JTV69 (Korean) variax review.

Started by Germanicus-fgn, January 09, 2011, 03:36:45 PM

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fredo-fgn

Hi there,

I just received an answer from Line 6 support and wanted to share with you (I translated from French):
"
We have reproduced the same noise issue during our tests, so far this behavior is normal for JTVs and is not a specific issue with your own guitar.
We are still waiting for more inputs from Line6 US on this matter.
Right now, it is not recommended that you return the guitar to you retailer.
"

Not sure if this is a good news or a bad news...
The good news is that they may work on a solution since they managed to reproduce the issue (will they ?).
Still it is strange that not all the JTVs are affected...
I hope the will find a software solution because I don't want to send my guitar back (unless it is replaced right away).

Wait and see...

Fredo.

Elantric-fgn

#51
I have been playing the JTV-69 for 2 weeks, and played a few gigs. The verdict on my JTV-69 Tremolo?  Its not as stable as the demo JTV-69 I played November 2010 at the NAB show. In fact mine refuses to return to pitch if I touch the trem arm, or perform a palm mute - it all goes sharp. Then when I bend any strings it all goes flat. About as stable as a Costco Starcaster - which means not stable at all!
I used to believe the sticking tremolo was the result of Piezo cables getting stuck in the trem route area, but after temporarily removing the piezo cables, I now see that the Tyler bridge knife edge fulcrum pivot points on my JTV-69 bridge are quite dull, and this is creating friction on the 2 bridge pivot posts. I'm bummed!

Here's a video of my problem.

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

MCK-fgn

Not good. Sorry to hear of this problem. I know how much you were looking forward to be happy with this guitar.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Elantric-fgn

The most insane aspect of this is my attempt to contact Line6 support to inform about this problem.

They no longer have a direct contact email address or customer resolution "post your problem" type message system.

Instead, they simply want customers to post problem on their Tyler Variax Forum, and wait a few days for a customer support specialist to acknowledge the post.
3 days later I finally only got one message such as: "We''ll get back to you "
http://line6.com/support/message/319710#319710
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

Finally got a call from Line6 Service Manager - they are issuing me an RMA and will review/repair my guitar at Line6 headquarters.
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

icing777-fgn

I hope they step up to the plate! Sorry to hear about this issue. What a pi$$er.....
Play on, my friend !!!

Zummooz-fgn

Thats a real bummer E
Hope the long wait will be worth it in the end.
Not even going to ask how many RMA's you have had  :P
Q... What kind of advice can you give me ?   Tommy Emmanuel's reply ....

You move your hand Up and Down that long bit and the music comes out of that Big Black Box behind you !!

MCK-fgn

Quote from:  Zummooz on October 13, 2011, 10:00:58 PM
Not even going to ask how many RMA's you have had  :P


Or how much of your productive adult life you've spent waiting for stuff to be released beyond promised dates and then waiting for RMA outcomes... Think about it. Being on the cutting edge is no joke. There is a reason why it is called that...
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Elboy

There is a pattern with this high tech muso stuff though.  Everyone on here get hyped about a new product (fbx excluded) it never comes out when we hoped (fbx excluded) it never works as expected (fbx excluded) and we are left disappointed (fbx excluded)

I guess it gives us something to talk about. Which company tops the table for innovation. Taking it to the Market on time and working as described?
Gibson Dark Fire DF 2053 (currently very healthy, although the paint on the pickups is coming off!!!)
Epiphone LP custom EMGs
Eastwood Airline
Gretch projet
Ibanez AELL40SERLV
Hughes and Ketner 25 anniversary 20watt tube amp

Elantric-fgn

Here is an update on my JTV-69 with "stuck" tremolo"

This is my support ticket, and the guitar is repaired and being sent back to me today.
Just thought I would share the details of the completed repair, should anyone else encounter another recent JTV-69 with a similar issue.

=======

"Guitar Repair and shipping today 10.24.2011

Repair Details: Root cause of failure
Bridge post prevented bridge from returning to pitch.

Technicians notes:
- replaced nut
- high E-string had a buzz and 2nd tone due to the slot in the nut not being cut correctly
- did setup on the guitar and verified the problem
- changed the cable tie on the piezo cable to the new suggested part
- retested and found that depressing the bar and releasing it, the
bridge would return to pitch, however pulling back on the arm and
releasing it, the bridge would remain sharp in pitch.
- removed bridge and verified that the tremolo arm nut was rubbing on
the body (routing)
- Shaved away the wood on the body where the nut was rubbing.  We
reassembled and tested again....while it was improved, the guitar still
remained sharp when pulling the arm back (sharp).
- replaced bridge posts and retested.  The guitar now returns back to
tune in moving the bridge both directions"
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

All,
My Guitar has now been returned to me from Line6 repair.
First I want to thank everyone who worked on my JTV-69 at Line 6!

