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Basic Steps to Select Models and ATs


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I am 77.  My JTV-59 is my first electric and first modeling guitar.  


I have a serious lack of basic JTV knowledge when it comes to changing models and tunings.  I have had to reflash twice already because I keep messing up the tunings.  I think I am getting into the Virtual Capo by mistake or something else.  I have become concerned that there may be something wrong with the guitar but it most likely is just my ignorance.  :(


Sometimes I press a knob and get a blue light and sometimes I get a white light.  And sometimes no light at all.  I desperately need to learn the exact step by step procedure for turning on and selecting the models -- then the tunings -- then changing the models and/or the tunings -- then turning off the models and tunings without straying into the Virtual Capo or otherwise somehow messing up the tunings.    I can't begin performing again until I am really confident with making these changes.   If anyone has the time to lay the steps out for me or to point me to a detailed description or video of the complete process I would really appreciate it.  :)


Scott


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I am 77. My JTV-59 is my first electric and first modeling guitar.

I have a serious lack of basic JTV knowledge when it comes to changing models and tunings. I have had to reflash twice already because I keep messing up the tunings. I think I am getting into the Virtual Capo by mistake or something else. I have become concerned that there may be something wrong with the guitar but it most likely is just my ignorance. :(

 

Sometimes I press a knob and get a blue light and sometimes I get a white light. And sometimes no light at all. I desperately need to learn the exact step by step procedure for turning on and selecting the models -- then the tunings -- then changing the models and/or the tunings -- then turning off the models and tunings without straying into the Virtual Capo or otherwise somehow messing up the tunings. I can't begin performing again until I am really confident with making these changes. If anyone has the time to lay the steps out for me or to point me to a detailed description or video of the complete process I would really appreciate it. :)

Scott

To use just the stock alt tunings, as long as the modeling knob is already engaged and lit up (white), all you need to do is turn the alt tuning knob to the one you wish to use... which should also light up white.

 

I have the 69, and the only time anything lights up blue on the tuning knob is when a custom tuning has been saved in that position, which you may have done inadvertently...as far as I know, the 59 functions the same way. You may want to re-flash the firmware again, and when it asks you if you want to keep the existing models and tunings that are saved to the guitar, say "no" and the reflash process will revert everything to factory default settings. That should get rid of any custom tunings that were saved.

 

You can also download the 59's manual from this site... it covers most of the basic functions reasonably well. Don't know of any specific videos that outline the steps, but YouTube may have something. Hope that helps.

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That sounds like what has happened.   I recall at least one of the times I reflashed I clicked save the existing models.  So I will do it again today and cluck "no" at that point..

 

If I go to the Workbench and then save some AT's that I want on certain models the blue light will come on when the models selected have my alternate tuning -- and I will not have to, and should not, touch or move the alt tuning knob at all.  Right?

 

Then when I switch to a different model that does not have a saved tuning the white light should come on.   If I want to change the standard tuning to one of the stock AT's on that one I turn the tuning knob which should also be displaying a white light?    I hope it works!  :)

 

It says "model" in the first position on the tuning knob.  I did not see any specific instruction or explanation about what it was used for.  Should I just turn the tuning knob back to that setting whenever I finish with an AT?     Does this "Custom" position have any other function? 

 

And, if I have a model with a white light selected and turn the model knob to a new model, also displaying a white light, should the alt tuning currently on the knob be applied to the new model?  Or do I need to do something else when I change between models with a white when I want to use the same AT?    I hope so.  It seems like that is the way it should work!   :)

 

Finally, when I go to a different model also displaying a while light should I then be able to select a different alternate tuning anywhere on the knob?   Again, I hope so.  :)

 

I will check You Tube as you suggested and any videos on the Line 6 site itself.

 

Yes, your response has been very helpful and has gotten me started in the right direction.    I am considering getting a 500X pod because I have read it can automatically greatly enhance the sounds of the various models.  Do you use one?   If so, does it produce a significant difference in the sounds?

