James Tyler Dann Huff Original Classic

CRAIG'S POV:
This Dann Huff Original Classic is more than just a remarkable piece of guitar history - it's a testament to why Jim Tyler's instruments have been the choice of so many legendary musicians. Rich Renken, Jim's longtime collaborator and now general manager of Tyler guitars, spearheaded the creation of this latest model alongside Dann Huff himself, bringing the same sensibilities that drove James Tyler to create such amazing instruments. This meticulous recreation of Dann's legendary modded '64 that helped shape the sound of countless hit records shows that commitment to excellence. The attention to detail in capturing every nuance of Dann's original guitar is simply extraordinary.

The magic starts with the historically accurate pickup configuration - those neck version Duncan Hot Stacks in the neck and middle positions paired with the original 50mm JB bridge pickup deliver that signature Huff tone that defined an era. The custom Tyler/Demeter preamp specially designed for this guitar gives you that buffered signal that is key to the sound and, as Dann put it, is on 95% of the time. It is voiced to work well with the neck version of the Hot Stacks.

What makes this instrument truly special is how Rich and the Tyler team incorporated all of Dann's unique modifications - from the Wilkinson VS100 bridge to the distinctive switching configuration. Even the slightly offset middle tone knob and specific preamp voicing have been faithfully reproduced. For me, Dana, Rich and the Tyler team got it right, their vast experience brings you all the beauty and innovation of a modern instrument while retaining the heart and soul of the original.

The modern touches like the 22 frets, Hipshot locking tuners, and dedicated battery box enhance the playability while maintaining the spirit of Dann's original. And there's something special about having both Jim Tyler's California Signature logo and Dann's signature on that distinctive Tyler headstock - it's a testament to the collaborative spirit behind this unique instrument.

For players seeking that specific sound that helped define the golden age of session recording, this Dann Huff Original Classic delivers in every way. It's a masterful recreation of a truly historic instrument, elevated by the renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail that has always defined Tyler guitars. I don't know how they do it, but this is another example of why Tyler guitars have been the instrument of choice for so many legendary musicians.

**SPECIAL NOTES**
- This guitar recreates specific features of Dann Huff's original modified 1964 guitar
- Preamp will be bypassed in the up position
- Push/push pots must be in UP position before removal or adjustment to prevent switch damage

BODY WOOD alder
BODY ROUTING/CONTOUR no rear rout or hollow, no bare-arm contour, battery compartment for midboost
NECK WOOD quartersawn maple
FRETBOARD Indian rosewood
FRETBOARD INLAY white mother of pearl
NECK SHAPE thin
NUT WIDTH 1-5/8"
FRET SIZE wide/tall
FINISH, BODY 3 tone sunburst (matched to Dann's)
FINISH, NECK tinted
FINISH, HEADSTOCK natural
HEADSTOCK LOGO small California signature (Dann logo on back)
FINISH TYPE gloss
TREMOLO COVER none
PICKGUARD single layer .060 Black
PICKUP CONFIGURATION HSS
NECK PICKUP Duncan Neck/Middle Hot Stacks (Color: Sp B)
MIDDLE PICKUP Duncan Neck/Middle Hot Stacks (Color: Sp B)
BRIDGE PICKUP Duncan JB (Color: B)
PICKUP MOUNTING straight
PICKUP SELECTOR switch 5-way
PREAMP midboost with bypass
SWITCHING series/parallel w/ add neck & bridge option (series down/parallel up configuration)
POTENTIOMETERS 500K volume/boost, 250K tone (push/push under vol 4 preamp, bypass UP, push/push under tone 4 N/B on)
HARDWARE FINISH chrome
KNOBS classic black All Inc M/B
BRIDGE Wilkinson VS100
TUNERS hipshot Locking
STRING gauge .010