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Currently Being ModeratedJun 8, 2010 9:55 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Thanks Rich!
In your recent post about the rechargeable battery, how is the battery charged? Is there a separate charger, or does the battery get charged inside the guitar?
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 8, 2010 12:17 PM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
I feel I can answer this question simply and correctly paraphrasing Rich's answer to this same question previously asked months ago.
The battery can only be charged using an external charger included with each guitar. The battery can not be charged inside the guitar.
If I should not have answered - delete away.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 8, 2010 2:05 PM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 9, 2010 2:37 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Hi Rich,
Will the guitar work without the battery when connected to a POD X3 Live via the RJ-45 cable?
Thanks,
Greg
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 9, 2010 12:13 PM (in response to greghall)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
greghall wrote:
Hi Rich,
Will the guitar work without the battery when connected to a POD X3 Live via the RJ-45 cable?
Thanks,
Greg
I recall Rich answering this before, that the X3L/XTL/Vetta VDI connection will *power* the Variax, but will not charge the battery. That sounds to me like the answer to your question is yes.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 9, 2010 12:25 PM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
mdmayfield wrote:
greghall wrote:
Hi Rich,
Will the guitar work without the battery when connected to a POD X3 Live via the RJ-45 cable?
Thanks,
Greg
I recall Rich answering this before, that the X3L/XTL/Vetta VDI connection will *power* the Variax, but will not charge the battery. That sounds to me like the answer to your question is yes.
I think he is asking if you are powering the Variax via VDI with no battery present in the Variax. The answer to that as well is yes.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 10, 2010 5:28 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Line6Renken wrote:
mdmayfield wrote:
greghall wrote:
Hi Rich,
Will the guitar work without the battery when connected to a POD X3 Live via the RJ-45 cable?
Thanks,
Greg
I recall Rich answering this before, that the X3L/XTL/Vetta VDI connection will *power* the Variax, but will not charge the battery. That sounds to me like the answer to your question is yes.
I think he is asking if you are powering the Variax via VDI with no battery present in the Variax. The answer to that as well is yes.
Yes, that was my question, great, thanks
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Good stuff on new piezos. Question are any of the new piezos the same form factor as the originals? When one of my piezos fail I sometimes change all of them. Obviously if the newer ones help with plink and fit in the old bridges it may be best to order those if/when I next need new piezos on an original vax.
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toasterdude wrote:
Good stuff on new piezos. Question are any of the new piezos the same form factor as the originals? When one of my piezos fail I sometimes change all of them. Obviously if the newer ones help with plink and fit in the old bridges it may be best to order those if/when I next need new piezos on an original vax.
We tried to make them retrofit, but they are a bit bigger due to the new design.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 19, 2010 12:48 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Rich,
I'm curious on a few things related to your latest alt tunings blog entry. You say:
"Set to “Model,” the Alt Tune knob lets you access the alternate tunings you created using Variax Workbench™, which is Line 6’s virtual guitar workbench software."
So how many custom tunings can be accessed directly from the guitar at any time? Is it one when in the "Model" position, or if more, how exactly? Possibly related to that, can you "write over" the pre-set tunings and is this where the custom tunings are stored? If you could explain how that works in more detail, that would be great. As an example, I probably would never use Reso, Open A, Drop Db or Baritone, could I write over those with my own?
I'm also curious if I could achieve a mandolin like sound by tuning to standard GDAE mandolin tuning on say, the bottom four strings?
And related to the mandolin tuning question, is the 12 string model fixed to simulate four pair of strings an octave apart and two pair identical, or using workbench could I change that model to mimic a mandolin with four pair of identical notes?
Thanks!
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 28, 2010 3:54 PM (in response to Guitarzan)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Guitarzan wrote:
Rich,
I'm curious on a few things related to your latest alt tunings blog entry. You say:
"Set to “Model,” the Alt Tune knob lets you access the alternate tunings you created using Variax Workbench™, which is Line 6’s virtual guitar workbench software."