 

I have a small manual that came with the guitar.  I will check to see if that is the only manual on line.

 

Thank you very much for your help.  I am afraid I need all I can get -- and I appreciate all I get!!          Sorry for my long posts but I have to get this basic stuff right.   :)      Scott

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You have a JTV59 which has a three way 'les paul' pup selector for a guitar that has/supports a five way (strat) pup selection when it is modelling. When the light is white the pup selector gets 1-3-5 of the pups. When it's blue it gets 2-3-4. Press the alt tune know to switch.

 

It's easy when you get used to it. When I went to the main Line 6 store in London they didn't know it did this!

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Hi Matt,

Thanks.  I plug in the guitar.  When it comes on it is a standard guitar (I think that is called the Standard Mode?).  I press the model knob once (I do not hold it in?) and a white light comes on at the selected model (I think that is called the Variax Mode).  The 1-3-5 models are accessible on the selector.  If I then press the AT knob once the light on the model knob should turn blue and the 2-3-4 models become accessible.  Have I got that all right?    I read the Pilot's Handbook.  It mentioned pushing the AT knob to access the 2-3-4 models but I stupidly thought it was a misprint!  :(

 

If I get all that right, then I can turn the AT knob to get an AT on all of the 2-3-4 models.  Right?

 

Now, if next I turn (just turn not press and turn?) the model knob to select another model, will the AT transfer to the new model too and will I have access to the 2-3-4 alternatives on the new model too?       If so, do I have to push the AT knob again to get to the 1-3-5 selections on the new model?

 

I have not had a chance to double check it but I think I pushed and held a knob or two before.  And I think I heard in a video that pushing and holding one of the knobs puts you into the Virtual Capo. Does that sound right?    I definitely want to avoid the Virtual Capo!!  :)

 

Are you in England, Matt?   My wife and I visited England and Wales in 1997 while we were in Germany.   Many of her ancestors are Welsh.  Her maiden name is Yale.   I wish we had had more time there.

 

I really want to thank you for getting back to me again.  I really appreciate it.   Did you happen to read through the sequence of steps I listed for using the knobs in my last message above.  If so, do I have them right?   Like the other person essentially told me above, I have to learn to walk before I can learn to run, one step at a time.

 

I mentioned the Custom selection on the AT knob in the above message too.  I think now that must refer to Custom Tunings made up on the Workbench but I am not sure.

 

I reflashed the JTV as advised.  I was not offered an option to keep or not keep all the models.  So I assume all the models and tunings I now have on the guitar are the standard ones.  Does that make sense or do you think I messed up the reflashing, again?    I know I got that choice when I reflashed once before.   So I am still not sure I did it right.   :(

 

Long post.   Sorry.  But you are the first person I have had any kind of continuing conversation with about using the JTV, my first electric guitar!    Boy, have I got a lot to learn!    But I am looking forward to it!!    Maybe my interest and efforts will keep me alive a little longer!      :)

 

Thanks, again!     Scott

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Yes Scott, I think you have it right. No need to hold the buttons. No lights = mag pups. White light = variax models in 1-3-5, Blue light = models in 2-3-4 on pup selector. AT selector works when you twist it on either blue or white.

 

I've not used the virtual capo but I've not tried holding the knobs!

 

After reflashing you should get stock models & turnings back. I'd recommend getting you mind round these before trying to change them. You should have plenty to play with..

 

Yes, I'm in Old Blighty. I'm technically 'half American' though as my dad has been your side of the pond for 30 years. Currently he is in Santa Fe!

 

Enjoy the guitar and post back if you have any more questions.

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Hi Matt,

 

My problems continued after another reflashing.  So I called the help desk.  It turned out I had both the Workbench and the Monkey open when I was reflashing.  The man I talked to was a great help. He said having anything else running on your computer, including your anti-virus protection, can cause problems when reflashing!

