How well do Tylers hold their value? Are they worth the bills?

[KennethC]

Hey fellas,

I'm on the brink of paying 4 spanking grand and some change for a new Tyler SE...but I wonder if I'd lose a lotta cash in the event that I ever decide to let it go. I'm really keen on getting one built to my desired specs, but my conscience is also pricking me ever so intently. I keep telling myself a Tyler is def worth the bills, so I shouldn't think too much abt paying a premium for one, esp built to specs that I like.

What has your experience been, and should I take the plunge?

btw, I currently have a Yuriy masterbuilt '64 vintage spec-ed strat, and was thinking of a more modernistic strat (SSH config with mid boost, yada yada) to complement the small arsenal I have.

thanks in advance guys

[jekyll & hyde]

Hi Kenneth,

I suggest that you get an approval period from the dealer if you are ordering out of state. Most reputable dealers will usually agree to 24-48hrs.

As for resale, they typically sell used in the mid 2ks? Throughout the past 2-3 years I have played over a dozen of them. I do believe even though they are consistent in playability and overall quality,some were good but most were exceptional. My favorite is the solid mamywo body w/maple neck-fingerboard. Definately my 1st choice for a strat style guitar.

One more thing... with a custom order you will get the guitar of your specs, not necessarily the guitar of your dreams. Something to think about.

Good luck!

[dkaplowitz]

4 large for an SE? My last one was a lot less than that brand new. I spec'ed a custom order out with a birdseye upcharge (hefty!) with mid-boost, and it was less than 4k. You might want to shop around some more.

To answer your question, their value holds pretty good compared to other boutiques. But I've not seen a used SE go for more than, say $2600. Maybe things have changed since he's slowed down production some, but I wouldn't count on it.

[jazzandmetal?]

SOunds like you are getting that from a certain store in chicago...that is alot for that guitar. However my friend did sell his plain gold elite on ebay for 3500.00 2 months ago..I think someone here ended up with it. It depends on the market. They also had a price increase in november that dkaplowitz may not be aware of...BTW, I can't wait to see that Burning water with the new maple FB and no inlays!

[John Hurtt]

It's my understanding that Tyler isn't taking any further dealer orders at all.

[guitardr]

Heard Wayne Krantz (NYC great) with Steely Dan and his sounded really nice. But $4K is mucho dinero. Contact Make 'N Music in Chicago or go to their site and see what they're charging for one. Time to price shop a bit; good luck!

[dkaplowitz]

SOunds like you are getting that from a certain store in chicago...that is alot for that guitar.
O yeah, I've talked with a shop in Chicago about some of their Tylers and I just found their prices a bit too high for my taste.

I'd recommend the OP call Tyler directly and find out how much to build one custom with the same specs. It'd be worth the wait, IMO.

[Flinto2002]

Try wildwood guitars, they are usually pretty fair with pricing. better than make-n-music IMHO

[jekyll & hyde]

O yeah, I've talked with a shop in Chicago about some of their Tylers and I just found their prices a bit too high for my taste.

I'd recommend the OP call Tyler directly and find out how much to build one custom with the same specs. It'd be worth the wait, IMO.
I have dealt with them many times and walked away with a good deal. It's called haggling!! I should hope you are wise enough to avoid paying MSRP!! I have my opinions about the way many dealers do business, but I don't think it's fair to trash them. I don't think it's a good idea to single any dealer out in a negative way on this forum.

[jazzandmetal?]

I am not trashing anyone...just saying that they like to hold to their guns on MSRP for Tyler guitars....they can, so more power to'em

[dkaplowitz]

I have dealt with them many times and walked away with a good deal. It's called haggling!! I should hope you are wise enough to avoid paying MSRP!! I have my opinions about the way many dealers do business, but I don't think it's fair to trash them. I don't think it's a good idea to single any dealer out in a negative way on this forum.
That's what I was doing, haggling. And I kept getting the sales pitch that it was the best price going. I proceeded to get one for about $600. less from another dealer.

BTW, you'll notice that I didn't even name the shop, so stop crying. Besides, what makes the gear page better, honest opinions or people who won't tell the truth for fear of offending someone?

