Richie I’ve been playing guitar since 1964. Took a break about 1980 to 1991, then picked it up again. Your guitar is way amazing. You have more talent in your voice, your playing, and your fabulous Engenerring talent than 90 percent of the many players that made millions and are more famous than you. But you’re young yet, I think you’re going to be really big. Only problem is because you don’t write much, that’s the only thing holding you back. Like The Bee Gees even when nobody would play their songs after disco they started writing for other artists. The Bee Gees probably because of disco are less revered then they should be; like you. I’m 66 years old and you’re my guitar hero/.
Awesome - thanks for putting these demos up! My current rig is the exact Variax Standard you have and the Pod HD 500. I am beyond happy with the sounds I can coax out of the Variax Standard and HD 500. The Standard is by far the most flexible guitar I have ever owned - the modeling and magnetic pickups are outstanding!
It's 2023 and the Variax and Helix are still relevant. I just bought a Variax standard a month ago. I love it paired with my Helix 3.5. The.JTV does sound good. I wish the tremolo was more floating like a Floyd Rose or Kahler type which would be killer!!!
Man, I play in two cover bands using a Helix and a Variax. After really dialing in songs to sound like the song, when the bands have a gig that I cannot make, they are very sad, because the folks they get to sub use a regular electric with an amp and some pedals, and they have a 1 guitar with pedals and a guitar amp sound, to where I get the tones of many amps, and many guitars, and many effects, and to be honest, their guitar/ amp/ pedal rigs cost about as much as my gear...am I knocking the real deal strats and Les Pauls and SG's, etc? No; there is still nothing like the real thing, but I am strictly talking going out to play covers, going from Pretenders' Brass In Pocket, to being 1 guitarist playing all the stand out parts and solos in Hotel California, to playing Boston's Foreplay/ Longtime, switching from that Boston electric tone, to an acoustic tone virtually capo'd in a snapshot at the push of a footswitch, then back to standard tuned electric through a totally different modeled guitar and amp rig tones...as far as I know, only Roland/ BOSS and Line6 have that deal really buttoned up.
Great job man! Your channel is the best channel in all UA-cam about all things Variax and Helix. I really, really apreciate it, please don't stop with the amazing reviews and tips. Greetings from Brasil!!
Excellent Review! Fast moving. Very informative. A/B at the end was a nice touch! To me, Yamaha has put the "Alt Tuning" control on the Standard in a position on the guitar that is "difficult to see" especially when standing. However, when standing or sitting the "Alt Tuning" control on the JTV-69 is easy to see. Anyway, good job!
What a great channel and I really love your videos. I just found out about your channel today! I'm a strat guy and while the standard sounds more strat like, I actually loved the punch from the HSS. Specifically the humbucker. The neck and middle pups sounded very similar. But the humbucker was a fresh attack and will provide a nice tonal variation for the time I'll use the magnetic pups vs my other am std strats.
Richie - great video! I have the JTV89 and the Helix as well. You may be aware of this but I just wanted to point out that if you are using the Variax cable connecting the guitar to your Helix/Pod then you can actually take the battery out of the guitar as it draws power from the Helix/Pod. I was going to purchase a 2nd battery incase the 1st battery went dead during performance but then I found out about this tip. Take care!
David Franks good info. Not to bash you but he did say if u use ether cable then it powers through the Helix... But still good info for those who missed it ofc😄 I use the Jtv-69 and i love it... How is the one you use. Is it good to handle? Best wishes from Denmark
No problem at all. Likely I was multi-tasking and missed where he mentioned that :) I really like my JTV89. It plays exceptionally well and I also have installed a GK3 pickup on it. I then run through the Helix processor and a Roland GR55. Blessings!
Unfortunately,he gave some bad information.The Helix will not power the new generation of Variax guitars. It will power first generation Variaxes (the 300,500,and 700),which use a different type of power.I have a Helix and a JTV 89 and I still have to make sure I keep the internal battery charged.
David Franks sorry for my late reply been on Tour. Super glad to hear u like your Variax. I love mine too. When we play in the band we like to make medleys. I mean we play half a song then suddently we switch to a different😄 and the Variax and Helix really makes it so easy and cool. No longer do i have to fly around on stage switching guitars for each song. Now i just do it in an instant. Im so happy for my new hardware 😄 best wishes.
