jerseyboy

I dunno the Variax Bass at all but it seems to not be editable which is a bummer. Also, no magnetic pickups for bass or 1st Gen Variax. Other than Acoustic 700 I would stay away from any Variax without Magnetic pickups and doesn’t use Workbench HD. If you must deal with original Variax guitars you will wanna keep an older computer OS available for Workbench software. As good as Variax modeling is (and it’s pretty good) I never seem to find a “better” tone than the magnetic pickups on my current and well used JTV69, 59 & 59P. Now if I need a specific tuning or acoustic, resonator, sitar, 12strings, etc., it’s “‘good enough” in most contexts but when I no longer need the modeling I find myself turning it off and running on good old magnetic pickups. Not wishing to upset the forum gods here - I will say I’ve also used better supported products from a company that starts with B and ends in SS - adding their pickup to guitars or basses I’ve enjoyed very good modeling and tuning freedom. It’s more foot control oriented than the Variax onboard controls but results are good if not great and palm muting actually seems to work…

I've been down this road recently and the only way I could update JTV Firmware was by using the USB/Ethernet dongle. Helix connection reports as MIDI connection which allows Workbench to edit presets but it won't allow for USB FW update. And keep Monkey offline or it closes. You will need a local file copy of 2.3 firmware which is still available for download as of yesterday.

Glad I found USB interface as Helix won't suffice. Also a 2.3 download on an old Yosemite Mac. Monkey only works offline for me but still managed to update JTV with the local file. Finally cleared those pesky custom tunings someone saved under older FW.

I think this must be the case. I tried to restore factory tunings on a NTM JTV59P using the earlier internal procedure and nope. I'll drag out the computer and refresh FW. Is there still a download of 2.3 around? Pretty sure I still have one someplace...

What options exist for UK service? Can psarkissian perhaps message me please? This is for “The Ballad of Johnny & June” UK tour opening sometime March. Thanks….

Glad to see this as it maybe explains why many years ago things got to the point I quit using the VDI to Helix cable and just went with 1/4” phono to avoid this weirdness during a show. I have since gone back to VDI but super careful to avoid tuning changes from Helix.

I also prefer the OG acoustic models but the JTV has grown on me and it really doesn’t bother me as it once did. Spitballing here it seems JTV acoustics might be more suited towards fingerpicking? But that’s just a wild guess based on my happy meter when fingerpicking as opposed to flat picking. But a good Helix preset tweaked for acoustic will help tremendously. Don’t forget to try the 12 string acoustic body types with only 6 six string tuning? That sometimes helps warm up the HD acoustic models/images. A few other tweaks seem to bring the tones into acceptable range without all the trouble of rolling back FW, etc.

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.