johnnyayyy

Yes, 2 pickups have to be turned on for position 2 and 4 Strat sounds, but that sound is not caused by the pickups being wired out of phase, it is caused by the two pickups picking up sound on different parts of the string - probably still called "out of phase" string-vibration wise but not wiring-wise. I have wired my Strat pickups out of phase before (reversed the leads) but this does not give you the classic Strat "Quack/Cluck" sound, it gives you an extremely pronounced hollow out of phase sound that would be of limited use to most people. Connect to Workbench, choose Spank position 2 or 4 and click the reverse polarity switch to simulate out of phase wiring and you should hear a huge difference.

Go here: http://line6.com/software/ Download the 1.9 firmware and the 2.0 firmware to your computer. Open Monkey. Click "Update From File". Install 1.9 firmware. Click "Update From File". Install 2.0 firmware.

Yes it is easy to go back to 1.9, I will be doing that myself until there are some minor improvements (the 12 string glitches are a major problem for me).

Hadn't tried the acoustic 12s yet, but... that really sucks. This means I will have to go back to 1.9 til there is a fix as I use the acoustic 12s a bunch (have never used the Rick 12s as they didn't sound good at all to me before but the HD versions sound great and I would likely use them a lot if the pitch issue were fixed). What about the new feature that lets you use any of the guitars as 12 strings? Does this give you the same crazy pitch glitching errors as the Rick and acoustic12s?

Hmmm, interesting. I asked question 1. thinking that if someone likes position 1, 3, and 5 better in HD but 2 and 4 better pre HD that there is something different in the way the pickups are combining in the HD version, if position 2 has the middle pickup only that would make a HUGE difference. Also, different pots or caps settings in HD defaults could be making the sounds wildly different, I can't connect to Workbench yet to check this or to test adjusting the pickup levels ( have been using HD500 to connect my JTV and still have not gotten around to unpacking/charging the battey to use the Workbench dongle, maybe this week). I ask question 2. to try to narrow things down in this discussion to questions of taste and/or real problems - if someone is experiencing the same results with their JTV update as those shown in the video and prefers the sound of Spank 2 and 4 in the old firmware then we are probably discussing matters of taste, but if someone is experience wildly different results than those shown in the video this may indicate they are in need of a reflash (or might possibly have more serious problems with their guitar).

Okay, so I think your answer to the 1. Yes/No question is "YES Spank 1,3, and 5 are better in HD" in your opinion, is this what you are saying? Trying to narrow it down here to figure out what is going on... have you tried adjusting the volume of the pickups relative to each other in position 2 and 4 in Workbench? I am thinking if the guitar modeled in HD had slightly different height adjustments on the pickups compared to the guitar used in the original modeling it would affect the way the pickups blend in position 2 and 4, and adjusting the relative pickup volumes in Workbench may give you a sound closer to the pre HD version of Spank 2 and 4. Okay - OTHER THAN THE SEMI , are you experiencing results with the HD upgrade similar to what is shown in the video?

I would like the 12 string electrics to work with the guitar physically tuned down to D with no crazy pitch error glitches.

Yep, that is what I am hearing. I think I was able to play the Rick 12 string without the clashing only by picking and strumming VERY gently and carefully, it seems to be caused by the tiniest overtone/harmonic/finger noise.

Yes, you stated your opinion on that previously. The questions I am currently asking you are: 1. Do you ALSO find Spank 1,3, and 5 positions sound better in the pre HD firmware? 2. Overall, are you experiencing results with the HD upgrade similar to what is shown in this video? :

This problem was solved with step by step instructions in the old forums, but accessing those posts is difficult - clicking the links will show "an error has occurred" or something similar, but if you go back a page and click it multiple times occasionally you will be taken to the the page you are requesting. Here are the links, not sure which one has the info on how to make it work: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=jtv+vetta

Weird... in my old (purchased used) Variax 300 there was a preset in the Custom 2 bank with the E string muted, I never tried doing this in Workbench as I never needed this feature but I always assumed it was an option. I wonder how the previous owner created that tone? The first time I switched to that preset I thought one of my piezos was going dead :D , then thought it was a firmware glitch until I figured out it was the "Keef" tuning

1. Do you also find Spank 1,3, and 5 positions sound better in the pre HD firmware? 2. Overall, are you experiencing results with the HD upgrade similar to what is shown in this video? :

AHA!!! Yes, I normally tune down to D also for the same reasons you do and after updating to HD have the same problem with "clashing tones" on the 12 string electrics, haven't trie the 12 string acoustics as I only had a few minutes to play the guitar the day the update was announced. I believe it was the D string going haywire on my guitar also, tho I also have a bunch of crazy noise on the E that wasn't there before and is likely caused by slight fret buzz. I have not tried tuning up to E to see if this corrects the problems, will try first chance I get BUT I still want to play tuned to D as I prefer the string tension in this tuning - if the problem is fixed when tuned to E I am going to report this as a bug.