Nice comparison. I thought the JTV-69 pickups sounded a little brighter and a bit clearer on the bottom end. They were both close though and either one would be great in a mix.
I actually just bought a JTV-59 and it plays great. Sounds great too. I'm a Strat guy but I got a good deal on the 59. Trying to get a good deal on a Standard. I can always change the frets or swap out the neck.
The versatility of a Variax/Helix setup is great. As long as I don't break a string, I'll only use my JTV-69 and keep the momentum going in our shows set to set, which is a priority for us. That being said the modeling for isn't for everyone. If you value tone over everything, you'll hate the guitar models. But if being able to play acoustic and electric sounds plus being able to alter your tunings with the press of a footswitch all in the one song appeals more to you, then check them out. For me, whatever shortcomings any of the modeled sounds have get pretty much buried within the mix of that band. I've gotten the modeled sounds I use to sound a bit better with eq, especially hi/low pass filters. The one thing I can't fix, though, is palm muting issue. All modeled sounds use the peizo pickup, so real palm muting is physical impossible. It's a playing technique, of course, so it can't be software simulated like a guitar component. That often makes the models sound a too sterile to me. But, to be honest, I just listened to something we recorded at a recent rehearsal where I played in Drop C using the modeled tele and the palm muting, although not optimum, was pretty passable. So, until I have my own roadie that hands me each guitar of choice, song by song, this setup will work very well for me.
When these first came out I got a JTV-69 just like yours - and in about 2 seconds I noticed the high E string slips off the neck very easily. I eventually sold it. I noticed now looking at the forums I am not the only one to notice this. I'm not sure what the problem was - but if it's fixed now I'd like to have a JTV-69S. Otherwise - I'd likely get a Variax Standard.
Thanks for this comprehensive video series on the Variax. I'm currently considering one, but unsure if the JTV models are worth the extra money over the standard. Is the build quality, fit and finish of the JTV-69S that much better than the standard that it's worth the extra $300, aside from the locking tuners? Also, it's a shame that they did white pickup covers with a black pick guard on the standard. Not the best look.
Hi Richie I have a line 6 jtv 59 now. I’m looking to get the 69. You seam to plate the standard more the JTV. I’m looking to get rid of my 59 so I can change the neck on a 69 if I wanted to. My question to you you is what do you like better the standard or the JTV? By the way awesome videos. Great information. Thx Paul
I did Roland VG-99 and Antares ATG-1 Godin & Brian More 13 pin guitars 🎸 Pros - Any Tuning & Multi Guitar Models Antares ATG- 1 adds intonation correction Cons - Roland VG-99 use requires guitar to be well in tune and good intonation, the sounds are a bit out dated. Antares ATG-1 use some guitar models sound almost the same.
Great video! I am currently looking for a Variax. When I view models on the Line6 site there are for example there are ... US models that are pretty expensive and I was wondering if you have any insight as to why they are 3 times the expense... I'm assuming that they have upgraded components, which you possibly do by yourself. Big fan. Thanks again!
What do you use/recommend for a speaker cabinet? Powercab? Powercab Plus? Stage Source? Inquiring minds need to know. Looks like you have a Stage Source? Help a paisano out!! 🙂
Hi Richie, great video! Just wondering which Variax cable you use as the one I got off eBay seems quite flimsy whereas yours looks a lot thicker and more robust. Cheers.
I’ve been lead to believe that the string tree does nothing to help intonation or tuning stability. There isn’t one on the 69 (or the 89). Does that do anything to improve the quality over the Standard model? Did you use that Roland percussion pad for the backbeat of the tune you threw in at the end!
Love my James Tyler Variax JTV-89, which I use with a Helix. Just for the locked Floyd Rose, on-the-fly custom tunings and no need to tune (ever, really,-at least when amped), it made me move my PRS and others to locking tuners. Still not Variax, but every guitar has its unique values/strengths. The Standard tuners look a bit light-duty compared to some VRiax- what do you thing?
Which variax has the most convenient alt tuning knob whence changing tuning while playing? I tend to think its the JTV, but I’m not sure. I know that with Helix snapshots it can be dealt with very easily, but still...
