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Up to Discussions in James Tyler Variax Guitars
4225 Views 30 Replies Latest reply: Nov 3, 2011 8:31 AM by solidjiver RSS
xtcguitar Just Startin'
xtcguitar
25 posts since
Feb 22, 2008
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 10, 2011 6:00 AM

Is my JTV-69 defective??

ive heard rich talk about how the alternate tunings are spot on.  what im noticing with 69 is that the drop D open string has a very distinct warble to it. also im getting weird overtones on the 5th fret of the high e string.  is this just the limitations of the technology or is something wrong with my guitar??  im going out of the normal jack into a spider jam amp.  can someone verify this for me.. go to the acoustic models and put it on the neck position model.  select drop D and hit the open D string.  then switch to DADGAD and hit the 5th fret on the high e..

  • scotterp Just Startin'
    scotterp
    13 posts since
    Mar 18, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 10, 2011 8:45 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    First question would be... have you upgraded the firmware to the latest version (1.70 I believe) or are you running the original version that came with it?

  • Belew01 Just Startin'
    Belew01
    7 posts since
    Feb 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 10, 2011 7:39 PM (in response to xtcguitar)
    Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    I don't have the exact same problem as you (JTV-59), but it is something similar.  My D string/4th string warbles horribly anytime I change to an alt tuning 1/2 step down or more.  You have to immediately mute it or you can't play an open chord without horrible warble.  I've tried a different set of strings and a good set up with no change.  It's got to be a software or piezo issue.  I have 1.70 also.

    • xtcguitar Just Startin'
      xtcguitar
      25 posts since
      Feb 22, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Mar 10, 2011 8:36 PM (in response to Belew01)
      Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

      id like Line 6 to reply.  tell me i didnt pay 1400 bux for a defective guitar?

      • xtcguitar Just Startin'
        xtcguitar
        25 posts since
        Feb 22, 2008
        Currently Being Moderated
        Mar 12, 2011 9:35 PM (in response to xtcguitar)
        Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

        Hello Line 6.. i spent 1400 bux on this guitar.. can you please respond?? 

        • litesnsirens Iknowathingortwo
          litesnsirens
          649 posts since
          Mar 20, 2010
          Currently Being Moderated
          Mar 14, 2011 8:46 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
          Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

          xtc, are you expecting Line6 to respond to this thread?  You could be waiting for awhile if not forever, this forum isn't really a vehicle for that sort of thing. I would suggest if you don't believe your guitar is working as expected that you call them, if they can't daignose and help over the phone maybe they can direct you to an authorized repair location where a tech can inspect your guitar and figure it out.  I can well imagine your frustration and you deserve an answer, I'm just suggesting a more direct approach.  I haven't got mine yet but the demos I've seen online certainly show that the alt tunings should work much better than you are describing.

          • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo
            edstar1960
            712 posts since
            May 25, 2010
            Currently Being Moderated
            Mar 14, 2011 9:25 AM (in response to litesnsirens)
            Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

            +1

             

            I agree - direct contact with Line6 will be the quickest route to getting the problem resolved.

            I would also suggest contacting your dealer to report the fault to them - as they will be the ones who will either provide you with a replacement or a refund if it can't be fixed - so I would alert them to the fact that the product is faulty now while you are still well within your approval period.

             

            Good luck - hope it gets resolved quickly for you!

            • xtcguitar Just Startin'
              xtcguitar
              25 posts since
              Feb 22, 2008
              Currently Being Moderated
              Mar 14, 2011 9:35 AM (in response to edstar1960)
              Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

              thanks for the reply's..  i thought L6 monitored this support forum. ill give them a call.

              • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
                Rowbi
                7,745 posts since
                Nov 25, 2006
                Currently Being Moderated
                Mar 14, 2011 10:53 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
                Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                xtcguitar wrote:

                 

                thanks for the reply's..  i thought L6 monitored this support forum. ill give them a call.

                they do monitor it, BUT once someone's answered you (or replied to you) the thread is assumed answered.  so you have to reply and then it flags it for L6 again.  it works in most cases, but occasionally one slips through the net.

                 

                basically the quickest way to get L6 support is to call them.  if the issue can wait a day or two then this forum is the best place, notwithstanding threads being marked assumed answered.

                 

                anyway, let us know how you get on talking to L6.

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,580 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 17, 2011 9:48 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    RE: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    xtcguitar,

       

      Listening to the recorded clip, I can definitely hear the ghost note on the High E string.  It was difficult to hear the D warble.  I do suggest lowering the pickups if they are too close to the strings which may cause pitch warble if they are too close to the strings (this is concerning the D string warble).

       

      I know that you spoke with David yesterday and he suggested re-installing the flash memory on the guitar.  If the problem persists, contact us to set up a return to repair the guitar.

       

      Regards,

       

      Line6Hugo

    • xtcguitar Just Startin'
      xtcguitar
      25 posts since
      Feb 22, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Mar 17, 2011 10:24 AM (in response to Line6Hugo)
      Re: RE: Is my JTV-69 defective??

      i re-flashed 1.70 and still get the high E  ghost notes and the warble on the dropped D. whats odd is differnent models with different tunings give me ghost notes on different strings..

      Is there an easier way to get back up with David without having to hold 45 mins?

       

      thanks

       

      aaron

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,580 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2011 9:33 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    RE: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    Aaron,

       

      I have opened a support ticket for you.  Please use the following link to view your support ticket:

       

      http://line6.com/account/tickets/view/

       

      Regards,

       

      Line6Hugo

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,580 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 22, 2011 10:44 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    I have informed our service department to set you up with an RMA through your support ticket.

     

    Regards,

     

    Line6Hugo

  • Line6De Just Startin'
    Line6De
    65 posts since
    Feb 26, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 22, 2011 10:46 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    RE: Is my JTV-69 defective??

     

       Hi there,

      We are missing one or more of the following:,

      If you haven't already, please make sure you've uploaded your receipt (pdf, jpeg photo or scan) Also register  your product so we have the serial number and check your contact information to make sure its all accurate (make sure we have your correct shipping ADDRESS- NO PO boxes- YOU MUST GO INTO YOUR ACCOUNT SETTINGS AND CHANGE YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS- NOT WITHIN THIS TICKET REPLY).. Please make sure we have the failure detail. After you have done that I can write you an RMA (Return Materials Authorization number) for the Repair or replacement of your defective unit.

      Thank You!

      Line6De    

       

  • gitarman4 Just Startin'
    gitarman4
    1 posts since
    Nov 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 17, 2011 3:16 AM (in response to xtcguitar)
    Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

    Hi

    My JTV69 has been back to Line6 twice because of extraneous noises on the alternate tuning, their response was that there was nothing wrong. I have just recieved it back after the second try and decided to resolve the problem myself.

    If you strike a chord whilst holding your ear to the body of the guitar and immediately mute the chord you will find that the guitar will sing with what appears to be a harmonic ring, this I assume is being picked up by the now more sensitive pickups ans is confusing the alternate tuning electronics.

    I have finally tracked down the source, initially thought it might be the trem springs, but it turned out to be the long undamped strings between the nut and the machinehead posts.

    The G string in particular is the worst offender.....When I first got the guitar I thought it looked a bit odd from the nut up, Thought the designer would have picked this up!!

    Hope this helps some of you

     

    Mike

    • solidjiver Just Startin'
      solidjiver
      56 posts since
      Aug 29, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Nov 2, 2011 9:37 AM (in response to gitarman4)
      Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

      How did you solve this? My guitar appears to have the same issue. Is there a way to dampen the strings between the nut and the tuning pegs without affecting the appearance of the guitar? Thanks.

      • jayson2 Just Startin'
        jayson2
        77 posts since
        Jan 31, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Nov 2, 2011 6:59 PM (in response to solidjiver)
        Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

        I think there is.  Check out this video:

         

         

        The guy doing the demo has some type of band around the nut.  I'm assuming it on to dampen the strings.  I thought I had a fret buzz on my high E string but figured out from gitarman4 post (thanks for the tip!) the string was resonating from the nut to the machine head post.  I'm trying some DIY solutions but if anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

         

        BTW, even though it's in German, I think this is one of the best demo's of a Variax I've seen.  There's a 2nd and 3rd part here:

         

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLVaYgxQPDs&feature=relmfu

         

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cmcvVcYdrc&feature=relmfu

         

         

        Cheers,

         

        jayson

         

        
        • stevekc Just Startin'
          stevekc
          114 posts since
          Feb 7, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 2, 2011 8:12 PM (in response to jayson2)
          Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??
          If you strike a chord whilst holding your ear to the body of the guitar and immediately mute the chord you will find that the guitar will sing with what appears to be a harmonic ring,

           

           

          Fresh out of the box from the factory  - my JTV-69  did that too. I traced it down to the tremolo springs, which can continue to vibrate like an old Spring reverb tank, even after you have muted the strings. The sensitive Piezo bridge saddles can not distinguish a vibrating string from a vibrating rear tremolo spring.   

           

          Read my JTV-69 Tremolo Setup thread for the tip to install heat shrink tubing on the rear tremolo springs.

          See this thread for details:

          http://line6.com/support/thread/73637

           

          As a long term Variax 600  owner, I can tell you Line6 USED to install heatshrink tubing on the Variax 600 rear tremolo springs to dampen vibration and prevent the rear springs contributing a signal that can easily be picked up by the Piezo Bridge saddles.  Installing heatshrink tubing on the rear tremolo springs DID improve all my Alt tuning performance on my JTV-69 !!

           

           

          http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp208/elantric/JTV%20Variax/P1020106.jpg

          • jayson2 Just Startin'
            jayson2
            77 posts since
            Jan 31, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 2, 2011 9:51 PM (in response to stevekc)
            Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

            Thanks for the info Steve!  Can you buy heat shrink tubing at hardware stores and what size would I ask for?

             

            Cheers,

             

            jayson

            • stevekc Just Startin'
              stevekc
              114 posts since
              Feb 7, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Nov 2, 2011 10:10 PM (in response to jayson2)
              Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

              I have used Harbor Freight 127 piece Heat Shrink Tubing Set $3.00

              http://www.harborfreight.com/127-piece-heat-shrink-tubing-set-67524.html

               

              http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_15871.jpg

               

              The actual pieces I used on the Tremolo Springs states its 10mm diameter (metric) and it shrinks perfectly around each Spring to dampen its vibration.

               

              There are mamy alternative methods to dampen these springs - heres another method

              :

              The tremolo springs on some guitars ring so loud when playing that they're audible through the amp, and add all sorts of unsavory dissonant overtones to your notes. This is a good cure.

              • solidjiver Just Startin'
                solidjiver
                56 posts since
                Aug 29, 2011
                Currently Being Moderated
                Nov 3, 2011 7:24 AM (in response to stevekc)
                Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                Thanks. If I listen to the acoustical sound of the guitar (with my ear to the body), I can hear a ringing sound after I muted the strings. This sound disappears when I also mute the strings behind the nut. Therefore I belief there's no problem with the trem springs (otherwise I would still hear a ringing sound).

                 

                I guess I will have to look for something to dampen the strings behind the nut.

                 

                Isn't this something that affects all JTV's by the way?

                • stevekc Just Startin'
                  stevekc
                  114 posts since
                  Feb 7, 2007
                  Currently Being Moderated
                  Nov 3, 2011 8:41 AM (in response to solidjiver)
                  Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                  I guess I will have to look for something to dampen the strings behind the nut.

                   

                  Isn't this something that affects all JTV's by the way?

                  solidjiver wrote:

                   

                  Thanks. If I listen to the acoustical sound of the guitar (with my ear to the body), I can hear a ringing sound after I muted the strings. This sound disappears when I also mute the strings behind the nut. Therefore I belief there's no problem with the trem springs (otherwise I would still hear a ringing sound).

                   

                  I guess I will have to look for something to dampen the strings behind the nut.

                   

                  Isn't this something that affects all JTV's by the way?

                   

                   

                  Of course the strings ringing "behind the nut  - is another source of noise - or if you are Adrian Belew, its a source of a wider sonic pallete. Or if you are Jerry Donahue of the Hellicasters - that area above the nut is your "B Bender, G Bender, D Bender etc.

                   

                  But many MIDI guitarists take a cure fomr the Chapman Stic/ Warr guitars and dampen the Strings up there.

                  Gunder Keller (a popular Roland demonstrator) always uses a scrunchy hair tie placed under the strings up above the nut on the headstock - find them at Walmart.

                   

                • TheRealZap Expert Line 6 User
                  TheRealZap
                  11,829 posts since
                  Dec 22, 2006
                  Currently Being Moderated
                  Nov 3, 2011 7:39 AM (in response to solidjiver)
                  Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                  wouldn't a locking nut do the same job? or at least produce the same results...

                  IMO not a bad addition to a guitar if you intend to make use of the trem.

                  • stevekc Just Startin'
                    stevekc
                    114 posts since
                    Feb 7, 2007
                    Currently Being Moderated
                    Nov 3, 2011 7:46 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
                    Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                    Sure - But I hate locking nuts -

                     

                    If you want a floyd - go for it.

                     

                    But a locking nut without fine tuners  on the bridge on a hot well lit stage - spells tuning disaster as everything goes sharp as the temperature rises

                     

                    (physics 101). 

                    • TheRealZap Expert Line 6 User
                      TheRealZap
                      11,829 posts since
                      Dec 22, 2006
                      Currently Being Moderated
                      Nov 3, 2011 7:52 AM (in response to stevekc)
                      Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                      yeah, good point. i have a japanese strat like that it has the system2 trem on it... but the locking nut simply has a lever to let loose on the fly rather than the hex nut blocks... so its a little easier to deal with.

                      • stevekc Just Startin'
                        stevekc
                        114 posts since
                        Feb 7, 2007
                        Currently Being Moderated
                        Nov 3, 2011 8:01 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
                        Re: Is my JTV-69 defective??

                        The 1980s had many clever fast change lever action locking Nuts.

                         

                        But by the 1990s most good designs were patented, and then it became a "my lawyer can beat up your lawyer" lawsuit city. and it makes everyone a tad gun shy today.

                         

                        I just want to play guitar and have access to the best technology available.

                         

                        But the US patent court system prevents access to many of the type of componets I need for my quest.

                         

                        Luckily I have a stash of 40 years of guitar parts from my years as a custrom installer/builder in LA, and access to a machine shop for custom one off parts, and a decent day gig as an electonic design engineer to fund special projects.

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