Charlie_Watt

The set screw is probably metric but you should be able to find a replacement at a good hardware store.

Plenty of folks make 9V DC power supplies. The problem is that the Pod HD's need more current than most 9V DC powered units. You can replace the connector if you damage it. The supply itself should be pretty bullet proof. Don't go with a replacement that is not rated for 3 Amps.

Have fun with it! Very nice looking guitar. My Sweetwater experience was the same when I got my JTV69S. I don't know if they adjusted the setup but they did flash it with the latest FW as I requested.

I figure that the model pack is worth it if I like even one of the new amps. (and I know that I will! )

The older Pods (X3Live and earlier) used AC supplies. I know the 500x uses 9V DC but I have not seen the other HD pods so maybe some are AC. I have two older pods that both use the same AC supply.

You can easily flip the piezo wiring around when you flip the strings around. Easy to do. You can pop the wires out of the connector and change the order.

I used Planet Waves locking tuners. They dropped right in. You have to get the ones that are designed for 3 on a side to go with the 500 neck.

I like the nut height set as low as possible without buzzing. It should not be much different than having a capo on the first fret. Most guitars come with the nut set higher than necessary. It's a tricky adjustment because you have to not remove too much material. I set the string height at the bridge with a capo on the first fret first. Then I work on the nut height. (All this assumes that you have the neck relief set first!)

I too would stay away from any of the old Variax models unless you can get a killer deal. They have not been manufactured for a number of years and parts are expensive. The new Variax Standard may be a good deal once it gets out and we find out how good it really is. I would wait to see how well it's accepted here before buying it. The JTV's are solid but they are also a few bucks more.

Wrap some tape around it and it may last forever that way. The Line6 supplies are higher amperage than most wall warts. (3Amp) Pods are power hungry due to the high power DSPs they run on. If you get an underpowered supply, you will have problems with it. If you need a replacement, I would try to find a Line6 unit.

There were lots of articles about Line6's modeling methods when they first came out with the Pods. I think they used the same techniques to characterize guitars as they did on amps.

I like the D'Addario EXL strings and I have been using them on my JTV69S. I have always used Elixir strings on my Variax 500 and I think they were darker than uncoated strings. They significantly reduce the squeak you get when you move your fingers on the wound strings. I really doubt that the problem you are having is related to the brand of strings though. If you think it is, try changing. If it had factory strings on it when you got it, they were D'Addario EXL. (10's)

You set neck relief and string height at the bridge just like any normal guitar. Also make sure that the string height at the nut is proper. My JTV69S came with the action set a bit too low on the LowE and A strings but very nice on the nut. I just raised the saddles for E and A a bit. Intonation was not set that well so I adjusted that also. Now it's set up as well as any of my guitars and it's very nice to play.

Fret buzz will cause problems with the JTV modeling but it should not have changed due to string change if you stayed with same string gauge. Play the guitar without it plugged in and listen for buzz or any strange ringing. There should be no buzz or strange ringing.

Download it from Line6 Software Download site. Click Support above.

You need to find the Line6 Interface. Nothing else will work. It's USB on one side but it's Variax VDI on the other side which is not Ethernet. That interface was originally sold with Workbench software for the Original Variax. The JTV's come with the interface but the 300, 500, 600, 700 did not.

Elixir strings are not overly bright! Look for something else to be causing this problem. (Or try different strings)

It's not dead piezos if they work during flashing. Sounds like a Firmware issue. Maybe Line6 can fix it if you send it in.

????? The 500X is not the same as the 500. It has a more powerful DSP, different footswitches, etc. There are no new amp models in it though.

I bought a Demo JTV from Sweetwater and there was not mark or smudge on it.

I think $300 is too much to pay for a used Variax 300. That was the low end model. If it has problems, you could have to spend too much to fix it. I would recommend either waiting to see how the new Standard goes over when it comes out soon or look for a deal on a JTV Variax. I own an old 500 and a JTV and I love them but the JTV wins hands down. Advantage of getting a new one is that it's covered for a year (or two if you buy from Sweetwater) in case the electronics have a problem. The JTV also has Mag pickups so you can play it either with modeling or with mag pickups. It has a much better battery too.

I never owned a 700 but I do agree that they are very nice looking guitars. I do not have any complaints at all about the build quality of my JTV69S though. No flaws and the finish is as good as any guitar I own. One could argue about the neck and body shape but I don't consider that build quality but design. I like the new features included in the JTV. (Much better battery, Alternate Tuning selector, Mag Pickups!!!) I like the strat body style but I would prefer a Hardtail rather than the trem. My hardtail 500 stays in tune better than any other guitar I own after I installed locking tuners on it.

I'm pretty sure that the 69S and 69 have same neck. I think the only difference is the Bridge pickup.

Not in my opinion. I like the JTV69S neck. It's well made and it fits me great.

My guess is that the Standard is going to be a step down from the JTV.