To the original OP. I too have been through three HD500's, same experience, mostly frustrated and returned them inside the 30 day return period. Well a week ago, I got the 500x, and love it. I mostly attribute this to the fact that I'm just smarter now with modelers. I have had enough of them now to be able to get around on them. I think when I had the 500's before, I would always use presets and try and tweek those. This time round, I don't even think I've tried a single preset. I started with a clean slate, making my own patches. Also at least in my case, is that I have much better results with my strat and tele than my LP. It seems to me that lower output vintage pups seem to work better than humbuckers. At least for me it has been easier getting desirable low to mid gain tones. My strat with Fralin Vintage Hots, into the Dr Z, or Park Models, with a touch of reverb has been fantastic. Love the tone!
Perhaps some of the upgrades Line 6 has put out since the last HD500 I've had has helped also. All I know, that like the OP, the 500x is a keeper, it will not be returned like the other 3 HD500's I tried in the past....
