Community : Document List - James Tyler Variax Guitars

Variax Workbench Software User's Guide

support@line6.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:29:43 GMT

Here is the user's guide found in the Help section of the Variax Workbench software. Please click on each image to view the instructions:

James Tyler Variax: Free v1.8 Firmware Update

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:48:49 GMT

Variax Reflash and Software Update Instructions

support@line6.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:24:47 GMT

Please go through the following checklist before updating the flash memory of your Variax guitar to ensure the update completes successfully:

Ensure that the interface you are using to update the Variax with (Workbench Interface, PODxt Live/Pro, POD X3 Live/Pro, POD HD500/HD Pro, Vetta II) is NOT connected to the computer through a USB hub.
- Make sure to connect the interface into a USB port directly into the computer, especially into the back of a desktop.
- If problems persist, make sure to test all of the USB ports on the computer.
- Avoid plugging into USB ports found on keyboards, monitors, or laptop docks.
When using the Workbench Interface to update or edit the Variax guitar, ensure that a charged battery is in the guitar and a 1/4" TS mono cable is inserted into the guitar's output jack, or that the stereo TRS cable is plugged into the Variax providing power from the XPS power supply to power on the guitar.
On a James Tyler Variax guitar, ensure that the Volume knob on the guitar is NOT set to the '0' position as it will put the guitar into Power Save Mode. Make sure that the Volume knob is set higher than 0 when updating or editing the JTV guitar.
Please use the VDI Cable that comes with the JTV guitar when updating the flash memory on that guitar. Avoid using VDI or CAT5 cables longer than 10 ft. in length when updating any Variax guitar.
During the update, select 'NO' when asked if you would like to keep the presets on the guitar. Use the Workbench software to back up your guitar presets before updating if you would like to keep them.
Close out any other applications running on your computer before updating the Variax guitar.

Q: How do I update or re-install the flash memory on my Variax Electric 300, 500, 600, 700 and James Tyler Variax guitars?

A: These instruments can only be returned to factory reset by reinstalling the flash memory. You will need to connect your Variax to the workbench software using your Variax enabled hardware (i.e. Variax Hardware interface, POD XT/X3 Live, POD X3 Pro, VETTA with VDI, or POD HD500), then you will have to connect your interface to your computer via USB. Once the guitar and interface are connected to the computer, you will need to run Line 6 Monkey. See the following link for more information on connecting your device to your computer and installing Line 6 Monkey:

Line 6 Monkey Installation and F.A.Q.USB Connectivity with Line 6 Devices

Once you have Monkey installed and your computer is recognizing the connection, see the screen shots for the reflash procedure:

1) Once you run Line 6 Monkey, Monkey may ask you to register. If you do not wish to register (or have already registered) select "remind me later".

2) If you want to reinstall the factory presets (or update the firmware), select "Flash Memory" the select "Reinstall Latest"

3) Select "OK" to agree to the software license

4) Select "yes" or "no" If you want to keep the patches on the instrument

5) Select "Yes" to continue with the update. Do not disconnect the variax during the update.

6) Line 6 Monkey will reinitialize the device and update the flash memory. You can watch the progress on the blue bar on the right side of Monkey.

7) Once the update is complete you will need to select "OK" to continue.

Variax Bass 700/705 Reflash

Factory defaults must be restored one at a time. Select the Model you wish to normalize, the place the blend and two tone controls in the detent (center) position. Now press the Model select pot down until the indicator light stops flashing. The Model should now be restored to factory settings. Use this procedure for any model you want to restore to the factory setting. The Variax bass series can also be "reflashed" using the procedure for the Variax electric guitars described above.

