jerseyboy

I've got 2013 & 2017 JTV59's and I wouldn't describe bridge pickups as lacking low end/bass. I don't adjust mine close to the strings either.

Regularly playing both a new JTV59, 2017 and an older 2013 JTV59. Physically, even though the “knobs†may be slightly different (maybe they’re simply sitting in the body slightly different height?) the actual electronic taper for Volume/Tone seemed very similar to 2013 JTV59. Myself and our sound dept seem to prefer the active/model sound output of this newer JTV59? I'm talking about the models only here not the passive magnetic pickup sound through the 1/4" audio output. Same FW and models seem identical but something about the entire “active/model†audio output was seemingly nicer, silkier, smoother, clearer than the older 2013 audio output circuitry? There’s one small manufacturing issue on the newest 59 - the neck is kinda lumpy around the 10-12th fret to the joint. Rub my hand and look for it, it’s definitely there. Seems like a little more sanding/filler would’ve taken care of it before finishing. But for the price and Korean construction, it’s not that big of a big deal. Does make me kinda yearn for a USA version someday? Intonation and/or fret placement is very good. Maybe slight nod here to the newer 2017 JTV59? I never suffered the overall bridge misplacement on the 2013 JTV59 as some have reported but I’ve notice some “funny†notes/spots along the fretboard. Even with the best action/intonation setup. Don’t notice any funny’s when playing the 2017 and in fact a couple places sounded slightly more in tune than what I’ve been accustomed to hearing for the last couple months in those passages on the older guitar. The neck is slightly narrower width on the 2017 JTV59. Barely perceptible but this 2017 is not quite as wide as the 2013. I'm sure it's more of a tolerance thing and not radical departure from neck shape/size. Unlike my 2qty old 500's where one arrived super thin/narrow and the other with very fat/thick neck. At least until I wood carved that neck into a nice shape to my preference. I'm probably gonna redo the nuts on both JTV59's. Nothing against the black Graphtech and if this were a whammy guitar I would probably leave 'em be. But I like well fitted bone or might try a ZerO Glide on one of these 59's? I also installed HipShot locking tuners on the older 59. They're nice and smooth plus come with a unique mounting plate system which simplifies drill-less installation. The stock Korean guitar tuners are just OK, IMO. So any UG (upgrade) is probably a good UG. But for JTV59, pinch locking tuners provide a major improvement because it helps make string changes so much easier. The 59 Tyler bridge is NO fun to install new strings without a locking tuner to take up slack and hold the ball end into the bridge trough. Both awesome axes and great values, IMO. This info seemed to be something worth sharing since I have the opportunity to report observations using a well controlled back-to-back comparison of older/newer JTV59.

As mentioned up thread, ‘been heavily using legacy 500’s and now JTV’s for a while. I still like and sometimes prefer many of the old models. They’re kinda more “low-fi†than JTV’s but some of those models still do it for me compared to the same models found in JTV. Now, perhaps it’s more of a “familiarity†thing? But for the life of me I try and try to use the JTV Special bridge pup model as I would the Legacy version model but it just doesn’t hit the same “bliss pointâ€. The Lester is pretty good though and seemingly improved. Conversely, I’ve tweaked Legacy Spank models until I’m blue in the face and I still prefer to play a real Strat with good pups. But gimme JTV Spank models with Masonite Plank body, I’m happy to leave a good Strat sitting in it’s case/bag. It’s just the nature of how Music Art is influenced by technology, IMO. There’s pros & cons about everything and particularly these modeling instruments and the unique variations we’ve applied to them in our work & play. Truly wonderful guitars (when playable) and old or new seem to find a useful place in my various gear setups.

I didn't know anything about the history of the 59 pups, thanks. As someone who's been through many pickup windings in my life they're certainly a pleasant surprise, IMO. Hard to say how much or how little the guitar build will influence final tone but it would at least start out with very similar electrical characteristics and output level.

I saw this a couple days ago - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-11-26-0008-2-Humbucker-Neck-Pickup-for-JTV-59/271819112865?epid=1438016199&hash=item3f49ae81a1:g:86sAAOSwSlBYsey~ Seems a little pricy for an import built humbucker but it's supposedly genuine JTV59N? I just saw the location of that listing - a line from story/show: "Rahway academy of performing arts!" LOL.... I'm sure there's something comparable (Seymour Duncan) but it might take some experimentation to find it? Start with DC resistance and go from there?