Okay, I will try... Well, that took about two seconds... Sold recently on ebay starting at $1300: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sadis=200&_ipg=50&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&Brand=Gibson&_from=R40&_sacat=0&_dcat=33034&_adv=1&LH_Sold=1&_dmd=1&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=les+paul+standard+2012%2C+-epiphone%2C+-epi&_sop=15 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Traditional-Electric-Guitar-2012-/181155753048?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a2db96c58 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Traditional-Plus-2012-Mint-Left-Handed-NO-RESERVE-/130950386368?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e7d4052c0 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-2012-/300922790440?pt=Guitar&hash=item4610656228 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-/231029974231?pt=Guitar&hash=item35ca75a4d7 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Traditional-Unplayed-/221233012572?pt=Guitar&hash=item338283df5c http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-GIBSON-USA-LES-PAUL-STANDARD-TRADITIONAL-MAHOGANY-SATIN-CHERRY-OHSC-USA-/221257098356?pt=Guitar&hash=item3383f36474 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Traditional-Pro-II-Alpine-White-Guitar-trad-SALE-/121131050717?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c33f926dd http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Heritage-Cherry-Mint-/190842895832?pt=Guitar&hash=item2c6f1f7dd8 Ooooh, lots of them even include fancy cases! Shall I go on...? I also see them all the time on local Craigslist for $1200 to $1500, you just gotta look. AND SINCE THE JIST OF YOUR ORIGINAL STATEMENT WAS "A GIBSON TECH GUITAR WILL NOT LOSE VALUE AS MUCH OR AS FAST AS A LINE 6 TECH GUITAR WILL" (paraphrasing): I have provided links that show the opposite, please link to examples of Firebird X guitars that sold for anywhere near what they cost originally. There are no available sales figures for JTVs from the 90's, but... is a Les Paul from the 90's a different guitar than a Les Paul from last year? Does a Les Paul really lose more value as the years go by? Is a used 1980s Les Paul worth less than a used 1990s Les Paul? And a used 1990s Les Paul less than a 2000s Les Paul? And a used 2000s Les Paul worth less than a 2010s Les Paul? I don't think so... OTHER THAN VINTAGE GUITARS a used Les Paul's value is determined by model, specific details (top/finish etc.) and condition. A used 2012 Les Paul is worth no more or less on the resale market than a used 1990 Les Paul of the same specs. And a Les Paul is NOT a LPX/Firebird X/JTV. SURELY you can see the difference. No? Okay... see, a Les Paul is a timeless classic musical instrument that has been desirable for more than 50 years and proven to be of value by countless musicians on countless recordings and live performances, and a LPX/Firebird X/JTV is a cutting edge tech gadget aimed at a small market of open minded adventurous guitarists that will be obsolete in a few years when the next generation of tech gadgetry comes along.

First impressions... hmmmmm... the guitar seems more sensitive to finger noise, especially right hand fingestyle/travis picking - it is like the pickups are suddenly more microphonic (I realize this is impossible but that is the best way to describe what I am hearing). This is on patches created specifically for Variax so some adjustment in HD500 and in playing technique will probably be needed. Same on patches made for a real Strat when using the Spank models - Travis picking sounds like a box of spoons dropping every time my picking fingers touch and release the strings. I am also noticing more warbling on the Rick 12 strings than before, like I have to be super careful to avoid the open G string going haywire and sounding what sounds like a half step off. Also some slight fret buzz on the low E that was not an issue before (I never noticed it at all until today) sounds horrid now - need to tweak my truss rod I think. :( Hopefully everyone else will have a better first go at it than I am. From what I can tell (aside from the buzzing and heavy warbling on the Rick 12) the modeling sounds good, I am noticing a big improvement in the R-Billy bank especially. I am going to do some A/B recording tests next week with my Variax Transplant and see just how different the tones are - until the update my JTV sounded pretty much exactly like the Tele. Hmmm, also when switching models on the guitar it seems to switch slowly with a silence in between models, but if I switch models using the controls on the HD500 switching seems quicker with no dropout in sound. I only use my JTV for recording so it is not a problem but this might be a pain for anyone playing live. I think tonight I will try reflashing and see if that clears up any of these issues.