James Tyler Variax Update Checklist

support@line6.com — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:40:41 GMT

Please go through the following list before updating your James Tyler Variax guitar to flash memory v1.81 to ensure the update completes successfully:

Ensure that the interface you are using to update the JTV guitar with (Workbench Interface, PODxt Live/Pro, POD X3 Live/Pro, POD HD500/HD Pro, Vetta II) is NOT connected to the computer through a USB hub.
- Make sure to connect the interface into a USB port directly into the computer, especially into the back of a desktop.
- If problems persist, make sure to test all of the USB ports on the computer.
- Avoid plugging into USB ports found on keyboards, monitors, or laptop docks.
When using the Workbench Interface to update or edit the JTV guitar, ensure that a charged battery is in the guitar and a 1/4" TS mono cable is inserted into the guitar's output jack to power on the guitar.
Ensure that the Volume knob on the guitar is NOT set to the '0' position as it will put the guitar into Power Save Mode. Make sure that the Volume knob is set higher than 0 when updating or editing the JTV guitar.
Please use the VDI Cable that comes with the JTV guitar when updating the flash memory. Avoid using VDI or CAT5 cables longer than 10 ft. in length when updating the James Tyler Variax.
During the update, select 'NO' when asked if you would like to keep the presets on the guitar. Use the Workbench software to back up your guitar presets before updating if you would like to keep them.
Close out any other applications running on your computer before updating the JTV guitar.

Please use the following link for the flash memory update instructions:

Variax Reflash and Software Update Instructions

James Tyler Variax 1.8 Update Release Notes

support@line6.com — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:49:26 GMT

James Tyler Variax v 1.8 Update

The free v1.8 update gives all James Tyler Variax modeling guitars five next-generation acoustic guitar models based on celebrated 6- and 12-string acoustics from Martin®, Guild® and Gibson®. If you play your JTV with a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro multi-effect processor, the v1.8 update also includes enhanced functionality to make your JTV/POD HD experience even more intuitive and powerful.

*Please note that Line 6 Monkey v1.53 is required to update your JTV to this latest version of the flash memory. Please go over the following Line 6 Monkey FAQ for compatibility.

Next-generation Models:

New modeling technology. Our new breakthrough acoustic guitar modeling technology gives the five models breathtaking depth and detail, capturing the subtle nuances of string vibration through the soundboard and the tonewoods of the original modeled guitar body.
Five updated models. The updated models are based on* the Martin® D28, Martin® D12-28, Martin® 0-18, Guild® 12 String, and Gibson® J200 acoustic guitars.

Known Issue

Unable to save alternate tunings to the Acoustic Models within the Variax Workbench program.
- Workaround: Use the Alternate tunings on the guitar to use the Acoustic Models with an alternate tuning. For custom alternate tunings, you would need to create and save your own custom tunings to the Alternate tuning knob, and still use that knob to alter the tunigs of the Acoustic Models.

Downgrading your JTV from 1.81 to 1.71

If after installing the 1.8 update you decide that you would prefer to return to the original models you may want to downgrade your firmware to version 1.71. However, should you choose to downgrade to 1.71 you will be trading off the deeper integration over VDI with the POD HD family.

JTV Pickup Wiring Diagrams

support@line6.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:08:03 GMT

*NOTE: Any customization/modification performed will void the warranty if it results in damage to the guitar.

JTV-59

JTV-69

JTV-89

James Tyler Variax General FAQ

support@line6.com — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:04:45 GMT

James Tyler Variax Guitar Specs (Korean)

JTV-59

- Mahogany body with carved maple top with flame maple veneer

- Set mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard

- 24-9/16" scale length

- 12" radius neck profile

- Tyler '59 neck shape

- 22 medium-jumbo frets and dot inlays

- 1-11/16" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut

- Sealed tuners (16:1 turn ratio)

- Chrome hardware

- Fully adjustable Tyler-designed stoptail bridge

- L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system

- Vintage-voiced alnico neck and bridge humbuckers wound to Tyler's specs

- Master volume and tone knobs

- Model and Alt Tune knobs

- 3-way selector switch

- VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products

- Li-Ion battery (12 hours of play time), and international wall charger

- Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface

- Includes quality padded gig bag

- Additional battery, charger and cable kit available separately

JTV-69

- Alder body

- Bolt-on solid maple neck with rosewood fingerboard

- 25-1/2" scale length

- 12" radius neck profile

- Tyler '59 neck shape

- 22 medium-jumbo frets and dot inlays

- 1-5/8" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut

- Sealed locking/staggered tuners (16:1 turn ratio)