So how many custom tunings can be accessed directly from the guitar at any time? Is it one when in the "Model" position, or if more, how exactly? Possibly related to that, can you "write over" the pre-set tunings and is this where the custom tunings are stored? If you could explain how that works in more detail, that would be great. As an example, I probably would never use Reso, Open A, Drop Db or Baritone, could I write over those with my own?
I'm also curious if I could achieve a mandolin like sound by tuning to standard GDAE mandolin tuning on say, the bottom four strings?
And related to the mandolin tuning question, is the 12 string model fixed to simulate four pair of strings an octave apart and two pair identical, or using workbench could I change that model to mimic a mandolin with four pair of identical notes?
Thanks!
When set to Model, the tunings are unlimited and set in Workbench and saved to your model knob, just like Variax I.
That leaves 11 more spots on the tuning wheel, all of which, when selected, override the tunings saved on the model knob. Standard is always E to E. The other 10 tunings can be anything you want them to be. You can also make up your own tunings on the spot and save them. A video blog is coming about that.
The 12 strings just like 12 strings, bottom 4 are octaves and top 2 are same. So you may be able to simulate a mando.
Because now you can alt tune the 12 strings. That is new in the JTVs.- Report Abuse
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 21, 2010 4:32 PM (in response to RichRenken)Mag/model blend, 12-string elec. models, Lithium battery retrofits?
Hi Rich -- Three questions about these new Tyler Variaxes that I'm salivating over:
(1) Any way to blend magnetic pups with modeled output through the 1/4" output jack? If not, please consider this a feature request. Where Variax models lack some nuance, it's largely because the piezo saddle pups don't hear the richer harmonic content that a mag pup (or soundhole) reflects when you fret or pick closer to a conventional guitar's 12th- or 24th-fret node. The JTV's mag pups will help solve this. But I don't want to be bound to a proprietary data cable or effects chain. I want a blend knob that's plug-and-play with a generic, analog signal path.
(2) With its more powerful processor, does the JTV substantially reduce the chirpiness of the electric 12-string models? I bought my Variax 300 largely because I found the *acoustic* 12-string models so convincing. But I can't say I find its Ricky 12 models usable. I've edited them heavily in Workbench -- swapped the toaster pups to humbuckers to get more sustain, and downmixed all the octave strings to hide their artifacts. But they still sound too chirpy to use in performance. I still reach for my $180 electric 12-string instead.
(3) About the JTV's brilliant rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, with built-in meter: Any way to retrofit its whole battery bay into a legacy Variax like my 300? My 300 is really pretty (3-color sunburst, black pickguard), so I'll want to keep it after I buy my JTV. If this is not possible, are specs available to select a third-party rechargeable battery (e.g., laptop aftermarket) that could be kluged to mate with the Vax 300's 2-terminal power cable? Thanks for your answers, and for all the great tech, toys, and tones.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 28, 2010 4:01 PM (in response to oogam)Re: Mag/model blend, 12-string elec. models, Lithium battery retrofits?
oogam wrote:
Hi Rich -- Three questions about these new Tyler Variaxes that I'm salivating over:
(1) Any way to blend magnetic pups with modeled output through the 1/4" output jack? If not, please consider this a feature request. Where Variax models lack some nuance, it's largely because the piezo saddle pups don't hear the richer harmonic content that a mag pup (or soundhole) reflects when you fret or pick closer to a conventional guitar's 12th- or 24th-fret node. The JTV's mag pups will help solve this. But I don't want to be bound to a proprietary data cable or effects chain. I want a blend knob that's plug-and-play with a generic, analog signal path.
(2) With its more powerful processor, does the JTV substantially reduce the chirpiness of the electric 12-string models? I bought my Variax 300 largely because I found the *acoustic* 12-string models so convincing. But I can't say I find its Ricky 12 models usable. I've edited them heavily in Workbench -- swapped the toaster pups to humbuckers to get more sustain, and downmixed all the octave strings to hide their artifacts. But they still sound too chirpy to use in performance. I still reach for my $180 electric 12-string instead.
