jerseyboy

I checked one of my JTV interface running macbook Yosemite and when NOT connected to guitar but plugged into computer USB there's solid green LED USB. RJ45 ether port flashes red. This is with no guitar connected so it would appear you have something acting differently. Possibly unrelated to guitar?

I would open a support ticket instead of calling: https://line6.com/support/tickets/add.html

Hello Steed353 - is the guitar battery charged - do the models engage - can you hear audio output from 1/4" guitar jack? That's pretty much what supreme mod/tech psarkissian outlined. The guitar essentially needs to be ON for the RJ-45 to USB interface to function. If you tick those boxes and no LED that side of box there's problem with data and/or connection from guitar to interface.

Stomp will not work credibly with XLR lo Z microphone. Needs preamp and even with that - mic’ing acoustic live is very tricky if not impossible for many environments/settings. Stomp can work with passive acoustic pickup but ymmv. Preamp is almost always better for these type efx units.

I prefer fixed bridge JTV59 is the only choice. I know, it’s possible to setup and lock vibrato bridges but I’m not a fan of springs countering string tension for my style of playing. I want strings tugging on wood not coil springs. 59 uses 24-9/16” scale length so if you’re exclusive to 25.5” that might be a downer. 3 way toggle vs 5 way blade switching is no issue here. Many like the magnetic 59 hum buckers as I do. Modeling provides Fender’ish spank & boink. 59 prices have recently climbed IMO. Line6 clearance store had em priced about $840 couple weeks ago. Now they’re $960. But you do get warranty from mothership…. I just checked - Line6 store also has refurbished 69's for $960 - https://shop.line6.com/hardware/guitars/?cat=235 That Lake Placid Blue looks sweet.

Slash pups could be a cool upgrade and probably won’t adversely affect Variax operation. If others looking for JTV59’s buying refurbished from Line6 shop can be a wise option. Currently a couple for about $960 but this is from mothership with warranty. I’ve seen JTV59’s as low as $840 from Line6 up to a few weeks ago. https://shop.line6.com/hardware/factory-refurbished/?cat=90

Todd’s guitar pickups DCR 8.9k run a little above stated bulk resistance range of 6-8k. See here: https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/slash-set Probably not a major fail with that small amount overage. In OP case 7.5k Jazz Neck should be fine: https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/jazz-neck But 16.6k HOT Bridge may likely throw Variax electronics into a tizzy? https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/duncan-distortion-bridge I love to mod guitar pups but isn’t that the main point of Variax? I would probably attempt to digitally model pickups into desired flavors before swapping out stock JTV59 pups. They're good all around hum bucker pickups. Cool benefit of modeled pups for high gain playing is reduction of noise. They run a lot quieter than magnetics for same amplification settings. If someone has a magnetic pickup guitar they like A/B comparisons can help match practically any favorite guitar pickup using Workbench HD.

I agree soundog. Recently reacquainted myself with some older Zoom boxes laying around the shack. Could not be happier with the level of support for Zoom products old or new. Firmware updates no problem running latest OS X. To be realistic Zoom has grown very big with the recording device marketplace so they probably have greater resources than Line6 for keeping cranky old guitar pickers happy. But with 1st gen Workbench and a few other museum pieces the least frustrating approach I’ve found is to simply keep an old Win laptop around (never used for internet) and connect to older hardware. Sucks, but that’s the best I've managed to figure out...

If connecting to the Firehawk works with standard ether Cat5 cable but not with VDI - certainly leans towards a duff VDI cable IMO.

FYI - newer USB dongle supplied with JVT's appears to properly work with 500's.

I recently learned Line6 produced 1st gen LH Variax 500 and perhaps other older models. Find 'em used every once in a while. Someone willing to spend BIG MONEY ($4-$5k) might convince (unlikely) Line6 to commission USA JTV builder? Of course the electronics need some massaging for LH so that avenue would likely leave someone very blue in the face....