Hi Ritchie, I currently own and play 2 JTV59’s along with my helix exclusively for live shows. I love the JTV59 but it’s heavy and I have a back and shoulder injury. I have found a Variax standard that is 2.5 pounds lighter than my JTV. I ’m thinking about buying the standard for the weight relief but can’t find one to play. I generally like smaller narrower necks such as those on the Musicman silhouette and axis. Obviously the standard isn’t up their with the Musicman quality wise but how does it compare size wise? Is the standard neck shallow, narrow at the nut etc? Any help would be appreciated.
Hi, is it possible to have digital pickup and magnetic pickup together (for example, crunch on magnetic played together with an acoustic guitar from digital pickup)
Yes, to a degree. It depends on what position the 5 way switch is in. But they are much more quite then a Fender Strat, unless you install noiseless pickups.
Hi Richie.great info ty. What string gauge do you use? I have 8,s on and it really resonates too much..wondered if heavier strings would reduce that. Ty in advance
The standard using it's standard pickups is so full sounding. I am going to this as my guitar of choice with my band. Using the different guitar modes plus the 12 string and acoustic is a real plus. Mine is a 2017 model and so far so good.
Anyone using the software on PC? .. I'm just wondering because I'm not seeing enough dudes going into that beyond saying "it works!" Which is a bit disconcerting to me.
Love mine but change the neck by a (flame) maple one, 20 bucks on aliexpress(!!!). The guitar is 2 times better. The original JTV neck is really too thick, the low E is too close from the edge ...and the headstock is ugly.
I have the JTV89 and was cool until you tried to do any palm muting using a model with a custom tuning. It gross sounding and I wished they did a better job with the string cross bleed.
StickySprite I'm well aware of the shuriken. You really think sticking a baritone neck on is a serious option? I sold the guitar already because it wasn't usable.
schlagdog I don't know, I'm not really savvy on how the piezo and the modeling tech interact, but I knew someone who did it before the Shuriken (who just wanted 24 frets) and claimed the muting got better.
StickySprite the Jtv89 I had already has 24 frets. You would have to stick a baritone on like the Shuriken. Twelve Foot Ninja doesn't do any palm muting really anyways. Any of their low heavy riffs are single note non chug.
Hello Richie, I heard that it is hard to keep the Variax Standard in tune, is their any truth to this? Possibly due to the tremolo and tuning pegs. Thank you for the video.
I have the standard and am actually surprised how well it does stay in tune. I got my used so the stings might be broken in better the new strings would be.
Richie I’ve been playing guitar since 1964. Took a break about 1980 to 1991, then picked it up again. Your guitar is way amazing. You have more talent in your voice, your playing, and your fabulous Engenerring talent than 90 percent of the many players that made millions and are more famous than you. But you’re young yet, I think you’re going to be really big. Only problem is because you don’t write much, that’s the only thing holding you back. Like The Bee Gees even when nobody would play their songs after disco they started writing for other artists. The Bee Gees probably because of disco are less revered then they should be; like you. I’m 66 years old and you’re my guitar hero/.
I saw a Line6 JTV w/ a Warmoth neck last week. It was awesome!
Awesome - thanks for putting these demos up! My current rig is the exact Variax Standard you have and the Pod HD 500. I am beyond happy with the sounds I can coax out of the Variax Standard and HD 500. The Standard is by far the most flexible guitar I have ever owned - the modeling and magnetic pickups are outstanding!
You've put a TON of work into this video ! thank you for doing it!
It's 2023 and the Variax and Helix are still relevant. I just bought a Variax standard a month ago. I love it paired with my Helix 3.5. The.JTV does sound good. I wish the tremolo was more floating like a Floyd Rose or Kahler type which would be killer!!!
JTV vs Standard
Neck: 2:21 vs 4:24
Neck+middle: 2:32 vs 4:37
Middle: 2:42 vs 4:47
Middle+bridge: 2:50 vs 4:58
Bridge: 3:02 vs 5:08
Man, I play in two cover bands using a Helix and a Variax. After really dialing in songs to sound like the song, when the bands have a gig that I cannot make, they are very sad, because the folks they get to sub use a regular electric with an amp and some pedals, and they have a 1 guitar with pedals and a guitar amp sound, to where I get the tones of many amps, and many guitars, and many effects, and to be honest, their guitar/ amp/ pedal rigs cost about as much as my gear...am I knocking the real deal strats and Les Pauls and SG's, etc? No; there is still nothing like the real thing, but I am strictly talking going out to play covers, going from Pretenders' Brass In Pocket, to being 1 guitarist playing all the stand out parts and solos in Hotel California, to playing Boston's Foreplay/ Longtime, switching from that Boston electric tone, to an acoustic tone virtually capo'd in a snapshot at the push of a footswitch, then back to standard tuned electric through a totally different modeled guitar and amp rig tones...as far as I know, only Roland/ BOSS and Line6 have that deal really buttoned up.
