How to remove ashtray cover on Cutlass

[SlimBob]

Is there some kind of trick to removing the cover plate thingy over the saddles on the Cutlass? Is there a screw or is it just a friction fit that you pull off?? Thanks

 

[mikeller]

Is there some kind of trick to removing the cover plate thingy over the saddles on the Cutlass? Is there a screw or is it just a friction fit that you pull off?? Thanks

It is attached by screws from the bottom. If I recall, you have to remove the strings and springs and (very carefully) lift the bridge out of the guitar and unscrew the cover

 

[SlimBob]

It is attached by screws from the bottom. If I recall, you have to remove the strings and springs and (very carefully) lift the bridge out of the guitar and unscrew the cover

OK Thanks. The chrome has started flaking off - probably should have removed it when it first started and put it away to keep it pretty in case I want to sell it some day.

 

[DrKev]

Call Music Man and buy a new one. It will look like a batwing without it.

 

[SlimBob]

Call Music Man and buy a new one. It will look like a batwing without it.

Hmmmm. Interesting - maybe I'll leave it as is flakes an all for a while. I've had it a couple of years now and still love love it. I tried one at a big box store and could tell it would be a great alternative to a Strat. When another Cutlass at another big box store showed up as available I bought from a photo. EB/MM was very helpful when I discovered the 2 single coils were microphonic and they sent me a new pickguard assembly. Then the jack/switch started acting up - it would cut out while playing - they sent a new jack. My old thread here about the flaky chrome starting on the ashtray must have disappeared - I was going to revive it with an I told ya so to those who were doubters. The bottom line on this particular part is - if they want the chrome to stay on it they will have to make it out of brass or nickel or something that chrome will stick to.

 

[DonA]

The bridge cover on my Cutlass is flaking as well. I contacted EBMM about a new part. They want $60 which I though was a little high to replace a part with a manufacturing defect, especially when I don't know if the new part is any better. It's a shame on an otherwise good guitar.

BTW, you can get plating to adhere to a die cast part. It's been done for many years.