Need a favor from folks who own both 69 and 59

[the29band]

I recently purchased a 69 but had to send it back due to issues with the guitar. I am thinking of getting a 59 as a replacement. Early last year, I got a chance to play both 69 and 59 for a very short period of time and the modelings sounded different to me. The 69 sounded better. Don't know if there was an issue with the 59 but they were both on the same firmware. Can someone, who owns both 69 and 59, tell me if this is true at all? If you can share sample recordings, that would be great. Appreciate the help! 

[davidb7170]

I have and use both the 59 and the 69S. They are different animals both with the mags and with the models. For on thing, the 59's humbucker (HB) mags are about 6db louder than the output of the 69S's single coil (SC) pickups, and the tonal and physical differences are the same as between a Strat and LP. I've been a Fender guy for over 40 years, but when I got my first Variax -- the 300 in 2005, I started liking the HB models, so I picked up a EPI LP Classic -- good guitar, BTW. When the JTV's came out, I was not shot with the HSS or "super-strat" layout, so opted for the 59. Loved it -- I like the physical layout of the 59. and got the TSB version. As time went by, they came out with the 69S -- SSS -- all SC's and I bought the Shoreline Gold one. I soon realized the lower output of the pups, and that the SC hum that I had fought for years with my Strat was back.... I soon replaced its pups with noiseless DiMarzio's -- all is good now.

 

As a result of the inherent output levels of the mag pups in the 2 units, I had to set up 2 equivalent Set Lists in my 500(X) -- adjusted for the 2 guitars' different levels and tones. I also adjust the JTV model patches differently between the 2 guitars partially to the matching set lists' amp tone differences and partially because their models do have somewhat different sound in the 2 guitars. I believe it has to do with the different construction and woods -- resonances in the physical makeup of the guitars. My LP-related models sound more like LP's in the 59, and the Fender-based models sound more "Fender-ish" in the 69S.

 

Better or worse? Ummmm.... that's a very subjective thing. Which kid do you love most?.... ;) I am comfortable with both of them, and use one to back up the other at gigs. When I switch guitars, I change to the appropriate Set List in my 500X. 

 

I gotta say, though after all my years as a Fender guy, the 69S is in my hands the most at gigs. It's a comfort zone thing, probably. I just got 'em both back from my luthier -- for a set up, and they both sound and play a lot sweeter now... I also use the mags probably 80 - 90% of the time, and use the modeling for down-tunings, acoustics, reso's, etc.

 

I don't have any recordings, at the moment, sorry.

 

Dave

[edstar1960]

The models should sound the same - there may be slight nuances where a discerning ear could spot whether it's a 59 or a 69 because of the physical characteristics of the guitar such as wood and scale length and fixed bridge or floating bridge (trem).   I have both and I think they sound slightly different but I also think it's a visual mind thing that because I am playing a different guitar it sounds different to me ......  I did try a blind test demo with one of the models and posted it in this thread: http://line6.com/support/topic/9712-jtv59-jtv69-v21-semi-5-comparison/

 

I can hardly spot any difference in the recordings so I think they do sound near identical - however - you may disagree and think they sound different - you won't know until you try them out side by side ....... but in my opinion the differences are not worth worrying about .....  the models are the same and are only different in as much as my playing style on each of the physical JTV is different ......  and of course the mags are very different but then you would expect that.

 

Hope that helps.

[psarkissian]

To compare apples with apples, make sure the guitars you're

comparing have the same firmware version. There can be minor

differences from version to version in the way a particular model

might sound. Like the man said, "slight nuances".

[Hey_Joe]

I have one of each. Had the 69 since they were available and got a 59 about a year ago. IMHO I believe I here a "slight" difference in the modeled tones - probably design; wood, shape, density, neck, hardware, etc. Maybe because I have had the 69 longer it sounds more "right" (i.e. like the strat sounds more stratlike to me on the 69 but I haven't tried A/Bing in my DAW). I guess it stands to reason that 2 different guitar designs and composites would create a "slight nuance" in sound. Most 59ers see no discrepancy in any model other than the whole HD Strat sound debate which runs across all 3 JTV versions for some owner's ears. Neither is better per se. I was looking for the usual difference in feeling of having 2 different guitars to play.

My 2¢.

[Charlie_Watt]

Which FW on your 69 and 59?

[Hey_Joe]

Whatever the most current latest and greatest version is - I can't get to the machine right now to view the LCD or boot up Monkey.

[davidb7170]

I keep my 69S & 59 on the same firmware -- when I upgrade the firmware, I do them both at the same time (assuming there's no issues with the FW). Both are currently on the latest -- 2.21.

 

Dave