- Chrome hardware

- Fully adjustable Tyler-designed tremolo bridge

- L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system

- Alnico bridge humbucker and vintage-style neck and middle single-coil pickups wound to Tyler's specs

- Master volume and tone knobs

- Model knob and Alt Tune roller knob

- 5-way selector switch

- VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products

- Li-Ion battery (12 hours of play time), and international wall charger

- Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface

- Includes quality padded gig bag

- Additional battery, charger and cable kit available separately

JTV-89

- Mahogany body

- 3-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard (Tyler Fast n' Flat neck shape)

- 25-1/2" scale length

- 16" radius neck profile

- Tyler Fast n’ Flat neck shape

- 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays

- 1-11/16" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut

- Sealed tuners (16:1 turn ratio)

- Black and black nickel hardware

- Fully adjustable Tyler Custom stoptail bridge

- L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system

- Two high-output, PAF-style alnico humbucking pickups wound to Tyler's specs

- Master volume and tone knobs

- Model and Alt Tune knobs

- 5-way selector switch

- VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products

- Li-Ion battery (12 hours of play time), and international wall charger

- Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface

- Includes quality padded gig bag

- Additional battery, charger and cable kit available separately

JTV-89F

- Mahogany body

- 3-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard (Tyler Fast n' Flat neck shape)

- 25-1/2" scale length

- 16" radius neck profile

- Tyler Fast n’ Flat neck shape

- 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays

- Locking Floyd Rose® nut and string tree

- Sealed tuners (16:1 turn ratio)

- Black and black nickel hardware

- Floyd Rose® Licensed double-locking tremolo system* by Graph Tech

- L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system

- Two high-output, PAF-style alnico humbucking pickups wound to Tyler's specs

- Master volume and tone knobs

- Model and Alt Tune knobs

- 5-way selector switch

- VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products

- Li-Ion battery (12 hours of play time), and international wall charger

- Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface

- Includes quality padded gig bag

- Additional battery, charger and cable kit available separately

James Tyler Variax Guitar Specs (USA)

JTV-59US

Hand-selected mahogany body and carved figured maple top
Set mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays
24-9/16" scale length
Tyler '59 neck shape
12" radius neck profile
22 medium-jumbo German-wire frets
1-11/16" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut
Hipshot Classic tuners (18:1 turn ratio)
Chrome hardware
Fully adjustable Tyler-designed stoptail bridge
L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system
Vintage-voiced alnico neck and bridge humbuckers wound to James Tyler's specs
Master volume and tone knobs
Model and Alt Tune knobs
3-way selector switch
Made in U.S.A.
Assembled by 30+ year veteran luthier Tim Wilson
High-quality local set-up and inspection
VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products
Two Li-Ion batteries (for up to 24 hours of play time), and international wall charger
Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface
Includes high-quality, plush-lined G&G hardshell case
Spare battery
Charger and cable kit available separately

JTV-69US

Hand-selected ash or alder body
Solid quarter-sawn maple neck with maple or rosewood fingerboard
Dot inlays
25-1/2" scale length
Tyler ’59 neck shape
Compound 10-12" radius neck profile
22 medium-jumbo German-wire frets
1-5/8" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut
Hipshot Grip-Lock locking staggered tuners (18:1 turn ratio)
Chrome hardware
Fully adjustable Tyler-designed tremolo bridge
L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system
Alnico bridge humbucker and vintage-style neck and middle single-coil pickups wound to James Tyler's specs
Master volume and tone knobs
Model knob and Alt Tune roller knob
5-way selector switch
Made in U.S.A.
Assembled by 30+ year veteran luthier Tim Wilson
High-quality local set-up and inspection
VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products
Two Li-Ion batteries (for up to 24 hours of play time), and international wall charger
Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface
Includes high-quality, plush-lined G&G hardshell case
Spare battery
Charger and cable kit available separately