(3) About the JTV's brilliant rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, with built-in meter: Any way to retrofit its whole battery bay into a legacy Variax like my 300? My 300 is really pretty (3-color sunburst, black pickguard), so I'll want to keep it after I buy my JTV. If this is not possible, are specs available to select a third-party rechargeable battery (e.g., laptop aftermarket) that could be kluged to mate with the Vax 300's 2-terminal power cable? Thanks for your answers, and for all the great tech, toys, and tones.
1. No blending like that. You can blend with dual tone in our X3 Pro and X3 Live PODs. But, wait until you hear these models. We were hoping that they would be 20% better than Variax I because of the better DSP but I think and so does Jerry Mac that they sound about 80% better. It is truly incredible. So your lack of nuance may no longer be a problem.
2. The chirpy thing is gone. On all models. The 12 strings all around are much much better because of the increased DSP. On Variax I, the DSP has to be shared between model and alternate tunings, on the JTV, the model is wide open when in an alternate tuning.
3. It won't work with Variax I. Way different power structures. Not sure of an after market suggestion. Maybe post that as a general question to the group discussion.
Thanks for salivating.
It is salivation worthy.- Report Abuse
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Hi Rich,
I don't quite understand what you are saying about how the alt tuning wheel works. Did I get it right:
If set to "model", everything is just like it is with the old Variax, I can store any model out of workbench at any position. Is this right?
If set to "standard", do I get my workbench model in standard tuning or do I get the factory default model in standard tuning?
Another question: Is it possible to change the tunings that will be recalled from the tuning wheel?
Thank you for your great support!
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hey_guitarman wrote:
Hi Rich,
I don't quite understand what you are saying about how the alt tuning wheel works. Did I get it right:
If set to "model", everything is just like it is with the old Variax, I can store any model out of workbench at any position. Is this right?
If set to "standard", do I get my workbench model in standard tuning or do I get the factory default model in standard tuning?
Another question: Is it possible to change the tunings that will be recalled from the tuning wheel?
Thank you for your great support!
I believe I have the correct info regarding part of your question concerning the alt tuning wheel - hopefully I do have what I recall being previously asked/answered remembered correctly or that the specs have not changed since the first time this was brought up in discussion last year...
I am pretty certain that this question had been asked and answered previously which was YES, you CAN change and store the alt tuning wheel settings just like you would as if it were another bank of patches. So for example if it says 1/2 step down - you can change that to any tuning you wish and all you have to do is remember that you have changed that particular alt tuning setting since it no longer matches the written word on the wheel. I also believe the alt tuning wheel is NOT a global thing. I believe this was also asked and answered that the alt wheel works in conjunction with each patch once again similar to a bank of patches where you've just altered one patch in a bank of preset patches. Only the one patch changes, or the whole bank if you wish as I've done on my 700 but the writing on the knob is no longer correct.
If for any reason this info is incorrect - I'll apologize in advance and perhaps someone else might post the definitive nswer to your question.
Take care,
Neal
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Glad to see I'm not alone in my confusion here! Since this is Rich's thread specifically, it'll be great to hear from him on our questions. I suspect he's been busy with NAMM, hoping he'll get back to us with responses when he's got time.
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Guitarzan wrote:
Glad to see I'm not alone in my confusion here! Since this is Rich's thread specifically, it'll be great to hear from him on our questions. I suspect he's been busy with NAMM, hoping he'll get back to us with responses when he's got time.
Exactly. NAMM was AMAZING. Nashville session great and Variax I lover, Jerry McPherson played in our booth all three days and a bunch of A list guys stopped by to check out the new JTVs. Everyone, without exception, was blown away.
Thanks for hanging in there while I was busy.- Report Abuse
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@Neal: No need to apologize in any way. Thank you for your help!
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hey_guitarman wrote:
@Neal: No need to apologize in any way. Thank you for your help!
Agreed. Neal is a trusted advisor.

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Hi, I'm from Venezuela and I'm a proudly owner of a POD XT Live. Any compatibility of the JTV guitars with my gear?????? Best wishes and good work Line6!!!!!!!!! Jorge
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 29, 2010 10:56 AM (in response to jurgen_malakian)Re: alt tuning wheel
jurgen_malakian wrote:
Hi, I'm from Venezuela and I'm a proudly owner of a POD XT Live. Any compatibility of the JTV guitars with my gear?????? Best wishes and good work Line6!!!!!!!!! Jorge
The JTV will work well with the XT Live and the XT Live will be able to recall patches or models on the JTV. Go from acoustic 12 string to les paul through marshal with one foot switch! An X3l would be even better as you can use magnetic pickups in one amp chain and models in another, but you will dig the combo of JTV and XTL. Hopefully I will make my first trip to venezuela before the year is over. Las mujeres venezolana no son fea!!!! ;-)
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The women of Venezuela are the most beautiful of the world. Prepara tus ojos amigo!!!!!!!!! thanks for the answer, and nice trip to my beloved country

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hey_guitarman wrote:
Hi Rich,
I don't quite understand what you are saying about how the alt tuning wheel works. Did I get it right:
If set to "model", everything is just like it is with the old Variax, I can store any model out of workbench at any position. Is this right?
If set to "standard", do I get my workbench model in standard tuning or do I get the factory default model in standard tuning?
Another question: Is it possible to change the tunings that will be recalled from the tuning wheel?
Thank you for your great support!
Good catch. You get your workbench model in standard tuning. That is all that changes.
Yes, you can change all 10 to anything you please.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 29, 2010 8:45 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
On the latest blog post, about Workbench, I see that the "Series/Parallel" switch, for how the virtual pickups are wired, is missing. I hope that feature is not being taken out?! Perhaps it's being moved to another tab in Workbench?
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 30, 2010 7:13 PM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
mdmayfield wrote:
On the latest blog post, about Workbench, I see that the "Series/Parallel" switch, for how the virtual pickups are wired, is missing. I hope that feature is not being taken out?! Perhaps it's being moved to another tab in Workbench?
What?! Where did you read that??
Any direction or answer to my query would be greatly appreciated.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 30, 2010 7:32 PM (in response to MerlinFL)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
On Rich's blog. Look at the screen shot.
New Workbench:
http://tylervariax.com/2010/06/29/306/variax-workbench-software/
There is NO Series/Parallel switch in this screenshot.
Old Workbench:
http://www.synthtopia.com/images/Variax-Workbench.jpg
There IS clearly a Series/Parallel switch here.
Rich answered my comment on the blog, explaining that Workbench hasn't changed; however, if that's the case, I would feel much more at ease with a screenshot that reflected that.
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Currently Being ModeratedJun 30, 2010 8:17 PM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
mdmayfield wrote:
On Rich's blog. Look at the screen shot.
New Workbench:
http://tylervariax.com/2010/06/29/306/variax-workbench-software/
There is NO Series/Parallel switch in this screenshot.
Old Workbench:
http://www.synthtopia.com/images/Variax-Workbench.jpg
There IS clearly a Series/Parallel switch here.
Rich answered my comment on the blog, explaining that Workbench hasn't changed; however, if that's the case, I would feel much more at ease with a screenshot that reflected that.
A picture is worth a thousand words. I hope it is like you say that perhaps it might be on another tab?
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Currently Being ModeratedJul 1, 2010 2:36 AM (in response to MerlinFL)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
The picure/screeenshot shown when clicking on link to "New Workbench" is an old picture used by Line6 shortly before Workbench was first introduced in spring 2005, and BEFORE the series/parallel-switch was part of Workbench, see http://www.vettaville.nl/page.php?id=94#422 (dated 15-04-2005 and called #Workbench - Introduction 1... )
6 days later new pictures/screenshots were released, see http://www.vettaville.nl/page.php?id=94#433 (dated 21-04-2005 and called Improved software models for Variax). Here the picture/screenshot clearly shows the series/parallel-switch. I'm therefore pretty shure that the series/parallel-switch still is a part of workbench, and any misunderstanding concerning this is a result of Line6 (by accident probably) using an old and outdated picture/screenshot.
Allan
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Currently Being ModeratedJul 1, 2010 11:45 AM (in response to allanboe)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Marvelous, Holmes! You are undoubtedly correct. And to think such a singular problem could be explained away by a trifle. My word, I should be most thankful for your prompt and courteous sorting of the matter.
