zeddd wrote:

 

Hey Sparky,

 

How's it going over there with your new guitar? Are you happy with it?

 

I was looking for your post on the alternate tunings issue, but I couldn't find it.

 

Would love to read a little Sparky Report.

 

Zeddd

Who're you calling little?!!!

First of all, the alternate tuning stuff. I haven't had munched tunings since updating the firmware. As far as the false resonance, it's something the original Variax did too. While somewhat annoying, it can be compensated for and doesn't outweigh the benefit of being able to jump to DADGAD, Blues G, etc. at the turn of a knob.  I also tend to use the alt tunings for raw, gritty slide much of the time, and it's less noticeable in that context.

I've had it for nearly two week now, and just yesterday broke it out at a jam in a power trio setting (including a stint of slidework in overdriven, Blues G 12-string Rickenbacker that was gnarly as all hell). Despite being a little disappointed with the neck (I wanted the baseball bat originally described, damnit!) and the cash dropped rather than just sticking with my 500, I've decided it's a keeper. The rechargeable battery and tuning wheel are great, the build quality on mine shows no issues, and I like the fact that years from now if the modelling guts die it's still a decent guitar without having to hack it up. I also like the fact that I don't have to rely on the Workbench software to program alternate tunings, especially after how spotty Line 6's driver support for that was until the JTVs came out.

At the same time, I can't make the blanket recommendation that it's worth upgrading. If the rechargeable battery and separated alternate tunings aren't something you really care about, I have a hard time suggesting someone grab a JTV over saving ~$1,000 and getting themselves a used 300/500/600. Even if you had to get yourself a Warmoth neck on it to play to your liking, it's still a much better cost-value proposition.

Good for you Sparky.

I'm in L6 helll waiting to hear back if they will fix mine. Being ignored now.

Probably have to take it back to the store this week

What a negative experience, very upsetting.

Nice guitar but a lemon in my case, and treated like an insignifigant zero the whole time, even now....while others get the red carpet treatment. FML.

Thanks zedddman, I wish there was a much better report to give, and I agree with your assessments and strategies for the future. I actually still very much want one of these guitars...even this one. But it's feeling like it is personal at this point, like I was not nice enough or something..?

I own nearly every piece of gear L6 has made. I have only criticised things that were way out there over the line IMO...like the X3L glue and switches, and the handling of some of the JTV delays. Or maybe it's my breath. Or my body odor. Or just me.

I should find a new career/hobby, this one stresses me out.

I can't even buy a brand new guitar.

Sorry to hear your customer service experience has been so terrible, Stumpsout. Hopefully you get things sorted out. All I can say is that when everything is working as it should - as mine seems to be - it's a mighty fine guitar (even if I do whine about a neck that's not as thick as a tree trunk, which is all me).  Acheiving that, however, seems to be problematic.

Just thought I should post this SOMEWHERE -- Hello Music is selling brand new JTV-59s tonight for $1168 including shipping.  It's $100 off their usual price because of the US income tax deadline and thus will probably only be good on April 16th. Sorry for the late notice but hopefully someone can take advantage of this.  www.hellomusic.com

FYI and im only guessing but It may not be a stock issue as much as a shipping issue mfazly. Ive seen many sellers for example on Ebay that state they will NOT ship to Malaysia...

Hey, I had a long wait for my JTV-59 and also quality issues that required it to be sent back. However,  after a year or so of having a fully functioning Variax I have to say it is an excellent guitar. I use it more than my other guitars simply becaue of the convenience of the variety of sounds and tunings. It's great to just pick up the guitar and see where the mood takes you...without having to dig another guitar out of its case or start messing around with the tuning.

As for your problems regarding lack of supply in your area. The JTV-59P is a new model released in the last couple of months. It hasn't been around as long as the ones this thread was set up to enquire about. I would imagine supply would start filtering through soon, although probably a lot slower than you'd wish. I'd stick with it and try to get one online. The P90s look excellent...it almost makes me want to buy another