psarkissian

Too often a JTV goes back to Line 6 for a problem and it turns out to be nothing more than a set-up issue that a local guitar tech can take of, because of the string gauges being changed. When changing string gauges, have your local Line 6 authorized service center do the set-up for that set of strings and your area climate.

Correct,.... changing string gauges isn't a problem, it's making sure the guitar tech adjusts the set-up afterwards (for the string gauge and climate for the given location). It's like that with any guitar, JTV, 600, 300,... Gibson, Fender, electric, acoustic, violin to double bass. If you change the gauge, the set-up has to be re-done to account for the the change in string tension on the neck and body of any stringed instrument. "I've never heard of anyone being warned against changing the string gauge as far is pertains to the warranty coverage"--- it isn't a warning against changing string gauges, it's recommended to have any work done on any Line 6 product, to have it done by a Line 6 authorized service center while the warranty is in affect.

What's the serial number of the JTV-69S? Have to check and see what my neck stash is like.

What's the serial number of the JTV-69? I do neck swaps, I can change the pick-up covers while it's apart. The neck swap would have to be for a legitimate reason, and for another JTV-69 neck. To be more accurate regarding string changes,.... it's not that we mind string gauge changes, it's that when you change gauge, it needs to be taken to a guitar tech to have the set-up (neck relief, string action and intonation) re-adjusted for that gauge (and for the climate of your geographic area). Changing string gauge changes the string tension, and that changes the set-up.

Not if you mess with the functionality of the guitar, that would void the warranty. So don't go pulling up the pick-guard assembly yourself. It may be a cosmetic thing, but it requires getting under the pick-guard. Something cosmetic like that,... check with reps on the customer support line, and see if they'll approve something like that, since it requires getting under the pick-guard. I see too many times where someone knows just enough to get themselves into trouble, then I see the results. It's like those TV ads,.... "don't try this at home".

Anything that requires pulling up the pick-guard assembly should only be done by an authorized Line 6 service center that has experience with JTV's. Do not try this yourself, it's not something to be done by anyone without experience in this. This is not the usual electric guitar, it's a different beast.

:)

No worries, I'm not testy. I am sometimes in a hurry to get these responses out and though I'm good with guitars, my typing skills can use some augmenting. "That's all I meant..."--- I figured as much. Ah yes, the smiley face,... :) They thrust this upon me because I asked for it. They know how much I like working on these. There are also a number of Line 6 authorized service centers in America that are capable, so I get some help. And there's my counterparts in the UK taking care of the Euro Zone. :) I also own a 69 and two 59's. :) :)

Regarding the palm mute,.... which version firmware do you have loaded in? Version 2.00 program has a routine in it for palm muting.

Yes crusinon2,... I'm it. Would've thought the "US Service Technician & Moderator" was the dead giveaway. The crosstalk issue,... a combination of playing technique and/or set-up. It's usually good to have the set-up checked by a local guitar tech in your area, who is authorized Line 6, and knows JTV's. Local, because climate will affect the set-up. "I know the PCB was moved to the backside of the block, but anything else?"--- No. If there was anything else, they haven't told me yet. "Unless one really knows what they're doing, jury-rigging stuff that wasn't designed to work together is at the very least a pain in the arse"--- Right you are. Seen my share of Frankenstein'ed JTV's. Not always pretty, which is why they come across my bench in the first place.

Regarding string gauge,.... If you want to use 9's, that's okay,.... but you'll need to take it to a guitar tech to have the set-up adjusted for that gauge set. When you change gauges, you change the tension, when you change the tension, the set-up is off and needs to be adjusted. That info might not be in the brochures, because it's just a common aspect of all guitars. Change anything that alters the string tension, and you alter the set-up. It's like that on all guitars, not just JTV's. Also, climate of your location also affects the set-up. When you get a guitar back from a distant shop, the set-up should be done with your location in mind, so give it a couple days or more to settle in. If it is still a little off, take it to a local guitar tech for that final dial-in.

"Not sure a Line6 Service person would mess with my JTV now that I've swapped out the piezos"--- Being the JTV service guy at Line 6, yes,... I would,... but I don't know if it would be warrantied at this point. But I'd service it anyway. I'm here for when a teak goes wrong as well as the usual JTV servicing,... and unfortunately, I see plenty of those tweaks go wrong. Please tread with care, it's not our father's old hollow body archtop. A JTV is a whole other kind of beast, stroke and cuddle under the chin with care.

Take it to a Line 6 authorized service center that knows the JTV's. Piezos can be a touchy thing.

From what I've found, crosstalk would not be a correct terminology. The tests I've made points to sympathetic vibrations from other strings, especially if it's an open string. And that sounds thru its piezo and signal path, and gets process like everything else. Crosstalk, sympathetic vibrations, similar things the terminology tends to be used interchangeably. Hope I clarified a bit.

James Tyler Variax Update Checklist http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/guitars/james-tyler-variax-guitars/james-tyler-variax-update-checklist-r102 ... is the name and link I was given. Happy hunting. -PBS

I've just been informed by our guitar/DSP person that there is a newer info document just posted, so I will remove this one, so as not to have info conflicts or redundancies. -PBS

Sometimes, it's just the network line, as it can be for me. In the building is fine, it's the rest of the network outside that creates problems for me. As far as CD/DVD,... updated info is easier this way. Creating and updating CD/DVD every few months is less immediate. This way, the info comes out immediately when it's been prepped and ready. Forums are good that way. -P. B. Sarkissian

It has to do with, what's in computer jargon as, error checks and handshaking during the update process. There have been instances of voltage sag on the USB line, which is another reason, so we have what's called the TRS/Battery engage,... helps keep the USB line up. So after an update, do a reinstall or two (or three) until you get the Successful Install message. It's in the PDF document. I'm pleased they let me do this too, helps Line6Hugo keep up with all the JTV queries, we work together on this stuff. I own three JTV's myself, so I hate to see users floundering with this stuff, so Hugo and do what we can with the JTV stuff. We want it to be a good music making experience for all of you. -P. B. Sarkissian

It would be good if you had an authorized Line 6 tech check over the set-up, a 69 spec is a smidge different than a Strat spec. I've come across a couple of people who wanted to treat a 69 like a Strat. An authorized Line 6 tech who does JTV's will have the set-up document to go by, so the specs will be spot on. JTV v2.0,... follow the pdf file, I've updated it for v2.00 Flash. After update, it may need a couple of re-installs for it to lock in all the patches. I wouldn't worry about it, and you can always roll it back to v1.90 if you want. Most of the glitches turned out to be not re-installing after update, or taking user saved patches from earlier versions and bringing into v2.00, which now has different data block formatting. "Any comments from Line 6 themselves?"--- ssssh,... don't let it get 'round,... I'm Line 6. I'm the guy who techs all the JTV's that come through here at the Repair Dept, here Line 6. My supervisor doesn't mind me trolling the forums regarding JTV problems, so long as it doesn't get in the way of my JTV repair work. A two cents here, a two cents there is okay. -P. B. Sarkissian

Using string gauge change to cure a problem with the set-up is typically not a good idea. When you change gauges, you change the set-up criteria. After changing gauges, it's a good idea to take it to a Line 6 authorized guitar tech in your area to check it and make any needed set-up adjustments. With the 69, there is the bridge adjustment and there is also the individual piezo saddle adjustment. That along with things like neck relief and intonation should be done at a Line 6 autorized service center. Can't go adjusting one without dealing with the other aspects of set-up. They all depend on one another to work together for a proper set-up and good playing capability. Just changing string gauge won't do it, now you need to have the rest of the set-up checked by a Line 6 authorized guitar tech with the proper set-up procedure info for JTV's. -P. B. Sarkissian

Microphonics in the tubes,... but since you've swapped them out, that's not the case. Digital clock bleeding into the audio from either the HD500 or the DT25 digital board. Are you using the Line6 Link? If so, are you using "Link 6 Link Cable" or a standard XLR mic cable?

No extra cut that I'm aware of. The Electro-Harmonix (EH) power tubes get extra scrutiny for Line 6, than what you would get from a store, as far as I'm aware. Had a chat with Mike Matthews (the founder/owner of EH) about their tubes at NAMM earlier this year. EH bought a tube factory in Russia, it's theirs, they scrutinize the tubes really well. From others there can be inconsistent batches of tubes. Some of these inconsistencies go to the characteristic curves on the data spec sheets. These differences can have an effect on performance or lifespan of the tube, as does correct biasing of the tube. And it's even more crucial when it comes to Matched Pairs. I know people like to use tubes versions from other tube companies in Line 6 amps. Not a good idea. I see too many come back for problems, with these other tubes inside. These other tubes are fine,... just don't put them in Line 6 tube amps. Bogner designed the tube stages of our amps to use what we use, biased to what they're biased to,.... and these amps are not forgiving of alterations, deviations or modifications. It's like trying to over hot rod a hot rod, give it too much and you throw a rod or blow an engine,... and that's never a pretty sight. We recommend coming to us for tubes for Line 6, Bogner designed Spider Valve, Alchemist and DT Series tube amps because, we can't vouch for other tube sources. Besides,... we have a 90 day warranty on our tubes when you go to an authorized service center for amp servicing our tube amps. Enjoy the tube sound. Rock-On!

I grok. :)

Shhh,... don't let get around. And I'm a forum moderator. Trolling the forums is okay with my bosses, so long as it doesn't take too much time away from me fixing stuff. A two cents here, a two cents there,... ... oh, and being a moderator, maybe c#%*p would be a more netiquette way of saying it, though it's probably okay here for now. I typically use "holy moly" or "mola mola". ;) Rock on!

Be sure that these tubes are Line 6 authorized Electro-Harmonix power tubes (and the pre-amp tubes as well), and that the power tubes are matched pairs. Have a Line 6 authorized service center install them, they will have to be properly biased and the unit signal tested. There is a proper biased and signal test that always has to be done on a tube amp, it's not a swap-n-play sort of thing. Incorrect bias leads to distortions, distortions lead to stressed tubes, stressed tubes lead to a failing amp and a trip to a service tech. The Electro-Harmonix power tubes are scrutinized more so for Line 6, than what you would get from a store. These are Bogner designed tube amp stages and not very forgiving with anything other than the specified tube brand, so don't try to hot rod these hot rods with Mesa or Groove Tube versions. The characteristic curves of the Mesa or Groove Tube versions are different enough to make a difference in performance and can stress the amp. After which, at that point, it might end up on my bench, or one of my lab mate's benches,... and we don't want that, we want it to run well for you. Depending on how much you play, a tube swap (the amp equivalent of a car tune-up and oil change) should be done every 12 to 18 months if you're a gigging musician,... every 24-months if you play less. Take good care of the amp and it will take care of you. Always take it to Line 6 authorized service center for checking out and servicing. In the meantime, lock-n-load the rock-n-roll!