Without getting too crazy OT I can quickly comment that in general I think the HD models to be very good sounding and quite useful to me. Are they the same as the older 500? Nope, they’re their own sounds. For example, the 500 Special bridge is/was one of my goto favorites for hot rod picking. For whatever reasons, the HD Special bridge is of course similar, but it’s just not the same. OTOH, another model I think was always lacking in 500 (basically all the pre-magnetic pup Variax) - Spank modeling. Just never hit the spot for me even after tweaking and boosting the model levels. Now the Spank HD? Swap the body for Masonite plank and WHOA, that’s a nice and especially useful Strat 2/4 sound, IMO. A lot of this may be linked to our hearing and experiences? We’ve listened to, cranked up and gone to battle with the older models for so long, I think we’re just more comfortable processing them in our various applications? There’s some good ones no doubt and I’ll never get rid of my 2qty 500’s. Still very useful guitars. But the HD models are also very useful and for me the addition of GOOD sounding mag pup’s makes for an even better overall guitar experience. Now we don’t have to rely solely on the modeling. Kinda helps my brain to stay “rooted†in the good old ways and use modeling “magic†for places where makes the most sense. JTV59’s Mags plus all of the great models is a beast. I find myself switching from the LP type Mags over to Spank 2/4. Funny to hear a nice 2/4 position "boink" coming from an LP type guitar? Plus, all the other stuff that's available. Oh, one nice HD thing is for adding 12 string to basically any body/pups. I think the defaults are a little "strong" but backing off a little of the "tuning spread" and 12 string models generally do it for me. Although now that I’m swimming in 2qty HD’s I’ll relegate one of the old 500’s to full-time Resonator/Dobro lap style playing. Nice tall bone nut and raise the bridge (being careful with the old wiring, of course) Might even put a fake metal pan somewhere under the strings? LOL... But 500 resonator models sound really good and since old Workbench still plunks along I’ve managed to cook up many different tunings out of a base D blues. Got minor/major coupled with slight of hand from the selector switch or XT Live foot selection, look out - they sound like fancy bar slanting! LOL….

In the world of electronics there’s active or passive circuitry. When Variax is using only Magnetic pickups through the audio output jack it’s in a passive circuit mode. The mag pickups come through the audio jack even without a battery installed. Hence “passiveâ€. When we engage the modeling a battery (or power supply) is required for the circuitry to function. That’s why it’s called “active†electronics. What I was saying here is that the newer JTV59 active/model output sounds slightly better, clearer, silkier than the older guitar. But in magnetic or “passive†mode, I don’t catch much, if any difference. My guess is that the newer JTV59 output is slightly better spec than the audio output of older guitars.

Maidened new JTV59, 2017 last night. Very happy and sounded nearly identical in almost every regard. Physically, even though the “knobs†may be slightly different (maybe they’re simply sitting in the body slightly different height?) the actual electronic taper for Volume/Tone seemed very similar to my 2013 JTV59. Still dialing in mag pickup height but the neck pup may be slightly weaker on this newest JTV59? But hardly a problem. Both mags sound quite good which is one of the main reasons I love this model. I’ll need to do more A/B performances between the two but I really liked and seemed to prefer the active/model sound output of this newer JTV59? Models seemed identical but something about the entire “active/model†audio output was seemingly nicer, smoother, clearer? Hard to describe and might be nothing considering I’m recovering from a head cold. A few more A/B’s between the two guitars in this controlled setting and I’ll have a better understanding/realization… There’s one small manufacturing issue, the neck is kinda lumpy around the 10-12th fret to the joint. Rub my hand and look for it, it’s definitely there. Seems like a little more sanding/filler would’ve taken care of it before finishing. But for the price and Korean construction, it’s not that big of a big deal. Does make me kinda yearn for a USA version someday? Intonation and/or fret placement is very good. Maybe slight nod here to the newer JTV59 than the 2013 version? I never suffered the overall bridge misplacement on the 2013 JTV59 as some have reported but I’ve notice some “funny†notes/spots along the fretboard. Even with the best action/intonation setup. Didn’t notice any funny’s last night and in fact a couple places sounded slightly more in tune than what I’ve been accustomed to hearing for the last couple months in those passages. Remember, I’m splitting hairs here. Both awesome axes and great values, IMO. This info seemed to be something worth sharing since I have the opportunity to report observations using a well controlled back-to-back comparison of older/newer JTV59.