This guitar is wonderful now!

It now plays very well, and the tremolo reacts to my subtle touch and
aggressive dive bombs and stays in tune  - just as I always wanted it
to be!

THANK YOU!

I will tell all my friends about the great folks at Line 6 !

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

MCK-fgn

I am glad to hear you have a happy ending out of this story. The repair manifest is a little scary though. Seems like they need to ramp up QA in Korea up a notch. They can't afford to manufacture the guitar cheaper in Korea only to have to get it repaired it in the US at a high RMA cost and at the expense of customer satisfaction.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Elantric-fgn

QuoteI am glad to hear you have a happy ending out of this story. The repair manifest is a little scary though. Seems like they need to ramp up QA in Korea up a notch. They can't afford to manufacture the guitar cheaper in Korea only to have to get it repaired it in the US at a high RMA cost and at the expense of customer satisfaction.


True!

Although this time around my "bleeding edge"  high tech guitar purchase was well worth the wait.

Contrast this with last time I purchased something this exotic (Gibson Dark Fire on Nov 28, 2008),
The purchase of my JTV-69 Tyler Variax has been very satisfying. And everything works as advertised. 

     
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Zummooz-fgn

Quote from:  Elantric on October 27, 2011, 05:16:55 PM

The purchase of my JTV-69 Tyler Variax has been very satisfying. And everything works as advertised. 
     
Great stuff ..... That was quick  :o  Someone sounds very happy  ;D
Ya gunna be using this, as one of your workhorses, gigging ?
Q... What kind of advice can you give me ?   Tommy Emmanuel's reply ....

You move your hand Up and Down that long bit and the music comes out of that Big Black Box behind you !!

Elantric-fgn

#64
Yes - the JTV-69 will be in the rotation for my gig guitars, and may play a big role.

Its technology is robust and integrates very well with normal guitar setups. Its true plug and play, without any bother - while the VDI to HD500 connection remains a path for expansion.

I'm going to design a 13 pin adapter for it too.

And perform a Floyd Trem bar swap


The identical procedure is here:
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

vanceg-fgn


MCK-fgn

Quote from:  Elantric on October 28, 2011, 10:06:18 AM
Yes - the JTV-69 will be in the rotation for my gig guitars, and may play a big role.

Its technology is robust and integrates very well with normal guitar setups. Its true plug and play, without any bother - while the VDI to HD500 connection remains a path for expansion.

I'm going to design a 13 pin adapter for it too.

And perform a Floyd Trem bar swap


The identical procedure is here:



With the Floyd swap & 13 pin adapter I can see myself picking one up in a blink! Great ideas!!!
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Elantric-fgn

I'm only interested in the Floyd Bar - I'm keeping the original Tyler Bridge

Its wonderful! and the first piezo trem bridge I ever played that allows full divebombs without the piezos loosing sound mid way. 
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

photonutalan1-fgn

Elantric, you never cease to amaze and inspire! Thank you, and please keep us apprised (as you always do!)

simont-fgn

Quote from:  Elantric on October 29, 2011, 05:11:09 PM
I'm only interested in the Floyd Bar - I'm keeping the original Tyler Bridge

Its wonderful! and the first piezo trem bridge I ever played that allows full divebombs without the piezos loosing sound mid way.
Delighted they sorted it for you,and so quickly. Impressive!
Out of interest, does the above quote still stand if you have the JTV69 in an alternate tuning?


Elantric-fgn

QuoteIts wonderful! and the first piezo trem bridge I ever played that allows full divebombs without the piezos loosing sound mid way.

Delighted they sorted it for you,and so quickly. Impressive!
Out of interest, does the above quote still stand if you have the JTV69 in an alternate tuning?


Yes! of course!


and btw - this is download link to a very important doc for any JTV-69 owner trying to understand his Tyler Tremolo.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=276

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Zummooz-fgn

Quote from:  Elantric on October 28, 2011, 10:06:18 AM

I'm going to design a 13 pin adapter for it too.

Would like to know  ??? ......
Is there enough room for an internal GK-3 in these guitars ?
With the use of gumbo's U-beaut (you know what I mean, E)  ;)
Is there enough room in cavities already or would I have to use my Dremel skills ?

Many thanks  ;D  Zum
Q... What kind of advice can you give me ?   Tommy Emmanuel's reply ....

You move your hand Up and Down that long bit and the music comes out of that Big Black Box behind you !!

RogerGLewis-fgn

Did you put the 13 pin adapter on your JTV in the end Elantric? I was looking at a review of the LPX today and felt that again a 13 pin out is something that would massively increase its appeal for me.
With your Dark Fire Experiences I wondered if you had given the LPX a try out?

Elantric-fgn

QuoteDid you put the 13 pin adapter on your JTV in the end Elantric?
Follow the thread here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9657.msg69380#msg69380
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .