peewee678

Thanks Triryche (I already downloaded it yesterday but couldn't use workbench because of my faulty USB interface). Gonna post a party topic because my replacement works!

EDIT: all clear now

Hi, It seems the 89(F) models come with five high gain models in custom bank 1. My guitar (faulty guitar OR USB interface) will be replaced today but I don't think I had those models in my guitar. I remember there was a resonator, a spank and some other models in bank 1 but no high gain models. Can anyone tell me what models are supposed to be in there? Thanks.

EDIT: Solved (black one is OK but my previous one was just faulty): http://line6.com/support/topic/12137-jtv-89f-replacement-is-ok-usb-interface-seemed-to-be-faulty-as-expected/ Hi, I already posted lots about my connectivity problems with my Variax JTV-89F but after reading a topic on the forums here about the apperance of the USB Interface I'm starting to think I had the wrong one all the time. So my question. Does the JTV-89F come with this one: http://www.amazona.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/interface.jpg Or with the black, squareish one: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10052297/Variax/19012014343.jpg (last picture is from a relevant topic: http://line6.com/support/topic/5155-i-think-i-have-a-problem-with-my-variax-usb-interface/ ) Thanks!

@Wilson: yeah, I had no programs running while updating. The problem is much worse however: I can't use workbench either (firmware in my guitar is 2.00). I have contact with alan2803 who has the same problems (firmware 2.10) and there is someone else today new on the forum with almost the same problem. It's not a download problem either because I also tried flashing from a downloaded file. Also: Workbench behaviour gives me all the reasons to know it's a problem with the connection between the guitar OR USB interface and the PC. It says "none" detected (most of the time) OR JTV-59 OR JTV-89F after rescanning but even it's a JTV-89F (my model) Workbench gives errors while uploading/downloading presets. Thanks. @Charlie: I also suspected that but alan2803 PM'ed me he had the same problem connection via his POD so that would mean it's the guitar. Not sure in my case however. I'll get a replacement tomorrow but I'm starting to think there's maybe something wrong with a whole series of guitars maybe (or USB interfaces indeed...). Thanks! Problem is: can't get a USB adapter (they don't sell them here in Holland) to troubleshoot so I have to return the guitar with it...

Yep, that's what I think although I dare not say it out loud here ;) IF it works it works fine is my impression... (although there's also an article about faulty selectors after a few months use: http://active-guitar.com/guitar-diy/fixing-a-faulty-variax-model-selector but hey: it's fixable :huh: For me personally it's solved: http://line6.com/support/topic/12137-jtv-89f-replacement-is-ok-usb-interface-seemed-to-be-faulty-as-expected/

Thanks Raston. The thing is: I just packed the whole thing including the large box around the smaller one (and taped it)... I think I'll just wait for my replacement but my hopes are not very high to be honest. BTW: just read a PM from alan2803 who also tried to connect via a POD with no luck (after trying connection via the USB interface). I almost would say that means it's not the USB interface but the guitar which is faulty (hardware/firmware).

@raston: OK, I didn't know the cable was detachable (it didn't look like it and I think I have the newer type -not sure though-, I didn't really look at it closely hoewever).

@silverhead: where can I find reliable info about USB2 vs. USB3? I mean: are you sure? (sorry for doubting, I want to be sure). Thanks. (tomorrow the whole circus starts again for me (after my replacement comes in) but I'd rather use my laptop with USB3. If it's really not possible I'm fine with using another PC).

One thing I noticed: you write "tried different USB cables". That's weird because the cable is connected to the interface... You're not using any extension cables, do you? (and no USB hub I presume).

I can add my 2 cents here. I just made an appointment to swap my JTV-89F (got it sunday) for the same problem (I can only hope the new guitar / interface will be OK). I can say this: via USB3 the interface won't connect at all (in my experience). Red LED flashing at guitar input port. I didn't read anything anywhere about this however.... Silverhead's reply ^^ is the first that mentions USB2 (but I already had my suspisions). Anyway: my experience with two other computers with USB2: tried different USB ports, tried a different VDI cable (standard Ethernet), tried all sorts of things actually. The guitar is sometimes detected (for a very short while) but when rescanning (in Workbench) is alternating between different models and "none" (mostly none, sometimes JTV-59 and sometimes the correct JTV-89F). And yes: guitar cable connected ofcourse (if not, the red LED will flash no matter what. Can't do anything in Workbench however, also not when the guitar is detected for the very short periods of time. Error upon error.... Can't flash in Monkey (also errors during flashing, nothing more). Really frustrating. Accoring to the shop owner this is not a know problem but I've read several topics here on this. I think this problem is only there when using the USB interface. Most people here use a Line 6 POD. Maybe it's a conspiracy to sell more POD's :ph34r: BTW: Do you have the black USB interface? Guitar packed, ready for takeoff... Bummer.

Thanks again. Everything installed, drivers, up-to-date monkey, all plugged in, etc. etc. Tried everything (see screenhots in my other posts). No results. At all. I made an appointment. Within 16 hours I expect someone at my door to swap the guitar for another one (JTV-89F). I'll keep you guys informed. If the next one doesn't work as expected I'm gonna explode :P

Thanks. No question is stupid at the moment. I'm almost ready for shipping it back so every bit of help is appreciated. My setup is as follows: - Battery fully charged - Quarter inch cable plugged in (without it, it doesn't work at all in this setup; the red LED on the interface starts flashing in that case) - VDI cable from guitar to USB interface (also tried another (standard) ethernet cable) - USB interface plugged in PC (tried 3 different PC's (all Win 7 x64) to rule out problems such as USB3 vs. USB2 or other problems). - Guitar switched on, volume up - Troubleshooting mainly consists of plugging in and out, rescanning in Workbench, rebooting, reinstalling software, etc. tried everything (I think). One of the 3 computers doesn't even detect the guitar (red LED keeps flashing, no matter what). The other PC's do detect the guitar but with a very unstable connection (to say the least) and no chance of flashing or using the Workbench (only errors/timeouts). That's about it. I love the guitar but I'm unwilling to keep it without the Workbench or ability to upgrade the firmware. Besides the fact I will miss a great deal of experimenting I don't trust the current guitar (although the problem could well be the USB interface only). I wish I had a POD... I COULD order a pocket POD just to try it for troubleshooting. Will the pocket POD function as a replacement for the USB adapter??!!

Edit: yes, it does. Solved: http://line6.com/support/topic/12137-jtv-89f-replacement-is-ok-usb-interface-seemed-to-be-faulty-as-expected/ This maybe a somewhat weird question but I'm beginning to suspect there's a serious flaw with the combination (?) JTV-89(F) models and the black USB interface. I have serious troubles with it (flashing to 2.1 in Monkey and using Workbench HD is not possible at all on 3 different computers; I'm experienced with PC's in general so that's not the problem). I know I'm not the only one on this forum so I'm a bit concerned there's something wrong here. I have a request: can anyone who does NOT have those problems reply? (It's not about connecting to your computer via a POD but only about using the (black) USB interface). Thanks a lot!

A JTV-89F here with almost the same problems. In monkey I can't flash it (tried dozens of times with the same error message). In Workbench HD rescanning multiple times in a row gives about 60% "None", 30% "JTV-59" and 10% "JTV-89F", Saving presets doesn't work at all. Timeouts/errors. Really frustrating because I have been troubleshooting for hours and hours and tried it on 3 different (Win 7 x64) computers. Not sure if it's the USB interface or the guitar... I'm aftraid I have to return it.... (which hurts because I really like the guitar and the sounds but I really want to use the Workbench).

I already tried 3 (!) computers and ofcourse rebooting, reconnecting, powering off the guitar, reconnecting in every order you can imagine. The problems on my laptop are even worse because the USB interface's LED is blinking red (guitar side). Can't get it to work at all. There's nothing wrong with the laptop however. I use it for music production. Everything is neatly connected. I tried everything, really. BTW: Can anyone confirm the black USB interface is not compatible with an USB 3 port? On my other PC (USB 2) the USB interface does work but I'm still having those communication problems. Can't flash the firmware, can't write patches. The guitar is detected as a JTV59 but als as a JTV-89F (rescanning in Workbench gives me alternate guitars...).