I use Eb tuning quite a bit and for me Variax has always been a champion in that regard going back to the older 1st gen versions. As suggested try some simple direct recordings and see if it really is as bad as it seems during performance? Make sure you’re not picking up ANY string vibration. I’ve had IEM (in ear monitor) cable pull tightly enough to physically conduct some guitar vibration to my ears? Kinda weird sound when that happens. Oh, and watch out for magnetic pickup height? Often strange sounds when they get too close to the strings.

The battery/VDI thing is further complicated because VDI incorporates a connection and can likely influence JTV power supply situation? In perfect situations, I’m sure there’s generally no problems associated with leaving battery in the guitar and running on VDI power. But, my situation is far from perfect and involves 24 or more VDI connections per week. Sooner or later, something funny seems to happen on VDI with or without a battery installed. I mentioned the situation with the green LED and Variax crashed on battery? At that point I was wireless and the crashed system wouldn't revert back to mags without removing the battery. Too weird and too much of a minefield to ‘figure it out†in heat of battle. Without mixing VDI I’m totally fine and happy on primarily battery power. Several packs now too so it’s working out well and enjoying flawless operations. And on battery power we're also free to use JTV with other types amplification. Blasphemy I know, but 'still enjoy my amps. Seems to mellow the modeling in some situations.

I find plenty usefulness with my 500's. One particular thing I often do now is throw a nut riser on and play lap steel or resonator slide stuff. Take it further with old Workbench and it's great to setup all sorts of tunings to better explore that style of guitar playing. I do prefer the JTV for most of my current work but I don't feel like it's a major setback to use a 500 as a spare Variax. I've tweaked bundles to sound pretty close to what I do with JTVs.

Reeled in the much newer 59 and so far it seems great. Maybe a smidgen lighter than the 2013? Don't have a scale to provide real data, sorry... Some of the knobs slightly different and the neck might not be quite as wide across but perhaps slightly thinner front-to-back? So far in studio use but tomorrow plan to throw it into regular gig and compare it more thoroughly sound wise to the older brother. Stay tuned...

I own and regularly use 4qty Variax. 2qty JTV59 and 2qty 500. Never regretted buying them or the “spares†as they’re amazing and bring wonderful value to my work. Also have no interest in updating electronics. I view the package ASIS and best kept that way, IMO. Of course better tuners, good fretwork and great setup are fair game for improvement(s) but the electronics really seem to match the current package and I would fear a loss of product focus and carefully implemented refinement by deviating into other electronic platforms… If/when a “complete†newer version arrives I may adopt it quickly or wait until I see a need? Hard to tell until that time arrives? I understand taking the plunge is fraught with unknowns and Variax simply may not be for everybody. But, what I eventually realized is that even if it's a total bust for me, someone will want it and at most I might lose a few dollars? If nothing else, minimal cost of tuition to explore and learn the vast guitar universe.

I've concluded gentle/light finger picking is usually improvement in JTV59 Dreadnaught acoustic sound/behavior. I like it better than practically any picked attack. Also might've found better picked tone using a thicker pick (coat button thick) struck very lightly? Still comparing and working-out that one...

I try to keep a MS-50G handy at all times. If for no other reason it's a pretty good tuner. The usual weeird ZOOM interface but once you learn it can be configured for many various applications. Sorta Swiss Army knife of pedals/modelers. Very useful with both electric and acoustic guitars. Yep, some of the preamp, compressors, verbs work nicely with acoustic guitar IMO. On a scale of 1-5 it may not reach 5 in any particular area but it's a pretty solid 4 across the spectrum of jobs. Dang good value and a great small simple piece to have as a backup for any rig...

I don't use much OD for majority of my Helix work but when I do Minotaur seems to be the one used the most.

Dunno if you found a solution yet? I have nothing 1st hand to offer regarding Vax bass but the presumably similar older Workbench software (used with the Vax 300, 500, 600, 700 models) has a string balance adjustment found in a menu navigation tab? Might be found under Edit menu dropdown? Sorry, I don’t have a way to navigate to it at this time because I don’t have a Vax handy. But I remember it was kinda hard for me to find the 1st time? Once you find it you might be able to bake new string volume/levels into the bass guitar firmware? This helped me restructure levels on an old Vax 500 high E string which was a little behind/under volume compared to the other strings.

I'm notorious for being "that guy" who leaves truss covers off because of need to keep up with ever changing climate/humidity conditions. I love vintage guitars as much as the next guy but I suspect there's a reason they made neck adjustments kinda hard to get to. Probably not too many people possessed knowledge to use them responsibly. Whenever I setup an old school guitar I figure it's gonna cost a set of strings to get the neck on/off enough times to dial in the truss adjustment. (Capo can be your friend to hold strings in nut while you pop the neck off/on) No need to even back the tuners off. At least until humidity changes again...

Even in a perfect world JTV59 2/4 model switching can be a delicate flower, IMO. Workaround for me is simply program/load models that I know I’ll need in 1/3/5 positions and rarely ever use the tuning knob on/off switch to toggle 2/4. Please note - I dunno anything 1st hand about JTV69 hardware I’m speaking only about JTV59.

I've not experienced this exact issue but I would ask if you're using the VDI cable with a battery pack installed? There seems to be reports and my personal experiences of weirdness about battery pack + VDI. "For magnetics with the volume rolled completely off I still have plenty of volume although the gain does change a little." Don't understand this comment? Volume rolled completely off yet plenty of volume? Personally noticed a small difference in magnetic output gain between 1/4" audio and VDI. Assumed they're sending passive/analog audio down the 25' Ether cable which might explain the drop off? But another user said he thinks it's converted to digital inside the guitar and sent VDI? I dunno what to believe and nobody who really knows is saying. I've moved over to 1/4 audio only output and been much happier with no further glitches other than maintaining battery swap/charging. Later is no big deal for me since well versed in rechargeable battery pack systems. Oh, there's a feature that kinda surprised me even though I probably skim read about it in manual/forums - when volume control is rolled off with a model engaged, the system goes to sleep in about 7-10 seconds. Roll it back up and the model selector LED comes back on. I haven't checked if it does this when connected to VDI because frankly, I haven't used VDI in a long time. But it does this on battery exclusively using 1/4" audio output. And don't use electrical contact cleaner which isn't specified for potentiometers.

At least they browsed/searched the forums instead of authoring a new thread....

You got it as intended. The worldwide company/production I work with/for has heavily embraced Variax across several companies in recent months. Our work covers many tones/textures on limited production budget. Back in the day we had resources for 8 different guitars which required a lot of maintenance, space and the hassle of swapping and/or using Gracie stands, A/B boxes/switches, etc. The Variax has become the one guitar solution while doing a fantastic job. The "product placement" stuff might be nice but we pay our freight because we've spec'd particular products. If LIne6 wishes to offer up stuff that would of course be welcome? But many pro's simply buy what works for them because it's part of their business to use the products they need. This way of doing business also allows the "honesty" to call out "things" without concern if our "deal" will get nixed.

I think my 59 is 2012-13? Over past several months daily service been a workhorse pleasure. Couple little things but nothing I haven't been able to handle. We're supposed to get a much newer model soon so it'll be fun/interesting to compare? Also have 2qty 2004-05 Vax 500's which remain rock steady solid since working for serious productions since 2006-07. Korean, out of the box they needed fretwork, nut, better tuners and setup (I even shaved/sanded the neck on one of 'em down more to my liking) but as long as they're fed fresh Alkaline or XPS/VDI supply, the electronics have never coughed up. Oh btw, speaking of tuners 'recently installed Hipshot locking on the JTV59, big improvement and most any locking tuner makes it much much quicker/easier to change strings on the slotted 59 bridge!

More every day...

Unless I’m going for Coral/Jones “Sitar†effect I work to avoid fret buzz. Good simple tool to keep in ditty bag is a Fret rocker from Stew Mac. Easy check for uneven frets.