The JTV-89 James Tyler Variax Modeling Electric Guitar offers an innovative design and boutique playing experience courtesy of master luthier James Tyler, and the world's most advanced guitar modeling technology from the people who invented it, Line 6. Plug this guitar into any amp and hear all the models, all the tunings, and both acoustic and electric tones you've ever wanted. No more dragging around multiple acoustics and electrics to gigs or recording studios. Variax gives you an endless variety of sounds from classic acoustic and electric tones all the way to sitar and banjo, all in one instrument.
The JTV-89 is made for the shredder with a 14" fretboard radius and a James Tyler Fast n' Flat neck profile. Features include a mahogany body, and a 3-piece bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. A recessed heel makes reaching the upper frets a breeze. The JTV-89 is loaded with a pair of high-output PAF-style alnico humbuckers (wound to Tyler's specs). Controls include a 5-way blade pickup selector switch, a master volume & tones. A rotary model selector dials the 25 virtual guitars plus sitar, banjo, and resonator guitar tones. A rotary alt tuning selector lets you pick from 12 alternate tunings. The fully adjustable Tyler Custom stoptail bridge is fitted with an L.R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system for sweet acoustic guitar tones. A Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut keeps the strings from gripping and sticking. Comes standard with a durable, padded gig bag with a stitched Line 6 logo and 2 pockets big enough for all your gig essentials.
Dual-core Processor
Dual-core processor delivers 4 times the punch. This new chip is smaller, faster, and more powerful. It has allowed Line 6 to run fuller, clearer models of guitar bodies and pickups; let all their models have alternate tunings; improved alternate tuning purity and speed; provided alternate tuning customization; and improved modes of operation and editing. The JVT-89 sounds and responds surprisingly more like a traditional guitar.
Variax Workbench Software
Variax Workbench software is a virtual custom shop. This free software, which can be downloaded from the Line 6 website, lets you create custom models on your computer and upload them to your JTV-59 via its built-in USB port. Choose from famous guitar bodies, pickups, pickup placement, tone and volume controls, and tweak away until you've designed the guitar of your dreams – without choking on sawdust!
This combination USB interface and software package for James Tyler Variax guitars allows you to see and hear the physical changes to your custom guitar in real time. Ever wonder what a single-coil pickup would sound like on a hollowbody guitar tuned an octave down? Probably not. That's because it wasn't a reality – until now.
The Alt Tune Knob
Each James Tyler Variax modeling guitar has a dedicated Alt Tune knob. This knob has 12 settings, including two labeled "Model" and "Standard." Set to "Model," the Alt Tune knob lets you access the alternate tunings you created using Variax Workbench virtual guitar workbench software. These tunings are stored on your Variax's Model knob. Set to "Standard," the Alt Tune knob overrides saved tunings to set every model to standard "E-to-E" tuning. The Alt Tune knob's remaining 10 settings are the most commonly used tunings used by modern metal style guitarists.
The Virtual capo feature lets you easily transpose any song to the key that suits your vocalist. And you can adjust your tuning on the fly without having to use "Workbench" software.
Battery powered DSP
A proprietary lithium-ion battery delivers at least 12 hours of continuous performance. A 4-LED battery life meter lets you know how much rocking time you have left. Rolling down the volume knob when you're not playing will automatically put the DSP to sleep and helps maximize battery life. So even with your cable still plugged in, you will not be using battery power. DSP wakes up instantly when you turn the volume back up. The JTV-89 functions as a standard electric guitar whether the battery installed or not.