Got the Variax Standard and love it!! Plays and sounds great. Changing the frets to Medium Jumbo. Using it with a POD HD500X. Works great!
Changed out the frets to medium/jumbo! Plays and sounds great w/ my POD HD500X!
Awesome - dunno how you find the time, but greatly appreciated - PS...your vid of Boston song was crazy good - that singer was amazing
Yes, excellent.
Great job man! Your channel is the best channel in all UA-cam about all things Variax and Helix. I really, really apreciate it, please don't stop with the amazing reviews and tips. Greetings from Brasil!!
Excellent Review! Fast moving. Very informative. A/B at the end was a nice touch! To me, Yamaha has put the "Alt Tuning" control on the Standard in a position on the guitar that is "difficult to see" especially when standing. However, when standing or sitting the "Alt Tuning" control on the JTV-69 is easy to see. Anyway, good job!
Cool video, I love my JTV69. Had to take it apart recently but I love it 😍
Very good demonstration!
What a great channel and I really love your videos. I just found out about your channel today! I'm a strat guy and while the standard sounds more strat like, I actually loved the punch from the HSS. Specifically the humbucker. The neck and middle pups sounded very similar. But the humbucker was a fresh attack and will provide a nice tonal variation for the time I'll use the magnetic pups vs my other am std strats.
It also works with the line6 hd pods.. not just the helix
Nice sounds! I think I might get one soon. Cheers!
Just a note, that you CAN store tunings without a compatible pedal or PC, directly in the guitar. Edit: Only in JTV's/HD's Models.
How do you do that?
Please, how is that done?
Richie - great video! I have the JTV89 and the Helix as well. You may be aware of this but I just wanted to point out that if you are using the Variax cable connecting the guitar to your Helix/Pod then you can actually take the battery out of the guitar as it draws power from the Helix/Pod. I was going to purchase a 2nd battery incase the 1st battery went dead during performance but then I found out about this tip. Take care!
David Franks good info. Not to bash you but he did say if u use ether cable then it powers through the Helix... But still good info for those who missed it ofc😄 I use the Jtv-69 and i love it... How is the one you use. Is it good to handle? Best wishes from Denmark
No problem at all. Likely I was multi-tasking and missed where he mentioned that :) I really like my JTV89. It plays exceptionally well and I also have installed a GK3 pickup on it. I then run through the Helix processor and a Roland GR55. Blessings!
Unfortunately,he gave some bad information.The Helix will not power the new generation of Variax guitars. It will power first generation Variaxes (the 300,500,and 700),which use a different type of power.I have a Helix and a JTV 89 and I still have to make sure I keep the internal battery charged.
trendpimp1 huh? I have a brand new Variax standard and it powers it.
David Franks sorry for my late reply been on Tour. Super glad to hear u like your Variax. I love mine too. When we play in the band we like to make medleys. I mean we play half a song then suddently we switch to a different😄 and the Variax and Helix really makes it so easy and cool. No longer do i have to fly around on stage switching guitars for each song. Now i just do it in an instant. Im so happy for my new hardware 😄 best wishes.
love your vids very detailed informative Thanks
Nice comparison. I thought the JTV-69 pickups sounded a little brighter and a bit clearer on the bottom end. They were both close though and either one would be great in a mix.
I actually just bought a JTV-59 and it plays great. Sounds great too. I'm a Strat guy but I got a good deal on the 59. Trying to get a good deal on a Standard. I can always change the frets or swap out the neck.
Great review!
