videoman77 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 I've been hanging around this forum for about 4 or 5 days now and i think i am about ready to pull the trigger. Im thinking of going with the SSS model because i can't really find any NEW hum bucker styles in the color i want...which is black. Question 1: Anything i need to know about the SSS models? The seem to be more prevalent than the others. Question 2: Pretty sure i am getting a Korean made one, because the price point. Any problems specific to the "Cheaper" versions? Question 3: Do i need to get it setup by my favorite Luthier? I may have other questions, but thats a start :) Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealZap Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 the black SSS has a maple neck... the SSS models came later and are newer... (so early issues were fixed before they were made...) the Korean ones are solid. the factory setup is generally reasonable... whether or not you need a luthier would depend on how YOU like it.... but generally i'd recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Thats good info "TheRealZap" thanks! What gauge of strings? Can i use any type? Generally with my SG standard i use Elixer nano webs the lights. I had an issue come up with SG because i was using mediums for a while and it through the whole setup out of whack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealZap Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 they ship with 10's. i used elixir polyweb's for years on my older variax, so elixirs won't be a problem. you can use any gauge or electric guitar string you prefer as long as you have it setup good. the variaxes can be a little finicky if the setup is poor... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 So what constitutes poor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 The 69S has a floating trem much like a strat. Changing string gauge requires that you change the spring tension on the Trem to get it level with the guitar body. Intonation and neck relief will also change if you change string gauge. I use 10's on my electrics so I have not had to fool with the trem setup. My 69S came from Sweetwater set up much to my liking. I had to tweak it a bit but I am comfortable doing that myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Charlie: yeah saw your other posts about the trem. Good stuff. I will likely get mine from sweet water too. How long did it take to ship and receive? Using the gig bag or got a hard shell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealZap Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 the biggest things i'd worry about is that the nut is properly filed for your strings, and that the adjustments are uniform, meaning that everything is adjusted like you want it and "tight"... additional vibrations from anywhere can get picked up with the piezos so a saddle that's loose on one side could cause artifacts etc... So what constitutes poor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I received my guitar from Sweetwater in less than a week. They gave me personalized service. I asked them to upgrade the FW and make sure everything was working and they did that. I bought a Hard Case because I travel with my guitar. It came with the Gig bag which is fine if you don't travel with it. You get a very good return policy with Sweetwater - not a bad idea when you are purchasing a guitar sight unseen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 I received my guitar from Sweetwater in less than a week. They gave me personalized service. I asked them to upgrade the FW and make sure everything was working and they did that. I bought a Hard Case because I travel with my guitar. It came with the Gig bag which is fine if you don't travel with it. You get a very good return policy with Sweetwater - not a bad idea when you are purchasing a guitar sight unseen. FW? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rchibnik Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 FW==Firmware You're buying a guitar with a computer in it. Have fun with it - you're sure to like it. As a stand alone guitar, the JTV is a great instrument. With the models and alt tunings they are over the top. I have a Korean JTV 89 that I'm delighted with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Oh Yeah Duh! Im comfortable doing those updates myself. Is the latest version of firmware the way to go? I know that with my hd500x, invariably, when i update firmware or memory flash it changes the sound of my patches slightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rchibnik Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I run the latest version of the firmware and am happy with the tone. There is a ton of comments on here about it. I would try it and downgrade only if it doesn't satisfy your ears. The latest version of the firmware is compatible with the HD Edit program that allows editing of Variax models using the HD500 as an interface, without requiring a special cable. I suspect that you'll be happy with the latest version. The biggest complaint was with the Strat models.I dont have a problem with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Only advantage of having them do it was that if anything went wrong they had the guitar not me. Some folks were having problems with the updates. I have updated mine since I got it with no problems. I like the 2.1 models and the Workbench HD / HD500x is a great combo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
videoman77 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Well Thanks Everyone! I appreciate you all taking the time to answer some question i had. Now hopefully some day, if i get this guitar, L6 will make a relay unit that supports VDI ;) If anyone else has anything else to mention go for it!! Caleb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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