Solved: http://line6.com/support/topic/12137-jtv-89f-replacement-is-ok-usb-interface-seemed-to-be-faulty-as-expected/ Hi, Updating the firmware from 2.0 to 2.1 is not possible. I tried it about 12 (edit: 30) times but each time with the same error message. Monkey is up-to-date (1.67). Guitar is detected. Green lights on USB interface both light up. Also tried flashing from file (TylerVariax_2.10.vxf). Same error... When useing the Workbench HD my guitar loses connection every few seconds. I can't save or load presets. When "rescanning" multiple times in a row it says either "JTV-59", "JTV-89F" or "Not connected". I do have a guitar cable plugged in (otherwise the guitar would not be connected at all in workbench). Already tried a different ethernet cable instead of the provided one. Nothing helps... What's wrong? I also tried this on my laptop (my music production system) but it's even worse there: the red light (guitar sise) is blinking red on the USB interface. Edit: just tried it on a third PC: green leds OK but the same connection problems... Any advice? Please... Thanks! Here's a screenshot of Monkey and the error:

Hi, I'm going to order a Variax very soon. Initially I was planning to buy a JTV-59 model but because of the Floyd Rose licensed tremolo and the 24 frets I'd rather buy a JTV-89F (decades ago I owned a Washburn with Floyd Rose trem which was rock solid in it's tuning and I really liked the fine tuners). I'm not a shredder or metalhead at all so for me it's not about the model (appearance) itself or the hi-output pickups, just the tremolo and the nut locks. Here's my question: the JTV-89F is cheaper than the JTV-59 (I live in Holland). The 89f costs € 856,- and the 59 costs € 894,- (that's in "Euro's" €). Isn't that a bit weird (esp. because the 89F is equipped with the Floyd rose lic. tremolo)? So: is the JTV-89F as good as the JTV-59 (in build quality)? BTW: The full model name is: "Line 6 JTV-89F-US Black James Tyler Variax HH". but it's made in Korea so I guess the US is an error on the website? ( http://www.bax-shop.nl/elektrische-gitaar/line-6-jtv-89f-us-black-james-tyler-variax-hh )

Thanks again. I think I have enough info for now. I'll start with buying only the guitar (and use my standard guitar cable). Later on I'll decide if I will power the guitar externally. I'm not very fond of batteries because eventually they will die just when you're about to record a track (the non US model comes with one battery only) and because there will be times I'm not playing for a few months, the battery will be at risk (a drained battery will become unusable after some time; I recently had to throw away my camera Li-ion battery because of this). I already have multiple devices with li-ions that I have to charge/drain once in a while just to keep them healthy. Sucks. Anyway: can't wait to order my guitar. I started playing in the early eighties, played for 10 years or so and a few months ago started again so it was quite a surprise to find the Variax guitars! Nice :)

One more question: I do own a standard guitar cable ("mono"). Do I need to buy a TRS ("stereo" / balanced cable) or is that part of the package also?

Thanks for your quick replies! I initially doubted it came with the Digital Interface Cable because the Pilot's Manual says: JTV-59, JTV-69 and JTV-89 should include these accessories: "Gig bag, 1 Lithium Ion Battery, Charger, Bridge Saddle Wrench, Truss Rod Wrench" so no mentioning of a Digital Cable or USB interface. BTW: I just found out about the USB interface that does come with the guitar (the manual doesn't mention it but the website where I order does!). So I guess I'm good to go! BTW: I'm aware it comes with a battery but I only play in my room (to old to gig :-) ) and I hate to rely on batteries so yeah, external powering is something I'm planning to use. Thanks!

Hi, I'm gonna order a jtv-89f model in a few days but before I'd like some advice. I already searched for info on this but it's not completely clear yet. I'd like to use the workbench but I'm not quite sure how to connect things up. Mind you: I have no Line 6 products yet. The manual says I need: "The Variax Digital Interface that came with your guitar (to connect your Variax to your computer via USB)." and a "1/4 inch guitar cable". 1. I don't think my guitar will come with the Digital Interface (Cable) does it? So do I need to buy a (Line 6) Digital Cable? 2. How can I connect my guitar to a computer via USB with that cable? The cable doesn't have a USB connection or does it? My second question: how can I power the guitar externally? I understand I need the following for this: - Line 6 XPS DI-box - Line 6 PX2 (power) - A TRS cable Is this enough? So I understand the guitar is powered by the TRS cable (which takes it's power from the DI-box which takes it's power from the PX2)? Sorry for my ignorance and "English". Hope you can help me out. Thanks!