❌SOLD❌ Line 6 JTV 59 Variax Modelling Guitar Sunburst, 2013

Here’s an interesting item – a Line 6 JTV 59 Variax modelling guitar from 2013, a design that aims towards the very definition of ‘versatility’!

Line 6 is well known for their ground-breaking lines of digital modelling amplifiers and processors, back to the 1996 AxSys 212, the first available modelling amp. Their POD and current Helix modelling processors brought this technology to a much wider audience and launched many competitors.

The JTV in the model designation stands for James Tyler Variax. James Tyler has been a highly respected luthier in the Los Angeles area since the 1970s, including two years doing repairs at Norman’s Rare Guitars. His own shop opened in 1980. In 2007, James Tyler contracted with Line 6 to improve the guitars used in the Variax line.

Here we’re looking at a Line 6 JTV 59 Variax guitar in sunburst and in very nice, clean condition. This guitar was built for Line 6 by World Musical in Incheon, South Korea likely in June 2013. It is based on a Tyler guitar, drawing from the classic pairing of a carved Maple cap on a single-cutaway Mahogany body, and a Mahogany neck with Rosewood fingerboard.

The Line 6 JTV 59 looks like an ordinary single cut, Les Paul influenced guitar, but it is so much more. It has a pair of standard humbucking pickups with pickup selector and master volume and tones. It also has a bridge with six individual piezo elements, allowing fast identification and processing of the vibration on each string.

The circuitry on this guitar is very powerful and versatile, allowing selection of a number of types and models of guitars from nylon string classicals to steel string acoustics, over to electrics. And as if that’s not enough, you can change tunings with the turn of one control knob.

Here’s the maker on the concept behind the Line 6 JTV 59 Variax:

“It’s been over 80 years since the invention of the traditional electric guitar, and guitarists are still dealing with the same performance limitations. Changing tunings is slow and time consuming, and the range of tones is limited. To get a variety of sounds or alternate tunings for gigs and studio sessions, guitarists need multiple guitars—which is inconvenient and expensive. Stages are small. Trunks are smaller. Less needs to do more.

Imagine if you could switch your guitar from its natural electric guitar tone to perfectly modeled versions of the world’s most coveted vintage electrics, classic acoustics and exotic instruments, all with the simple twist of a knob. Or switch up your tunings on the fly, even mid-song. Imagine the trunk space saved. Imagine the room recovered on stage. Imagine fluidly covering acoustic, electric and even a banjo break in the same song—without changing instruments. It’s all possible with Line 6 Variax. These modern instruments shatter the limitations of traditional guitars, and will spark your creativity in exciting new ways.”

“Featuring innovative Variax HD technology, James Tyler® Variax® gives you powerful versatility to create the instrument you’ve always wanted, and energize your playing in exciting new ways. Choose from an impressive collection of classic guitar models—each with exceptional detail, feel and response. Dial up vintage electrics, rare acoustics, eclectic instruments and more. And with the turn of a knob, instantly access alternate tunings—including Open G, DADGAD, Drop D, or any other custom tuning.”

This guitar is in very nice condition and plays well – it stands up as a guitar, even without the fantastic capabilities of the Line 6 modelling circuitry inside it.

A Gig Bag is included.