The versatility of a Variax/Helix setup is great. As long as I don't break a string, I'll only use my JTV-69 and keep the momentum going in our shows set to set, which is a priority for us. That being said the modeling for isn't for everyone. If you value tone over everything, you'll hate the guitar models. But if being able to play acoustic and electric sounds plus being able to alter your tunings with the press of a footswitch all in the one song appeals more to you, then check them out. For me, whatever shortcomings any of the modeled sounds have get pretty much buried within the mix of that band. I've gotten the modeled sounds I use to sound a bit better with eq, especially hi/low pass filters. The one thing I can't fix, though, is palm muting issue. All modeled sounds use the peizo pickup, so real palm muting is physical impossible. It's a playing technique, of course, so it can't be software simulated like a guitar component. That often makes the models sound a too sterile to me. But, to be honest, I just listened to something we recorded at a recent rehearsal where I played in Drop C using the modeled tele and the palm muting, although not optimum, was pretty passable. So, until I have my own roadie that hands me each guitar of choice, song by song, this setup will work very well for me.
You got a great sound out of them =)
When these first came out I got a JTV-69 just like yours - and in about 2 seconds I noticed the high E string slips off the neck very easily. I eventually sold it. I noticed now looking at the forums I am not the only one to notice this. I'm not sure what the problem was - but if it's fixed now I'd like to have a JTV-69S. Otherwise - I'd likely get a Variax Standard.
The Standard is hard to beat!
I have the same issue with the standard. Replacing the nut might solve that but I am hoping to find an easier fix. Guitar feels good to play.
Thanks for this comprehensive video series on the Variax. I'm currently considering one, but unsure if the JTV models are worth the extra money over the standard. Is the build quality, fit and finish of the JTV-69S that much better than the standard that it's worth the extra $300, aside from the locking tuners?
Also, it's a shame that they did white pickup covers with a black pick guard on the standard. Not the best look.
Both of my Variax standards are a nice D shape. I’d love to make you a copy of your green slime but with Variax guts. I do that a lot
Great video!!
I cannot believe how good the mag pickups in the standard sound. These rule
Hi Richie
I have a line 6 jtv 59 now. I’m looking to get the 69. You seam to plate the standard more the JTV. I’m looking to get rid of my 59 so I can change the neck on a 69 if I wanted to. My question to you you is what do you like better the standard or the JTV?
By the way awesome videos. Great information.
Thx Paul
I did Roland VG-99 and Antares ATG-1
Godin & Brian More 13 pin guitars 🎸
Pros - Any Tuning & Multi Guitar Models Antares ATG- 1 adds intonation correction
Cons - Roland VG-99 use requires guitar to be well in tune and good intonation, the sounds are a bit out dated.
Antares ATG-1 use some guitar models sound almost the same.
Great video! I am currently looking for a Variax. When I view models on the Line6 site there are for example there are ... US models that are pretty expensive and I was wondering if you have any insight as to why they are 3 times the expense... I'm assuming that they have upgraded components, which you possibly do by yourself. Big fan. Thanks again!
What do you use/recommend for a speaker cabinet? Powercab? Powercab Plus? Stage Source? Inquiring minds need to know. Looks like you have a Stage Source? Help a paisano out!! 🙂
Hi Richie, great video! Just wondering which Variax cable you use as the one I got off eBay seems quite flimsy whereas yours looks a lot thicker and more robust. Cheers.
Is the jtv 69 a better build guitar you think is worth the extra money?you seem to like your standard a lot
Nice demo! I plan getting the Variax Standard it has more bite to it. I have the HX Stomp and I am loving it. Do they still make this guitar?
I’ve been lead to believe that the string tree does nothing to help intonation or tuning stability. There isn’t one on the 69 (or the 89). Does that do anything to improve the quality over the Standard model?
Did you use that Roland percussion pad for the backbeat of the tune you threw in at the end!
Love my James Tyler Variax JTV-89, which I use with a Helix. Just for the locked Floyd Rose, on-the-fly custom tunings and no need to tune (ever, really,-at least when amped), it made me move my PRS and others to locking tuners. Still not Variax, but every guitar has its unique values/strengths. The Standard tuners look a bit light-duty compared to some VRiax- what do you thing?
How do i get to your custometones or market place tones?
Hi Ritchie, do you know the difference between the US JTV and the Korean JTV??
Which variax has the most convenient alt tuning knob whence changing tuning while playing? I tend to think its the JTV, but I’m not sure.
I know that with Helix snapshots it can be dealt with very easily, but still...
Hi Ritchie, I currently own and play 2 JTV59’s along with my helix exclusively for live shows. I love the JTV59 but it’s heavy and I have a back and shoulder injury. I have found a Variax standard that is 2.5 pounds lighter than my JTV. I ’m thinking about buying the standard for the weight relief but can’t find one to play. I generally like smaller narrower necks such as those on the Musicman silhouette and axis. Obviously the standard isn’t up their with the Musicman quality wise but how does it compare size wise? Is the standard neck shallow, narrow at the nut etc? Any help would be appreciated.
Hi, is it possible to have digital pickup and magnetic pickup together (for example, crunch on magnetic played together with an acoustic guitar from digital pickup)
Yes you can if you have a helix.
Über useful video, the standard sounds more strat like
69 sounds like a nicely broken-in Strat, Standard sounds like a boring glassy quirk-less Silver Sky
do you find the jtv69 to have issues with the nut width being too narrow as many have said? also do you like the trem more than the tyler?
Great vid! Do the single coils have the 60’s hum?
Yes, to a degree. It depends on what position the 5 way switch is in. But they are much more quite then a Fender Strat, unless you install noiseless pickups.
Hello, is the tremolo on the JTV-69 one ore two way (can it just lower the pitch or lower and raise)? Thank you!
Yes, it floats, so up and down.
@@RichieCastellano Thanks very much :)
yo are you from Brooklyn? Bensonhurst or Bay Ridge?
Hi Richie.great info ty.
What string gauge do you use? I have 8,s on and it really resonates too much..wondered if heavier strings would reduce that. Ty in advance
Line 6 recommends 10-46 for the JTV- 69 guitars in order to get a better acoustic guitar modeled tones.
Thinking about getting one, which one do you prefer? JTV-69s or Variax Standard (had a JTV-59, first release, it was so unreliable...)
The standard using it's standard pickups is so full sounding. I am going to this as my guitar of choice with my band. Using the different guitar modes plus the 12 string and acoustic is a real plus. Mine is a 2017 model and so far so good.
Anyone using the software on PC? .. I'm just wondering because I'm not seeing enough dudes going into that beyond saying "it works!" Which is a bit disconcerting to me.
Louis Minett yeah I use the workbench software. It's fine. There's not a whole lot to say but it does everything you want.
Love mine but change the neck by a (flame) maple one, 20 bucks on aliexpress(!!!). The guitar is 2 times better. The original JTV neck is really too thick, the low E is too close from the edge ...and the headstock is ugly.
I have the JTV89 and was cool until you tried to do any palm muting using a model with a custom tuning. It gross sounding and I wished they did a better job with the string cross bleed.
schlagdog I heard if you swap out the neck for a longer one then this problem might be solved
StickySprite I'm well aware of the shuriken. You really think sticking a baritone neck on is a serious option? I sold the guitar already because it wasn't usable.
schlagdog I don't know, I'm not really savvy on how the piezo and the modeling tech interact, but I knew someone who did it before the Shuriken (who just wanted 24 frets) and claimed the muting got better.
StickySprite the Jtv89 I had already has 24 frets. You would have to stick a baritone on like the Shuriken. Twelve Foot Ninja doesn't do any palm muting really anyways. Any of their low heavy riffs are single note non chug.
schlagdog OK... well you sold yours anyway so I guess you'll never know?
Both sound good but the 69 has the extra timbre.
😲🎸👍🏻
Putting distortion on a demo is totally counter productive as it tells nothing about the actual tone of the guitar.
I never play a guitar totally clean, so playing it with a nothing sound does nothing for me.
Hello Richie, I heard that it is hard to keep the Variax Standard in tune, is their any truth to this?
Possibly due to the tremolo and tuning pegs. Thank you for the video.
I haven't experienced this. The only issue I had was a wobbly tremolo arm which I fixed with a little Teflon tape.
thanks for the reply.
I have the standard and am actually surprised how well it does stay in tune. I got my used so the stings might be broken in better the new strings would be.
The low e sounds so "plucky", not natural at all to my ears.
Christopher Landress obviously you mean to your guitars.
Lol por el apellido creí que estaba en español xd
its called the variax because it sounds VarBAD! garbage it probably broke right after the video.
I’ve used them on the road for years with no issues.
love your vids very detailed informative Thanks