Variax acoustic models really only work well with appropriate full range amplification. I don’t see that as a problem with marketing or product info. Solutions abound to get the “best” live acoustic tone. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of A/B switching for appropriate signal paths. Treat it like a vocal channel IMO. But yeah, it’s a poor and sometimes eggy compromise if/when relying on a tube electric guitar amp for Variax acoustic models. It’s not gonna deliver better than conventional acoustic pickups (Tak, Fishman, Taylor, Baggs, K&K, etc) running into a clean Deluxe, for example. Granted, those don’t sound acoustic either but it’s an industry accept tone. For years users have requested “piezo pickup” acoustic models from Variax. Don’t hold your breath but doing so could help diminish this conundrum for some of us working various live setups. However, I’ve found there’s almost always a simple solution even with Variax electric models screaming through DC30. Often simply A/B to Full Range input, fold some back to a wedge, biscuit or something, and enjoy one of the “best” live acoustic tones going. Definitely worth the effort.

I knew about the P90 Goldtops but apparently there's this option - https://shop.line6.com/hardware/guitars/jtv-59-us-singlecut-gold.html Man, that's a sexy guitar in my book. But the $5k price, ugh! Couple refurbished Asian JTV59's for about $840 Seems a good/fair price. Throw on a decent set of locking tuners apply good setup - quite a bargain for all that hardware. And yes Steed353 - welcome! I tend to reside near Howard Beach although work connects me with the Jersey thing. Warmer weather will ride bike in/out of city. Very intimate geographical knowledge of Brooklyn, Queens and bridge crossings.

I intentionally didn’t mention VG stuff due to my experience with Roland Hex pickup going back to the original floor GR1 which was more about triggering synth sounds than guitar tones. As I understand they later applied some guitar tones but I never drove any of ‘em enough to have an opinion about VG guitar modeling. I find the JTV59 to be a “Swiss Army Knife” of non-whammy guitar platforms. Mags seem very satisfying for conventional amps, pedals, etc. And of course the models and alt tunings raise my usage factor up by several notches. But I still enjoy and work old 500’s too. Certainly unique tech but I can see where many a guitar manufacturer would avoid due to risk of poaching sales from their guitar lines. cruisinon2 - you don’t notice or seem bothered by any “zing” using stainless frets? I played acoustic guitar and Strat with ‘em once and felt good but there’s was an odd tonal quality particularly with the acoustic guitar. And as a Jerry Donohue fan/student of string bending I find a little friction kinda helpful dialing in my touch. Kinda like a damper of sorts…. But different folks float different boats. As long as it keeps you on top of the water it’s done the job.

The acoustic filter/processing seem to be targeted towards the industry standard "live acoustic guitar" piezo, body sensor approach that's been around since Ovation, Takamine, Fishman, LR Baggs, Taylor Expression, etc. Some Variax users have requested that type sound model before but I for one don't mind if I never perform live with that tone again. I prefer acoustic guitar sounding like a mic in front of it or simply how a decent acoustic guitar sounds when picking in a Bluegrass music jam. Variax acoustic models come closer than anything I've used and I've used serious acoustic amplification schemes going back several decades. Kinda odd coming up on 20 years of Variax guitar modeling and yet no real similar competition has emerged. Good for Line 6 but I would think by now some tech firm would've introduced serious competition? Oh well, I'm grateful for what Line 6 Gods give us and will leave it at that...

Yes, same models. 59 provides B/2nd model function incorporated as push push switch on the tuning knob to access all 5 models using 3 way toggle switch.

Don’t hold your breath. Perhaps boilerplate Line6 response but what you seek is something, if technically possible, would be strictly hobbyists and/or clever Chimps willing to test/hack Variax firmware. Roland VG forum might find some folks who’ve accomplished this feat? I dunno…. The 500 contains a few very acceptable steel string acoustic models along with several favorite electrics I’ve tweaked over the years. Problem is, playing it on stage using the acoustic models it sounds wonderful yet seems to confuse people. Even sound folks and production staff often fail to understand what’s what. I’m seriously considering a realistic graphic facade and/or pick guard to attach to one of my 500’s. At a glance from a distance it can look more like an acoustic cutaway guitar. The Tacoma Kahuna is a potential donor for this graphic. Maybe even a Line6 Variax Acoustic photo printed to proper scale to cover the front of the 500? Although hacking some electric models into Acoustic 700 might be useful it would likely suffer some difficulty playing electric parts using a wound 3rd (G) string as it appears the Variax Acoustic bridge pieces aren't adjustable for plain string intonation. At least with the electric Variax guitars you can adjust for using either plain or wound 3rd string. But again, they do look like an electric guitar and that seems to cause confusion for some people. Even if it sounds like the best ever acoustic guitar tone amplified live.

When you have old WB open and connected to guitar look under one of the top menus for string volume level. Adjusting this will save to guitar firmware and as noted it's a global setting. Perhaps the E string volume on your friend's Vax was somehow corrupted or saved inadvertently. However, more likely a bad piezo bridge element and/or associated wiring. They're very delicate and if the guitar breaks a string and/or someone isn't careful while changing strings the wiring in/out of the bridge piezo can be easily damaged. OMT - not to nit-pick but it's a common misconception - Variax Standard = the newer Yamaha built guitars using HD software like the JVT. Topics about Generation 1 Variax (simply Workbench) best addressed here - https://line6.com/support/forum/38-variax-guitars-bass-workbench/

Can’t fully explain without running some tests but lithium poly/ion chemistry degrades over span of few years. More rapid degradation when stored fully charged for long periods of time. Cold temperatures exasperate the situation with regard to IR (internal resistance). Battery pack left in cold vehicle placed into service, for example. But at room temperatures battery power errors could be sign of permanently increasing IR of the battery pack/cells. Layman users can easily try a "fresh" replacement battery. Doesn't hurt to have a 2nd spare battery pack anyway. Avoid deep discharging....

Genuine Coral (and Jones) Sitar guitars use a bridge/tailpiece which is adjustable for the amount of string buzz you want with your Sitar sound. Banjo, well that's one of those things that doesn't seem too spoiled by a little fret buzz. The most glaring difference IMO for more accurate acoustic tone with Variax lies with plain 3rd G string found in majority of electric sets. Probably why many of us notice lighter attack seems to improve acoustic models. At least with electric Variax. Never owned 700 Acoustic although on the lookout. But of course those use wound 3rd. Somebody found a wrapped 3rd they claimed wasn't too hard to bend up an octave. I gotta find that post and give it try sometime...

Playing older and newer Variax over a decade as well as many genuine brands. 10-46 Variax playing setup is identical to any similar electric guitar. Good neck and frets, of course. Perhaps the friend is hearing “piezo plunk” more than physical string buzz? 10 different people will often hear 10 different things. Maybe seek other opinion? But if something’s not a bother to you or other folks, why bother worrying about it? However since changes have been made probably best to see reputable guitar tech. Someone with Variax experience, understanding and/or LIne6 endorsed, even better.

Do you have batteries installed and a guitar cable plugged into the Variax? I think XPS power supply will power too but I always connect to USB on batteries in order to simplify wiring.

Agree with Gin normal string tension and/or no tension makes no difference to a good neck. Unique to Variax legit reason to change 1-3 strings at a time is to minimize movement of the pickup saddles. Remember, there’s small signal wire attached to each bridge saddle and bridge assembly. Seems best to avoid any excess movement of that wiring. On the few occasions removing all strings on an old 500 will prefer to tape the saddles down in order to minimize movement while the strings are removed. JTV59 bridge is much less prone to individual saddle movement but do take care of the wiring from bridge.

I solved this annoyance using locking tuners. About $60. Pull the strings hand taught lock em in place so they stay in the slots. Hipshot fit nicely and they're better than stock Korean JTV59 tuners.

Try TRS into XPS but do not connect the other end to the guitar or allow it to touch anything conductive. Does the XPS power LED remain solid on? If yes, that pretty much rules out bad cable. One time my 500 refused to work with qualified TRS cable to XPS. As soon as it plugged into the guitar LED went OFF. Removed the back cover and felt around main board components. Something was kinda warm. I poked the area with a Sharpie, plugged in TRS-XPS and it’s worked fine ever since. Although plugging in from XPS guitar sound goes on/off 3-4 times but eventually stays on. I never use battery pack with XPS. And yes, 9VAC 2A should be plenty power supply.