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545 Views 9 Replies Latest reply: Dec 10, 2011 5:18 AM by sfeinstein RSS
tywebb Just Startin'
tywebb
35 posts since
Feb 5, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Dec 7, 2011 5:32 AM

Replacement JTV-69 with different problem

I took the advice offered in my previous thread about my new JTV-69 which had enough high fret issues that it needed a fret dress and and called the online retailer where I bought it and asked for a replacement which was sent out immediately.  So far so good...  I pulled the new one out of the box tonight and the neck and frets are much better on this one.  OK, cool.  Plugged into my amp and started playing.  Everything was fine until I tried changing the tuning knob.  None of the alternate tunings do anything and strangely all the options are lit up in red as opposed to the white LED on the first 69, which of course the alternate tunings worked fine.  I performed the descibed alternate tunings reset procedure and it's still doing the same thing.  No alt tunings and all options are lit up in red....

 

Man, the guitar gods just don't want me to own one of these... 

 

Has anyone heard of this?  I'm really hoping there is a simple explanation and fix for this.  If not I'll probably just save the $$ and give up.  

 

Line 6, I hope you might weigh in here. 

 

Disappointedly,

Ty

Tags: line_6_variax, tyler
  • VARIAXED Just Startin'
    VARIAXED
    52 posts since
    Aug 22, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 7, 2011 12:50 AM (in response to tywebb)
    Re: Replacement JTV-69 with different problems

    Once again ty, You are not in good standings with the Almighty Variax God. Whats this alternate tuning reset? do you mean the factory reset? if that's what you tried and it didn't work. Do not fool around with your JTV-69 any further. You must once again send It right back for a replacement. Are you dealing with Sweetwater, if so, shame on them for slipping up twice in a row. They should know better. These types of mishaps I would usually expect from Sam Ash and especially Musician's Friend, But one must consider the fact that we're in the Holiday season and slip-ups can and will most certainly happen. Line 6 proudly & specifically states that when they ship there Variax's out to the retailers, the retailer performers an additional checklist inspection on every Variax before it can be sold?. Sending It back improves your chances of receiving a fine instrument.

    • tywebb Just Startin'
      tywebb
      35 posts since
      Feb 5, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 7, 2011 3:13 AM (in response to VARIAXED)
      Re: Replacement JTV-69 with different problems

      Hey Variaxed,

       

      Yes, I mean I used the factory altered tuning reset function as described on page 14 of the users manual.  I purchased both of these from Musicians Friend.  I''ve bought a lot of gear including guitars from MF and seldom had an issue.  My real concern which is growing by the minute, is that despite all the PR jabber by Line 6 that they've QC'd this and double-checked that, is that the quality level on these guitars is well below what an almost $2000 retail instrument should be.

       

      Now I'm really knockered because I've got one in my hands that has a good neck as opposed to the first one I received.  If I try a third time what will I get??  I've got a feeling that the only you're going to be safe buying one fo these is to try and audition in person in a shop somewhere..... 

       

      Ty

      • VARIAXED Just Startin'
        VARIAXED
        52 posts since
        Aug 22, 2006
        Currently Being Moderated
        Dec 8, 2011 8:02 AM (in response to tywebb)
        Re: Replacement JTV-69 with different problems

        Good call Ty,  Perhaps It's best not to risk a third strike taking another chance with an online company, especially with Musician's Friend again. You will be better off with a retail store (Guitar center, Sam Ash etc!). I myself know very well that It"s convenient to shop online, even for a Guitar?, What will become of us. It's time to get back on track. I also know that selecting the right guitar at a music store can sometimes be a hit or miss, So don't be intimidated by the (never made it as a Rock Star ) sales Dude that tells you that the JTV that you are trying out (but to you, doesn't sound or play right) is identical to the dozen or so that he has in the back storeroom. You must insist and tell him to bring out another one for you to check out, and keep' em flowing until you find that magic JTVAX. Good Hunting. A Happy Holiday & a Wonderful New year to You & Your Loved Ones.

  • ricksox UberGuru
    ricksox
    11,600 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 8, 2011 11:54 AM (in response to tywebb)
    Re: Replacement JTV-69 with different problem

    tywebb wrote:

     

    I took the advice offered in my previous thread about my new JTV-69 which had enough high fret issues that it needed a fret dress and and called the online retailer where I bought it and asked for a replacement which was sent out immediately.  So far so good...  I pulled the new one out of the box tonight and the neck and frets are much better on this one.  OK, cool.  Plugged into my amp and started playing.  Everything was fine until I tried changing the tuning knob.  None of the alternate tunings do anything and strangely all the options are lit up in red as opposed to the white LED on the first 69, which of course the alternate tunings worked fine.  I performed the descibed alternate tunings reset procedure and it's still doing the same thing.  No alt tunings and all options are lit up in red....

     

    Man, the guitar gods just don't want me to own one of these... 

     

    Has anyone heard of this?  I'm really hoping there is a simple explanation and fix for this.  If not I'll probably just save the $$ and give up.  

     

    Line 6, I hope you might weigh in here. 

     

    Disappointedly,

    Ty

    Ty,

     

    Did you connect the guitar to your computer via the USB interface it came wiht and try reinstalling the Flash Memory? If this is a software issue a reflash should resolve it.

     

    Rick

  • sfeinstein Just Startin'
    sfeinstein
    28 posts since
    Jul 3, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 8, 2011 8:13 PM (in response to tywebb)
    Re: Replacement JTV-69 with different problem

    Not sure what online site you are dealing with, but I have been using Sweetwater for years and they have always come through for me.

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