DarrellM5

I have a Helix on pre-order but I don't have any intention of selling my HD500X. I still have my Vetta II Combo and a GuitarPort as well. With the price of Helix, I don't think you have to worry about everyone upgrading from the 500X or Firehawk.

Well this thread got seriously derailed. I got a phone message from my Sweetwater rep saying the same thing but, unless things have changed, DI stated that Line 6 hasn't given the retailers any sort of date yet. If that's still true, they're just speculating.

They are really, really awesome! The Nazgul / Sentient pickup combo is perfect for the KM-7 and Keith Merrow's style of playing in general. The tone is so incredible that I bought the Banshee 6 - Passive as well. All of my guitars sound great, to me, through the HD500X. I'm really having a hard time deciding what pickups to put in the PRS SE Custom 24 though.

'91 Fender Strat (USA) = stock neck and middle, DiMarzio HS3 bridge (very happy) '91 Jackson Dinky XL (USA) = stock (very happy) '81 Peavey T-60 = stock (very happy) JTV69 = stock (very happy) PRS SE Custom 24 =stock (good but thinking about upgrading) Schecter KM-7 = stock Sentient / Nagzul (just awesome) Schecter Banshee 6 Passive = stock Sentient / Nazgul (just awesome) Ibanez Artcore AFS75T = stock (fine for this style guitar) Ibanez RGIR27FE = stock EMG 707's (very happy)

True you won't find those comments on the Line 6 board but, if you're interested, take a look at the almost 200 page Helix thread on TGP or even at the Youtube comments on the recent demo videos. Personally I don't care if they demo with a JTV emulating a Strat or a real one; they both sound about the same to me.

Actually, I'll never wear it out. I was just agreeing that having a PC editor could minimize the wear and tear on the switches. My Vetta II, which was purchased in 2004, still works perfectly and so does my HD500X. Possibly, but like I mentioned above, my Vetta II is still working fine. I'm a slacker when it comes to string changing. My guitars are lucky to get a new set every 6 months or so.

Providing nothing is physically wrong with your DT25, you should have no problems whatsoever getting the tones you mentioned. Some of the patches in the Variax setlist that came with the latest HD500X firmware should get you there with minimal tweaking.

I've seen quite a few of their videos, for Helix and other devices, that were created with Variax or JTV guitars. The comments, on Youtube and the forums, generally include a lot of statements like "I wish they would give us an idea what it sounds like using guitars that most of us own, like Les Paul's and Strats".

I'll probably use the PC editor quite a bit as well. I agree it could minimize wear 'n tear but I hope the unit is constructed well enough for that to not be an issue. What I was really getting at is that, with the Helix interface, you don't have to worry about the drivers keeping up with Windows versions. So X number of years down the road, when Helix is unsupported, I don't need to be too concerned when MS or Apple release new operating systems.

This brings up one really cool feature of Helix. There really isn't a need for the PC editor, which will be almost identical to what's on the unit. I wish more companies would cut the cord like this. Does HD Edit work with Linux? If so, a dual boot setup may be the way to ensure future compatibility.

I owned the Variax 500 for 11 years and I've had my JTV69 for 2. Neither guitar ever experienced any problems. Not the perfect neck shape for me but it's not a big issue. I enjoy the alternate tunings and haven't had any problems with Drop D. If I did, I'd switch to the mags and manually drop it down, which takes about a second. I even made some custom tunings to play some 7 string stuff.

I wouldn't exactly call it upgrading, as I have no intentions of dumping my HD500X. I did pre-order Helix from Sweetwater. I didn't pay $1500 and I got in on the 36 month 0% deal. I also ordered, from Amazon, an Alto TS110A Powered PA Speaker to go with it.

Count me in!

I have guitars with maple, rosewood and ebony fretboards and honestly can't tell the difference in play-ability or sound. I like both but for me it comes down to which looks better on a particular guitar.

I'm not Glenn but I did purchase his Masters of Metal patches for the HD500X. Check out the videos of him demoing those patches. There's pitch glide in quite a few of them.

Yep, it's legit. I heard the founder tell the same story in an interview as well.

I read some posts earlier about Line 6 doing some extensive testing outdoors, in their parking lot, and that it shouldn't be a problem to read the display outdoors. Over on the mega-thread on thegrearpage Digital Igloo said "We spent a lot of time in our back parking lot. Actually made a few hardware changes to maximize legibility in all environments." The 36 month thing is 36 months / 0% interest from Sweetwater. When you factor in their excellent customer service and the extra year warranty (for free) it's a great deal. Also, if you call them, they'll probably knock a bit off the price for you.

Ok, I pre-ordered it today from Sweetwater so I wouldn't miss out on the 36 month deal. Called my Sweetwater rep and got $100 off. I didn't push for more of a discount seeing as I'm way ahead after winning that $1700 microphone from them in January. I'm very excited and glad that I already bought the HD500X model packs, which should keep me busy while I wait.

Cause you guys have been thinking about it since 2008! :)

Good advice. I use these 0.0% deals all the time. I've purchased motorcycle gear, my bass rig, appliances, furniture, my dream rig and even a diesel truck using these deals. Like bartnettle1 posted, the key is to never miss a payment and pay it off before the end date. I am curious about whether or not there's a real chance of getting a lower price once the order has been placed though.

Keith Merrow and Glenn DeLaune would work for me.

That's worth keeping in mind. Thanks. I guess they make exceptions sometimes though because I bought my Dream Rig (JTV69, HD500X, DT25 Head & Cab) from them last year and got the 24 month financing on it.

If anyone wants to experiment with IR's, while they're waiting for their Helix, they can get the LeCab2 .vst plugin from LePou. This is a free IR loader that can be launched from within your DAW. Then dowload some IR's to load into LeCab2. I'd suggest some of the free cabinet IR's from Catharsis. Very easy to do this and a lot of fun. LeCab2: http://lepouplugins.blogspot.com/2010/12/lecab2-vst-for-windows.html Catharsis IR's: http://metalhomerecording.com/presets/Gear_Review_Catharsis_IRs/Catharsis.zip

Wow. Glad the amp is okay. I guess the latches weren't secured. Getting that flight case with the amp really made it a great deal for that price.

Does Sweetwater's 24-month financing ever end? I've seen it jump up to 36 a few times a year and then it drops back to 24.