Hi

An official release date hasn't been announced yet (as far as I'm aware), but the indications seem to point to late summer 2010, which I'd guess as (probably) being September.  These things can slip either way of course, depending on production and shipping schedules from the factory and whether or not any last minute manufacturing hitches or software bugs need to be ironed out.  I'm sure we'll be told when the guitars start to arrive at retailers.

Nick

Yes, those are the prices for the Korean JTVs.  I'll attach a pic of the 59, 69 and 89 models below (in that order).  There is another group here in the forums called "Welcome to the James Tyler Variax group!" that has a lot more information about the new Variaxes.  There are several major improvements to the features and usability of the guitars that make them seem well worth the price to me.  But Nick is correct, I wouldn't expect to actually be able to buy one before September, maybe even later.  I think you are able to pre-order, that's about it for now.

As far as having features of the VG-99, it depends on which features you mean -- but don't expect much.  Of course the Variax models sound so much better than the VG-99's that it's still the only modeler I would use.

Anyway, besides the forum I mentioned there are videos online (try YouTube or Facebook), many articles, and a blog written by Rich Renken, Line 6's Variax head honcho.  Any and all of these contain MUCH more information about the new lineup.

MerlinFL wrote:

 

guitfiddleblue wrote:

 

If you go to Sweetwater Sound's website, they have them listed for sale, but no pics. It appears also that they are selling the korean version and not the American based on the price. I am ify about purchasing a new VAX. I've only had my 600 for about a year and really enjoy it. This new version doesn't seem to have a lot to add. Yes, the magnetic pickups are cool, but that's why I have a Les Paul also. Is this just an updated VAX or will they come out with something really special??? It would be nice to have some of the features of the VG-99 in the VAX, but maybe I'm asking for too much...

Please of rgive my lack of knowledge, but what is a VG-99?

 

As far as what the new JTV's are all about is IMHO two fold.

 

1) it is to get those who think a guitar with NO pick-ups is a joke or a toy, etc.  So whether anyones uses the mags or bnot, it LOOKS like every other guitar on the market in it's basic three forms.  Screw the whole debate about what SSS or HSS pu's, I really wish that topic NEVER came up and became such a BS issue since the guitar is a MODELLING GUITAR PRIMARILY that NOW CAN do both traditional mag sounds, PLUS the more important UPGRADED Model qualities of the updated models/smaples of ALL the models that were on the previous Vax mbut now have been upgraded to sound better, perform better and THAT IS a big deal which has gone almost completely ignored. in lew of discussing stuid stuff like the mag pu's in the strat style guitar.  SSS or HSS - who gives a crap one way or the other.  Want a strat, buy a strat and shut up already.

 

2) Having the virtual capo/tuning wheel as an independent feature is HUGE.  Now I can save at least a dozens patches that i made because I needed specific tunings.  Now I have a literal BANK of tunings I can use as is or adjust to MY needs and preferences - that is also HUGE.  Yet agin, not much said about this major improvement.

 

3) They partnered with James Tyler, who has a talent for making great custom guitars, and now creating new version of models styles that are what Line 6 consider to be the top three to get this new chapter of Variax off the ground and hit the deck running, not walking or strolling.  I hope that when I get my hands on either a USA or Kprean model I have the money to buy one and more importantly - it plays so well that I WANT to buy a new JTV 59 or 89.  Won't know until these guitars hit the stores and I can have the money to place and order.  If they are already on months worth of backorders after only being announced two weeks ago - that scares the crap out of me since I will not order a guitar I have to wait months for.  I have to do it mail order, so I will not be able to touch one until the mail order stores I deal with have version of the models I'm interested in IN STOCK.  So when the heck is THAT going to happen??

 

If anyone gets a 59 or an 89 and for any reason are nt happy with it, please contact ME as I would buy it to try it if I've not gotten one on my own.  Fair enough?

 

Line 6 DOES need to step in a SET THE SRP PRICE so there are not such discrepencies in pricing as there is now.  THAT IS 100% Line 6's responsibility and waiting is NOT helping this feeding frenzy.