[jekyll & hyde]

That's what I was doing, haggling. And I kept getting the sales pitch that it was the best price going. I proceeded to get one for about $600. less from another dealer.

BTW, you'll notice that I didn't even name the shop, so stop crying. Besides, what makes the gear page better, honest opinions or people who won't tell the truth for fear of offending someone?
First off, who's crying? You don't need to name the shop, everyone knows that they're the only Tyler dealer in Chicago. I've had similar experiences with other Tyler dealers not haggling. Oh well, they can keep their guitar,I'll take my business elsewhere no harm done.

[matt5150]

A little info. Tyler controls both their dealers and the amount of discount available which is why his guitars hold their value. With the limited availabilty, I do not believe anyone is discounting them at the moment.

4K? I think only you can determine if that is fair.

I have paid for 5 of them and have no regrets.

Used Tyler prices are steadily increasing now that Jim is limiting production.

Used SE's are trading for much more than they did a year ago so I would think it would be a worthwhile.

Matt

[KennethC]

Studio Elite HD, Mamywo body, Flame Maple neck and fingerboard,

Kluson tuners, white pearl pickguard with JTS2500 single coils and Tyler Super humbucker, midboost preamp, G2RV bridge

Black with Blue Shmear finish
Glossy Finish Option
Mid Boost Preamp Bypass Button

This is my order...

does it sound like 4k worth of specs to you, considering a poss price hike by Tyler as mentioned in one of the posts above?

:(

[KennethC]

Used Tyler prices are steadily increasing now that Jim is limiting production.

Used SE's are trading for much more than they did a year ago so I would think it would be a worthwhile.

Matt

Thanks Matt.

This may v possibly change in 1-1.5 yrs' time then, once and if full production resumes?

[matt5150]

Thanks Matt.

This may v possibly change in 1-1.5 yrs' time then, once and if full production resumes?

It's anybodys guess- You will never see a sub 2K Tyler.

[tonefreak]

Studio Elite HD, Mamywo body, Flame Maple neck and fingerboard,

Kluson tuners, white pearl pickguard with JTS2500 single coils and Tyler Super humbucker, midboost preamp, G2RV bridge

Black with Blue Shmear finish
Glossy Finish Option
Mid Boost Preamp Bypass Button

This is my order...

does it sound like 4k worth of specs to you, considering a poss price hike by Tyler as mentioned in one of the posts above?

:(

Get in contact with Tyler... he's as cool as they come and you will get information and pricing straight from the man himself!

[MikeyG]

My Tyler is my most freqiently played axe by far. I lucked out getting one here for a good price (thanks Mark Williams!), but I would most definitely pay the new price if I had no other choice.

[KennethC]

Get in contact with Tyler... he's as cool as they come and you will get information and pricing straight from the man himself!

Thanks, I agree Tyler is pretty cool (or at least his daughter is :) ), and I did get the quote from them directly...

Just wanted to know what I'd be in for if I ever decided that I had to let it go. :)

[KennethC]

It's anybodys guess- You will never see a sub 2K Tyler.

I think I'd be rather suspicious if I ever saw a sub-2K Tyler. ;)

Thanks for your thoughts!

[stratofied]

I think most dealers who have stock will be holding close to MSRP at this point. If you find the guitar that speaks to you, pay a little more and be done with it.

[dkaplowitz]

I think I'd be rather suspicious if I ever saw a sub-2K Tyler. ;)
It used to happen in the emporium. Haven't even seen one f/s in a while that I can recall.

[KennethC]

I think most dealers who have stock will be holding close to MSRP at this point. If you find the guitar that speaks to you, pay a little more and be done with it.

Roger that. Unfortunately I can only buy online. :( Thanks anyway

[dkaplowitz]

Kenneth, do you mind my asking how long they said the turnaround would be? My SE's been in for repair for a while now. Gettin' itchy fingers waiting to play it again. I'm curious to know what the whole build is taking them now.

[Ed DeGenaro]

For what it's worth by usual guitars I take...
A Tyler Burning Water and a SE HD if I only take 2.
If I take the bouquet o'geetars, it's those 2 Tylers and 4 Teles.