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Currently Being ModeratedJul 2, 2010 2:26 AM (in response to mdmayfield)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Thank you, Watson

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Currently Being ModeratedJul 13, 2010 10:53 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
You guys are awesome. Good detective work. I just pulled that picture from the Line 6 website. Sorry for the consternation.

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Currently Being ModeratedAug 10, 2010 5:56 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Just hitting this thread as there has been nothing posted here since Rich's last back on July 13th. Very odd nothing written here in almost a month.
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 13, 2010 6:23 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
At least for me, many of the pictures in the JTV blog are not displaying -- i.e. broken picture links.
Is it just me?
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 16, 2010 1:13 PM (in response to MartinHines)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
How about now? There were broken links for awhile, but today, it's looking good.
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 17, 2010 8:48 PM (in response to gitarzan53)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
All the pictures are now being displayed. Thanks!
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 22, 2010 1:49 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Yup, the links were funky but all good now.
So guys, are my blogs so great that you never have any questions?

By the way, I write the blogs and my buddy at Line 6, David P, makes me sound smart. Love that guy. He is the Line6DP you see on most of them.

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Currently Being ModeratedAug 22, 2010 2:22 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
No questions...get that guitar shipped!!!

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Currently Being ModeratedAug 22, 2010 3:00 AM (in response to RogerZ)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
As I pre-ordered my Korean JTV 59 last Monday based on all the great stuff you've been telling us and the great demo I saw given by Fred from Line 6 and Rob Chappers from UK dealership Andertons on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xZOZE51g9A&feature=search, the only qustion I have is WHEN CAN I HAVE MY GUITAR????


LOL - I can't wait - I keep drooling to the point where it's getting embarrassing.All the best
Nick
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 22, 2010 3:02 AM (in response to Nick_Mattocks)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Fred did a great job with those videos. We are working our butts off to stop you from drooling.
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 22, 2010 3:10 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Glad to hear it (Iknew that already).....
What time in the morning is it now for you? 3am? That's serious dedication to a job. Very well done anyway to you and your team on a serious note. You've kept everyone involved right from the get-go this time last year, and if as I'm expecting this guitar to be as sweet as as a sweet thing is, and I am really in no doubt about that, you and your team will have done a fantastic job getting the guitars out on time for us rabid G.A.S. guzzlers regards
Nick
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Currently Being ModeratedAug 24, 2010 5:45 AM (in response to Nick_Mattocks)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Hi Rich, I was wondering if you could post some pics on you blog of the import tuners front and back.
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Currently Being ModeratedSep 5, 2010 12:23 AM (in response to JasonPenn)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
JasonPenn wrote:
Hi Rich, I was wondering if you could post some pics on you blog of the import tuners front and back.
They look very similar to these.
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Currently Being ModeratedSep 4, 2010 5:17 AM (in response to RichRenken)JTV 69 Candy Apple Red Finish
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Currently Being ModeratedSep 5, 2010 12:26 AM (in response to hey_guitarman)Re: JTV 69 Candy Apple Red Finish
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Currently Being ModeratedOct 6, 2010 1:24 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
hehe... i got a question...
how long do you think it will take 'till somebody rips the guts out and sticks them in another guitar?

chris
p.s.
sell me a kit already!!!
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Currently Being ModeratedOct 6, 2010 5:23 AM (in response to chrisblackwell)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
chrisblackwell wrote:
hehe... i got a question...
how long do you think it will take 'till somebody rips the guts out and sticks them in another guitar?

chris
p.s.
sell me a kit already!!!
Pretty quickly. . .I already have the guitar being built so once I get the JTV the luthier can start work. . . if he ever calls me back! No kits though. . . . ..don't go there!
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Currently Being ModeratedOct 6, 2010 7:16 PM (in response to toasterdude)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
nice work

make sure you post some pics...
as far as kits go, the issue has devolved into just what you see here - a joke... it'll never happen...
