James Tyler USA Studio Elite HDX – Double Amethyst Shmear (Serial #25692)
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 perfect example of that.
Custom Factory Upgrades
These features set this guitar apart from a standard Studio Elite HD & HDX and really make it one of a kind.
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Ebony Fingerboard – adds brightness, attack, and a clean feel under the fingers
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Stainless Steel Frets – smooth, durable, and consistent over the life of the instrument
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Luminlay Side Inlays – easy visibility on dark stages
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Double Amethyst Shmear Finish – a standout Tyler finish with depth and character
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Faux Matching Neck – visually ties the entire instrument together
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Gold JT Logo / Made in America by Assholes back headstock logo
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Gold Hardware & Gold Dome Knobs – premium aesthetic that complements the finish
- Mid Boost Preamp with bypass button
- Neck and Bridge on button
- Series / Parallel Button for Bridge
Core Build & Playability
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Alder body for balanced, familiar Studio Elite tone
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Quartersawn Maple neck, standard ’64 carve — feels like an old glove stable, comfortable, and fast to get used to
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1 5/8" nut and wide/tall frets for easy bends and clean articulation
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Hipshot locking tuners
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G2TS bridge for smooth, reliable tremolo performance
The combination of Ebony + stainless steel frets gives the guitar a crisp, responsive feel that suits modern players, session work, and high-gain styles just as well as clean or edge-of-breakup tones.
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
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Master Tone
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Bridge series/parallel switch
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Neck + Bridge switch
This layout gets you well beyond typical S-style wiring. You can cover Strat tones, thicker humbucker sounds, boosted leads, and the always-useful neck+bridge combo without overcomplicating anything.
Included
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G&G / Tyler Signature hardshell case
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Serial #25692
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