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psarkissian

Service Engineer Moderator
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Status Replies posted by psarkissian

  1. Does anyone knows how to fix the contact button /stop, on Spider Jam display? May I retire the plastis cover in order to pull the contact spring, avoid to open up the whole cabinet?

    Please, mates, help me!

     

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      A Line 6 authorized technician with experience servicing that amp will have to get into it.
      There are no shortcuts around that. I've tried coming up with shortcuts,... there are not any.

       

       

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  2. Hello.  I have a question about the Piezo's.  

     

    I just got a Shuriken a few weeks ago.  I'm having several issues with string volume.

     

    1)  The High E string is just lower in volume than all of the other strings.  I can fix this using the Workbench but I have to drop the other strings by 20 to 30% volume.  Is this normal?  Or do I need to try and clean the Piezo for this string?

     

    2)  Probably the most irritating issue; the Low E string is much louder than the other strings and the bass really rings out on this string.  It rings out bad on the 4th through 7th frets.  I can't explain this.  Not sure if it even could be a Piezo problem or if it is a set up problem.  Do you have any ideas on what I should do here.

     

    There is not an authorized service center anywhere close to me so if it needs to be serviced, I'll have to send it to Line 6 in California.

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Different string volumes on Artist Models are like that by design. It's a Stevic McKay thing.

       

  3. Hi psarkissian, happy new year! Thank you for being such a great moderator and for all you do to support the community!!

     

    I have a JTV-69 that has a piezo saddle with a low output on the 1st string. By contrast, the saddle for the 6th string is very hot. Not a big issue as I routinely set the string volumes per preset in my Helix floor (see attached photo for typical settings). I have been considering setting the global string volumes via HD Workbench because my other JTV-69 does not have this issue. But then I had another idea, which is why I am reaching out to you.

     

    I wonder if I could swap the saddles for the 1st and 6th strings to better balance the string volumes? If so, how difficult it the procedure? (I am fairly competent at soldering and repaired a broken saddle wire on my old Variax 500). Are there differences between the saddles themselves?

     

    Any knowledge or advice you'd be willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

     

    Again, thank you for all you do!

     

    Ashley

     

    Variax String volumes-AMOR.jpg

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Do not physically swap saddles. The DSP knows which string is which, swapping would throw it out of wack. More than likely it's stuff getting in between the piezo casing and saddle.

       

       Works on piezo/saddle connections too. Saddles are the chassis ground for the piezos. 

       

    2. (See 3 other replies to this status update)

  4. Can you recommend any luthiers or companies that could build a custom Variax.  I have a Variax Standard but want to do a full swap (neck, body, color, pickups, etc.) and I know these are complex instruments.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!  

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

       

      There are pitfalls to transplants. The man one being that the electronics will sound different in another body and guitar. Body/guitar acoustics are part of the modeling process and processing. The electronics are designed for the guitar they are in.

       

      Also, pick-up and toggle switch configuration are different between them. Variax Standard with 3 pick-ups and 5-way toggle won't work well in a Les Paul body with 2 pick-ups and a 3-way toggle. Along with other things.

       

      Don't know anyone off hand in New Jersey. Couple guys out here in California. One did a guitar for Oz Noy. Wasn't easy for him. Don't know if he's up for doing another one.

       

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  5. So how big of a difference do you think it would make if the electronics from a James Tyler 89 fixed bridge guitar were in a Les Paul style(either double or single cutaway)? You would probably notice that, but how much would Nate Nobody notice? Would it be easy enough to adjust with EQ?

     

     

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      1- Depends on their hearing and how trained they are at hearing. Big difference for some, barely noticeable for others. Me,... I'd catch it right off. 

       

      2- EQ is useful, but would take you only so far. 

       

      Many factors, and they all play a role. Because it's an instrument, it there wuill be an affect on the sound from instrument to instrument, for a board programmed for something else. If it were a "virtual instrument" in a box or computer, like they do at CCRMA at Stanford, then that would be different,... no acoustics to deal with. 

       

      In a Variax, the program has to acoustically match the guitar it is in, as that is part of the modeling process. So there is no one-size-fits-all in this. Part of the reason we don't do retro-fit kits for generic guitars,... wouldn't work well. 

       

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  6. Thanks Psarkissian for all the replies and help you give on the forums, it's appreciated.  If you get time, could you let me know what your thoughts are on adding these pick-ups to a Variax Standard? Thanks and no worries if you can't.   

    https://lacemusic.com/collections/7/products/lace-sensor-ultimate-triple

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Fine,... so long as they are the "Silver" with the 7.1k Ohm DCR spec,

      or it will sound too dark in tone.

       

      Check the measurements that it will fit in the pick-guard pick-up hole.

       

  7. Olá! Compadre!

     

     

    I heard that Spider Jam and JM4 were discontinued.

    So I ask you: How will be FirmWare upgrades?

     

    Strong hug. Carlos Bluesman

     

     

    3mwf2008mxtsmkfty29n7fq13c.thumb.jpg.253a179a2b141db4c401d0824e687ae7.jpg

     

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Latest Firmware is v2.09 program. 

       

  8. Morning Partev- Gotta ask you - Any Idea where I can find a Model Selector Pot/Switch for a Variax 700 Acoustic? Tried all the parts suppliers I can find in the US- Full Compass, Line 6 etc. and nobody has it?? The switch I have functions "but" the shaft with the model selector knob falls out, and it sticks when in use. I've got it apart, but can't figure out how it locks in properly. I'm sure it's a simple "C" clip that must go on the end of the shaft to keep it in place, but I can't find it in the guitar or how it mounts on the shaft. Afraid to take it apart and further damage the thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Would the model selector "Pot" from any Variax substitute? Replacing Acoustics knob on it to keep the models straight?

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Full Compass can special order it. If it's in our stock, they can get it.

      I don't have stocking info myself, so I don't know what we have.

  9. Hello Psarkissian!

    I heard that Spider Jam and JM4 were discontinued. So I ask you: How will be FirmWare upgrades?

    Strong hug.

    Carlos Bluesman

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Carlos,

      How's it going?

       

      There is a procedure in the Line 6 Knowledge Base,...

       

       

      Requires a 2GB SD Card, then go to the Downloads page to load to the SD Card.

      https://line6.com/software/index.html

       

      Putting the SD Card into the card slot in back, then follow the instructions in the manual.

      https://line6.com/legacy/spiderjam

       

      And then make music.

       

       

  10. Hi! Thank you for all your efforts. Sadly my DT50H was left behind with no changes. (only thing they do was exchange the 12ax7 EH leaving on it 2 12ax7 JJ. They do not perform Bulletin 059 or any other maintenance (No bias check, etc). The hiss is very noticeable mainly on Topology III with Class A and 12ax7 enable. I know this is normal, but I dont find the level of the noise beign normal. I decided to brought the Amp to another technical service (there is NO other Line6 authorized service in Chile), look for someone to check bias and hopefully reduce the floor noise of the amp (when I put different brands of 12ax7 the floor level change sometimes for good, sometimes for bad... so that is a clue. I want to know what happened if my amp fails due to not perform Bulletin 059 when Audiomusica knowing about it dont do anything to my amp. Beside I want to ask you for help or tips to reduce my amp noise floor and perhaps instruction to when I bring the amp to another service center. Thank you so much!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Pablo Vasquez <pablo.vasquez@audiomusica.com>

      +56 9 73504908.

       

      Try them and see what they can do about it. Was in touch with them through our tech channel.

       

    2. (See 3 other replies to this status update)

  11. Hi! Thank you for all your efforts. Sadly my DT50H was left behind with no changes. (only thing they do was exchange the 12ax7 EH leaving on it 2 12ax7 JJ. They do not perform Bulletin 059 or any other maintenance (No bias check, etc). The hiss is very noticeable mainly on Topology III with Class A and 12ax7 enable. I know this is normal, but I dont find the level of the noise beign normal. I decided to brought the Amp to another technical service (there is NO other Line6 authorized service in Chile), look for someone to check bias and hopefully reduce the floor noise of the amp (when I put different brands of 12ax7 the floor level change sometimes for good, sometimes for bad... so that is a clue. I want to know what happened if my amp fails due to not perform Bulletin 059 when Audiomusica knowing about it dont do anything to my amp. Beside I want to ask you for help or tips to reduce my amp noise floor and perhaps instruction to when I bring the amp to another service center. Thank you so much!