 

So I closed the Workbench and reflashed again.  This time I got the prompt that asked if I wanted to keep the current models and, as indicated to me, I clicked "no."   When the reflashing was complete the guitar worked correctly for the first time since I got it.  What a relief!

 

I checked back and read the Line 6 directions on the Forum for reflashing.  The last line of the directions says:  "Close out any other application running on you computer before updating the Variax guitar."   So I want to emphasize this to anyone reflashing because I am sure a lot of people have used their Workbench while working on their problems before resorting to reflashing!  :)

 

I have been considering buying an HD500X, Helix, or Helix Lt.   But right now I am leaning toward getting a modeling amp like the Spider V.   I think it would be good for practice, working on the music and even very small venue jobs.    As a modeling guitar beginner this would probably be easier for me to use because the amp would have the modeling and effects presets in place rather than my having to spend hours learning what works best with what.   What do you think?

 

But I would like to get an amp that has an XLR voice input and TWO instrument/line inputs (one for my guitar one for my sound module).   But I have not found such an amp.  I have found a few with a voice and instrument input, but not a second line in for the sound module.    Do you, or any of our friends reading this, have any information about such an amp?

 

Thanks,  Scott

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I have been considering buying an HD500X, Helix, or Helix Lt.   But right now I am leaning toward getting a modeling amp like the Spider V.   I think it would be good for practice, working on the music and even very small venue jobs.    As a modeling guitar beginner this would probably be easier for me to use because the amp would have the modeling and effects presets in place rather than my having to spend hours learning what works best with what.   What do you think?

 

But I would like to get an amp that has an XLR voice input and TWO instrument/line inputs (one for my guitar one for my sound module).   But I have not found such an amp.  I have found a few with a voice and instrument input, but not a second line in for the sound module.    Do you, or any of our friends reading this, have any information about such an amp?

 

Thanks,  Scott

 

Listen to the Spider before you buy it. Forget the HD500 given your experience. They can be made to sound good but require a lot of tweaking. The Helix's sound great, they both sound the same, and their patches are interchangeable. The Helix has a lot more options than the Helix LT so based on your original post, I would recommend the LT. The Helixes are relatively easy to program. They are definitely the easiest of any of the modelers then or now to program. And I've used a few.

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But right now I am leaning toward getting a modeling amp like the Spider V. I think it would be good for practice, working on the music and even very small venue jobs. As a modeling guitar beginner this would probably be easier for me to use because the amp would have the modeling and effects presets in place rather than my having to spend hours learning what works best with what. What do you think?

Modelers, while quite versatile and sophisticated, are generally not "ready to go" right out of the box... in fact,

it's usually the opposite. Video demos that you'll find online are often deceiving, and can make it look like it's as easy as plugging in and turning it on, and your ready to gig. That doesn't happen...even for those of us accustomed to this kind of tech, each new toy comes with a learning curve, some worse than others.

 

The Spider series would likely be a bit easier for you to wrap your head around initially (as compared to the 500X) but you're gonna find that it's not as "automatic" as you think.

 

Factory presets are provided mostly as a showcase for what's under the hood, and as a starting point for getting whatever sound you're looking for, but they're not a tonal panacea...far from it most of the time. Trust me when I tell you that the likelihood of just turning it on and scrolling through the factory patches until you find the one that's "just right", is essentially zero. You're gonna have to tweak things at least a little, and possibly a lot depending on your needs.

 

None of this is meant to be discouraging, but I figure it's better not to have unrealistic expectations. Just be prepared to spend a fair amount of time getting accustomed to how all this stuff works.

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Hi,

Thank you both for your input and recommendations.  I have crossed the HD500X off my list!  :)    I am now leaning toward the Spider V 60W.

 

Guru, I really appreciate you continuing to introduce me to the reality of what I am considering.  When I do buy something I will not have any shocks!   :)

 

I want to get the most out of my JTV-59 even though I am not a good guitar player.   I am finally fully retired and I would like to gradually improve my guitar playing while continuing to enjoy any singing jobs I can still get.  The guitar seems to be fixed and I hope it stays that way.    

