James Tyler Guitars Studio Elite HDX | Vice Shmear
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James Tyler has always done things his own way. While everyone else was busy trying to build the perfect vintage-inspired Strat-style guitar, Tyler went in the opposite direction. More switching. More personality. More color. Somehow, against all odds, it all works.
This Studio Elite HDX is a perfect example. Sure, the Vice Shmear finish grabs your attention first (it's impossible not to), but the reason people become Tyler fans has less to do with the paint and more to do with the feel. The ST64 birdseye maple neck is one of those necks that makes you want to keep playing and the alder body has that lively, balanced response that makes every note feel connected to your hands.
Then there's the electronics. The JTS5500 single coils have an openness that stays articulate even with a lot of gain, while the Super humbucker adds just enough authority without turning it into a completely different guitar. Add the midboost, series/parallel switching, neck-and-bridge option, and bypass switch, and you've got more useful sounds than most drummers can count... Kidding.
I think that's what makes a Tyler special. It isn't weird for the sake of being weird. Every eccentric decision is backed up by a guitar that simply plays ridiculously well.
| Weight | 7lbs 12oz |
|---|---|
| Body Wood | Alder |
| Neck Wood | Birdseye Maple (ST64) |
| Fingerboard | Birdseye Maple |
| Nut Width | 1-5/8" |
| Frets | Wide/Tall |
| Neck Pickup | JTS5500 Single Coil |
| Middle Pickup | JTS5500 Single Coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Super Humbucker |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone, Midboost Preamp, Preamp Bypass, Bridge Series/Parallel, Neck + Bridge |
| Switching | 5-Way Selector |
|---|---|
| Bridge | G2TS Tremolo |
| Tuners | Hipshot Locking |
| Hardware | Chrome |
| Pickguard | White Pearl |
| Finish | Vice Shmear |
| Matching Headstock | Blue Neon |
| Logo | Black Exlogo with "Built in America by Assholes" (BIABA) |
| Finish Type | Semi Gloss |
| Case | Original G&G Tyler Deluxe Hardshell Case |
What our collectors say.
"Blaise spent an hour with me in the gallery before I even thought about buying. No pressure, just passion. I ended up leaving with the perfect guitar."
"The whole experience felt completely different from any guitar store I've been to. It felt like a private gallery."
"I traded in two guitars towards a PRS Private Stock and the whole process was handled perfectly. Fast, fair, and totally transparent."
"Bought my first boutique guitar through The Vibrato Bar. The attention to detail from the setup, the packaging and the follow-up was all exceptional."