jerseyboy

I almost always use a manual capo with Sitar and 12 string models. As explained CPU is working OT for major pitch/tone shifting properties of those models. IMO 12 string models sound much better with a physical/manual capo compared to the same models with virtual capo. Simpler 6 string models the virtual capo is okay but 12 strings and Sitar work much better manually capo’d. Although I do enjoy a baritone tuned 12 string electric from time to time.

As of today there’s a black 59US on Reverb. Also 2 69’s US red and black. I work Korean 59 builds especially 2017-newer. Fantastic guitars after tuner upgrade and stellar setup. Haven’t played a US version yet. I’m sure it’s great.

Used guitar someone may have replaced the neck pickup with something that looks identical but all it takes is reverse magnetic or electrical polarity winding… Or, QC just missed one that suffered this fate. If indeed it’s reverse polarity wiring/magnetism that caused your issue. My description of classic 2&4 Strat tone normal parallel polarity is more of a “boink” rather than “quack”. Reverse parallel polarity is the “quack” in my world. Reverse serial polarity more of a “thwack”. Similar but more meat and output to the parallel reverse polarity quack.

Wives will get over it. Hahaha I wanted to share (gloat) ‘grabbed a 3rd JTV59. The last 2 used ones 2019, 2017, respectively. Gotta say both these newer 59’s are somewhat nicer build than my original 2013. Both slightly lighter weight and the fit, finish, everything just seems nicer. Not by a huge margin but noticeable to me. And I’m sure the newer builds have most, if not all, electronic components updated to the latest improvements. Notably the “blue” switch on tone knob seemed to be a problem on my 2013. Solved myself but it was something to deal with. I’m sharing this in case yer wife comes around and shopping for #2. Highly recommend 2017-newer.

I used to wire analog guitars for this capability. Adding the necessary switches and/or wiring to the pickup was never fun or easy. Thankfully Variax makes it so much easier to get that unique out of phase “thwack” virtually.

As you confirmed Standard/JTV guitars don’t require presets saved with alt tuning like the 300(gen1). In fact the tuning wheel can be customized manually. Check in Pilot’s Handbook for the specific knob press procedure. I can’t remember top of my head but it came in handy one time without a computer. The 300 and all Gen 1 Variax Sitars can mute the sympathetic strings. Factory presets by rolling off the tone control or edit via old Workbench if that still runs on your PC.

I’ve always felt that way too. Gen 1 pre-HD j-200 model always sounded mighty fine pumped thru FRFR amplification. Although Standard/JTV HD edited 12 string Martin body as a 6 string sounds pretty good of late. That and judicious adjustment of mic placement has improved my outlook of HD acoustic models.

Good to hear drowner77. I wholeheartedly agree a spare or two is probably best. My work is mission critical and with Line6 going Dodo on these amazing guitars there’s some strength in numbers. And of course our good man in Calabasas. I work 2qty JTV59’s (custom Bigsby’s) and JTV69. Sometimes ‘use batteries but majority of the time Helix via VDI. Safe travels my friend…

Extreme heat does accelerate degrading chemical reactions. Once the chemistry is damaged and dendrites take over it’s damaged forever. High IR means cells can no longer deliver the current they used to deliver. Although cells might still be able to provide seemingly good capacity at lower discharge rates - the resulting saggy voltage of high IR will confuse LVC (low voltage cutoff) circuitry. As the good man says 11 years is definitely beyond the calendar life expectancy of even the best quality lipoly cells. Even if not cycled deeply or often. Much agreement about discontinuing the Variax. Bad move.

Cold/cool lipoly battery temperatures can drastically reduce C rate. You’re working in room temperatures or higher, yes? As the good man advised bring those last 4 digits of both batteries back here. Short of Line6 service maybe a friendly RC model enthusiast can measure the battery pack IR and C rate to help provide some battery health guidance? 2s1p 18650 cell configuration. If the packs are good and it’s an over current situation something should be getting pretty warm inside? Because in order to drain roughly 2Ah in 30 minutes would require nearly 4A load or roughly 25-30 Watts for system voltage. Nearing the heat output of a small soldering iron.

Having 3 is a good place to start for critical performance work. I’ve been in similar situation dating back to the 10’s - present. Our good man psarkissian can work miracles in CA. Well worth the shipment if local help is not available. Reverb can help with guitar shipping, btw.

Silverhead - thanks again brother. I’m running JTV’s (3qty). Also gotta couple 500’s that still talk to ancient Yosemite install. But those aren’t HD WB. NOW I see James Tyler Variax. I was looking under V’s. Lord help me…

Yep all good. And feel free to burn this thread. Stoopid me didn’t think to try NOT selecting hardware.

Thanks for the replies. The trick seems to be leave “hardware” drop down menu blank. I had been selecting Variax there. Left blank but select WB HD and OS it reveals the download.

Win 11 but I can’t get the download. Can’t get any version to download I do have Mac image saved from years ago but I need a Win image.

Yeah it shows it in dropdown menu but selecting and clicking go results: “At this time, there is no software available that matches your selection.”

Mac died and bought Win laptop. HX Edit downloaded and runs fine but when I looked for Workbench HD (any version) - UNAVAILABLE Is WB HD simply unobtainium? thanks jb

6 months late to the party but I know the feeling OP. Luckily, gots a good SSD MBP stopped updating @Yosemite. Couple oddities to point out from my experience. 1). If you feel like something should be happening try turning the volume pot. Seems to trigger the software to move on instead waiting to time out. 2). Once finished with the connection I always need to force quit to fully shut down. After saving edited models of course. Lotsa life left in these old Gen 1's. Especially running XPS power supply A/B foot switch. Something 'bout the acoustics sound really good out XLR. Wound 3rd string even better IMHO.

LP scratch plates (pickguard) pretty close for JTV59 but pickups are slightly different distance. A little sanding will likely be required to fit tightly. As noted don't go too deep with screw holes.

Couple years back I tried ordering some plain Chinese strings from eBay. I often change plains out more often than wrapped strings. They arrived appearing to be normal plain steel strings and I replaced high E. To be safe I quickly tested to make sure modeling worked although I didn’t test the magnetic pickups. Magnetic pickups always work, right? Show opened up and I’m on cruise control with a Spank model. Next cue switch to magnetic JTV59 bridge pickup and the E string is dead. NO SOUND. All other strings normal but nothing high E. It was like when piezos quit but the reverse. I finished the Act using modeling which functioned normally. Problem is/was the plain strings from eBay were made from non-ferrous non-magnetic metal. They didn’t produce signal with magnetic pickups although the piezos didn’t care. Strange end to that experiment…

Contact support for help with these instruments. I'm personally aware of couple recent instances the good folks in Calabasas have coaxed bricked Acoustic 700's back into reliable service.

Replaced 8 drastically different guitars with JTV59 and Helix. Single, Humbucker, Sitar, Baritone, 12 string, Acoustic, 2 alt tunings. Plus some capo tricks without the physical capo. Pro gig everybody happy! Especially roadies…

Electronic music gear is always evolving. Example when good tubes became obsolete and hard to find we learned ways to still find them because folks liked how they sounded in “obsolete” equipment. Those who like/love older Variax mostly use older computers to talk to em. There’s literally tons of cheap older OS computers out there. If it’s critical to gigging best grab a couple load em up and continue to enjoy your guitar.

I've heard several folks play Hotel California using Variax 12-string models and most sound fairly convincing. Here's a quick youtube search: https://youtu.be/v5IcKsSGecE I couldn't get the link in this thread to play in my browser but perhaps it works for modern computers: Not sure if any amplification was used in your mp4 but seemed fairly unprocessed except for what reminded me of phase effect? I did notice a tendency to use mild vibrato and/or bend strings. Even slightly bending string will upset the 12 string model sound. I've been known to play convincing "Tambourine Man" using the Rick 12 string model. They do exhibit some keyboard'eque character but in context with backing tracks they tend to sound pretty decent. I've also performed "I've Just Seen A Face" using 12-string acoustic for original solo. Here again, not great when isolated but used in live mix it works very well.

Don’t jump into USA JTV without some previous experience and understanding of Variax technology. Nicely crafted guitars but still…. If you’re already set with analog/magnetic tones practically any Variax Gen 1 or 2 will likely suffice as introduction to the technology. JTV59 my current favorite (very good hum buckers) but I still enjoy many of the original Variax gen 1 models. I also maintain gen 1 with riser nut for lap/slide needs. I own 4qty Variax and regularly use them all. Electric models seem to work well with various pedalboards/amps schemes. Acoustic models must be DI/XLR full range amplification because they’re essentially microphone captured WAV maps. An XPS power supply A/B box is often a great addition to smoothly switch acoustic/electric models to either XLR output for acoustic or Hi-Z 1/4” phono for amps/pedalboard. Of course the VDI cable plays nicely with Line6 amp modelers too. Good luck….