Finally Completed My Dream Rig - Questions

[malnack]

It started a few years back with the HD500 and then the DT-25. I just added a JT59P.

 

I just got the JT59 updated last night. The DT25 is updated and I believe I'm fairly close on the HD500.

 

Over the years, I had built tones based on the gear I was using at the time.

 

I've got one tone that sounds great with the new guitar, but I'm wondering if I should start over.

 

If I reset the HD500 to the default settings, are there any tones that take the full rig into consideration? If so, I might start with those.

 

I've been reading threads about setting the master on the DT25 higher and lowering the patch volume on the HD500. Has that worked out well for anyone? I'm concerned that I might step on the wrong patch at a gig and end up blowing the place out.

 

Thanks in advance. Happy to finally have the full rig.

 

Brent

 

 

[jcosta_sr]

I completeed the my dream rig with a L2t. 

 

While we have different amps the DT and L2t pose the same problems.  As a first shot, I modified each electric patch by -9db.  It took about an hour.....I had at least tamed the rig, so I wouldn't have to worry about my ear drums. 

 

Start out slowly.  My guess, once you tame the volume you will hear things you never heard before.  I did.  Fix the obvious problems.  I finally heard fizz.  Don't add more FX.  Try simplifing.

 

My biggest take away from editing/creating patches since I completed my rig, is that I can create great tones with far fewer fx, especially parametric equalizers and graphic equalizers.  For the most part the amp itself will give me the tones I am looking for. 

[ColonelForbin]

"It started a few years back with the HD500 and then the DT-25. I just added a JT59P."

 

 

How are you liking the P-90's? I like the overall vibe and idea of the JVT59, and as I already own a USA Fender strat, didn't want to duplicate it with a JVT-69 or JVT-69s. I am liking the looks of the Tobacco and Cherry JVT59 with the standard humbuckers.

 

That being said, the other guitarist I am jamming with plays a Gibson USA SG with those cream P-90's, and he swears by them. He is also a 100% analog / tube guy, so his approach is way different than my own. I would be playing a supporting role, and the versatility of the JVT is appealing. It's not strictly a lead guitar - rhy guitar thing, but he is the lead singer, so it somewhat plays off his role as front man. I'd like to be able to use acoustic models and change mid song, be able to cut loose on riffs and solo fills, then be able to slip back to a comp or rhy tone, and that's where the Variax seems to really give me some amazing choices on the fly. I'd also like to still be able to just use the onboard humbuckers instead of the modelling, and have it be a different tone to the strat I have, as it always pays to have a backup guitar on stage with you!

 

When the HD500 came out, I sold my X3L, and have since been waiting this whole time to "complete the rig" so to speak. Just ordered a DT25 1x12 combo, and it arrives tomorrow. Now my G.A.S is acting up! It's a combination of now taking the time to discover and research the JVT models, plus the new HD firmware, plus I haven't bought any cool gear in well over a year... ;)

 

While I am most interested in the amazing array of insanity the JVT+HD500+DT25 offers, I also want the core functionality of it being "just a guitar" as well, and that's why I was leaning toward the JVT59; as an alternate to my strat (which has the humbucker in bridge) \

 

I would imagine the JVT59 being similar to a PRS-SE, or some variant of a Les Paul feel / neck scale, and tone with the two humbucks. I can actually go to my local GC and play a Cherry JVT59, to at least see the finish and feel how the neck, frets and scale feel.

 

If they offered the Cherry or Tobacco with P-90's, this decision would be way easier! I am just not a fan of the gold top, nor the black.. And it goes without saying, cannot even remotely afford the USA custom shop models..

 

Cheers!

[malnack]

I do really like the P-90's, but I find myself in Variax mode most of the time. The primary reason is there is absolute silence when you're not playing. We have some halogen lighting in our studio and it tends to affect magnetic pickups in a bad way. One of the modelled guitars in the Variax has P-90's and they sound really similar to the magnetic ones. Either method has a real nice crunch to them with the DT25 and a little overdrive.

 

As for being able to switch to acoustic on the fly, I did set up an amp model on the DT25 that sounds pretty good. However, I also run the guitar 1/4" output to a keyboard amp when I want a really good acoustic sound. My DT25 patch sounds fine when mixed in with the rest of the band, but if I was going to play an acoustic number, I'd use the keyboard amp. It is possible to set up the HD500 so that it can mute the signal to the DT25 or to the PA for the best results.

