RIP James Tyler

[Catthan]

My BW2K was my #1 for 7 years straight during my "pro" performing career. It was just right in every respect- tone, weight, feel, reliability.
Bought £3750 new in 2013 and luckily got my money back when I sold during covid.
I do find current prices out of proportion and prefer older Andersons these days but it's sad that innovators and key figures of guitar 'culture' are either not with us or not in biz anymore (e.g. Randal Smith) and more will follow one way or another..
Such is life though..

 

[mentoneman]

His daughters set up a gofund me to support a James Tyler Music Foundation

https://gofund.me/329c095f

I hope they have a cool musical tribute with Tyler alumni at his memorial

 

[CrystalSky]

Sad stuff. May not have liked his designs, but the playability of Tylers is nearly unrivaled with how they break in their necks from the factory. I'm glad there are people still there to keep the brand going, but it's sad seeing such a famous builder who helped shape 80s session guitar tones leave this world.

I wonder if James himself did any work on those guitars or will they be able to proceed and maintain quality level without the man himself?

 

[CrystalSky]

@braintheory have you managed to try one of these Tylers?

 

[Code001]

I wonder if James himself did any work on those guitars or will they be able to proceed and maintain quality level without the man himself?

James did, but they have a handful of master builders who do top notch work. Rich Renken took over a few years ago. He's been with the company since the 80s or something and appears to be maintaining it just as James would have. Haven't played any of the newer ones, but I would expect them to have the same quality.

 

[braintheory]

@braintheory have you managed to try one of these Tylers?

I have. Nice guitars, some very nice, but there are other guitars I liked even more

 

[CrystalSky]

I have. Nice guitars, some very nice, but there are other guitars I liked even more

About those I already know

Thanks for chiming in. I was always curious about these.

 

[CrystalSky]

James did, but they have a handful of master builders who do top notch work. Rich Renken took over a few years ago. He's been with the company since the 80s or something and appears to be maintaining it just as James would have. Haven't played any of the newer ones, but I would expect them to have the same quality.

Good news. Thanks for the info on company’s structure. But if somebody wants one, I would hurry up until something changed.

 

[memberzonly]

They are still exceptional guitars. I have 2 post-James builds and they are just as nice as the old ones I have owned.