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Currently Being ModeratedOct 9, 2010 9:53 AM (in response to chrisblackwell)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
I'm glad it'll never happen. That would be like selling POD guts to shove into custom enclosures. It makes little business sense. They sell off-the-shelf products. They always have.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 6, 2010 1:57 PM (in response to toasterdude)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
toasterdude wrote:
Pretty quickly. . .I already have the guitar being built so once I get the JTV the luthier can start work. . . if he ever calls me back! No kits though. . . . ..don't go there!
Just out of curiosity, are all your guitars custom made? Or do you own a Strat, Les Paul or an Ibanez perhaps?
The reason I ask is that if you do play "off the shelf" guitars and the build quality of the JTV is as good as a Strat, Les Paul or Ibanez then what is your motivation for getting a custom guitar built?
Please don't interpret this as a criticism, you're the one who will be playing the instrument. It's just my curiosity in the field of consumer behaviour that has sparked my interest. I too would swap out a neck on a guitar if it didn't suit me
Seriously, I'd like to know is it purely the aesthetics of the JTV, the branding, the lack of a particular feature (like a hollow body, cutaway or neck profile)?
I'd really like to know what the custom guitar that you're having built will be.
Cheers,
Crusty
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 6, 2010 6:43 PM (in response to Crusty_Old_Rocker)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Crusty_Old_Rocker wrote:
toasterdude wrote:
Pretty quickly. . .I already have the guitar being built so once I get the JTV the luthier can start work. . . if he ever calls me back! No kits though. . . . ..don't go there!
Just out of curiosity, are all your guitars custom made? Or do you own a Strat, Les Paul or an Ibanez perhaps?
The reason I ask is that if you do play "off the shelf" guitars and the build quality of the JTV is as good as a Strat, Les Paul or Ibanez then what is your motivation for getting a custom guitar built?
Please don't interpret this as a criticism, you're the one who will be playing the instrument. It's just my curiosity in the field of consumer behaviour that has sparked my interest. I too would swap out a neck on a guitar if it didn't suit me
Seriously, I'd like to know is it purely the aesthetics of the JTV, the branding, the lack of a particular feature (like a hollow body, cutaway or neck profile)?
I'd really like to know what the custom guitar that you're having built will be.
Cheers,
Crusty
Question for you. Have you ever had a guitar made pretty much exactly how you want it? Once you do, it is sort of tough to go back to off the shelf.
I used to play strat copies, and Gibson explorers. I always found it tough playing 6 songs on the explorer and then using the strat for 1 or 2. Way different necks, string spacing etc etc etc. By the time I would warm up to the strat it was time to switch again.
I bought a used 500 years ago and dug the sounds and even dug the feel enough for it not to be a problem. The frets seemed to wear fast though. I bought a 600 and decided to change the neck as the neck on the 600 was fugly. Got a warmoth compund radius. Got comfortable with it. Saw guys like Jeff Miller, and Midi Rose building guitars that they wanted. I am too lazy to actually learn all that stuff, so I bought warmoth parts for an xplant.
Swamp Ash, AAAAA flame maple top, flame maple neck with brazilian rosewood, stainless frets, compound radius, diamond inlays. Same neck specs as the warmoth I put on my 600. It was great to be able to switch guitars and have them feel almost identical.
I also live in a foreign country and travel a LOT. The idea of having one guitar that can cover it all, has great appeal. Having a backup also makes sense. The 600 has been flakey and unreliable from day one. I bought a second 500 used and have that one being xplanted into a warmoth strat with lipstick tube pickups and the neck from the 600.
Right around then I learned about the JTV. Better quality models, and alt tune knob seemed very cool. Rechargable battery seemed very cool. They also look better than the ugly 600 and 700s. . . .lol. . .I am sure the build quality is great as well. Doing an xplant has nothing to do with shortcomings of the JTV.
I have grown very attached to my purple tele xplant, and the thought of it becoming "firewood" because nobody will want to play old variax tech when the JTV comes out, did not appeal to me. So I of course want to put the JTV guts into my fave axe. I still need a backup though. So I ordered 2 JTV 59s. One for the purple tele and the other I planned on doing a LP style. Planned on putting Prails in both so I have way more choices than dual humbucker.
