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Average Price: $650

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Description

Step into a world of infinite musical possibilities with the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax, where classic craftsmanship meets cutting-edge innovation. This digital modeling guitar is not just an instrument—it's a gateway to a universe of sound. At its heart, the Variax HD technology offers a cornucopia of tones, letting you effortlessly switch from the twang of a country classic to the growl of a modern metal beast with just a twist. Designed by master luthier James Tyler, the JTV-59 features a solid mahogany body, a carved maple top, and a mahogany neck with a "Fast n' Flat" profile, ensuring that it's as comfortable to play as it is versatile. The 22-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing experience, while the vintage-voiced Alnico humbuckers add a dash of authentic, timeless tone.

Whether you're jamming in your garage or playing to packed venues, the JTV-59 delivers unmatched flexibility. With its ability to mimic dozens of electric and acoustic instruments, alongside alternative tunings at the flick of a wrist, this guitar is nothing short of revolutionary. Plus, the included Workbench software lets you dive deeper, customizing every aspect of your sound—from pickup placement to tuning configurations. The Line 6 JTV-59 is more than just a guitar; it's a creative tool that transforms your musical visions into reality.

Key Features:

  • Onboard Variax HD technology for a wide range of tones
  • Designed by master luthier James Tyler
  • Solid mahogany body with carved maple top
  • Mahogany neck with "Fast n' Flat" profile
  • 22-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard
  • Vintage-voiced Alnico humbuckers
  • Alternative tunings at the turn of a knob
  • Includes Workbench software for extensive sound customization

Product specs

Brand Line 6
Model JTV-59 James Tyler Variax Modeling Electric Guitar
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of tones can I expect from the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax's modeling system?

The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax offers a wide range of tones by modeling various classic electric and acoustic guitars. It allows players to switch between different guitar sounds, making it versatile for genres ranging from rock to jazz.

Is the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax is excellent for live performances due to its ability to quickly change guitar models and tunings, providing flexibility on stage without needing multiple instruments.

How does the Variax modeling system in the JTV-59 work?

The Variax modeling system uses advanced electronics to process the sound from individual strings, replicating the sound of various guitars. This technology allows for a diverse range of tones and tunings at the flick of a switch.

What is the neck profile of the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax?

The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax features a set-neck construction with a 24.56"-scale mahogany neck, offering a comfortable playing experience with a traditional feel suitable for various playing styles.

Can I use alternate tunings with the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax?

Yes, the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax allows for instant alternate tunings through its digital modeling system, enabling quick and easy tuning changes without manual adjustments.

What is the pickup configuration on the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax?

The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax is equipped with dual vintage-voiced alnico humbuckers, providing a warm and classic tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Variax

Video thumbnail for Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Variax by Guitar World

Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Variax

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Video Review - Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 by Premier Guitar

Video Review - Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Design Variax (Guitar overview) - Part 1 of 5 by Rob Chapman

Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Design Variax (Guitar overview) - Part 1 of 5

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 Demo by GUITARGUITAR

Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 Demo

GUITARGUITAR

GUITARGUITAR

Video thumbnail for Revisiting The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax Guitar - Every Rose Cover by Rich Bischoff

Revisiting The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax Guitar - Every Rose Cover

Rich Bischoff

Rich Bischoff

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax JTV 59 by Mooseboy08

Line 6 Variax JTV 59

Mooseboy08

Mooseboy08

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide range of convincing instrument models, including acoustic and 12-string

  • Excellent build quality, sturdy and well-made

  • Magnetic pickups rival traditional high-end guitars like Les Paul

  • Versatile sound options without needing multiple guitars

  • Convenient for live performances with multiple tunings and models

  • Shorter scale beneficial for players with smaller hands

  • Impressive playability with balanced weight and comfortable neck

  • Ideal for recording with varied clean and distorted sounds

  • Offers Fender tones despite a Les Paul-style body

  • Endless possibilities with tuning options

CONS

  • Drop D tuning produces a digital, tinny sound

  • Tele and Strat models may lack authenticity

  • Jazz box sounds not as convincing as other models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 JTV-59 Variax.