 

I live in a very rural area of northwestern North Carolina, far from any music stores.  But I have to go to Winston Salem tomorrow for a VA annual physical so I will try to find a store with the Spider V and listen to it, as suggested.   With either a Spider or Helix LT I understand I will have to learn and experiment with it to get sounds I like from my guitar.

 

I have been advised that the combo (guitar, voice) amps do not have the quality of sound that I would probably be satisfied with.  So I am crossing that idea off my list too!    :)

 

So a basic concern now is -- do I get a Spider Amp, with a FBV3 pedal or just spend the extra money and go straight to a Helix LT?  There will be a steep learning curve either way.  But I ask myself if it could possibly be worth the extra money to get a Helix LT given my limited guitar skills and relatively short shelf life -- given my age?    :)      As always, I am happy to listen to opinions and advice!    :)

 

Scott

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If you go with a Helix LT remember that this is just an effects board like he 500x. Ok, the stock sounds should be better but you will probably end up tweaking them. Also, you will need some sort of an amp to go through with the LT (or a 500). That opens a whole new can of worms as the amp will change the sounds you get from the board. A lot of people go straight to pa with LT/500 but if you don't have a pa you will have to amplify differently. Plus you would need to hear yourself practicing - headphones?

 

I've not looked at the spider range for some time so am not best placed to comment on that but that does sound that it might be best for you in your situation.

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Hi Matt, Guru, Other Friends,

 

I have a relatively small PA, a Peavey Escort 6000.   When I last played I had a heavy rack amp and speakers so large that I had begun to have trouble lifting them onto and off the stands.  That was when I was 70.  Now I am in year 77.  So I wanted something lighter and the Peavey Escort 6000 seemed like the best relatively light, portable PA I could find.  

 

So, the first option is a Spider V; 60W or 120W; with or without an FBV3 footswitch controller.   We are talking $300 or $400 without the controller, $550 or $650 with the controller, and $500 or $750 if I add in a wireless Roland G10T with the wireless-ready 120W Spider V.  

 

Some questions I have with this option are:  

1) Do I really need the 120W model?  --  the extra power and the potential wireless connection are the only benefits inexperienced me can see; and  

2) Is having the controller worth $250 for me, a guy who is just learning to play an electric guitar and is not a good guitar player with any guitar?    :)

 

Guru, I could use the Spider alone at first and gradually work in the FBV3 controller, or buy it later, if it is worth the money and the time it will take me to learn to use it.  

 

I assume I would not have to run the Spider output through the PA at first during the time I would be most concerned with listening to it myself rather than worrying about an audience hearing much of it while I am learning all I will need to know to begin to improve the sound and my playing.  Matt, I understand now that the sound through the PA will be different than the sound if it stood alone.

 

Option 2 is the LT -- straight into the PA:  $1000 and perhaps $1,100 if it is wireless capable.   The learning curve here would be steeper.   But do I have the time left and the skill to eventually get my money's worth from the unit?   I suppose i am leaning toward one of the first option alternatives given my lack of basic skill and the advice I have received so far.

 

Matt, I think both options have phone "outs" and I have a good Beats by dr, dre Studio phone set for practicing

 

I would love to get the benefit of the experience and advice from both of you, and anyone else who is watching, before I make a purchase.   I am reading and thinking carefully about all the advice and I really appreciate it!!  I have tried to be completely objective about my experience, age, ideas and lack of skill.  So anyone reading the posts above knows most all there is to know that is relevant about me.  :)

 

It is possible that I will make a decision and place an order as early as Friday.  I want to decide on a set-up and get to work.  I have a lot to do and a short time to do it!  :)

 

Thanks again!     Scott

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The main thing the floorboard will give is the about to change sound mid song. If you don't need to do that you will be fine without. However, if you need to add crunch, go louder, change completely you will either have to return to the amp, take your hand off the guitar and touch the amp or use a floorboard.

 

I have the little 30w AMPLIFi for practice and even then I find it a pain that I can't change sound without 'stopping' playing. Horses for courses though as I guess a jazz player might use the same tone throughout.

 

As for wireless, I've never really used the JTV on its battery alone. Battery life is ok I gather and you could buy a spare but Mose people I know with a variax power it through a cable - a plus point of the POD is it provides power to the guitar.

 

As I said though, it all depends what you want to do with it and how crucial it is that you done run out of battery and have to use the mags alone.

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I see what you mean about the floorboards.  I don't think I will be changing sounds in the middle of many of the songs I play.  So maybe I don't even need the expensive LT.  I will have to rethink my requirements.  Matt, I think you and Guru are really helping me by keeping me grounded, keeping me from trying to do too much too soon.     I need to take the good advice.  :)

 

I believe I have been assuming that the JTV would sound better if I put it into a system using the VDI chord and had the system change the amps, cabs, effects, etc. each time I changed models -- thereby getting the best guitar sounds.   But for the way I perform and with my real lack of guitar skills it is not necessary to invest in the equipment I would need to try to produce those kinds of sounds.   In fact it may be detrimental, consuming a lot of the time I would be better off spending in other areas.  The cost would be large and the benefit would be small or non-existent.     I will sleep on it.

 

I need to affirm I am a singer first and always have been -- not an instrumentalist.  If and when I ever become a better guitar player the technology may need will still be available.  :) 

 

I have not played with the battery so far.  I have an XPS box and it seems to work well.

 

Once again the advice I have been getting from experienced people on this forum has been very helpful.  Thanks, again!     Scott

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I believe I have been assuming that the JTV would sound better if I put it into a system using the VDI chord and had the system change the amps, cabs, effects, etc. each time I changed models -- thereby getting the best guitar sounds.

The only part I think you might be misunderstanding is which device is doing the triggering, and the fact that it doesn't happen automatically...The POD or Helix is the "brain" of the rig, if you will. Either one can be set to call up a particular guitar model or tuning on the Variax, but not the other way around. Switching from the LP to the Tele model via the manual controls on the guitar will not select a corresponding amp model or change FX on Helix. It all begins and ends with how the amp modeler is programmed, and what instructions you have tasked it to send to the guitar.

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HiGuru,

 

I see.  You are right.   I did not understand the triggering source.  I had it backwards in my mind.  

 

So, can I program the LT, or use the pedals, to quickly get the LT to go to any JTV model that I have previously linked to a designated FX set-up and tuning in the LT?   If so, will it also then put the guitar on that same model without me turning any knobs on the guitar or LT?

 

I will get there, a little at a time -- probably with your help!   :)    

 

But I have decided I will put off getting an LT until after I am much more familiar with JTV.     :)      Scott

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So, can I program the LT, or use the pedals, to quickly get the LT to go to any JTV model that I have previously linked to a designated FX set-up and tuning in the LT? If so, will it also then put the guitar on that same model without me turning any knobs on the guitar or LT?

 

Yes, any preset stored on the Helix can be set up to select any Variax model or tuning (or both) without having to touch anything on the guitar itself. You could also choose to do it manually...totally up to you.
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Thanks again, Crusinon2!

 

Today was a deadline I set for myself to make final decisions on my equipment for the near future.  I have gotten a lot of good advice.  I want a Helix LT but decided I was not ready for it yet.  I too much basic information to learn and process and too much work to do on my music right now.   So I am going with a Spider V 60W amp for now.  I also got another amp to use for practicing in the house or small jobs where I will not need a PA.

 

But my aim is to graduate to an LT at some point.  I feel confident about that now because I know I will be able to set it up so the LT will bring up preset, stored LT setting with pre-selected Variax models and tunings. Thank you for helping me understand that.  All of your posts have been very informative and helpful.  I appreciate your help!

