2026 James Tyler USA Studio Elite HSS Rosewood Fingerboard Golden Blueberry Shmear 7.90 lbs
STUDIO ELITE SERIES
The Studio Elite models of James Tyler Guitars are the pinnacle of form, function, and sound. Years of feedback from revered studio and gigging guitarists culminated into the ultimate in electric guitars.
HCS-JTS5500 – (Neck/Middle)
Hum-Cancelling Alnico 5 Singlecoil
Neck: Characterized by the familiar sound of the Alnico 5 magnets with more attack, more chime and more power. Full, balanced and responsive with good low end and upper mid sparkle. Wound for SSH application using a 500k volume pot. Nice vibrant 3D qualities.
Middle: Has the same characteristics of the neck but is reverse wound and has reverse polarity for hum cancelling in switch positions 2 and 4. Nice vibrant 3D qualities.
Neck: alnico 5 magnets, counter clockwise winding direction on neck and bridge pickups, clockwise winding direction on middle pickups, north pole top on middle pickups, south pole top on neck and bridge. dc specs 6.90 +/-
Super Humbucker – High Output
Modern straight-up rock pickup. Strong low end, less mid-range push than the Shark or the California Special, but more top end with a nice presence. Great for high gain. Cleans up nicely.
Alnico 5 magnets, counter clockwise winding direction, screw coil south and slug coil north polarity, 53mm wide f spacing, 50mm narrow g spacing. straight humbuckers have a standard coil layout and slanted humbuckers have a traditional Tyler coil layout with pickup at angle and offset coils. dc specs 17.60 +/-
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.
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.
Features
| Condition |
Brand New |
|---|---|
| Weight |
7.90 Pounds (7 lbs 14 oz) |
| Model |
James Tyler USA Studio Elite |
| Builder |
James Tyler USA |
| Finish |
Amethyst Shmear |
| Year |
2026 |
| Year |
2025 |
| Body Type |
Solid Body with Bolt-On Neck |
| Brand |
James Tyler |
| Top Wood |
N/A |
| Body Wood |
Alder |
| Finish Type |
Semi-Gloss |
| Finish Color |
Golden Blueberry Shmear |
| Aging |
N/A |
| Binding |
N/A |
| Neck Wood |
Quartersawn Maple |
| Fingerboard |
Rosewood |
| Neck Carve |
Standard ’59 Neck |
| Scale Length |
25.5'' |
| Neck Dimensions |
.845″-.975″ |
| Neck Radius |
10'' – 12'' Compound Radius |
| Frets |
22 – Wide/Tall Frets |
| Nut Width |
1-5/8″ / 41.3mm |
| Nut Material |
TUSQ |
| Neck Finish |
Natural Satin Finish |
| Inlays |
Lapis Gold Dots |
| Side Dots |
Luminlay Dots |
| Purfling |
N/A |
| Headstock |
Studio Elite Headstock with Faux Matching Finish |
| Bridge Pickup |
James Tyler Super Humbucker |
| Middle Pickup |
HCS-JTS5500 Singlecoil |
| Neck Pickup |
HCS-JTS5500 Singlecoil |
| Hardware |
Gold |
| Bridge |
G2TS – Gotoh 2 post with Tyler Saddles |
| Turners |
Hipshot Locking Tuners |
| Controls |
5-way selector switch / Master volume / Master Tone / Midboost preamp with bypass button / 3xSeries/Split/Parallel mini-toggle for each pickup |
| Electronics |
Lead/Rhythm Circuit 2-way toggle switch / Add Neck & Bridge Button |
| Guitar Case |
James Tyler G&G Deluxe Grey Tolex Hardshell Case |