 

PLEASE fix it NOW before there is a backlash of bad feelings if the prices are suddenly changed when the products ARE available for sale.  PLUS all pre-order people are NOT subject to notification of price changes PRIOR to being billed for any pre-orders - that is retail "law" and only a select few retailers are kind enough to inform pre-order customers of price changes BEFORE they are billed.

What is all this in the bold that you are posting? What discrepencies in pricing? What waiting are you talking about. I said prices all over the place. JTV-89 is $1,099.99, JTV-69 is $1,199.99 and JTV-59 is $1,299.99.

guitfiddleblue wrote:

 

Yea, not sure what the BOLD is about, but whatever.

 

I agree that being able to change the tunings with the turn of a knob is super cool. My beef with these new models is that they maintain the same 25+ guitars as the original VAX's. It would have been great to have a big make-over, with different or variants of the same guitars. I understand that the DSP is better, but I am hesitant to purchase one of these new ones for the new features despite how cool I think they are (especially the shred guitar - very cool). It would have been nice to have a shred model, like a Jem, on the shred guitar... hmmm... I have said this before and will say it again, I think there should also be some crazy guitar sounds available. Yes, the VAX has a sitar, but that is the extent of an entirely "other" instrument. How about a Roland GR-300 model and get that awesome Pat Metheny sound? What about more acoustics or other acoustics like a nylon? I just think that this whole thing is falling short of what it could be imho. I absolutely love playing through my 600 and use it weekly. It sounds great and my band loves it too. Let's take the VAX to a NEW level... not just a better current model, but a NEW guitar altogether!!!

 

Peace,

 

Bill

I too would have liked to see new guitar models, but improved version of what they already have is a great start in my opinion.  I am curious, do you have and use extensively the Workbench software to modify, improve or even create new guitars with all the parts already available?  I have found that even those with Workbench are not taking full advantage of it's true power in just how much you can "push" the vax models into so much more than they come stock from the factory.

Based on remarks previously left over many months - it seems that both myself and "CrustyOldRocker" are the most proficient in using Workbench to it's fullest capability.  I'm sure there are probably others, but I went with the one person I do know is similar to myself in Workbench knowledge.

Speaking for myself, I would be happy to host a class or clinic on how to get the most from Workbench if anyone thinks they might find something like this useful.

guitfiddleblue wrote:

 

You bring up an excellent point! The workbench software is an underused tool... to which, I have to say I mainly use it for the alternate tunings and virtual capo. I have toyed with changing pickups, pots, etc around but I have never fully explored it - shame on me to say the least. While it has its limitations, I agree with you in what you say about many of us not using it to its fullest. I often ask myself prior to buying a new piece of gear, "have I used what I have already to its fullest?" Even with the so called "cheap" stuff, I have to say that I tend not too and I get into this thing called "stuffitis" (as defined by Dave Ramsey of Financial Peace University). Basically, it's just wanting more stuff for the sake of having it, and the emotional void it fills. So, now I'm focusing on trying to use, and want, what I have more and, like you said, "push the limits" with it. Again, excellent points... thank you.

You're VERY WELCOME!!

Glad I could write something that was read and understood in the manner in which I intended it to be.

If you ever wish to ask about some of my patches or ideas using Workbench, please feel free to ask.

Take care,

Neal

I hope these guitars get released soon. I had a Variax 600 that was stolen from me when I was playing at a show. Was hoping it would show up at a pawn shop and the serial number would flag the police data base, but no such luck. I could go out and get another 600, but knowing the JT69 is a reality, I can't justify getting something I know I'll just replace as soon as the new and improved hits the streets. So, Line 6, please  release these guitars for sale tomorrow (hey, can't hurt to ask, right?).

Sadly I think there are a lot of people who don't know that you shouldn't plug a modeler with a running amp / cab sim into a regular guitar amp like it's some kind of effects pedal. All you have to do is read some reviews on the internet to see how many people say stuff like "it sounded good through headphones, but then I plugged it into my half stack and it sounded like crap!!! This thing sux!!!"