Line 6

Line 6 JTV-59-B James Tyler Variax Modeling Guitar Black

3.0 (9 reviews)

One guitar, countless tones — the James Tyler Variax JTV-59 combines classic mahogany craftsmanship with Line 6 modeling technology.

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Overview

The Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 is a modeling electric guitar that bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and digital versatility. The body is built from mahogany with a carved maple top and flame maple veneer, paired with a set mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard — classic tonewoods chosen for warmth and sustain. Master luthier James Tyler designed the neck profile, and the vintage-voiced alnico humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions are wound to his specifications, ensuring the guitar sounds and plays like a premium instrument even when the Variax system is completely disengaged.

Where the JTV-59 distinguishes itself is in its onboard Variax modeling technology. Using the guitar's model selector and controls, players can instantly access digitally modeled recreations of iconic guitar tones — from single-coil sparkle to semi-hollow warmth to acoustic textures — along with alternate tunings, all without touching a tuning peg. Connected via the proprietary VDI port to compatible Line 6 processors like the Helix or POD HD, the integration goes deeper: the processor can recall specific guitar models and tunings per preset, creating seamless tone changes mid-set. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers up to 12 hours of modeling use, and the fully adjustable Tyler-designed stoptail bridge with sealed 16:1 tuning machines ensures solid intonation and tuning stability. A padded gig bag is included for transport.

Key Features

Classic late-50’s-style single cutaway

25 guitars in one. State-of-the-art models of 25 immortal instruments with astonishing advancements in tone, pitch tracking and response.

12 tunings. Instantly switch between a set of customized alternate and drop tunings without affecting string tension or guitar playability.

Virtual capo. Place a "virtual capo" anywhere on the neck without missing a beat.

Variax Workbench. Swap your P-90 for a lipstick, and more. Workbench software lets you mix and match every guitar body, pickup and alt tuning we offer.

Specifications

Body
Mahogany with Carved Maple Top and Flame Maple Veneer
Neck
Set Mahogany, Rosewood Fingerboard
Scale Length
24-9/16"
Neck Shape
Tyler '59
Frets
22 Medium-Jumbo
Nut
1-11/16" Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL
Pickups
Vintage-Voiced Alnico Humbuckers (Tyler Specs)
Bridge
Fully Adjustable Tyler-Designed Stoptail
Tuning Machines
Sealed (16:1 Ratio)
Digital Interface
VDI (Variax Digital Interface)
Battery
Li-Ion, Up to 12 Hours
Included
Padded Gig Bag

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Variax modeling provides access to a wide range of guitar tones and alternate tunings from a single instrument
  • Traditional humbuckers wound to James Tyler's specs deliver genuine quality even without modeling engaged
  • Mahogany body with carved maple top and flame maple veneer offers premium build quality and resonance
  • VDI digital interface enables deep integration with Line 6 Helix and POD systems
  • 12-hour rechargeable battery life supports full gigs and long sessions on modeling power

👎 Cons

  • Modeling features are most fully realized only with Line 6 ecosystem hardware via VDI
  • Higher weight due to mahogany body and onboard electronics compared to simpler solid-body guitars
  • Padded gig bag offers less protection than a hardshell case for a guitar at this price point
  • Battery must be charged to use modeling features — dead battery limits you to magnetic pickups only
  • 24-9/16" scale length is slightly unconventional and may feel different to players accustomed to standard 24.75" or 25.5" scales

Frequently Asked Questions

The Variax system uses digital modeling to recreate the sound characteristics of various classic guitar types and tunings, all accessible from the guitar's onboard controls without swapping instruments or physically retuning.
The built-in lithium-ion battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous play time for the modeling electronics.
Yes, the JTV-59 has traditional magnetic humbucking pickups wound to James Tyler's specifications, so it functions as a high-quality conventional electric guitar with the modeling system turned off.
The VDI port allows a direct digital connection to compatible Line 6 hardware like the Helix or POD HD, enabling deep integration for tone selection, alternate tuning control, and power to the guitar's electronics without using the battery.
It includes a padded gig bag, not a hardshell case.