Did Telecasters Use To Come With Ashtrays? If So, When Did That Stop?

Yes, and I think, *think*, 1983 with the new American series.

https://www.tdpri.com/threads/what-...ting-the-modern-bridge-on-telecasters.346160/

 

That's a great question and admittedly something I never thought of despite the fact I own several teles, one with the ashtray.

I own a 52 Hot Rod tele that I bought new. It didn't come with an ashtray, I added it after the fact. Honestly, I have never performed with the ashtray on, I find it cumbersome and restrictive. I only use it for display and to complete the guitar case candy. After all, if it's a 52 reissue, I figure it should have the ashtray.

 

great question , Apparently 1983.

 

The ashtray cover. Contender for Leo's worst ever idea.

 

is it supposed to keep you from breaking strings?

 

a half-size cover however is a great idea imho

 

I almost forgot that Strats came with a little one too for a while.

I've heard so many different theories (shielding, tone, hand rest, imitating a pedal steel) but I have no idea what's real.

 

It's for show and comfort. When I had one I rested my hand on it alot while I flatpicked. A sure sign of Tele laziness. Sold it for twice the going cost.

 

Yes all pre CBS & CBS production telecasters with a vintage bridge came with ash trays.

 

Only because I'm a geek, but they weren't called the "American" Standard, just the Standard Series.

The word American didn't appear until after the sale to FMIC and shift to the new facility.

And so it wasn't *all* CBS Telecasters either, because the Standard Series was the last release during the CBS era.

 

It kept a few people from changing their strings. They were afraid, if they took the cover off, they wouldn't be able to get it back on there securely.

And frankly it kept some people from buying the product at all. Never heard of the cover stopping people from breaking a string. Breakers, always find a way.

 

The American Pro currently comes with a mini ash tray. Does that count?

 

No.

:^)

 

Stranger than the ashtray itself was the fact that some people went ahead and played with them on the guitar (see Jimmy Bryant).

 

Albert Collins left his on.

I put mine on my Strat if required (if I'm wearing a suit, my Strat is going to dress up too!).

But the, I've also been known to tie the strap on my Strat at my headstock!

 

No, that would be the Fender Accordion, even though Jimi put the idea in Leo's head.

 

If it were a good idea, all guitars would have something similar. Since it's a bad idea for almost everyone and for very basic reasons, it's not used. Leo was working with the idea that maximum clean was the goal; most of us plam mute, etc., and don't want a fixture in the way.

 

That's just sick!

 

You are right, I changed my original reply.