  12. Hi! Thank you for all your efforts. Sadly my DT50H was left behind with no changes. (only thing they do was exchange the 12ax7 EH leaving on it 2 12ax7 JJ. They do not perform Bulletin 059 or any other maintenance (No bias check, etc). The hiss is very noticeable mainly on Topology III with Class A and 12ax7 enable. I know this is normal, but I dont find the level of the noise beign normal. I decided to brought the Amp to another technical service (there is NO other Line6 authorized service in Chile), look for someone to check bias and hopefully reduce the floor noise of the amp (when I put different brands of 12ax7 the floor level change sometimes for good, sometimes for bad... so that is a clue. I want to know what happened if my amp fails due to not perform Bulletin 059 when Audiomusica knowing about it dont do anything to my amp. Beside I want to ask you for help or tips to reduce my amp noise floor and perhaps instruction to when I bring the amp to another service center. Thank you so much!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Do not use JJ tubes.

      Two topology settings are normally more noisy, the other two are more quiet. That is normal.

       

    2. (See 3 other replies to this status update)

  13. Well Sir, I can't leave without write a big thank you to you for your great help. Sadly, I call yesterday Audiomusica, they told me they receive Bulketin 059 and "diagnose" the año..... the amp has nothing bad ?I doubt they checked at least for tube Bias value), and Bullleyin 059 does not affect the function of the amp so they have not doing anything about that either. They ask me to pick up the amp by next Friday. I bother you for the las time asking you to assist them about the step necessary to check this very special amp. I thank you in advance and understand if there is nothing you could do. Thank you!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Anytime,... it's what I'm here for.

      They do have to make certain that it's the correct fuse,... it is a very specific fuse.

       

    2. (See 2 other replies to this status update)

  14. Thank you very much! Audiomusica told me that they received the Bulletin 059, but they think that that is not related to my  "problem". I ask them to proceed with Bulletin 059 anyway. I take my DT50 Head to them in the first place because it is second hand and I hear a lot of "noise" mainly in topology III, and because of that I want an "authorized Line 6 center" to do the maintenence (check bias, tubes, etc) and with the hope that the noise floor can be lowered... when I ask you here in the forum (THANK YOU ONE MORE TIME), you told me about my serial number being candidate to perform the Bulletin 059 work. PLEASE tell them step by step the hints to make a good maintenance of my amp, check bias, etc, and to decrease the noise floor.... They will do whatever you say, because this work is too much for them IMHO.... they told me they dont found anything that cause noise so they want to sent it back to my, without perform Bulletin 059, and without checking BIAS or perform any maintenance. PLEASE!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Emailed them yesterday. Awaiting a response. They seem to be having trouble with their service logon. 

  15. Dear Sir,

    What would be the real weight of a Spider Jam 75w. ?

    Thanks for attention.

    Carlos Bluesman

  16. Thank you for check it!

    .... so, what it is supposed to do with this information?

    ... Im have planned to go to my local Line6 authorized Service (Audiomusica! In Chile) for maintenance... Must I tell they to check for sometthing? Or tell they to change the tranformer?

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Take it to the local authorized service center. The service bulletin will tell them what they need.

      If they have any questions, they can contact me through our normal service center channels.

       

    2. (See 2 other replies to this status update)

  17. 21A901S6047000468

     

    DT50 head

     

     

    Thanks!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Yours is in that serial number range. Have it checked.

  18. Hi! I dont see other place to put my DT50Head serial number.... it is OK to put it here?

    Thank you in advance 

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Give it to me here.

