Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 11:12:31 AM

Title: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 11:12:31 AM
It's a James Tyler Mongoose Retro.  :D

This was totally unplanned.  I'd been thinking about buying "something nice" for a few months, mostly considering a few different PRS models and pondering Fender Custom Shop (too expensive!).  I even bought a PRS, didn't like it and sent it back.

Then on Sunday evening I was Googling pictures of PRS Swamp Ash Specials, not thinking of buying one but just looking at the finishes.  I ended up on the World Guitars website.... and there was this Tyler.

It's a 2007 model, used but near-as-dammit mint condition (I've spotted two tiny marks on the neck, one or two more on the body, but that's it apart from strum-marks on the scratchplate).  And a great price (I think) for a Tyler, not that I'm an expert.   We're not talking "Oxford Guitar Gallery Sale" prices, but it was.... affordable.

Anyway, here are some pics, including that love-it-or-hate-it headstock (feel free to slag it off  :lol: ):

(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/Tyler%20Mongoose/tyler-mongoose-retro-lg7.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/Tyler%20Mongoose/tyler-mongoose-retro-lg8.jpg)(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/Tyler%20Mongoose/tyler-mongoose-retro-lg9.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/Tyler%20Mongoose/tyler-mongoose-retro-lg2.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/Tyler%20Mongoose/tyler-mongoose-retro-lg4.jpg)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: mikeluke on October 07, 2010, 11:42:29 AM
Everything but the headstock....

:-)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Andrew W on October 07, 2010, 11:43:09 AM
I like it, especially the body: really good subtle tweaks to the Tele shape.  Don't love the headstock and never have but I admire them for doing something different and it's exquisitely screwed together no doubt.  I assume you're now saving up for a set of battle-damaged ceramic War-Pigs to put it right? ;)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 11:47:24 AM
I assume you're now saving up for a set of battle-damaged ceramic War-Pigs to put it right? ;)

However did you guess?  :lol:

Obviously I'll have to gouge a bit of wood out of the bridge pickup cavity to make it fit.  I think I've got a big flat-bladed screwdriver somewhere, that'll do the job....

Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 07, 2010, 12:11:38 PM
Sorry Phil but....

(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9356/disgust.jpg) (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/disgust.jpg/)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: gordiji on October 07, 2010, 12:31:19 PM
lovely jubbly, headstock looks great but would be greater without the name everywhere!
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: bucketshred on October 07, 2010, 12:46:51 PM
Yuk :( not my taste at all, enjoy!!

Paddy
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: blue on October 07, 2010, 01:21:02 PM
generally gorgeous guitar, but i really don't like the headstock!!  i think it works ok on some of the more outlandishly finished strat style guitars, but for a more traditional looking instrument such as this, i really think they should come up with something a little less... garish

should be a fabulous guitar though, and i'm sure it plays and sound fabulous.  enjoy, Philly ;)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Roobubba on October 07, 2010, 01:27:06 PM
I probably don't even need to post here, do I?
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: shobet on October 07, 2010, 01:30:00 PM
If it's anything like the Tyler I tried locally it will be a nice guitar.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 01:39:52 PM
I probably don't even need to post here, do I?

Well the shape is slightly Les Paulish, different outline on the "bulbous bit" - I thought it might win you over just a little?  :wink:


You lot are defying my expectations.... I know the Tyler headstock has provoked everything from mild disapproval to projectile vomiting on previous threads, but I thought if someone actually bought one the reaction might be a bit different.  
It's fun, keep 'em coming!  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on October 07, 2010, 01:40:08 PM
I probably don't even need to post here, do I?

 :D

Looks very nice Philly! Not feeling the headstock, but liking the look of the neck pickup. Is that a Firebird pickup or just a regular mini humbucker?
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: AndyR on October 07, 2010, 01:47:54 PM
Headstock... er, no. Might be better if it was finished in sunburst to match the body? (:lol:)

Looks cute otherwise. Shape somehow reminds me of Ovation roundbacked electro-acoustics, could be the sunburst is adding a lot to that impression.

The front looks fairly stunning in those pics. :D
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 01:52:55 PM
Looks very nice Philly! Not feeling the headstock, but liking the look of the neck pickup. Is that a Firebird pickup or just a regular mini humbucker?

Apparently it's a Duncan minibucker, with a plain cover instead of the usual stamped "S" design.  No idea if it's one of their three standard models or a custom one.  The bridge pickup is a Tyler "own brand", again I don't know anything about the specs.

Haven't plugged it in yet.... if I'm not crazy about the stock pickups I might transplant my Lollar Firebird pickup.

Headstock... er, no. Might be better if it was finished in sunburst to match the body? (:lol:)

Sunbursts are the exception to my "colour-matched headstock preferred" rule!  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Twinfan on October 07, 2010, 02:44:16 PM
I'm sure it's a great guitar Phil!  Does nothing for me though I'm afraid.  For something on a similar theme, I'd plump for one of these:

(http://www.fanoguitars.com/images/sp6bsbfull.jpg)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 03:19:17 PM
Yeah, I really like the Fano SP6, as you know, but there was just something about this Tyler...

