James Tyler L.A. Studio Classic

While I absolutely love Tyler's signature schmear finishes that have made him a legend in the boutique world, after decades as both an artist and dealer, at times I find myself drawn to the more traditional Tyler aesthetic. There's something deeply satisfying about the old-school approach, and this transparent red quilted Studio Elite perfectly captures that timeless appeal while showcasing everything that makes a Tyler guitar extraordinary.

This transparent red finish over quilted maple is simply eye-poppingly gorgeous. The way the quilted figure dances beneath that rich red translucency creates visual depth that draws you in from across the room. Combined with the roasted birdseye maple neck, this is a guitar I genuinely want to reside in – it feels like home the moment you pick it up.

The roasted birdseye neck deserves special mention. Beyond its stunning visual impact, the roasting process adds stability and a subtle vintage warmth to the tone that perfectly complements the alder body. Tyler's standard '59 shape carve remains one of my all-time favorites, offering that perfect balance of comfort and speed that serious players demand.

What truly sets this Studio Elite apart is its remarkably modern electronics execution housed within this classic aesthetic. The JTS5500 single coils deliver those pristine, articulate tones that defined the '80s session scene, while the Secret humbucker adds the muscle needed for contemporary styles. The midboost preamp with bypass gives you incredible tonal flexibility – you can dial in everything from crystalline clean sounds to saturated lead tones with surgical precision.

The series/parallel switching for the bridge pickup and the neck+bridge combination button open up even more sonic possibilities. These aren't gimmicky additions; they're thoughtfully implemented tools that expand your musical vocabulary without compromising the guitar's fundamental character.

To me, this is the "Super Strat" that most other guitars in this category hope to be. It combines Tyler's legendary playability and craftsmanship with electronics sophisticated enough to handle any musical challenge you can imagine. Whether you're channeling classic '80s session magic or pushing into modern territory, this Studio Elite delivers with the kind of musical authority that only comes from decades of refinement and innovation.

This is Tyler at his finest – honoring tradition while embracing the future, creating an instrument that's both familiar and extraordinary.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT TYLER GUITARS
James Tyler has had a guitar in his hand almost every day since he first picked one up the summer after seventh grade, in 1964. In college, Jim studied Architecture, Design, Music, Photography and for a couple years, Theology. He paid his way through these years of collage doing guitar repair work at local guitar stores, and as a factory trained auto mechanic for Alfa Romeo, Lancia, BMW and Fiat. Later into the 1970’s, he got connected with the guys at Norman’s Rare Guitars in the San Fernando Valley, and became their main repair and restoration guy. Jim’s abilities continued to expand and soon he had enough experience and reputation that he opened his first repair shop in Reseda, CA in 1980. Since then its been a whirlwind of successes, including being chosen to be displayed among the great California guitar companies such as Fender, Rickenbacker, Mosrite and Charvel in the Museum of California's exhibit The Ultimate Guitar Show and building for artists such as Michael Landau, David Williams, Steve Lukather, Michael Anthony, and Dan Huff. James' design shapes and various ground breaking guitar finishes and most recently his line of pickups have virtually transformed the guitar building industry.