JTV-89US

Mahogany body
3-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
25-1/2" scale length
Tyler Fast n’ Flat neck shape
16" radius neck profile
24 jumbo frets and dot inlays
1-11/16" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL self-lubricating nut
Sealed tuners (16:1 turn ratio)
Black and black nickel hardware
Fully adjustable Tyler Custom stoptail bridge
L. R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system
Two high-output, PAF-style alnico humbucking pickups wound to Tyler's specs
Master volume and tone knobs
Model and Alt Tune knobs
5-way selector switch
VDI (Variax® Digital Interface) for integration with Line 6 POD HD500 and POD HD Pro, and limited compatibility with POD® xt, POD® X3, Vetta™ II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products
Li-Ion battery (12 hours of play time), and international wall charger
Variax Workbench™ software and USB interface
Includes high-quality, plush-lined G&G hardshell case
Spare battery
Charger and cable kit available separately

Battery

Q: What kind of battery is used in the James Tyler Variax and what is the battery life?

A: JTV guitars use a lithium-ion battery similar to that of a camcorder. A fully charged battery can deliver at least 12 hours of continuous performance. There is a four light battery life indicator on the battery compartment on the back of the JTV guitars that can be viewed by pressing the round flush black button next to the lights.

4 LEDs = 9+ hours

3 LEDs = 6+ hours

2 LEDs = 3+ hours

1 LED = less than 3 hours

1 LED blinking = less than 1 hour, recharge battery

Note: There are 2 ways to supply power to the Variax without a battery. When connected to VDI Digital Input equipped hardware, such as a POD X3 Live, power is supplied via this connection. Or, use the optional XPS-DI direct box/power supply and TRS cable. With this box you can power the Variax and it also works as an A/B box to send your signal out of a DI to go direct to a board or acoustic amplifier with certain models. When powering the JTV guitar with either TRS or VDI connection, it is suggested to remove the battery from the guitar.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge a dead battery for the JTV guitars?

A: It takes about 12 hours to fully charge a dead JTV battery, but leaving it to charge overnight is a good time to do this. You can get a 4-6 hour play time by charging the JTV battery for 30-45 minutes.

Q: What does the indicator light mean on the JTV battery charger?

A: A solid RED light on the charger indicates that the battery is charging. A blinking RED light means that either the batter is fully charged, or the battery was inserted improperly into the charger and needs to be re-seated properly. If you know the battery needs charging and you get a blinking RED light when it is put into the charger, please re-seat the battery in the charger.

Tuning Gears

JTV-59US and JTV-89US guitars will have Hipshot Classic Guitar Tuning Machines. They are sleek, precision-built tuners with an ultra-smooth 18:1 gear ratio.

The JTV-69US guitars feature the Hipshot Grip-Lock Locking Guitar Tuning Machines that are staggered in height for maximum tuning stability.

For the Korean James Tyler Variax guitars, we went with 16:1 sealed tuners on all three models. They are die-cast, modern-built, solid tuners. They are sealed permanently and lubricated to work smoothly for years to come without slipping or binding.

As with the JTV-69US, we went with locking and staggered versions of these 16:1 sealed tuners.

As with the staggered locking tuners, the locking pole pieces within each tuner are staggered as well to match the size the tuner. They are measured 23.4mm (x2 for low E/A strings), 21.9mm (x2 for D/G strings), and 20.4mm (x2 for B/high E strings).

New HD Acoustic Models

Q: When were the new HD acoustic models added to the JTV guitars?

A: The new HD acoustic models were added in firmware 1.81 and are included in all newer firmware versions of the JTV guitars after that.

Q: What does the Tone knob do on the newer HD acoustic models on the JTV guitars?

A: The Tone knob on the new HD acoustic models is used to adjust the amount of body resonance for the model, but it was also specially programmed to have the top 10% of the Tone knob completely remove this resonance (at the 90-100% position) for those that prefer to remove that sound from the new acoustic models to closely resemble the flat nature of the older acoustic models from previous Variax guitars.