So they modeled a different Tele this time? Any info on it? (Please say it is the one at around 6:35-8:32 in this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YB9EX7YpFk ). I see the R'Billy model is now called Jetliner and not Silver Jet, did they model a different guitar than the original for this one too? Also, any info on whether the new Strat LP etc models were done with the exact guitar they used the first time around, or just one of similar make model and year?

The new Workbench interface certainly LOOKS nicer! I notice you can control the percentage of mags to blend with the modeled sound - is this new?

I like the old modeling better. :angry: HA! They are doing some electrical work here at the moment and I am afraid to do the update until they are finished, don't want to lose power in the middle of it and brick my JTV. Looking forward to reviews here! Hmmmm, just noticed "Workbench HD does not support computer connections via POD HD devices." Looks like I will finally have to open up the accessories that came with the guitar and charge the battery... boo...

I think the best test of the accuracy of the JTV modeling might be an A/B comparison of the 5 "Custom 1" models in the JTV89 and the 5 mag positions of the JTV 89. The closer those sounds are the closer we might assume the other modeled sounds are to the original guitars modeled as well - none of the "different pickups, different wood" etc. variables as when comparing say a new Strat to the Strat models in the JTV. I have been planning to do an A/B vid but have not yet had time/opportunity, was hoping someone would have done one by now... from the limited noodiling around I have done on the JTV mags the models seem pretty close, tho the guitar seems to react slightly differently depending on whether mags or models are chosen (not referring to palm muting here).

That's too bad, I was hoping for some real competition - it would be good for us end users. Like Smokey Robinson said, "You better shop around" - tho if buying in Canada to secure a Canadian warranty your options may be limited. Of course if someone pays the highest possible price they are going to lose more on resale - as I recall people here paid $200 less for that same guitar (JTV69) when they were introduced, and there are still currently plenty of authorized dealers who sell JTV69s for far less than what you paid. Seek and ye shall find. Not to mention the fantastic $699.99 deal on JTV89's at Sweetwater (I received an email notice today saying they had more Blood Red JTV89s in stock, so if anyone is interested now might be a good time to buy before they sell out again). Ooops, looks like I mentioned it. Whoa, whoa, whoa, I thought we were comparing tech guitars to tech guitars/apples to apples...? But since you brought it up, I'll bite :) ... Les Paul Standard new price = more than $2000: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=les+paul+standard&sb=low2high&params=eyJkaW1lbnNpb24iOnsiQnJhbmQiOlsiNDI5NDk2NzIzMyJdfX0 Les Paul Standard used price = considerably less... (around 40%-50% loss): http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=les+paul+standard%2C+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone&_sadis=200&Dexterity=Right%252DHanded&LH_ItemCondition=3000&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&Model=Les%2520Paul%2520Standard&_from=R40&_dcat=33034&_adv=1&_sop=15&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=33034&LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xles+paul+standard%2C+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone%2C+-orville&_nkw=les+paul+standard%2C+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone%2C+-orville&_sacat=33034 Les Paul Studio new price = $1400 and up http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=les+paul+studio&sb=low2high&params=eyJkaW1lbnNpb24iOnsiQnJhbmQiOlsiNDI5NDk2NzIzMyJdfX0 Les Paul Studio used price = $350 and up (Whew, be prepared for big losses if you ever buy a ne Les Paul Studio!): http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=les+paul+studio+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone%2C+-orville&_sadis=200&_dcat=33034&Dexterity=Right%252DHanded&_adv=1&_sop=15&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=33034&_from=R40&LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xles+paul+studio+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone%2C+-orville%2C+-project&_nkw=les+paul+studio+-epiphone%2C+-epi%2C+-epipone%2C+-orville%2C+-project&_sacat=33034 So... while I agree it FEELS like it SHOULD be true that a Gibson guitar will hold its value, the facts would seem to indicate otherwise. Same with Fender, good luck getting anywhere near what you paid new (for anything, really) when it comes to resale time. I think one possible explanation might be that there is always a market for the lowliest LP, Strat or Tele, while a used JTV (or LPX or Firebird X) is going to appeal to almost no one - at least until the day the first popular guitar hero plays one in a video or is seen with one on a magazine or album cover or publicity still or live (not holding my breath). I don't think you ruffled any feathers, I think the Firebird X (and now the LPX) inspire strong negative reactions in people. Coudn't let you get away with the misrepresentation of resale values, tho... Hmmm, maybe that is what you mean by ruffling feathers...? Eh, I doubt anyone is bothered by you trash talking the JTVs, I think we have heard it all at this point. To each his own. Tho I do wonder, if you have a problem with the "crappy guitar simulations", the "garbage pickups" and the "(poor) quality and build)", why in the world did you buy a JTV in the first place? I hope the new firmware is good enough for you, otherwise if the JTV is making you so unhappy maybe you should take your lumps on the price and sell the guitar, lesson learned. You know, if you wait too long to sell (like until the next generation of Variax is introduced) you will probably lose even more money...

