JTV59 without PC interface

[barnsleyboy]

Hi all,

 

I have the opportunity to buy a used JTV59, But it is literally the guitar and battery. If I were to buy a digital interface lead could I use my Helix as the interface to connect to workbench? It's a really risky buy as the guy selling it can't tell me if the Variax side of things works. He thinks it just needs to be reset and calibrated through Workbench. I'd also need to get a 3rd party charger for the battery, but I'm assuming that connecting to Helix will power the guitar - am I correct?

 

Any help would be much appreciated.

[silverhead]

Yes, a VDI cable (Variax Digital Interface) connecting the JTV-59 to your Helix (Floor, Rack, LT) will both power the guitar and allow you to use Workbench HD. Short term, for testing, a standard RJ-45 cable will do. Longer term you will want the protective housing on the end of a VDI cable.

 

[barnsleyboy]

That's awesome mate thank-you. That's given me a bit more confidence.

 

I've heard horror stories about using 3rd party batteries in the Variax - something to do with mis-matched power management. Do you have a view on that? If the battery the guitar comes with is beyond saving I may need to look to e-bay or amazon for a replacement.

[silverhead]

On 5/14/2026 at 7:54 AM, barnsleyboy said:

…

 

I've heard horror stories about using 3rd party batteries in the Variax - something to do with mis-matched power management. Do you have a view on that?…..

Yes. My view is that you should use official Line 6 battery and charger and avoid  any power mismatch problems. If you do use a battery make sure you use either the battery or the VDI connection at any given time, not both simultaneously. 

[barnsleyboy]

On 5/14/2026 at 1:02 PM, silverhead said:

 If you do use a battery make sure you use either the battery or the VDI connection at any given time, not both simultaneously. 

Oooh I didn't know that. Is that just a best practice thing? or a definite no-no? I can't see many people removing the battery every time they plug their Variax into the Helix!

[psarkissian]

Best practice.  

-Battery won't drain as fast. 

-Less chance of having 1/4" TRS and VDI audio plugged in at the same time,... which is a no-no that pulls current that can damage jack and sometimes other circuits.