Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

jaybonitrane

jaybonitrane

Snickerdoodle Milk
Why are they so expensive?

I almost played one today but I decided to wait until tomorrow.
It wasn't beautiful in any way. IMO.
The seller says that the factory is sold out for the next 2 years if I decide to wait.
5000$ ...for that?! I could get 2 LP's instead!

The only thing special about it...it seemed to have a solid rosewood neck. ..but I didn't have time to ask.
3 tone metallic splatter rubbed back to look faded.
U know..fugly.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

Because at the flip of a button it can emulate 20 something guitars relatively well, can also be played with its own pickups, and can be digitally detuned into a variety of tunings without messing with strings. It also solved the problems of the previous builds with digital goof ups. They also don't look too bad.
If you want the tunings thing, get a Peavey Auto tune guitar, though they don't sound too great.

or if you're talking about his boutique guitars...I have zero clue. Absolutely zero. I have no idea why someone would pay more than $750 for a guitar TBH.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

I've been drooling over the Korean JTV Variax ever since I saw the first demo. I haven't seen a real guitar yet, none of the shops in my area distribute the Variax. I'm still anxiously awaiting one so I can give it a whirl. If the modeling is anywhere near as realistic as advertised it's a hard guitar to ignore. Line6 also offers a USA made version at a considerably higher price. I'm not sure if you're referring to the USA JTV Variax or a true JTV custom guitar.

I'm not familiar with JTV's custom made guitars. Line6 makes a big fuss over JTV's custom guitars since they contracted with JTV to design & manufacture the new Variax, but again I've never actually see one. If the JTV custom guitars are true "Luthier" hand made guitars, as Line6 claims, I would expect them to be exceptional instruments. If not then I don't understand what all the fuss is about. But I do have to admit that the new Variax is a much more worthy instrument than the previous attempts.
 
Last edited:
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

My buddy has one right now, his 2nd. Seemed OK but not for the kind of money they're trading for.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

Uhh, I think the original post is asking about a James Tyler axe, not the James Tyler Variax.

James Tyler guitars are expensive because they are a small, US custom shop with top notch luthiers building a small number of top of the line guitars. Compare them to the Schecter USA Custom Shop (did you know they had one? They made top shelf guitars since the late 70's or the 80's), Zion guitars, the former Hamer and Robin custom shops, and some of the other small US custom guitar builders.
Tyler guitars do have their own style of aesthetics. The headstock shape and swirl finishes are a unique look.

A guitarist who took my spot in a band I used to play in many years ago let me play his James Tyler a bit between sets a few years ago. His guitar is a H-S-S Strat style instruments like most Tylers I've seen, with great tone and flawless construction and attention to detail, as I would expect from a small US custom guitar builder. He's a boutique gear enthusiast, so in addition to the Tyler guitar, he had some boutique amp and pedals which I can't remember the brands of right now. If you're into top notch boutique gear, Tyler is a name to consider. There are a number of pro studio guitar players who swear by their Tyler guitars.

The Variax is a smart business decision on Tyler's part. It no doubt increased their business, and it gets their name out there to people who otherwise haven't heard of Tyler guitars.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

The Variax models don't count, they're a different animal.

The regular James Tyler guitars are hand made, and on the level of Tom Anderson or Suhr, so that's where the price is.

I think they're ugly and would rather go for a Suhr or Anderson. Tyler's are supposed to be more vintage voiced- in that regard Is be looking to Fender Custom Shop for the price
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

Ok...it is the James Tyler custom boutique class.
The model is called "The Mongoose" serial number 255.
The color is called "Burning Water".
Its not quite as fugly after I get used to it....going to test drive it in a little while while the store techs install a full set of Black Winters in my CS Siberian Tiger LP.
Here some stock pics from the seller.....
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

Rand-O-Monium said:
Looks OK,but taht headstock...
Click to expand...

The price was $6700...now a flat 5Grand. ?. I always reserve my judgement for tone as the priority...how I end up with lot of great sounding guitars that dont win for looks. Does it sound like a 5000$ guitar? That is the remaining question.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

Rand-O-Monium said:
Good Luck!!!

:)
Click to expand...

Thx. ..Although I don't want it. The strange price has peaked my curiosity.
I will try it on stock Marshall 900 head with Marshall cab vintage 30's and PRS 25th anniversary head with Mesa dual rec Cab...and my Fully modded Marshall 800 head with Mesa dual rec cab.
I can feel the store employees wincing already...muahaha.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

So ugly, so expensive. I'm embarrassed that they're made nearby. :thumbsdow

They look like something from New Joisey! :nana:
 
Last edited:
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

I've tried 3, being 2 x S types and a T type. All were absolutely fabulous to play and sounded great. OK so the headstock isn't everyone's cup of tea but the build quality and finish is easily up there with the best of the best. I'd love Studio Elite Burning Water 2K myself!
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

K..I tried it while the techs installed the full set of Black winters in my CS Siberian Tiger LP.

Those Black Winters in the Paul can't be beat. Love Love Love my LP now.
 
Re: Anybody try a James Tyler axe?

jaybonitrane said:
Does it sound like a 5000$ guitar? That is the remaining question.
Click to expand...
Does a $5000 Fender Custom Shop master built Strat sound 5x better, play 5x better than a $1000 mass produced American Standard Strat? The American Standard Strat is a great guitar.
It's a question of whether you want a great guitar, or whether you GOTTA have a master built custom shop guitar.
Thanks for the photos. I had not seen a Tyler with that body shape before.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top