 

I'd also agree with your comparison of the JT59 being similar to a PRS Les Paul style guitar. My son has a nice LP Ultra III and the action and feel between them are really different. Before getting the JT59, my primary was a strat style guitar with a humbucker at the bridge. It has been heavily customized (SuperVee tremolo, Dimarzio pickups, etc) and it has become my backup. I do miss the SuperVee, but the JT59 is better in every other way.

 

As for the finish, the gold top is really impressive. I've always had a thing for gold tops with the creme pickups and the photos on the web don't do it justice. It is a nice guitar.

 

The only thing I've replaced are the strap pegs with oval shaped ones to keep my leather strap on. The gig bag is pretty nice as well. I plan on replacing the included Variax cable with a longer one.

 

Same boat for me on the USA models. As a part time rocker, I couldn't justify the cost. The Korean model is excellent quality.

 

Brent

[ColonelForbin]

...I find myself in Variax mode most of the time. The primary reason is there is absolute silence when you're not playing.

 

That is a definite plus for me as well. The room we're in has good, clean power, but the stages at gigs can be a whole beast unto themselves. I actually had more issues when I used to play bass, it was hit or miss with DI's with my 5 string, used to have to find a spot and not move too much, or risk becoming a buzz antenna! Overall, the HD500 > DT25 using the L6 link has been flawless - at least in terms of unwanted noise. I use a noise gate at the front end of my patches, but I am looking forward to leaving that off, and see where it goes.

 

I finally went all in, and ordered a JTV59 yesterday; it should arrive tomorrow.

[malnack]

That is a definite plus for me as well. The room we're in has good, clean power, but the stages at gigs can be a whole beast unto themselves. I actually had more issues when I used to play bass, it was hit or miss with DI's with my 5 string, used to have to find a spot and not move too much, or risk becoming a buzz antenna! Overall, the HD500 > DT25 using the L6 link has been flawless - at least in terms of unwanted noise. I use a noise gate at the front end of my patches, but I am looking forward to leaving that off, and see where it goes.

 

I finally went all in, and ordered a JTV59 yesterday; it should arrive tomorrow.

 

Awesome! I've been on another journey; some of the new tracks I've written are heavy on keyboards. I'm hoping to avoid having to lug the keyboard rig out to the next gig so I've been developing some patches between the JTV59 and the HD500 that have some synth type qualities. I'm getting closer. The combination of a swell, an acoustic on the JTV, and some reverb and delays have gotten me in the ballpark.

 

If you're planning on using the Variax cable, I'd consider getting the longer one from Line 6. I know there are others that make them as well. The included cable is short and the build quality isn't great.

[ColonelForbin]

If you're planning on using the Variax cable, I'd consider getting the longer one from Line 6. I know there are others that make them as well. The included cable is short and the build quality isn't great.

 

I've been developing some patches between the JTV59 and the HD500 that have some synth type qualities.

 

Yeah, I was thinking I would need to get a proper variax cable. Will any standard ethernet cable work? I saw a post somewhere on the forums about a nice cable someone found, they have a protective sleeve around the ends, and more 'instrument cable' look, with shielding and such. Will scope out what the G.C. has before we jam Friday.

 

And yeah, that's exactly the thinking. I can play guitar, and we already have a guitarist - so to sounds unique, I want to re-examine my approach to playing technique (fingers, plucking), and the types of sounds I can create layering weirdness, guitar and amp models, things like that. Ultimately it's the notes and the tone that matter; how one gets there is the fun in it! Having played bass for a while in a band, my approach to guitar tends to be a bit haphazard. There are times when I play too much; other times not enough. Finding a swell middle ground is my goal. I don't really have any specifics worked out, but with the three components, I can see using the programming on the HD to help control amps with the DT and guitar models on the JTV, which ultimately is what any of these tools should accomplish: freeing up the musician to play music, rather than play pedals.

[Charlie_Watt]

You do need to get a proper Variax VDI cable.  Do not gig with an Ethernet cable.  Yes it is electrically the same but the connectors won't hold up and may damage your gear.  A good cable has good connectors with sleeves that lock in place and protect the Ethernet plug.  There is a guy in this forum that makes custom cables and all of the responses have been very positive.  The Line6 cable not worth it.  It's too stiff and not at all like a standard guitar cable.