  19. I replied back to you, but you obviously haven't seen it. Would be very helpful if you could re-read the message on what I'm attempting as all you did was correct something I specifically wasn't doing.

    Original question (with highlight) 

    I own a JTV-59. And I'm seriously considering a transplant I don't believe has been attempted.

    I also own an Artist 8 string guitar. Very cheap instrument that punches way above it's weight. 26.5 scale.

    https://www.artistguitars.com.au/buy/Artist-Indominus8-8-String-Electric-Guitar-Black/70452

    So here comes the crazy. Can I make 1 instrument to rule them all?

    My plan would be to buy a Floyd Rose 8 string tremolo (https://floydrose.com/products/frt8?variant=29879554962)

    Then change the first 6 saddles only to graphtech (https://graphtech.com/collections/ghost-pickup-systems-guitar-saddle/products/ghost-floyd-rose-saddles-set-6-string-pn-0080-x6?variant=29500005449751)

    From there route in and mount the JTV-59 Electronics.

    And finally replace the pickups within the 6-8Kohm range (if that's right) with these (https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/8-string/paf-8).

     

    To clarify, I would only be using the piezos on the 6 upper strings. I don't expect (nor intend to use) any string functionality in the lower 2 strings in anything but magnetic mode. Hope that changes things. The main purpose of this is to simply have my 8 string be a variax for tuning purposes over the 6 strings it normally occupies.

     

    My main concerns are (a) K-ohm pickup compatibility of the replacement pickups I linked above (b) any weird circuitry that would not pass the 2 low strings through as magnetics. 

     

    Thank you for the assistance.

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Doing just the first six only would work from a hardware point. From a software point, it should function, so long as it is a fix bridge and not a tremolo bridge (the 59 program can't handle tremolo bridges). I take it you are keeping it a fixed bridge. 

       

      Be aware of warbling in model mode, when setting the pick-up heights. The mag signal will be cut-off, but the mag field will still pull on the strings, as they are permanent magnets.  

       

      Di Marzios are in the correct impedance range. You're good there. 

       

       

      Happy Hunting. 

       

       

    2. (See 1 other reply to this status update)

  20. Greetings from the prison colony of Australia.

    Due to enforced poverty being a big thing here these days, my wife and I are about to sell virtually anything not being used.

    I point that out to make it clear that the following is an attempt at minimalism, nothing more. It's not for show-off cleverness, etc. It's because this makes economic sense.

    I'll also qualify that I was an AV tech by profession for many years, whose father was a woodwork teacher, so the physical side of this isn't particularly scary to me. I'm looking for any unknown factors.

    I own a JTV-59. And I'm seriously considering a transplant I don't believe has been attempted.

    I also own an Artist 8 string guitar. Very cheap instrument that punches way above it's weight. 26.5 scale.

    https://www.artistguitars.com.au/buy/Artist-Indominus8-8-String-Electric-Guitar-Black/70452

    So here comes the crazy. Can I make 1 instrument to rule them all?

    My plan would be to buy a Floyd Rose 8 string tremolo (https://floydrose.com/products/frt8?variant=29879554962)

    Then change the first 6 saddles to graphtech (https://graphtech.com/collections/ghost-pickup-systems-guitar-saddle/products/ghost-floyd-rose-saddles-set-6-string-pn-0080-x6?variant=29500005449751)

    From there route in and mount the JTV-59 Electronics.

    And finally replace the pickups with in the 6-8Kohm range (if that's right) with these. (https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/8-string/paf-8)

    If I'm right, you're probably rolling your eyes and saying "just buy an 89F'....

    Apart from the fact they're not available and now way over my budget, check your L6 records... I did. Bought new from Authorised Dealer (I don't know rules on name and shame, so lets just say I don't recommend music stores in QLD with 'Oasis' in their name. Having said that, I've got hard copy paper trail of the whole debacle, so I don't give much of a damn) The neck was out of alignment, so Yamaha Australia ended up taking it back under warranty, point blank refused to replace it, had it for 6 weeks, gave 3 'delivery dates' that nothing showed up for (they blamed the couriers every time) and when I said 'enough', they refused to return MY instrument, refunded the money direct to my account and said that's the end of the matter. So full disclosure, extremely unlikely I'll ever buy anything Yamaha again. I don't blame L6. Adopted kids aren't responsible for their parents being literal thieves. 

