So, the title pretty much says it all. I know that at some point maybe in the late 80's or early 90's Fender included the TBX in (all?) the American Standard line. A friend of mine's 1996 Am. Std. Strat (SN N6178XXX) has no TBX.
He bought it used (seller claimed the guitar was 100% stock), and after taking a look inside, we are 99% sure the TBX was removed by the previous owner (my friend had never opened the pickguard) He didn't know those 1996's should come with TBXs , but anyway, that made me think: did Fender ever made some Am. Std. Strats with no TBX or no Delta Tone at some point? Maybe a special-run or limited edition? The possibility exists?

Just in case I come across with someone saying they have an "all-original no TBX Standard" again

*Originally posted in the "accessories" Forum, but I realized that I could get more answers here.

I'm not sure if you found your answer, but I found that Fender did not install the Delta Tone system into left handed versions of the guitar. Maybe the same goes for the TBX control.

I don't know if yours is left handed but if it is, that's probably why.

His was a right handed, candy apple red (or any sort of metallic red).. so.. no final conclusions, but thatnks for the info!

To the best of my knowledge, in that year, TBX in the Claptons only. Delta-Tone in the MIA Standards.

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