LarryLion

Folks My band bought two G-50s (Guitar, Bass) when they came on the market - late 2012, maybe? They ran just fine for 18 months or so, and within a week of each other, the transmitters (belt packs) died. We've had our techs look at them, ruled out connector, power and cable issues, opened them up, checked for any stress breaks, cold solder joints, etc., but the bottom line is the transmitters are dead. Replacement cost of the transmitters is prohibitive (2/3 of the entire system!), and out of warranty (of course). Has anyone else had a similar experience? It's a great pity that this innovative product is not more durable, but with two dying like this, after 18 months, I have to believe it is a design issue. Anyway, we're switching to Shure's system, but I really would have liked to stay with Line6. Cheers. Larry

I bought an SKB hardshell case that not only takes the JTV-69 perfectly, but all it's peripherals too (with the trem bar removed, of course). Cost under $100 ... check SKB's website. They definitely have several options.

The JTV acoustic models are not great, BUT ... if you don't play hard, and let the amp do the work, I find they can work a lot better, i.e., they respond better to a lighter touch. Try that - the tendency on an actual (unamplified) acoustic is to play harder, and I find it is the reverse with a set of acoustic simulations, like on the JTV. Also, the acoustic models do not respond well to low neck position bending, or string bending in general, which is physically possible on the JTV, but not on most "real" acoustics. The solution - resist the extreme bending, and play the acoustic model as if it was the real deal with respect to bending, it will sound more natural. You wouldn't "bend" the average 12-string, why bend the JTV model? Same applies to the resonator models. The only significant limitation of the JTV's acoustic model, IMO, is the lack of a wound 3rd string, and the string gauge "feel", due to physically smaller (electric) gauges. The simulation connot cover that "feel", so playing acoustic on the JTV doesn't feel right. I've rigged my JTV through a Boss LS-2 (line selector pedal) with a simple loop-back, to give me volume boost when connected to a PA, and I can strum or pick softly, and still be loud enough, when I want to be. Takes a little time to play "simulated acoustic" effectively, but it is definitely do-able.

I really like your "Strat" Sounds. Care to post those models?

Junis I was actually able to get most of the "old" strat model working, by "blending" more of the mag pickups (of my JTV-69) into the stock models, so , yes, I am happier with the strat models now. Try the blending function - not sure if this will add anything on the JTV-59 or -89 though!

I downloaded the WB HD install file (Workbench HD 2.01.dmg) and re-installed. Everything working now, thanks

I'm using a MacBook, OSX 10.8. I'll try to re-load the SW.

I managed to get decent Spank sounds in 2 & 4 by blending in some mag pickups on my JTV-69 via WB. Not sure if that will work for a JTV-59 or -89, but the -69 mags are somewhat strat-like to start with. Try the "blend" feature in WB. It has a lot of potential to modify the stock HD models. The stock Spank models (especially positions 2 & 4) are not as good as the old models, but the blending can mostly overcome that! Cheers

Johnny Your Les Paul Standard used price comparison is, well, a load of crap. Sure you can get a 1990's LP for $1,300 or less on eBay, but try finding a 2012 LP Standard for much less than $1,900! That's a couple of hundred dollar drop on the $2K plus price, max. Same goes for a recent Strat or Tele, they hold value pretty well. I'm talking about a 2012 JTV-69 dropping from $1,400 to $900 in the space of a few months, and dealers not even willing to take it as a trade-in! They'll take an Indonesian or Chinese Epiphone any time, and definitely a Mex Strat/Tele, but not a Variax. Yes, i bought my JTV expecting more from it, and yes, I'm disappointed in its performance, that was a calculated risk. But I never expected the value drop. Prices here in Canada are vastly different to those in the US of A, and we get gouged on intenational shipping and duties. I have bought guitars in the US before, but I definitely want a warranty for something like a JTV, with all the electronic goodies, so that means buying in Canada. There are no $600 JTV-89's here, to the best of my knowledge. Cheers

Zap - I don't seem to get anyone else to try the WB bug I found - "open Preset Folder" - do you have the same problem? Larry

So far, I'm disappointed with V2.0. There were only 5 models/modes of the older firmware that I liked enough to use: Spank positions 2 & 4, Lester position 1, Jangle 2 (12 String electric) and the Coral Sitar. With V2, the Spanks have changed radically, I absolutely do not like new sounds and the Lester seems to have lost some of its "bite". I cannot hear a difference with Jangle 2 or the Sitar. The Tele sounds are an improvement over what was there before, but still not a contemporary Telecaster sound. The RBilly models still do not sound anything like a Gretsch (I own 4 Gretsches, I know what they are supposed to sound like). I already assumed that the acoustic models would be the same crappy models already released, and I was right. I can't use them for anything, anyway. The WB is a big improvement, and the output level issue is at last controllable (one of my big beefs with the JTV removed). The WB UI is great, however their are bugs - for instance, have any of you tried to open the Preset Folder (in the "File" menu)? I get an error message on my MacBook (OSX Mountain Lion). Maybe the Windows version works. I'm going to keep exploring the new HD models tonight ... maybe I missed something.

I'm using a Mac and immediately noticed that if I click on "Open Preset Folder" in WB-HD, I get an error. Anyone get the same message? I searched thru the helpfile PDF, no clues there.

Hmmm ... I seem to have kicked over a hornet's nest here. Well, I finally got to actually play an LPX, and I have to admit that the web-based blurb is very misleading. In a real environment, the LPX does not sound anything like the web soundclips, and, of course the min-Etune system is clumsy, to say the least. Overall, I'm not impressed with the LPX. Bottom line, the JTV does sound and work better, in the flesh, than the LPX. I guess the marketing guys at Gibson did their thing with the web samples. As for the JTV value argument earlier in this thread, which prompted quite a bit of discussion: I paid CAD $1,399 for my JTV, before taxes, which (in Canada) meant I laid out around CAD$1,600 for the JTV-69. Current (Craigslist and eBay) prices here for a used JTV-69 are around CAD$900, hence my "40% drop" statement, which I still stand by. A Gibson Les Paul has much less % drop in value, here in Canada, all things considered. Also, my Line6 dealer will not take a JTV as a trade-in, but will place a trade-in value on the lowliest LP, Strat or Tele. There is a message there, and they offer no explanations. Anyhow, apologies all, if I ruffled any feathers. Looks like I'm stuck with my JTV-69, and eagerly awaiting Line6's firmware update!

... and I wouldn't gig with a JTV, too much hassle with levels between models

Silverhead, if you want a vote, guilhordas has mine. The acoustic models on the JTV are ALL useless.