The Altitude Summary

It's not every day that we get our hands on a James Tyler, let alone this special edition Ice Water Classic!  Holding this guitar in your hands speaks to the bespoke quality by James Tyler; effortlessly lightweight, precisely constructed, and just oozes of quality.  The finish on this is gorgeous, and the neck feels like butter.  Playing this guitar brings the player to the echelon levels of what is possible for an s-style guitar.  The versatile HSS pickup combination is stellar, with crushing leads through the bridge and beautiful smoothness out of the single coil in the neck.  What a guitar! Overall, this guitar is mint, save a few hard-to-see surface pickguard scratches.

Welcome to the Club

Enter a prestigious community of legendary guitarists like Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, David Williams, Abe Laboriel, Dann Huff, and Buzz Feiten, who are highly regarded by their peers for their exceptional playing skills. Some have even achieved the status of being known by just one name, such as Prince. Other notable members include John Fogerty, Steve Howe, Elvis Costello, Walter Becker, and George Lynch. While the James Tyler Owner's Club itself may not exist, the bond shared by those who own James Tyler guitars is undeniably exclusive and revered. The guitars themselves exude a certain aura of mystery and confidentiality, solidifying James Tyler's reputation as an expert in the industry. Joining this elite gathering is as simple as owning a James Tyler guitar - no special invitation or password required. Spotting someone with a James Tyler guitar is like spotting a fellow member of this private club.

Story Behind the Man

The enigmatic James Tyler, known for his love of tinkering with guitars and cars, gained an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and modern precision through his unique background.  As a repair specialist at Norman's Rare Guitars, James Tyler eventually began building guitars using parts from Schecter, Kubicki, and Tom Anderson. His shop, initially unknown, now attracts famed LA musicians seeking lightning-fast, hot-rodded guitars.

According to popular knowledge, James Tyler was creating exceptional instruments with beautiful sounds, resulting in a large customer base. Thus began the era where Tyler guitars were the predominant sound on the airwaves. A prime example is the iconic riff in Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," performed by David Williams on his Tyler. Tylers were a vital element in numerous hits of the eighties, solidifying James Tyler's position in the guitar Valhalla.  James Tyler constantly innovated, developing unique finish techniques and creating standout colors like Alien Guano and Ice Water, along with his own proprietary pickups that produce an otherworldly sound.

As a product or industry expert, you may be wondering about the quality of James Tyler's guitars. How have they gained recognition among studio musicians? The answer lies in James's dedication to blending modern manufacturing methods with traditional expertise. While advanced tools like computerized milling machines and laser machines are utilized for precise playing, the human touch is also valued. Hand-shaping the necks and hours spent sanding, painting, and dressing the frets allow for exceptional craftsmanship.

Each guitar undergoes an intense and thorough testing process post-assembly to ensure it meets the standards of even the most discerning player. The team at James Tyler strives for every instrument to feel like a familiar companion from the moment you start playing, combining hard work and innovative engineering to consistently deliver exceptional quality.