 

Regards, Scott

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You can use the vol and tone knobs on the JTV to control variables in the 500X?

 

Variax Knobs as Controllers
    Variax Tone and Volume knobs can act like expression pedals, controlling different aspects of your tone such as delay time, amp drive, etc. Controllers are capable of driving up to 50+ POD HD parameters simultaneously, making it possible to morph between sounds with a single guitar knob.
    James Tyler Variax Local Control Options
    To provide smooth, intuitive transitions between the modeled and magnetic pickups, you can choose whether the Volume, Tone and Pickup Selector switch will control both the model and magnetic pickups simultaneously, or lock the model and affect only the magnetic pickups. For example, when using both acoustic and electric tones, you can lock the acoustic model controls so that tweaking knobs and switching pickups when playing the electric sound won’t affect the sound of the acoustic. Locking Volume and Tone controls can also be useful when using Variax knobs as Controllers. 

Note: Locking the Variax Volume knob will affect both Magnetic and Model while locking the Variax Tone knob will only affect Models.

    Variax Control Mode (Global/Preset)
    Choose whether you want to assign Variax guitar models and Local Control settings globally, or on a per-preset basis. Alternately, you can get complete manual control by selecting:
        Variax Control: Global
        Local Control: Unlocked (JTV only)
        Model: Don’t Force. 
    Refined James Tyler Variax Integration
    The new input selections “Variax†and “Variax Mags†allow you to assign any configuration of magnetic pickups and Variax models per POD HD preset.

    Mag/Model selection is now recalled per preset, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off – no need to manually enable/disable models or program preset-driven input changes.
    POD HD/James Tyler Variax Custom Tuning Creation
    Now you can create custom Variax tunings for any or all of your POD HD presets. Save and recall them per preset — and get up to 512 unique custom guitar tunings with instant footswitch control. 

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Thanks, Cipher Host!

 

The faster I come to understand the Global Control feature the sooner I will probably buy a Helix LT.   I have copied and saved all the information you provided about it.  I will want to learn one thing at a time and be sure I get it right.   I think I will want to first learn to set the LT presets so I can use it to control the JTV without using the guitar's controls.

 

Do you think the manual instructions for the LT and other pods are detailed and clear enough to lead a beginner like me through the whole preset process?

 

Just as a first step toward understanding, am I correct that to achieve the control of the JTV from the LT I would first prepare and save Presets for each model, then go to the Variax Control Mode and set Variax Control to Global, Local Control to Locked, and Model to Forced?

 

Thanks, again!     Scott

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Its like a lot of computer gear, it seems pretty hard at the beginning but 'something twigs' and then you find it easy.  I am an avid reader of instructions but I didn't find the POD/JTV ones that friendly (personal opinion before everyone attacks me!) but they did enable me to get to grips with my gear (as well as help from this forum).

 

I think its down to how happy you are learning new computer programmes (as that what this is basically about!).

 

Yes, you are broadly correct in that you control the JTV from patches/files on the LT.  I wouldn't worry too much about the variax control mode.  That is more about having the volume/tone on the JTV change preameters of amps or effects (which from previous threads it dosen't sound like you will need to do this).  For instance, a lot of my patches have the drive knob of the amp mapped to the tone control on my guitar. When I want more drive, or to back it off, no returning to the amp - I just twiddle the guitar!

 

I don't want to stick another spanner in the works particularly but I would think that you would be very happy with a POD 500 or 500x.  Its a fraction of the cost of the Helix and will do all you need.  I think you would spend as much time knob twiddling the Helix to get the sound you 'like' as on a 500.  Sounds are totally subjective.  Yes, a Helix will probably sound better - I have played with one in a store a lot and nearly bought one twice! - but, at the end of the day, I've never had any complaints (at a gig etc.) about the sound I get from my 500x.  I can switch from acoustic guitar to Les Paul mid song and generally have a lot of fun!

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