Well the fiance started getting curious about what model of guitar I used to play, and I showed her some youtube clips of allen collins going off on his explorer. We also watched "it might get loud" and of course the whole section with the edge talking about the explorer. She convinced me that I NEED an explorer. I still have an old 80s explorer with that god awful kahler trem on it, but have not touched it in years and a friend has it on loan.
So. . . .I convinced warmoth that they could do an explorer with flame top AND back. You guessed it. Purple. Same neck specks as my other 2 but obviously with explorer headstock. Got the parts a few weeks back and the purple dye is not even close to what my purple tele finish looks like. It has definitely grown on me, and I am keeping it. Just waiting for the JTV so my guy can install the guts into the explorer and put it together with p rails. Did I mention that both xplants are double bound in pearloid and I am getting custom shop pearloid covers on my p rails?
Since I ordered the xplant parts I have bought several off the shelf guitars and also parts to do some parts casters etc. I am having fun with my gretsch, 3 danos, 2 Gibson explorers and an epi 335 that the fiance is giving me for xmas. I am happy with look and feel of the epi and I am sure the JTVs will be as good, and more likely even better. I can use these guitars at home. Use em for recording. Use em if I am ever gonna jam a few tunes with aband and don't need more than one type of guitar etc. But, if I am traveling, or may need to play a few different styles, the variax gets grabbed.
I was in south america for 3 months and only had my purple tele variax. When recording a new tune I needed strat, tele, LP gold top, and acoustic sounds. I may replace all of the scratch parts but the variax was a killer tool to have when trying to figure out a new tune etc. I am in Caracas right now, and you guessed it, purple tele xplant is with me.
I guess I think variax tech is so damn cool and advanced that having it in an off the shelf or generic looking guitar doesn't do it justice. I pull my guitar out of it's case and get a WTF is THAT. If they sell as many tobacco sunburst 59s as I think they will I would have a guitar that thousands of others also have. OTOH I am pretty confident nobody else has a purple flame double bound explorer with pearloid p rails, flame mape neck with SS frets, diamond inlays. . . .AND JTV tech.
I am sure many guys grab a strap from GC and use it for years. Not me. Snakeskin straps that cost about 180 bucks each. I have 4 now and may need 1 or 2 more.
Something about python belly cut with a purple flame tele or explorer;-)
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Currently Being ModeratedOct 10, 2010 9:21 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Hi Rich,
I've got a quick question about the neck profiles on the guitars, especially the back contours. There seems to be a bit of mixed information depending on the source, so it would be great if you could give definitive information about the neck on each model. Things like 1st fret thickness, 12th fret thickness, shape... basically the sort of stuff you see on a site like Warmoth's.
Thanks
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 7:15 PM (in response to sparkyERTW)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
sparkyERTW wrote:
Hi Rich,
I've got a quick question about the neck profiles on the guitars, especially the back contours. There seems to be a bit of mixed information depending on the source, so it would be great if you could give definitive information about the neck on each model. Things like 1st fret thickness, 12th fret thickness, shape... basically the sort of stuff you see on a site like Warmoth's.
Thanks
I am going to post that soon. Maybe I will do a blog about it.
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Currently Being ModeratedNov 11, 2010 4:09 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Will the JTV89 offer a tremolo. At first it looked like it did but in all the recent pics it doesn't appear to have one.
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Currently Being ModeratedNov 12, 2010 4:15 PM (in response to brue58ski)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Not yet, but I believe it's in the works.
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Currently Being ModeratedNov 16, 2010 4:05 AM (in response to gitarzan53)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Rich, any comment? Yes, no or even maybe would be appreciated.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 1, 2010 2:07 AM (in response to brue58ski)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Still waiting for a response.
Oooops. Just now noticed this only has to do with your blogs. Sorry about that. But now that I have your attention, any chance you could respond? I will take no response as a no. Thanks.

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Currently Being ModeratedDec 1, 2010 11:02 AM (in response to brue58ski)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
LOL Ladies and gentlemen Rich has left the building!
