James Tyler USA Studio Elite HDX – Burning Water (Serial #25693)
+ WITH CUSTOM FACTORY UPGRADES
+ Luminlay inlays (side only)
+ Stainless Steel Frets
+ Burning Water finish on Neck
+ Kill Switch
GMI worked directly with the Tyler team to create this Custom Shop–level Studio Elite HDX, built with a set of factory upgrades unique to this guitar. It starts with the familiar feel and flexibility of the Studio Elite platform, then adds premium, player-focused features chosen specifically by GMI to deliver a higher-spec instrument for serious working guitarists.
HD vs HDX — Quick Overview
This Studio Elite HDX is a higher-spec, custom-featured version of the classic Studio Elite HD, built for players who want the Tyler feel but with some premium upgrades throughout. It keeps everything people love about the Studio Elite platform, but adds the kind of refinements that make a real difference on stage and in the studio.
HD vs HDX — What’s the Difference?
The standard Studio Elite HD is already a versatile workhorse: great ergonomics, midboost preamp system, and the signature Tyler neck feel.
The Studio Elite HDX Controls: • Midboost Preamp with Bypass Button • Neck & Bridge Button • Series/Parallel Button for Bridge Humbucker Tyler reserves the “X” for builds with elevated, factory-level upgrades
This guitar is a textbook example of what makes an HDX special.
Custom Factory Upgrades
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Burning Water Finish – one of Tyler’s most recognisable and requested finishes
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Stainless Steel Frets – smooth feel, long life, and consistent playability
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Luminlay Side Dots – stage-friendly visibility
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Faux Matching Neck – blends the aesthetic of the neck into the body finish
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Kill Switch – quick stutter effects or instant mute
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Black Hardware & Black Dome Knobs – cleans up the look and suits the Burning Water finish
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Standard JT Logo in black / Made in America by Assholes back headstock logo
These features elevate this HDX beyond a standard HD, giving it a more modern, performance-driven feel.
Core Build & Playability
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Alder body for balanced, full-spectrum response
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Quartersawn Maple neck, standard ’64 shape – stable, comfortable, instantly familiar
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Rosewood fingerboard – warmer attack and a smooth, broken-in feel
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1 5/8" nut with wide/tall frets for clean bending and articulation
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Hipshot locking tuners for rock-solid stability
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G2TS tremolo – smooth, responsive, built for real use
The combination of Rosewood with stainless frets gives this guitar a slightly rounder note attack while keeping the snap and clarity Tyler guitars are known for.
Electronics & Switching
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Straight JTS5500 single coils
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California Special humbucker
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Master Volume
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Midboost Preamp with bypass switch
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Master Tone
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Bridge series/parallel switch
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Neck + Bridge switch
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Kill Switch for quick cuts and rhythmic effects
This setup covers everything from traditional S-style tones to thicker humbucker sounds and boosted leads. Add the kill switch and you also get creative, performance-ready control right at your fingertips.
Included
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Genuine G&G / Tyler Signature hardshell case
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Serial #25693
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