James Tyler Guitars Studio Elite HDX | Vice Shmear

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