I do have a question though, Rich when are you going to post a new blog at www.tylervariax.com?
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 2:45 PM (in response to thegreatoz)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
thegreatoz wrote:
LOL Ladies and gentlemen Rich has left the building!
I do have a question though, Rich when are you going to post a new blog at www.tylervariax.com?
Ha, just did about the same time you asked this. Nice....
And yes, I literally left the building, go check out the first couple pictures from the link in the blog and you will see me in action in Korea.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 3:19 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Line6RichRenken wrote:
thegreatoz wrote:
LOL Ladies and gentlemen Rich has left the building!
I do have a question though, Rich when are you going to post a new blog at www.tylervariax.com?
Ha, just did about the same time you asked this. Nice....
And yes, I literally left the building, go check out the first couple pictures from the link in the blog and you will see me in action in Korea.
Yeah, I noticed that!
I did see the photos as well, you look quite industrious! I hope there were more blue 69s than show up in the photos since that's what I have ordered!
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 1, 2010 11:02 AM (in response to brue58ski)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
brue58ski wrote:
Will the JTV89 offer a tremolo. At first it looked like it did but in all the recent pics it doesn't appear to have one.
Rich discussed this earlier:
Jun 7, 2010 12:52 PM
Line6Renken wrote:
We wanted to come with the JTV-89 with a Floyd but we have to design our own bridge around our piezos so we had to wait to see how many guys would be interested in the shred guitar. Well, they are selling well and we want to do a floyd version as soon as possible.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 2:43 PM (in response to brue58ski)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
brue58ski wrote:
Will the JTV89 offer a tremolo. At first it looked like it did but in all the recent pics it doesn't appear to have one.
It is on our plan. We, of course, know that a shred guitar needs both a non-trem and trem version, namely a Floyd style. Well, we have custom piezos so we will have to design our own Floyd. That will be expensive and it will add a few hundred to the street price. So we put out the non-trem first to see if shred guys would even be interested in Variax and with the cool vibe of the 89 and the alt tune function dropping you all the way to Drop Bb, it has been a hit. So we do want to roll out a Floyd version. I cannot say when and after all the trouble it caused talking about dates with the JTVs in general, I won't do that again. So hang tight.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 6, 2010 3:43 AM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Thank you so much for your reply. I guess I'll have to wait then to see what happens. I have NEVER owned a guitar with a tremolo but have wanted one for about 20 years. I had my original guitar (an SG) from the 70's and since I've never been exaclty rich, couldn't justify another guitar since if I did get another one, I wasn't going to compromise on other things. Sure I have gotten a cheap guitar with one on it but if it sucked and I would never play it, why bother. Then the Variax came out, and I pounced on it but couldn't afford the 700 so went for the 500. When the 600 came out, I just couldn't talk myself into the money since other than the tremolo it was the same. Now with the JTV I'm ready to pounce again but am determined to get one with the tremolo. I prefer the 89 but if I can't get it with the tremolo I'll get the one with it. Thanks again for your response, especially since it didn't have anything to do with your bolgs. Looking forward to the future.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 2:37 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Sorry that I have been so absent. It is really been a crazy ride this last year and a half. Both here and in my own life. But life is good. I am now a grampa and that has been great.

Anyway, just wanted to say that I am going to be on the forums even more going forward. I have just been busy with getting this guitar out the door. So I will catch up with all of these threads sooner than later.
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 3:14 PM (in response to RichRenken)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
Line6RichRenken wrote:
Sorry that I have been so absent. It is really been a crazy ride this last year and a half. Both here and in my own life. But life is good. I am now a grampa and that has been great.

Congratulations Rich, grandkids are even more fun than kids!!!
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 4:28 PM (in response to thegreatoz)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
They usually are mainly because after the fun part, they go home!
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Currently Being ModeratedDec 2, 2010 6:46 PM (in response to digiprod)Re: This thread is to talk to Rich about the blogs he is posting at www.tylervariax.com only. READ MY OPENING POST BEFORE POSTING IN THIS THREAD PLEASE!
BAM!! exactly.
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