor. You can check it out below.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
There are a wealth of sumptuous colorways on display, too, including Natural, Nano-Satin Black, White, Red, Blue and an all-new Seafoam Green.
When collapsed, the Ascender Standard will fit into the included quilted gig-bag, which in turn will be suitable for a range of transport modalities: commercial and private planes, vans, motorcycles and all sorts of water-based vessels. The ultimate travel-friendly guitar? Quite possibly.
Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.
When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.