[KennethC]

Kenneth, do you mind my asking how long they said the turnaround would be? My SE's been in for repair for a while now. Gettin' itchy fingers waiting to play it again. I'm curious to know what the whole build is taking them now.

They didn't tell me how long the lead time would be, but they did say it'd take at least another 4-5 mths before they would start on a build if I were to order soon. I'm guessing the total turnaround time might be close to a year for a newbuild. As for repairs...I have no idea pal...

I really want a nice Tyler SE, but I don't know if I should take the plunge now. I'll figure it out eventually...:cool:

[KennethC]

For what it's worth by usual guitars I take...
A Tyler Burning Water and a SE HD if I only take 2.
If I take the bouquet o'geetars, it's those 2 Tylers and 4 Teles.

Thanks Ed...that's a pretty strong affirmation. :dude

[Lemuel.Tan]

Thanks, I agree Tyler is pretty cool (or at least his daughter is :) ), and I did get the quote from them directly...

Just wanted to know what I'd be in for if I ever decided that I had to let it go. :)

Yeah Kenneth got his quote directly from Sarah herself. Anyway guys, I'm just wondering if the prices have really gone up alot more since the times you guys ordered yours new? I'm also thinking of going for one directly through Sarah.

[Sir M]

First off, who's crying? You don't need to name the shop, everyone knows that they're the only Tyler dealer in Chicago. I've had similar experiences with other Tyler dealers not haggling. Oh well, they can keep their guitar,I'll take my business elsewhere no harm done.

Classic online post... dude... read... DKap didn't say jack about Chi-town, JazzandMetal did... so... stop crying... :Spank

:roll

[JDouglee]

Yeah, prices have gone up since I bought my Tylers years ago, but everything else has gone up as well. Just get one and enjoy it. Like Tim Pierce once said "you're going to lose money on gear, it's part of the game." Might as well have a great guitar in the process.

[RvChevron]

Studio Elite HD, Mamywo body, Flame Maple neck and fingerboard,

Kluson tuners, white pearl pickguard with JTS2500 single coils and Tyler Super humbucker, midboost preamp, G2RV bridge

Black with Blue Shmear finish
Glossy Finish Option
Mid Boost Preamp Bypass Button

This is my order...

does it sound like 4k worth of specs to you, considering a poss price hike by Tyler as mentioned in one of the posts above?

:(

Did you try to get a quote for just plain maple neck and board?

I think you'll be surprised to see how big the difference is.

[LVC]

I think most dealers who have stock will be holding close to MSRP at this point. If you find the guitar that speaks to you, pay a little more and be done with it.

I think you are going to find this across the board with tyler -- given his plans to cut back and not take orders. ..... but watch out if this is a head fake (not saying it is ... but folks can change their minds and business plans).

Look what happened with Tom Anderson guitars --- Tom announced that he was dramatically scaling back his operation. Dealers started selling TAG's in stock at MSRP or more -- with no or little wiggle room, and the used TAGS spiked in price. Those that purchased TAG during that period paid a large premium for the privilege of owning a TAG (which by the way are terrific guitars)....

Then Tom decides that because of the overwhelming response from his fans, that he will continue to build as before..... Result .... prices back to normal once production caught back up and dealers started to receive inventory.

So if someone that purchased a TAG guitar during the "I am taking no new orders period" and sell the now, they will have to sell it for the typical used price which means they will have to eat the premium they paid for the guitar (during black out period) in addition to the normal discounts associated with a used instrument.

So unless you really want it ... and the guitar absolutely speaks to you ... be careful, comparison shop --- and haggle!

[jmguitars]

Studio Elite HD, Mamywo body, Flame Maple neck and fingerboard,

Kluson tuners, white pearl pickguard with JTS2500 single coils and Tyler Super humbucker, midboost preamp, G2RV bridge

Black with Blue Shmear finish
Glossy Finish Option
Mid Boost Preamp Bypass Button

This is my order...

does it sound like 4k worth of specs to you, considering a poss price hike by Tyler as mentioned in one of the posts above?

:(


You could try Thomas Leong.

I had a SE in Burning Water at a relatively decent price a few years back.

Not sure what price Thomas can secure for you, but no hamr trying.