I have to say, it doesn't feel Tele-like, it's very "Vorsprung Durch Technik".  The chambered body and Gotoh bridge give it quite a warm, mellow tone, not chicken-pickin' at all.... which is fine!  It's incredibly easy to play (even for me), the strings are supposed to be 10s but feel more like 9s (it may turn out that's exactly what they are, of course  :lol: ).

And what a great neck!  Fairly shallow at the nut, chunky at the 12th, and the fingerboard edges are so rounded-off they're almost "scalloped" between the frets. 

My only gripe (so far, give it time...  :roll: ) would be the pots - they're the really stiff type (CTS, probably) and it's very hard to turn them with the small not-very-knurled Tele knobs.  I have some chrome Duesenberg knobs which I may try if they don't look too stupid.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Transcend on October 07, 2010, 03:27:34 PM
Love the guitar itself but that headstock is almost up there with the BC rich/Dean/90% of washburn abomination types

It looks as though they couldnt be bothered to finish designing the headstock or just got bored when shaping it...

But as i said other than that it is an absolutely lovely looking guitar
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 07, 2010, 05:38:48 PM
I have some chrome Duesenberg knobs which I may try if they don't look too stupid.

Really, I wouldn't worry about that being a concern on a Tyler  :? :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 05:42:32 PM
I have some chrome Duesenberg knobs which I may try if they don't look too stupid.

Really, I wouldn't worry about that being a concern on a Tyler  :? :lol:

Oooooh!  :P

(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/handbags.jpg)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 07, 2010, 05:54:49 PM
I'm feeling a bit guilty... but..

Why does he insist on building an otherwise gorgeous top spec range of guitars then slap that carbuncle of a headstock on them.

It kinda gets me angry...

He even puts a god awful repeating block script logo on it... ARRGH ... FFS!!! ....  :x :x

(http://www.bloglifetime.com/images/blogs/11-2007/different-versions-of-the-mona-lisa.jpg)



Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Brow on October 07, 2010, 06:26:32 PM
Atleast if you ever get snowed in at home you could use the headstock as a shovel!  :lol:

Otherwise, really nice looking guitar! Hope you enjoy it
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Telerocker on October 07, 2010, 06:41:33 PM
If the guitar plays and sounds like a dream don't bother about the headstock. It's just out of touch with the elegant body, but on the other hand a provocation. Isn't that rock'n'roll?
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: 38thBeatle on October 07, 2010, 07:35:07 PM
Great guitar Philly. I know the headstock provokes comment but I have a friend who owns a few Tylers and I have played them all and they are great.The necks particularly are superb and I think that the head-stocks are not as bad "in the flesh". In truth even I would prefer it if they were a little more, erm, subdued but I think I would live with it if I loved the guitar as a players instrument.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: dave_mc on October 07, 2010, 07:38:05 PM
awesome. I've only tried one tyler (the superstrat one), and the instant i tried it the fugly headstock was no longer an issue.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Ian Price on October 07, 2010, 07:45:54 PM
Nice one Philly. You could always get a hacksaw on that headstock! Who made the guitar?

Not too sure if I like that Fano though.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 08:54:10 PM
Nice one Philly. You could always get a hacksaw on that headstock! Who made the guitar?

Dunno, I think the maker's name might be on the headstock somewhere, but I haven't found it yet.  :?  :wink:

It actually looks pretty cool on a strap........ if you removed that short fat middle-aged bloke in the mirror and replaced him with, say, Richie Kotzen.  :|


(Blimey, the fret job on this is awesome!  :o )
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on October 07, 2010, 09:07:07 PM
You lot are defying my expectations.... I know the Tyler headstock has provoked everything from mild disapproval to projectile vomiting on previous threads

Serious, man: my stomach is acting just like a washing machine now :?
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: d1dsj on October 07, 2010, 09:14:09 PM
I love it! I've tried a few Tylers (and Suhrs) recently and I think they are top jolly. The headstock doesn't bother me in the slightest and apart from the multiple Tyler name I like it and wonder whether all that wood adds to the sound? A side note. I didn't like the Suhrs and was disappointed... I took my Wayne back home with me!

Great guitar mate, hope you enjoy it!  8)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: nfe on October 07, 2010, 10:32:55 PM
Clashing with most folks opinion, I LOVE the Tyler headstock, always have. But I think the LP cum Tele body is honking  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 07, 2010, 10:38:52 PM
Clashing with most folks opinion, I LOVE the Tyler headstock, always have. But I think the LP cum Tele body is honking  :lol:

I just can't win on this one, can I?  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 07, 2010, 11:32:47 PM
Clashing with most folks opinion, I LOVE the Tyler headstock, always have. But I think the LP cum Tele body is honking  :lol:

I just can't win on this one, can I?  :lol:

Smash it in half = Win + Win !  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: gwEm on October 08, 2010, 08:25:36 AM
I don't like the tyler headstock on his strat shape models, but on his teles I think it looks great, better than a normal tele headstock even.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: gwEm on October 08, 2010, 08:30:51 AM
And I also like the adjustments made to the tele body shape and the pickup choices used.