Hmmmm, interesting... and exciting if true...

You will know when it happens, no matter what the new modeling sounds like the forum will be flooded with posts that say: "I liked the old tones better." followed by "Well, you can always roll back your firmware to the previous version." Repeated ad infinitum.

The simulated octave/doubled strings are detunable - I think this is the same thing you mean by "offset"? If he is having trouble hearing the octave/doubled simulated strings detuning them slightly will bring them out a little more, make it sound a little more realistic.

Yes.

The Pod HD has 512 preset locations. The four cable method gives you the option of progamming each of those presets to use either the amps preamp or the HD modeling without any re-patching of cables or switching of amp channels, all switching done in the HD itself. Example: program preset 1A to use Amplifier preamp, 2A to bypass amplifier preamp and use modeled amp instead. Switch HD to 1A and you have the reguilar amp sound, switch to 1B and you have the sound of the HD without any coloration from the amplifiers preamp. Try it you might like it. Here is a detailed guide: " Using POD HD500 in a 4CM Setup Over the last few days I've been trying out the HD500 set up in the four cable method which I used to use with my Line 6 M13. I thought that way I could make use of my Bugera's pre-amp when I wanted to rather than the modelling and also bung my Blackstar HT-Dual into the mix too. At first I couldn't quite get it to sound as good as the M13 did but some trial and error has got things sorted out. Hence my post - for anyone else trying to set up a HD500 to do the same (one caveat being I'm going to continue assuming you've got a regular serial FX loop without a line/stomp switch). # ... I'll assume you know how to set up the four cables for the four cable method. There are a couple of hardware switches you need to set the HD500 to. Firstly the 1/4" out switch should be set to line. The output switch for the HD500's FX loop should also be set to line. And within the POD's settings you need to set the output to either combo power amp or stack power amp. You'll also need to make sure you create a patch with an FX Loop block enabled. When using a HD500 like this you should have its master volume on full. I set a patch up like that in a new playlist I named 4CM, calling the preset "Empty 4CM". I can then copy it to any other preset position before creating new settings. Now as things stand this setup won't exactly sound any good. And that's what I've been struggling with. Until a lightbulb went off in my head. The problem is that you want/need a line signal to the power amp, but you want a stomp level signal fed to the pre-amp. With these settings the HD500 is going to be sending a line signal to both - and the result is a less than pleasing lack of dynamics and richness in the pre-amp tone. This is actually pretty easy to solve. You just need to go into the setting on the HD500's FX Loop block. On the send setting you just reduce the send level by 7-10db. I tried 10db at first and it sounded crap through my Bugera V22. I finally settled on 7db as the setting that made my amp sound like I didn't have the HD500 connected to it (which is what we're trying to achieve before adding FX). The result is that any effect in your HD500 before the loop is sent to the physical amp pre-amp at stomp level, but anything that appears in the amp's FX Loop runs at line level. Now I don't necessarily want to use this setup when using the HD500 modelling. This 4CM setup is just for when I want to make full use of my amp, I also added my HT-Dual between the HD and the amp, and it sounds great with stacking drives from the HD500 into the HT-Dual. Now for when I just want to run with the modelling into the power amp I've found I don't actually have to make any changes to the cables at all. I can leave it all set up. I just switch to the playlist with all my modelling patches and these automatically cut out my Bugera's pre-amp because they don't have the HD500's FX Loop in use. The output of the HD500 is already running straight into the Bugera's poweramp. There's one thing to be careful of when doing this though. Some amps have their FX return AFTER the master volume, which means all of a sudden the HD500's master volume becomes the master of the amp too. So best to turn it right down before switching to a simple HD500 > power amp patch. Hope that helps any of you trying to make use of the HD500 with real amps and the 4CM."