[jekyll & hyde]

Classic online post... dude... read... DKap didn't say jack about Chi-town, JazzandMetal did... so... stop crying... :Spank

:roll
Obviously you can't read JACK. Go back and read page 1 post#7 :crazy

[gerryguitar]

I think it's about supply and demand, if Tylers become harder to find because production has slowed or stopped then the prices will go up for used examples... it's basic economics... having said that I don't really care if the price goes up or down, I won't be selling mine as it's still the best guitar I've played... and I don't think I'll ever need another...:AOK

[Jerrod]

Did you try to get a quote for just plain maple neck and board?

I think you'll be surprised to see how big the difference is.

The plain maple satin finish neck on my Tylerbastar looks kewl!

[KennethC]

Thanks for the inputs guys :) Quite helpful to hear your thoughts. Yes maybe taking away the flame maple neck will reduce the price by a couple hundred bucks...

Hey jmguitars, thanks man, but I don't think even Thomas could order a Tyler on my behalf now - the no dealers policy is just abt fully in place, save for wildwood I think...:? And if I'm getting these prices direct, then I'd expect Thomas' price to be higher, for obvious reasons. :) Prices have generally gone up, my friend..

[PinoyBoy]

Hey fellas,

I'm on the brink of paying 4 spanking grand and some change for a new Tyler SE...but I wonder if I'd lose a lotta cash in the event that I ever decide to let it go. I'm really keen on getting one built to my desired specs, but my conscience is also pricking me ever so intently. I keep telling myself a Tyler is def worth the bills, so I shouldn't think too much abt paying a premium for one, esp built to specs that I like.

What has your experience been, and should I take the plunge?

btw, I currently have a Yuriy masterbuilt '64 vintage spec-ed strat, and was thinking of a more modernistic strat (SSH config with mid boost, yada yada) to complement the small arsenal I have.

thanks in advance guys

I think the question you should be asking is not so much about value retention, but rather if Tyler can deliver against the specs you want. If you're confident that they can get it done perfectly, then selling will be a non-issue... because you won't be in a selling mood at all. If you doubt their ability to build a guitar that is 100% true to custom specs, then you probably should stay away.

I'm making the assumption though that your specs "make sense" and will indeed yield the tone, comfort, etc. that you're looking for.

Good luck!

[KennethC]

[quote=PinoyBoy;3533223]If you doubt their ability to build a guitar that is 100% true to custom specs, then you probably should stay away.
quote]

Thanks PinoyBoy, you're quite correct in your entire post. However, if all I'm looking for is a builder to put a guitar together, that's true to custom specs...then why don't I just get a luthier to build me a partscaster? Why Tyler? Or any other Boutique builder for that matter. I think the contemplation lies in whether I believe fully(100%) that they can take custom specs and build me something that is that much better than a partscaster, and that won't make me go, "Man, somehow this doesn't feel so great, especially with the $xxxx price tag".

I have a friend who paid abt $5k usd for his custom Tyler SE HD - I tried it, and was blown away. I would fork out ard the same price for one if I had to, IF I could be certain that the one I ordered would turn out as great. The truth is that's not really possible - I'm sure inconsistencies are present in any and every manufactured good, even in the best of mfg processes. I know Tyler can build awesome guitars, no doubt. Q is can I be sure the one I order will be as good as the one that blew me away(which made me want a Tyler in the first place)? And if I can't be sure...then I'd like to know what loss I'd expect to bear, in the event that I do get one that just doesn't wow me.

I tried the Tyler SE HD, mentioned above, yesterday and was blown away, again. It's like I NEED TO ORDER ONE...:crazy

[daddyo]

If you can't afford to buy from a dealer, put your money away and wait. There are bound to be private sales and eBay Tylers in the coming year.

[hellfighter]

I'd just order it man, you get it in, leave the plastic on the pickguard, and the dangl-y things on the neck, play it, love it, and if you don't, you can show it's a brand new, 24 hr old guitar and someone's gonna pay a pretty large sum to get a brand new one, without the wait you had to endure, especially if they can come by and check out the guitar first.

Then order another, and figure out what option you should've opted for!

[OldSchool]

Man, I had no Idea JT was thinking of going out of buisness. Very interesting........