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peewee678

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Everything posted by peewee678

  1. I thought the JTV-69 comes with 0.009 gauge strings but apparently it's 0.010's (just Googled it). In that case the action should be the same indeed.
  2. In the clean sound I hear lots of fret buzz... (correct me if I'm wrong). I wonder what gauge you used before. If you used 0.009 before, the action could be wrong now. Not an expert here BTW but still...
  3. You could buy (or try) a Electro-Harmonix "Hum Debugger". I recently bought one because since I power my JTV-89F externally I also have hum (but only when using the mag pickups). The Hum debugger works really well, has two positions (normal and strong). The "normal" position is enough to cancel out almost all hum with just a slight change in tone. BTW: it's not a noise gate and not a filter; it's an active noise reduction.
  4. I have to admit I do worry quite a bit about it when playing (mainly because I own it for just 2 weeks or so). It's not that I have sleepless nights about it but sometines when looking at the model selector I ask myself: how long will it take for the LED (and the models) to die on me....? I only play in a home recording environment so no rough handling or beer on my precious Variax and I only play for a few hours in a week (on average) so mine should last a long time :P As someone pointed out here: hopefully, by the time it fails there will be new -and better- versions available. I would buy me another one immediately. I own a JTV-89F and indeed it has nice sounding pickups (I don't have a lot of reference but I like them anyway) so yeah: it still would be a nice guitar although I to bought the Variax almost exclusively for the modelling (I already own a Squier Strat and an Epiphone Les Paul) but I think it's worth the "risk". I had to replace it after two days because of a faulty USB interface and I'm glad I didn't ask for a refund!
  5. The order doesn't matter. You can leave the VDI cable (USB) in the guitar/computer if you'd like. Maybe I'm wrong about this but try this: in Monkey, first click on "connect to device". Then choose the USB interface. Then click OK, then try to download. Does this help? BTW: I can remember when using my faulty USB Interface there was some downloading but nothing was downloaded after all so "downloading" does not guarantee that all is well. I still wonder what happens if you switch models in Workbench HD? Does the guitar react to it? It has to. If so, then USB connectivity seems to be fine (I think). Also can you save presets or banks to your Mac? BTW: Does your Variax show up after you click "connect to device"? It should after you downloaded the USB drivers (maybe also before but I'm not sure about that).
  6. Hi Wilson, For now I can only answer three of your questions (there are actually four of them): 0. The guitar models come with their variations + two custom banks. There are 12 banks (including two custom banks with 5 presets each. 60 is right. 1. You don't have to cancel the download and you can't (from the top of my head) . Each download will be stored automatically on your computer (in your documents folder > Line 6 folder > etc.) as a small file. Those downloads are backups from your guitar (and thus nothing is changed on your guitar during that process). 3. Disconnect the JTV by removing the guitar cable from the guitar. It is only then that the battery will be switched off completely. 2. Not sure about the USB drivers but as far as I know you can't download the drivers from the download page (it shows "At this time, there is no software available that matches your selection.") so I think you have to use monkey (I did). Have you already tried a reboot of your Mac? In your screenshot your USB interface is not connected. What happens if you connect it? Are you able to choose the drivers in that scenario? What happens if you switch models in Workbench? Do the models on the Variax switch with it? If all works well however I would say the right drivers are installed (not sure though) but for one reason or another it doesn't show in monkey.
  7. Actually I knew about the global adjustments but I was so focused on the different models (when I started adjusting I thought it was different for each model) I totally forgot about it! Luckily I only did 4 models or so thus far. So, thanks: I'm gonna revert to the originals and stick to the global adjustments in the first place (with maybe some minor model adjustments). +1 for you!
  8. I'm wondering if I'm the only one with this "problem"... It's not really a problem because I've already changed my favorite models but most (or all) of my models have a much louder A and low E string. I have to change the volume in Workbench to about 50% to even things out. When I use the pickups (no modeling) the strings are equally loud. So: is this normal? Any experiences? Is this a problem since the HD models? I read some complaints about muddy acoustic models for instance after 1.90
  9. Yeah it is but I don't want to risk losing it for weeks (or longer) so I'll just stick to 2.10 until a new version will be released.
  10. To be honest, I'm more afraid off comm. problems (USB interface or drivers) then power outages. My Variax adventure started last sunday with a faulty USB interface and after reading about e.g. the sticky knob problem I'm quite skeptical of Line 6' hardware reliability. I once soft bricked my phone so luckily I could unbrick it with a USB jig but I would be devastated (sort of) if I'd hard brick my Variax after a week of use. Indeed using a laptop with charged battery is one worry less but multiple things can go wrong in the process so I stick with 2.10 until a relevant update comes along.
  11. Ah, thanks for the confirmation. I can order a Neutrik connector for € 3,05 (less than $ 4,- I think) so I'll return the expensive longer VDI cable and make myself one from the standard cable (just have to remove the extra clip from one of the sides to fit it in the Neutrik). (Don't own a POD. That's exactly the point).
  12. Thanks Phil but that means (probably) Line 6 has reverted to the cheap stuff because I have a brand new 89F... (or they ran out of NE8MC plugs :o )
  13. Yeah, I wish I had that one! Note: this is the old style interface. I have the new one (of which the first one was faulty...) so I wouldn't be surprised if the new guitars also come with the newer type of cable... It's cheaper bacuse it doesn't come with the round connector, so... Actually I'm sure because Line 6 did change the ethernet plugs to be able to pull it out of the guitar (in my picture it's not really clear but it's the large black clip you can push. By pushing it, you also push the "normal" (standard) clip under it so the plug comes lose). The ethernet side on your cable is just a standard ethernet connection whereas mine is specifically made for the guitar (albeit a ridiculously bad design). I know it sounds weird but prove me wrong :rolleyes: I really can't imagine someone in the shop swapping all the cables in the Variax boxes... Image of the clips I'm talking about (sideview): https://www.dropbox.com/s/nznm18z6ttqp4k9/2015-02-19%2017.50.05.jpg?dl=0 Well, it sucks, sorry... But thanks for helping and the picture! P.S. Just found a shop where I can order a: http://www.neutrik.com/en/data/ethercon/ethercon-cable-connector-carrier/ne8mc so I can make my own cable with one round guitar connector from an ethernet cable.
  14. That's exactly what I was about to do but I wasn't sure if it works... If it fails (I'm not very handy) it cost me € 38,- (about $ 45,-). It did come with a cable suited for the adapter. It's just that the other end is the same (not round) so it is prone to breakage when plugged in the guitar. It's just a standard Ethernet cable with some extra large clips so you can plug it out somewhat easier than a normal ethernet cable (a normal cable sticks deep in the guitar plug so that's a lot harder to remove although it's safer in a way because it doesn't stick out like the current cable). You know what? I'm gonna make a picture: https://www.dropbox.com/s/189py0k1g8a2i2s/2015-02-19%2017.24.08.jpg?dl=0 So this is what it looks like on both sides and this is the cable that came equipped with two different 89F's...
  15. Bought them online at a very good store in The Netherlands (bax-shop.nl) with great service but I'm sure it's not their fault. Guitars were new, everything neatly packed. I really think it's just a newer type of cable but I don't like it. Still thinking of stripping my new cable...
  16. No no. It has ethernet connections at BOTH sides! Now I understand the confusion... If it looked like you're describing I wouldn't have ordered the expensive cable in the first place... So yeah: it's plastic and it sucks. I had two guitars BTW. First one had a faulty USB interface. They both came with this cable. The only difference with a standard Ethernet cable is that both sides have this extra large "clip" over the standard "clip" (the "clicking clip" :blink: ) in order to be able to unplug it somewhat easier but it still is not really easy and very prone to breakage. I can't find an image with Google so you have to believe me on my word... I guess this is also a newer type of cable, just like the black USB interfaces but it's not exactly progress... Found an image (Chinese website) of someone who seemed to have stripped one side of the longer cable to be able to connect it to the interface: http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/fuzzy56/imgs/7/0/70f4dc95.jpg
  17. I can understand you're confused. I was planning on connecting the round plug to the guitar (which is sturdy because the guitar is equipped with a port specifically made for it) and was expecting the other side of the cable to be flat and fitting that to the USB interface but because it has round plugs on both sides I planned to strip that side to fit in the USB interface. Hope I get myself clear now (I'm Dutch so expressing in English is not my forte). I think Line 6 did make a design flaw: they should have made the USB interface so that both the standard cable as well as the longer cable would fit (which is not a problem only somewhat more expensive). BTW: I do have the standard cable that came with the guitar but there are warnings all over the place not to use that one because if the plug breaks when connected to the guitar, you may have a problem (removing it from the guitar). On the other hand: I didn't know the long cable was not suited for updates so thanks for the warning. I think I will stick with the standard cable then and return the VDI cable (just had it delivered but not unpacked). You know the problem is: every time I put my guitar on my stand I have to be really careful not to break the current ethernet connection (the cable is plugged in a lot because I'm experimenting with Workbench, not only that: Workbench is great to use when recording stuff and changing things on the fly). Thanks anyway.
