DJP ATL-1SB Better late than never ...

[Bakersdozen]

From a playing perspective, what is you opinion of the “ashtray”? As an inveterate palm muter it would definitely take some getting used to, but there is part of me that loves the idea of making an esquire style TL with an ashtray bridge. I’m just not sure if I’d ever use it.

Same, I really love the look of an ashtray - but it would come straight off when playing

[DJP]

Its definitely different, but not too bad - but then I've probably got small hands. That said I just played around and realised that when palm muting I invariably end up picking just forward of the neck pick up.
Cover looks really cool tho.

[DJP]

I've not put the string tree on it yet as it didn't seem to need it and plays very well. I've put a tree on previous "fender" type headstock builds. However I think I will add one for completeness this evening as although it is playing nicely, I might well tinker with the nut and action in coming weeks and suspect that whilst it seems not to need a tree now, that could change. Unlikely to have any adverse effects anyway.