Community: Message List

Re: JTV at NAMM

support@line6.com — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:11:54 GMT

Forget about Variax for a quick second, and look at prices of "non-variax" Tyler guitars, very high dollar, comparable to USA made PRS, and Gibson. Buying a USA TylerVariax is like getting the Variax for free, as it is not more expensive than a James Tyler itself. And the Asian made JTV's are increasing in Quality. They were always good, but there were some well publisized issues with the 69 trem, and 59 switch on the first run of guitars, but the units coming from Asia now are on par with any manufacturer .

Re: Variax Hard Cases

support@line6.com — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:10:30 GMT

For What it's worth, US Tylervariax guitars come with G&G Legacy Guitar Cases.

http://blog.line6.com/2010/james-tyler-variax-is-on-the-case/

I had my retailer order one for my asian JTV-89, and the price was reasonable, a bit higher than an SKB, or Gator, but not too much higher. Too me, it was a good investment too have the "correct" case.

Re: Very Disapointed in JTV. Returned mine, should I try another?

support@line6.com — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:56:15 GMT

I had issues with new Line 6 gear in the past, but they have always come through, and done the right thing in the end. I had to make the decision of returning a DT-50, that locked up when updating new firmware, to the retailer, or having Line 6 send me a call tag and wait it out. I sent it back to Line 6 so that they could also attempt to resolve the issue for any other users who had the same problem. It took a few weeks, and in the end Line 6 sent me a new DT -50.

I own the "Dream Rig" +. I have a JTV 89, DT-50 2–12, DT-25, and HD500. The + is that I actually have another set of amps, a second DT50 2-12, and a second DT-25. I also own the latest Roland gear, the GR55, a Roand gc 1 strat, and many guitars with 13 pin output. It's not really a fair comparison between a JTV with a HD500, and Roland Gr or vg gear.

As far as modeling, to my ears, the HD 500 amp models sound more defined than the amp models in the Gr55, way more defined. The guitar models, especially the acoustics, in the JTV 89, sound better than the guitar models in the Gr55. I have a feeling that after NAMM next week, line 6 JTV users will be receiving free HD model upgrades that will really up the ante.

I have always believed the downside to Line 6's philosophy was having to use their guitars, while Roland allows you to use your guitars to access the technology. But Line 6 has chosen a very good designer, and a very good Asian factory to make their guitars, and their customer service, and quality control is unsurpassed. The majority of the issues on these forums get resolved. That is awesome. That is the differance between a good and great company.

If you are looking for the best modeling guitar on the market, try another JTV. Choose a reputable retailer and verify the return policy. I honestly feel you would have been ok by sending the guitar back to Line 6, but I understand.

If you are interested in guitar synthesis, that's really another issue. It doesn't look like you'll be playing a baby grand on a Line 6 unit any time soon. But if you want a reasonably priced modeling guitar, look no further than Line 6.

Re: DT25 FOR HOME USE...

support@line6.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:02:39 GMT

I was very happy when the DT-25 was released, because my DT-50 2/12 was ABSOLUTELY too loud for home. And, my recording studio is in the loft, up 2 flights of stairs, so lugging the DT -50 back up after a late night jam session elsewhere became a nightmare. The Arrival of the DT -25 was a godsend. I rarely use the DT-50 lately, and although the DT-25 's low power setting is alright, I prefer the real tube full on setting as I can hear a differance.

Re: DT25 Update - error code 8000000A

support@line6.com — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:24:38 GMT

Have you resolved this issue? I had a similar issue with original DT-50 on the first update, and it was basically bricked. Line 6 support was very responsive and eventually replaced the DT-50. If they are offering to update it at their facility , that may be your best option.

Since my original issue, I purchased the UNO , and use it for all of my line 6 updates.

Re: Try another JTV-89?

support@line6.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:43:13 GMT

Glad to be of assistance. I wanted to edit my post but can not as I am on an Ipad,... Grrrrr. I mentioned the update included High gain "Les Paul" patches for the JTV 89, which is incorrect. They seem to be models of the actual magnetic Tyler Pickups used on the JTV 89. The Variax workbench has not been updated for the new Variax models, and when I looked to see what the new models in custom bank 1 are, it appeared to be copies of the Les Paul bank. Sorry bout that. However, they sound great.

Regarding the physics of strings and intonation,... I am no expert either, but seems to me that the heavier guage string I use, the further the bridge saddle needs be set to intonate correctly. Your set is slightly heavier, and the low E saddle needs to be adjusted slightly further out, but you have reached the limit of adjustment. I have an Ibanez Prestige RGA 121 with fixed bridge that my Tech suggested I return because it had reached the farthest limit on the low E and wouldn't intonate. However, it was a limited edition, in black, and couldn't be replaced, so he had to use a dremel to grind down the back on the bridge just a hair. He had set up several of these models, but not this limited edition, and never had this issue. So, it does happen occasionally, that mistakes are made on a batch of instruments.

Re: Try another JTV-89?

support@line6.com — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 21:55:28 GMT

I have a JTV 89, purchased the month they began shipping here to the US. I had it set up by my tech, who sets up Ibanez Prestige/ J. Custom, and Caparison guitars for an independent importer. All of my guitars are strung with Daddario exl 120's.

I have grown to really appreciate the qualities of the JTV 89 ,(guitar wise,... Regardless of Variax), although It has taken many months for me to become accustomed to the neck, fretboard, radius, etc. My tech commented that when I dropped it off it was perfectly set up, (after being tuned up,.. It was detuned for shipping). It had remarkably low action with no buzzing. It had 10's which don't work for me, but after only a few adjustments, my tech returned it to me perfectly.

For these strings, there is ample play on the low E saddle for much more adjustment. Les Paul's are extremely finicky about intonation adjustments. And a locking floating trem, like A Floyd, or Edge, always frustrates my Tech.

I haven't noticed the other issues that you mentioned either. I recently recorded a shoot out between a 2012 Les Paul, 2000 Prestige Artist, and my jtv 89 using Les Paul Variax settings. I just re-listened more closely to see if any artifacts were present, and honestly if I hadn't known which tracks were Variax I couldn't pick it out from the others.

It is possible that a particular batch of that guitar was flawed, with the bridge mounting holes just slightly off. If you are in the US, the major online retailers have excellent return policies. I feel like you do, and wouldn't want to be returning another new guitar if it is going to have the same issue. But that is the risk they take with operating an online business, they expect that, and would rather make the sale, and have a satisfied customer. I suggest trying another jtv 89 as, it is a great guitar. I just upgraded to the newest firmware, and it actually includes unique high gain les paul models on custom bank 1 only for the jtv 89 model.

Good luck

Re: USA James Tyler JTV Variax VS the Korean JTV

support@line6.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:49:41 GMT

Thanks for your reply MerlinFL. I have, with great interest, read most of your posts, and watched several of your you tube vids from down in Florida. I was hoping to see if any other owners of the US 59 might pop out of the weeds and bestow us with their knowledge. It's always good to get as many opinions as possible. But I greatly respect your opinions, and eagerly anticipate all of your vids, really.

Btw, the pics that I posted, were of the Fujigen made FGN Expert Flame, not of a jTV, which emphasizes my point of how they could be cousins.

Re: USA James Tyler JTV Variax VS the Korean JTV

support@line6.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:11 GMT

Regarding this topic;....

I am interested in purchasing a single cutaway guitar, and as I already have a considerable amount of Line 6 gear, including a JTV 89, the JTV 59 is near the top of the list, (and the Variax circuitry would be a bonus).

My concern is although Tyler had developed a considerable reputation for designing Super Strat type guitars, as far as I can tell, he had never done anything other than a 25.5 scale guitar previous to the JTV-59.

I am wondering if this guitar was designed elsewhere, and manufactured at World/and Wildwood as the other JTV's, and only Branding it a Tyler.

The guitar Im most interested in is extremely similar to the JTV-59, (could be her long lost twin !!), the FGN Expert Flame.

It features a long tenon design, and is true to the Les Paul scale. Note the switch rout is very similar to the US model.

in fact, the only significant differance is the headstock design, and that on the JTV, the D and G strings tuner holes are farther in than 95% of 3 x 3 guitars, (Hipshot tuners use an extension on those tuners to clear the headstock).

The differance in price between the 69 and 59 models made at World are about $100, (7% increase). The differance between a US JTV 69, and a US JTV 59 is nearer to a grand, (27% increase). That is strange.

Disregarding the Variax circuits, and judging on the guitar, mag pickups, etc. does the US made JTV 59 feel like a $3,900 guitar? I'm really not considering the Korean 59 at this time, but the US model is a possibility.

I would really appreciate any input from owners of the US model.

Re: Installing a GK Kit on a JTV69

support@line6.com — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:52:19 GMT

Great pictorial ! I have done several gk kit installs myself, but never on a JTV. I have learned a few tips here too,( I'm going to Lowes to find those inserts today !!).

Thanks for posting.