James Tyler USA Studio Elite HSS Maple Fingerboard Rear Rout Floyd Rose Fire & Ice Shmear 7.80 LBS

STUDIO ELITE

First available in 1987, the Studio Elite embodied the essence of the L.A. studio scene. With a contoured and cutaway neck, heel, and body area, plus a deeper cutaway on the treble side, the upper frets are easier to access. The lead/rhythm circuit and mid-boost preamp make the Studio Elite one of the most versatile guitars around. Choose one of our many finishes for just the right look.

Seymour Duncan Classic Stacks (Neck/Middle)

Vintage Voiced Noiseless ST Pickups

The Classic Stack Plus neck pickup looks and sounds like a true Stratocaster single coil but without the traditional single-coil hum. It has all the sparkle and chime you would expect from a vintage Strat pickup.

Like its neck counterpart, the Classic Stack Plus middle pickup provides all of the classic Strat chime. However, it is built with RWRP (Reverse-Wound, Reverse-Polarity) to achieve a hum-free sound in positions 2 & 4.

Complete the set with the Classic Stack Plus bridge pickup, which is wound slightly hotter than the neck and middle models to provide an even balance and output between positions.

Back in the ‘80s, a special bottom coil was patented that injects negative hum into the pickup circuit. At the end of the production process, each pickup is fine-tuned for maximum noise cancellation. This ensures all the great qualities of a classic Strat pickup without the hum.

Hand-built in Santa Barbara, CA, the Classic Stack Plus Stratocaster pickups use hand-ground Alnico 5 rod magnets and feature a splittable 3-conductor lead wire for true single-coil operation. Each pickup is wax-potted for squeal-free performance.

California Special – High Output Humbucker

Chunky and punchy with great low mids. Big with balanced upper midrange. The tone of this pickup has been compared to the voice of James Earl Jones. It delivers a strong attack with good sustain.

3-Way Mini Toggle for Each Pickup (Series/Split/Parallel)

Each pickup features a dedicated 3-way mini toggle switch, providing enhanced control over tonal shaping and pickup response:

• Up – Series Coils: Standard humbucker mode, delivering a full, powerful tone with increased output and natural hum cancellation.
• Middle – Split Coils: Activates a true single-coil for enhanced clarity and articulation, with 60Hz noise present (hum-canceling in selector positions 2 & 4).
• Down – Parallel Coils: Engages both coils in parallel, producing a brighter, more open sound with a slightly lower output—cooler and more subtle than series mode while still maintaining hum cancellation.

This versatile coil-switching system allows for dynamic tonal flexibility, catering to a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.

Mid-Boost System: Definition & Functionality

The Mid-Boost System is an onboard active circuit designed to enhance midrange frequencies, providing increased warmth, sustain, and punch to the guitar’s tone. It is particularly useful for cutting through a mix, adding body to clean tones, and driving amplifiers harder for a more dynamic and expressive lead sound.

How It Works:

• Utilizes an active preamp (often powered by a 9V battery) to boost midrange frequencies while preserving clarity.
• Can be controlled via a dedicated knob or push/pull potentiometer, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to the midrange response.
• Typically provides up to +25dB of boost, allowing for increased sustain and more pronounced presence in a band mix.
• Works effectively with single-coils and humbuckers, making it highly versatile across various musical styles.

Rhythm/Lead Circuit

The “Rhythm/Lead Circuit” is a distinctive feature found on certain James Tyler guitars, notably the Studio Elite model. This circuit enhances the instrument’s versatility by allowing players to switch between preset pickup configurations seamlessly.

Functionality:

• Lead/Rhythm Toggle Switch: Enables quick transitions between two modes:
  • Rhythm Mode: Engages the pickup selection as determined by the 5-way selector switch, offering a range of tonal options.
  • Lead Mode: Overrides the current pickup selection to activate the bridge pickup in series mode, delivering a powerful, full-output sound ideal for solos.

Add Neck & Bridge Button

The “Add Neck & Bridge” button on James Tyler Guitars allows players to engage both the neck and bridge pickups simultaneously, offering a unique tonal blend not typically available with standard pickup configurations. This feature enhances the guitar’s versatility, enabling a combination of the warmth from the neck pickup and the brightness of the bridge pickup for a rich, full-bodied sound.