In other words: 'sweet axe bro'

 :D
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
Hooray, someone likes it!  

Thanks gwEm.  :D


(And d1dsj and Mr 38th  :D )

(And everyone really, you'd like it if you played it, honest.  :lol: )
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Lew on October 08, 2010, 11:13:01 AM
I love the headstock and the body! Awesome guitar, looks amazing. Vid clips please! 8)
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 11:20:52 AM
I love the headstock and the body! Awesome guitar, looks amazing. Vid clips please! 8)

Not a chance in hell re the clips, Lew (unless someone else wants to come round and do some). 

But thanks for the positive vote (I should've made this a poll, in retrospect).  :D
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Nolly on October 08, 2010, 04:58:13 PM
Congrats, those things are great guitars. It looks identical to one the head of guitar at my music college used to own but got rid of over the summer, and additionally I know he does frequent World Guitars often...
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: hunter on October 08, 2010, 05:00:26 PM
Well done Philly, I'm sure it's an awesome guitar!!!

This is the second best after a real Tylerbaster!

Now get sick of it and sell it to me ;)

Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 05:11:31 PM
Congrats, those things are great guitars. It looks identical to one the head of guitar at my music college used to own but got rid of over the summer, and additionally I know he does frequent World Guitars often...

Is his name Stuart Ryan?  :)


Now get sick of it and sell it to me ;)

Give it, hmmm.... six months?  :wink:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Nolly on October 08, 2010, 05:14:17 PM
Congrats, those things are great guitars. It looks identical to one the head of guitar at my music college used to own but got rid of over the summer, and additionally I know he does frequent World Guitars often...

Is his name Stuart Ryan?  :)

Sure is!
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 05:58:51 PM
Congrats, those things are great guitars. It looks identical to one the head of guitar at my music college used to own but got rid of over the summer, and additionally I know he does frequent World Guitars often...

Is his name Stuart Ryan?  :)

Sure is!

The bloke from World Guitars (Jeff) told me Stuart had sold the guitar to buy a Tom Anderson, I don't know if that's right?

He's certainly looked after it well!  Strange that it should go from a proper guitar player to a numpty like me.  That's life I suppose.  :lol:
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: d1dsj on October 08, 2010, 06:36:05 PM
Is Stuart Ryan the acoustic guy? If it is I was talking to him in Guitar Guitar in Birmingham not so long back about Suhrs and Tylers and he told me he had Tylers guitars. At the time he was looking at Fender Custom Shop Tele's and I believe he was trying to place an order for the exact spec he wanted. I didn't know his name at first but I recognised him from a show put on by PMT Birmingham where he was doing his acoustic stuff, and Guthrie and D.K played later. I think Neville Martins band was on the bill too!

In any case I would like a Tyler over and above any other guitar at this moment in time.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 06:57:57 PM
Yes, I think he has some acoustic clips on YouTube, assuming it's the same guy.  I haven't listened to them.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Ian Price on October 08, 2010, 09:54:29 PM
He's certainly looked after it well!  Strange that it should go from a proper guitar player to a numpty like me.  That's life I suppose.  :lol:

A bit like when I bought Rob Chapman's SC245. And then sold it after a few months.  :o
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Nolly on October 08, 2010, 10:45:09 PM
Yeah, Stuart is known mainly for his acoustic stuff, but he's a ridiculous electric guitarist, mainly jazz and fusion but can bring the shred too. He works for Future Publishing, so often has columns in Guitarist etc.. He trades guitars fairly frequently and always keeps them absolutely pristine. He had that guitar from new and commutes by train to and from the music college every day, no idea how he managed to prevent it from picking up any scratches or dings at all.
Yes, he has been sporting a very nice Anderson Drop Top the last couple of times I've seen him, so that makes sense.

Anyway, in that case I've played your new guitar on several occasions and can testify that it's an excellent instrument. Stuart always kept it set up impeccably, it was a real joy to play.
Title: Re: NGD! A bit "Marmite".... but I think Hunter will like it!
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2010, 11:11:32 PM
Anyway, in that case I've played your new guitar on several occasions and can testify that it's an excellent instrument. Stuart always kept it set up impeccably, it was a real joy to play.

Cool.  8)

I was going to ask if you'd played it.  I can only hope it's soaked up some skillz from you and Stuart to help me play better.  :wink:

The setup is almost a bit too slick for me TBH, I'm tempted to up the string gauge and raise the saddles a bit, to better suit my hamfistedness.