    I am aware that you have many times pointed out the modelling will sound 'different' I don't care, my reasoning for doing this is the same reason I bought the 59 in the first place. Alt tunings. If it will do that I'm happy. Sorry, I set workbench to blank body, 89 p/ups and never touched it again.

    Sorry, I know that's a lot to take on, but I wanted to give as full a picture as possible.

    Thank you in advance for your take on this madness, your knowledge has been very helpful over the years. I t is appreciated.

    Look forward to your thoughts.

     

     

     

     

     

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Not rolling my eyes. Someone on the FB Variax group wants to do a transplant like that,... or are you that person? 

       

      Trying to get an 8-string Variax transplant out of a 6-string JTV59 won't work because of the way the piezo signals

      are routed. Trying to double up on two of the signal paths won't work and will confuse the program. 

       

      As for the guitar goes, I can escalate this to the service manager and see what he can do. 

       

    2. (See 2 other replies to this status update)

  21. Hi psarkissian,

    May I ask you a general q. as I’m new to the forums. If you could please steer me..

    I have two jtv59s. Buying a helix lt this week. I tune my low E and A down one octave to play bass under the four treble strings. This works great but I need separate processing of the bass strings and the treble strings. How hard is this to set up on the helix lt, and can I route the bass sounds to a separate output on the helix? Thanks

     

     

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Haven't tried that yet.

      Don't spend as much time with Helix yet, so busy with guitars.

      There is a Helix and a Variax Facebook group, and custom tuning comes up

      in postings every now and then.

       

    2. (See 2 other replies to this status update)

  22. I would like to install zexcoil noiseless pups and have a separate output jack for the mags. Would the Variax be ok without the mags connected to the JTV electronics?

     

    Some of the reasons for this include i want a split coil in the bridge and I think the electronics affect the tone.

     

    thank You!

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Need to keep the DC/bulk resistance (DCR) between 6k-Ohms and 8k-Ohms.

      I didn't see a DCR in their literature, just the inductance.

       

      Follow the wiring diagram in the Knowledge Base.

       

       

    2. (See 2 other replies to this status update)

  23. I would like to install zexcoil noiseless pups and have a separate output jack for the mags. Would the Variax be ok without the mags connected to the JTV electronics?

     

    Some of the reasons for this include i want a split coil in the bridge and I think the electronics affect the tone.

     

    thank You!

  24. Hi,

    I have a JTV69 yr2012 Modeling works fine but mag pups only put out a very very weak thin signal barely noticeable unless you really crank amp volume. Same result through VDI or 1/4. same on all 5 pu selection positions. If you had to guess where the (in order of mostly likely) problem is. 

    Jack Plate assembly

    Pu selector switch

    Wire connection

    main board

    other

    Thanks sooo much!

    Gary

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      2012,... was a pretty good vintage year. Squashed a couple of minor

      bugs, so the 2012's came out pretty well.

       

      From a software point of view, what is the Flash version of the 69?

       

      Doubt it's the main board, slim chance of the jack plate. Could be any

      or a mix of all of the others.

       

      Would have to be properly troubleshooted by a Line 6 authorized tech

      who has experience with the product or it may waste time money trying

      to do trial and error.

       

       

  25. Can you t tell me if the line 6 part number 50-04-0128 BRIDGE ASSY CHROME for VARIAX STD Comes with Piezo pickups?

     

    AND if part number 50-02-0399 PCB ASSY UI (MODEL/SW./VOL/TONE/ALT-TUNE) Variax Standard.

    Does this item come with the knobs?

    1. psarkissian

      psarkissian

      Yes, piezo elements are i the bridge.

      No, UI does not come with knobs, those are separate.

       

      BTW,... if you are not one of our service centers, self-repair is not recommended.

      Especially if it's still under warranty.

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