clay-man

The problem is that it's an appauling overtone at a certain frequency that makes it sound highly unnatural. When you put it through the Alt Tuner it'll mess with the sound and basically make it sound normal. I barely use the Lester model on my 600 because of this, but I do use a C standard variant a lot because it sounds just fine. Line 6 needs to find exactly what causes this, as it's obviously not normal, and correct it whenever someone has this problem. No "string mass" excuse. I can understand that the setup can play a part of it showing up, then why don't they setup the guitar? I love Line 6, but whenever I hear a guitar sent back and still have the problem, there's no excuse.

I've had this problem on my Variax as well. It's EXTREMELY annoying. I lessened the problem by swapping out a piezo from another saddle to the E string. The Les Paul model still has it pretty badly in E standard, but it sounds good when tuned down. Other than that I use a custom model which gets rid of the sound. I believe the problem stems from an oversensitive piezo being in the E string. You can hear the sound when scrapping your pick against the string. Any time I hear a guitar was sent in and Line 6 says "Oh it's normal" and then goes on a tangent about how it's normal because of string mass, it makes me pretty mad, because it's obvious that the design of a proper working Variax ISN'T supposed to make that sound, so there's no excuse.

If I heard right, there's another version of the JCM 800 coming our way right? Does that mean more jangly classic JCM-800 tones? The normal one is ok in some applications but it doesn't have the attack that most other JCM 800 modelers have.

Well if it's going to be those amps but with better response, I then that's cool, but once you cross a line, it's not really those amps, but based on those amps. Honestly I wouldn't mind that though. Versions of those amps with a lot more realism to it, but again, it's more based on, than actually being it. Like I've said, you can do that with a real amp because you're objective is getting the sound to be more close and real to the amp it's representing. I can't wait though. I knew getting an HD over an X3 was a smart idea. I get better sounding amps, and I'm getting legacy amps at the same time anyways. Frankly I'm not the biggest older POD fan when it comes to having modern modelers at my disposal, as we all know, modeling has improved constantly over the years.

Does it happen on the low E string only? I've had a problem with my guitar were the E string was way too clunky . I personally fixed it by swapping 2 of the piezos with a soldering gun. If you just got the guitar and it's giving you a plunking noise when hitting the string, that means your have oversensitive piezos. If you can, you should probably swap it for a replacement with your dealer.

I really don't get people's whining. They've been giving you free amps for years now, and now that they're giving you a huge suite of amps, you expect them not to make money off of it? When you bought the POD, you bought it because of what it can do, not what potential things they can cram into it after begging for it. They have to make a profit somehow. That's their job. They're adding a huge array of XT amps as well as new amps. Maybe the model packs could be cut down BY 10 bucks and make it like 40 USD, but 5 dollars each and 10 for all of it? Really? This is an amp modeler and FX unit, not Angry Birds, people.

Sweetwater is the best place to go for the Variax, so I've heard. They should always be up to work with someone getting a bad Variax, so just be patient and swap it for a proper working one.

That would require extra work on their hands, and it's not like it's impossible. I'm surprised the factory doesn't install the latest firmware though on the guitars. Either way, let us know what you think. Some complain about the strat and the 335 sounding too thin. The HD models do have a lot more high end clarity though, instead of sounding like a high cut filter is on all the guitars.

What do you think of the new modeling? Better or worse?

It's fair to be concerned about updating the firmware, but try it. Use the dongle, I've realized it's a lot faster than using a POD. Workbench is a lot of fun though. I really suggest getting into it, it's a real game changer.

It's a nice touch, but honestly I never want hum, unless the music called for it, but 99% of the time, I want the signal completely silent when I'm not playing. It's why we have noise gates.

Can you please try to find the setting? I use POD with Reaper as well. I'd like to know.

Do not disconnect. The driver will cause a blue screen when it is running and sees no POD. Turn off your DAW before unplugging like Hurg said

How would one honestly "revamp it to be HD"? When you change it, it might as well not be those amps anymore. If there's a way to incorporate deep edit parameters, then I understand, but "HDifying" these amps basically means they aren't those amps to begin with, but based on them. They're not real amps like the others they model, they're originals by Line 6.

Pretty sure on Amplitube you pay for each amp. It really isn't asking for too much. POD isn't a saturated market so asking for 5 dollars and 10 dollars is insanely low price for them to ask, you might as well ask for them to give it for free. Maybe the price could be a little bit lower, 10-15 bucks, but I'm honestly fine with the price.

Ah. Well like I said, I highly suggest: 1) checking out the HD firmware to see if you like it better or not. You can roll back if you don't. 2) If the tele isn't twangy enough still, like I said, plug your guitar to the computer and open workbench. Open the Telecaster models and move the pickups ever so slightly to the bridge a few notches until you have the desired twangyness out of it. I wanted the tele more distinguishable and twangier than the strat so I did that and I was very happy with the results.

I really love this update that's coming and I can't wait. I'd love to hear the HD 5150. Definitely using that for my In Flames patches over the Mesa. I'm getting the all 3 pack for sure. I think paying for it is fine especially from how much we're getting. I'm also really glad for the EQ because it'll help shape up the tone better. The models sound great but some of them need heavy post EQ in a mix.

Did you get the black body guitar? Is there any way to have a sunburst with a maple neck or is that not an option, because I saw someone have a JTV with a maple on a sunburst (If I remember correctly). Either way, that sounds great. I'm thinking about getting this exact model myself. Also, I personally didn't think it was twangy enough either, but surely, going into workbench and backing the pickups to the bridge a bit gave it more twang and it was perfect. What firmware did you use?

JTVs definitely shouldn't be discontinued, not unless they're sure it's not selling and they need to move their guitars into a yamaha platform.

I have to agree about the EQ, I don't really like their EQs on the HD. There should be a 4 band EQ with Hertz, Q and level by DB. 50hz-22khz assignable. I was trying to dial in a Smashing Pumpkins tone and it didn't stand out well in the mix without EQ. I'd work with an EQ plug in and it sounded great but didn't transcribe as well on the POD EQ FX. I think the PODHD sounds great, it's just the EQ section is annoying.

Interesting. I might just get a JTV 69s instead. Only 200 more bucks. I'm 99% sure I'm going to use the HD modeling when I get it but I'm the type of guy who always wants the option to do more even if I might never use it.

You could assign it to the amp volume parameter couldn't you?

I really like the MIDI functionality of the HD500, it's one of the biggest reasons I got it. It killed so many birds with 1 stone: MIDI floorboard, Variax power, Audio Interface, FX board. Either way, Firehawk sounds really amazing, but I really do hope both series will be worked on.

I assume the guts hardware is the same as the JTV.

Sounds like the Firehawk could be an indirect successor for the HD500.