Alternate Tuning Knob

Q: How does the Alternate Tuning Knob on the JTV guitars work?

A: The Alternate Tuning Knob on the JTV gutiars can be used to any of the preset tunings that are saved to the knob. This knob has 12 settings including two labeled 'Model' and 'Standard'

Set to 'Model,' the Alternate Tuning Knob lets you access the alternate tunings you created using the Variax Workbench software. These tunings are stored on your Variax's Model knob. Set to 'Standard,' the Alternate Tuning knob overrides saved tunings to set every model to standard EADGBE tuning.

The Alt Tune knob's remainging 10 settings are hand-picked for each stle of James Tyler Variax guitar.

Alt tunings for JTV-59 and JTV-69:

MODEL

STANDARD: E A D G B E

DROP D: D A D G B E

1/2 DOWN: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb

DROP Db: Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb

1 DOWN: D G C F A D

DADGAD: D A D G A D

OPEN D: D A D F# A D

BLUES G: D G D G B D

RESO G: G B D G B D

OPEN A: E A C# E A E

BARITONE: B E A D F# B

Alt tunings for JTV-89/89F:

MODEL

STANDARD: E A D G B E

DROP D: D A D G B E

1/2 DOWN: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb

DROP Db: Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb

1 DOWN: D G C F A D

DROP C: C G C F A D

m3 DOWN: Db Gb B E Ab Db

DROP B: B Gb B E Ab Db

M3 DOWN: C F Bb Eb G C

DROP Bb: Bb F Bb Eb G C

BARITONE: B E A D F# B

Workbench Inteface

Q: How do I get the Variax Workbench interface to recognize the James Tyler Variax guitar?

A: First, ensure that you have downloaded and installed the latest drivers for the Workbench interface from the Line 6 Downloads page. Then, ensure that the battery of the James Tyler Variax is charged and inserted into the guitar. Connect the Variax Workbench interface to the computer via USB, and also connect the James Tyler Variax guitar to the Workbench interface via the included VDI/Network cable. Lastly, connect a 1/4" cable into the guitar's output jack to power on the guitar (as the Workbench interface DOES NOT provide power to the guitar, this 'dummy' plug is necessary for the interface to recognize the JTV). The other end of the 1/4" cable does not need to be plugged into anything. You should see 2 green lights on the Workbench interface when everything is connected and being recognized properly.

Factory Reset and Updating the Flash Memory

To perform a factory reset, re-install, rollback, or update the flash memory on the James Tyler Variax guitars, please use the following link:

Variax Reflash and Software update F.A.Q.

Using a James Tyler Variax with PODxt/X3 Live and X3 Pro

support@line6.com — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:37:15 GMT

When using a James Tyler Variax Guitar with a PODxt Live, POD X3 Live, or X3 Pro, the POD presets will not recall Variax models as originally saved with a Variax 300, 500, 600, or 700 electric guitars. You would need to re-save your presets with the desired model with the James Tyler Variax plugged in.

When attempting to set the Variax model with a JTV guitar using a POD X3 Live/Pro and GearBox 3.72 software, you will experience a condition where the "Don't Force Model" message appears and will not allow for you to save Variax Model associations to your X3 Live/Pro patch. The current workaround is to save JTV model associations manually (without GearBox open) after you've performed any GearBox-related patch edits/organization. This behavior does not exist with POD HD500 via HD500 Edit; only with the older X3 Live/Pro (GearBox) editing scheme. We apologize for the inconvenience to JTV and X3 Live/Pro owners wishing to use the software editing aspect for Variax model-X3Live/Pro patch associations at this time.

Lithium Battery Transport

support@line6.com — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:16:14 GMT

For touring James Tyler Variax owners: Lithium cell and battery transportation is regulated in both the United States and the international community. When using a freight company to transport your gear, we suggest that you disclose to the freight company that your guitar has a Lithium-ion battery in it.

James Tyler Variax Virtual Capo Video Tutorial

support@line6.com — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:05:04 GMT