  18. @Orzel: I agree partially with you on the acoustic models. I can imagine the 2.1 ones will drown in the mix but they sound warmer, more full bodied and lush. A bit of EQ can do miracles in the mix I think whereas the electric models sound so different that even appllying EQ is not enough to make them sound like the 1.9 models. On a side note: you do like Jamiroquai don't you? I just realised what your playing reminded me of... I know it's not the same but very much alike to the guitar in "Cosmic Girl" ;)
  19. Hi, EDIT: Jump to this reply for a picture of my standard VDI cable (some people are confused): http://line6.com/support/topic/12188-how-to-connect-the-vdi-cable-the-one-with-round-plugs-to-the-usb-interface/?p=84235 I ordered a VDI cable because I wanted a sturdy connection to my guitar (to prevent breaking the standard cable ethernet connection when plugged in the guitar). It's for home use only however and I don't connect it to a POD but to the USB Interface (black model). So: the cable has TWO round plugs weheras my USB interface is not suitable for that kind of connection. I was expecting one round plug and the ethernet plug like connection on the VDI cable that comes with the guitar (at the other end). So do I have to do THIS: https://www.jrrshop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/600x600/34ade6d24047ca46d0c728fbf0c02bf7/l/i/line6variaxcable.jpg ? Before I do that, I'd like to know for certain if (after stripping the plug), the ethernet connection will fit (and stay) in the USB Interface (will it "click-connect"?). The cable is rather expensive... (ofcourse I could use some duct tape to attach the stripped plug to the USB interface but then it's getting even more "ugly"...). Line 6 doesn't really deserve a prize for this design flaw...
  20. Hi, I'd like to experiment a bit with some flashing (rolling back to 1.9 for example). I flashed my 89F from 2.00 to 2.10 BTW already (ofcourse I already made the necessary backups). What I'd like to know: is it possible -if something goes wrong in the process like the PC switching off due to power outage- that the Variax turns into a brick? As you may know: flashing a phone's ROM or PC's BIOS does sometimes result in a bricked (unusable) device. So does someone know of any experiences with this or is it -by definition- always possible to reflash after something went wrong? Thanks. EDIT: It seems it is possible to brick it: http://rowbinet.co.uk/2012/05/20/line-6-jtv-review/ (scroll down to first response)
  21. @Orzel: Great demo (nice Jamiroquaiish -"Cosmic girl"ish! :P - guitar playing and chord progression BTW)! The differences are huge. I'm especially stumped by the differences between the Spank - neck+middle, one of my favorite models/sounds. I'm not an experienced Strat player (I just recently bought a Squier Strat) but to my ears the 1.9 model is much more true to the real strat: open sounding, bright but lush with some nice quack. Actually all 1.9 models (except the acoustic ones) sound quite a lot better to my ears.... Damn.
  22. Hi DJ, I would first follow Peter's advice. If that doesn't work out well, there is a possibility it's related to the "sticky knob" problem: http://active-guitar.com/guitar-diy/fixing-a-faulty-variax-model-selector (I have to say I'm new to Variax, I own mine only for 4 days now but I did some reading on it). Good luck! http://line6.com/support/topic/9433-remodelling-knob-on-59/?hl=sticky
  23. @Matt_Brown: Not sure to whom your reply is directed but my problems are solved. I got my replacement and Workbench (and flashing) works flawlessly from the very start now. So @Raston I would say: ask for a replacement if you're sure it's not your fault. It certainly is worth it. Workbench is almost half of the fun (well more than just fun) for me. The guitar with it's built in presets is great in itself but being able to use Workbench HD is almost as valuable to me as the guitar itself. To summarize my problems: it most probably was a faulty USB interface... After connecting my replacement guitar+ replacement USB interface (couldn't get just a USB replacement), I immediately had it working! I have been troubleshooting for at least 5 hours or so the last couple of days all because of a faulty USB interface. It's a shame those devices are so unreliable but in the end the troubles were worth it! BTW: You have the OLD USB interface (probably) because the new one (at least my black one which is the new type) has a non-detachable cable. If you have the transparent(ish) USB interface, it's the old one but that's not neccesarily the problem; it seems some interfaces are just bad.
  24. Hi, I have been quite active on this forum (and also via PM) in the last few days because of my faulty JTV-89F (I knew for certain it was some problem with the USB interface or maybe the guitar). I got my replacement (the whole package: guitar + USB interface, etc.) this morning and after charging the battery and connecting to Workbench it worked right away. I was even surprised how great the software works (switching the 5-way switch is directly reflected in the software for example)! Right after that I flashed with Monkey from 2.00 to 2.10; after a few seconds it started "writing" to the guitar! Wow, that was totally new to me, never seen this before (only the same error about 35 times). Upgraded to 2.10 now. No sweat. So: I assume the previous USB interface was faulty as expected. On one of my computers the red LED kept flashing, even when connecting the guitar, on two other computers it went green but I still had no communication between guitar and PC, only errors. The replacement was detected as a JTV-89F right away. Rescanning multiple times and each time a JTV-89F! (no more "none" or "JTV-59"). BTW: The black USB interface does work on USB 3 (and USB 2 ofcourse)! I hope this topic will come in handy for people with the same problem in the future and I advice everyone with serious problems like this to order a replacement. If possible a USB interface or otherwise the whole lot. I was lucky in a way: I ordered my online at bax-shop.nl (I'm Dutch and I live in The Netherlands) and swapping for a replacement was no problem at all (I could even stay at home). Kudos to Bax! Thanks everyone who tried to help me!
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