Build quality

  • The JTV-59 is described as heavy, potentially affecting comfort during gigs.

    Source
  • The JTV-59 has a shaped heel that blends into the body, enhancing playability up the neck without a regular heel joint.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the JTV-59's stock humbuckers and main Lester model deliver similar tones, useful for consistent sound during live performances.

    Source
  • It takes some tinkering to optimize the guitar models to individual preferences, but owners find the effort worthwhile for better results.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JTV-59's humbuckers have high output, often causing even clean amp settings to distort slightly, which suits blues and rock styles.

    Source
  • The Variax excels in producing resonator and banjo sounds, with open tunings accessible via a knob.

    Source
  • The alternate tuning capability enables quick changes to drop D or 1/2 step down without needing multiple guitars.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to heavier strings, like 11s or 12s, improves the authenticity of acoustic tones on the JTV-59.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Workbench app, despite its outdated interface, allows for extensive customization of guitar bodies, pickups, and tunings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JTV's acoustic models are compared to mic'ed acoustics, not piezo-equipped acoustics, offering a different tonal quality live.

    Source
  • The JTV 89 has a neck profile similar to Ibanez guitars, appealing to those familiar with the HH setup.

    Source
  • The Les Paul Special model with P90s closely matches the sound of actual P90 pickups, according to users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have upgraded JTVs with True Temperament necks and Gotoh Delta 510 locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability and playability.

    Source
  • Owners discuss replacing stock pickups due to dissatisfaction with modeled Strat/LP tones, aiming for a versatile setup with P90s for occasional use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Variax guitars tend not to hold their value well, making used options more attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Variax models can be extensively edited using Line6's Workbench software, allowing users to create custom presets beyond stock options.

    Source
  • The JTV-59 includes piezo transducers under each string, enabling acoustic and resonator modeling, with regular pickups added for sound when the battery dies.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mooche

Well made

Very impressed with the quality of this guitar. Sturdy and very well-made. Besides the models I really like how the pickups sound. I prefer the pickups for distortion but models for the clean, namely, the 12 string model is amazing. Very fun to record with. The possibilities are endless. The turning options I would buy this guitar for alone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Duke Erikson uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Duke Erikson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Garbage

...
Verified via Shutterstock Editorial

This 2019 live photo shows Erikson performing with a JTV-59.

See how Bruce Soord uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Bruce Soord

Guitarist

The Pineapple Thief

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:31 in the YouTube video titled "The Pineapple Thief ✪ Nothing But The Truth 2021 | Full Show (4K)," Bruce Soord is seen playing a Line 6 JTV-59 Variax. He utilizes this guitar on numerous songs during this concert recorded in April 2021. The video was provided by Blondie (On Stage).

See how Jonas Reingold uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Jonas Reingold

Bassist

Kaipa

...
Verified via YouTube

Around 1:16:00 in this video you can see Jonas playing a Line 6 Variax JTV59 in Cherry Sunburst. He appears to now be using the Variax JTV59 to emulate the 12 string guitar parts in some of the Genesis songs from the Foxtrot album.

See how Joan Armatrading uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Joan Armatrading

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar Girl Magazine

I’ve got the Variax 59 and a backup, and it’s incredible how different those two guitars are. The one I use onstage sounds superior to the backup — same models. It’s like jeans. The same make and cut, but you have to try on so many pairs to get the one you like. Guitars are exactly the same.

See how Ted Leonard uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Ted Leonard

Singer, Guitarist

Spock's Beard

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Spock's Gear - Ted Leonard talks about his guitar rig for BNaDS live," Ted Leonard discusses using the Line 6 JTV-59 Variax as part of his Dream Rig setup.

See how Craig Kerley uses Line 6 JTV-59 Variax

Craig Kerley

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Not Otherwise Specified

Uses as a backup guitar for live performance and studio work

Album Usage

The Line 6 JTV-59 Variax has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Line 6 JTV-59 Variax, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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