psarkissian

And on the limited editions, there's a 3-digit number of the limited run, on a plate behind the neck mount. The number is the last 3-digits in the head stock number.

There is no interchangeability between them, one has a tremolo bridge, the other doesn't. The models are programmed as such. Neck swaps are okay, so long as the scale length is maintained, plus or minus a fret or two.

There will be differences, so it may sound different, or may not load correctly from guitar to guitar. It's the same with JTV and the two Shuriken guitars as well. Body tone type, fix bridge verses tremolo,... all play a part in the modeling process and are specific to that guitar.

@jcmathews,... Different circuitry with different programming between them. " ... will presets/custom models build for a Variax 300 work and sound appropriate on the other models? " --- No. Can't mix and match. Not interchangeable between them. Transplants are a whole other complication. " It is my understanding that the "modeling" of the 500, 300, 600 and 700 are the same. " --- Not quite, but close. The process is the same. The Model gallery may be the same, but they are made for each specific body type that they go in. Some use encoder for model selecting, some use a calibrated potentiometer. So as a result, the programs are different on each board. And the circuit boards are different for each model guitar. They are not interchangeable between them.

The electronics are different too, and not interchangeable between them.

No alternative outside of a Helix. It should have come with one, unless you got it second hand through a private party.

Check configuration, the sample rate and bit depth, make certain the UX2 and computer are the same.

" ... you have to swap it around for the middle pickup? " --- No. Follow the wiring diagrams in the earlier posts for the particular Variax you have. Don't try to over think it. Follow the diagram. Use "passive" pick-ups (NO active battery power pick-ups) with a DC resistance (DCR) of between 6k-Ohms and 8k-Ohms.

Last functionality update for Flash in 2015, Monkey and Workbench HD updates in 2018. As far as how significant they are, is relative to what you had before you updated. All in all, improvements in functionality and updates to current computer OS versions like Windows 10. Still not up to the new Win 11 yet.

Flashing red LED on the guitar side means the battery and headphone adapter will be needed. Doesn't sound like a service issue just yet. But it is a very early serial number.

" I'm personally aware of couple recent instances the good folks in Calabasas have coaxed bricked Acoustic 700's back into reliable service. " --- Thank you. My lab mate does good work. I also reset bridges if they need it.

"So, if it’s a voltage issue, wouldn’t that call for some sort of recall? " --- Not necessarily. Need to find the cause first before anything can be done.

" No support, no referrals to service centers, no parts. " --- Have you reached out to Customer Support? I don't see a Support ticket in your account. There is an authorized service center finder for locating service centers in your area,... https://line6.com/find/service_center/ And certain repairs can still be done at Line 6 itself, depending on what it needs and parts availability. " I need several parts to even take on a gig now. " --- Have you tried Full Compass? There may be a few parts still available.

Cheers. :)

Double check the back label regarding power requirements, that it matches your region's AC mains.

Sounding more and more like a main board or jack assembly issue. Register your guitar in your Line 6 account, then log a Support ticket, it may need servicing.

Cat5/5e cable? And not that 100 Base-T Cat6, Cat7 stuff?

No. Just the original Australian customized Shurikens designed by Stevic McKay. More particulars on the FAQ. https://www.shurikenguitars.com/faq The control knob scheme suggests these are non Variax versions. The photo is Stevic's prototype with JTV-89 electronics it, built with exotic tone woods by an Aussie guitar maker. This became the template for the production model, with Stevic's artist model patches and Alt Tunes.

Do you have Workbench HD v2.15 on your computer?

Make certain there are no USB hubs plugged in.

Very good.

700 electric is pre HD so that would be a problem. And unplug any USB hubs when updating or using Workbench. And remember, Workbench HD doesn't work with original Variax like the 700.

Did you update the Helix while the 89 was still plugged in with the VDI cable? If so, connect the 89 to the computer using the Line 6 Variax interface device and cable, bring up Workbench and save any patches you want to keep, then re-Flash the Firmware.

Yorkville in Pickering. We taught one of their guys about our gear. Good tech showed the rest of the techs. He's since been promoted and still there, last I saw.

Maybe have the set-up checked, by an authorized L6 service center that knows how a deal with a guitar with active electronics.