barkerm

Plug in USB direct to the computer. It really seems WAY too complicated. And, yeah, we all (well, maybe just me) wish it was MUCH simpler.

Thanks everyone. The JTV-89F is at the Authorized Repair center (for about 2 months). They just started working on it and found that when power is applied, no activity on the main (DSP, I suppose) board. Not sure if this is hardware or software, I'm guessing the repair folks don't either, so a new board has been ordered (with my permission for the cost, since this problem occurred JUST out of warrantee). I know the backlash I am going to get for this comment . . . But I purchased a Gibson SG in 1985, and it works today JUST like it did then, which is JUST LIKE I EXPECTED! My over-tech-burdened LAB SERIES amp lasted 10 years. I honestly expected more than 3 years from a Variax. I know, MY BAD! Oh, and, I realize I don't need to spread this message any longer . . . EVERYONE I speak with says something akin to "I would NEVER own one." So. again, sorry for the overabundance of venting. I see I am only a tiny fraction of those that already know. But, please forgive - I honestly thought I must be the only one, or one of a few. I should have researched a bit more. Why am I paying for a refresh? Two possibilities 1) Too stupid to realize this will not last as long as the original and; 2) Really good idea, though BAD implementation - I LIKE what it does . . . WHEN IT WORKS!

There's just something about the promise of "One Rig Does All!" that I LOVE! I bought into it. The #1 part of the PROMISE . . . well, in my view, the JTV. What a GREAT looking guitar that is. Well, I'm talking about MINE! A JTV-89F, Blood Red! OMG! Beautiful! Where is it now? It still looks GREAT (I think). But the "local" Line 6 authorized repair shop has had it for probably 2 months (or more - yeah, the kewl stuff that gave it monster tone failed) - and has stopped responding. Once these fail . . . in my case JUST out of warranty . . . Good luck. LINE 6 - Either you are IN the JTV/Standard business, OR YOU ARE OUT. PLEASE - MAKE A CHOICE AND MAKE IT KNOWN! Is my JTV-89F forfeit? Gotta wonder!

Would it be too much venting to request you go back and read my original post? There's a certain sensitivity expressed there. I don't mind taking this private . . . you have my email, right?

Wow, I am WAY behind in responding. Sorry about that. The JTV89 is probably the best LOOKING guitar I have. Bummer it just does duty in its gig bag! The blood red finish is amazing! But just picked it up after months and brushed the dust off. Guess what, whatever problem it has doesn't heal itself! So, I checked "local" service providers. Closest one is an hour's drive, and only open during the hours I work. Not sure how this will ever get fixed. How might one get parts for repair? Oh, and Lefty . . . I've had EVERYTHING plugged in, and, good point, the straight pickups DO work. Not sure how I missed that before, except, I bought it for the switchable tuning and tone, and "remote control" of the Pod. Since all of that is broken, the guitar is dead to me.

Knob and shaft are nice and tight. Removing knob and pressing does not result in the expected light. Still no joy activating the modeling engine. Does the fact that the straight pickups don't even work give any clues? Regarding my earlier comment about the battery draining, I left it in for a couple of weeks and it is now still giving 3 of 4 battery life lights, so that problem seems to have changed (gone away). Previous (one) attempt drained battery in one day - kind of like it was stuck "on."

I am also having output level issues with the Sonic Port VX. I am using an iPad Air2 with Mobil Pod. The iPad is receiving the audio at sufficient levels (from an Ovation Acoustic-Electric guitar) - can even turn up the guitar and iPad controls enough to cause distortion, so certainly not a problem with the Sonic Port output to the iPad interface. But what comes out of the balanced L and R outputs aren't enough to drive my JBL powered monitors set at -10dBV sensitivity. Other audio equipment drives the monitors fine. I am using TRS to XLR cable. Anyone know what the output level is supposed to be from the Sonic Port?

Ok. Sorry. I had to vent. Damned thing won't "turn on." Put the battery in, Oh, yeah, it sucks down the battery if I leave it in, but no backlit buttons, no computer recognizing it as a device. Nothing. Oh, and if I try to use it as just a "regular" guitar - It helps if I BANG the "on" knob. It ALMOST is live if the BANG has the right body language to it. Ok. I've messed with it enough. There is either a poor (Korean????) solder joint or a really bad (Korean???) switch. Oh, am I still venting? I'll try to do better.

I spent a great amount of $'s on a JTV 89. NOT WORKING NOW! Why?