In Pod we trust

[BatUtilityBelt]

I started messing around with processing guitar through a synthesizer, and it's pretty interesting. The toughest part is matching the impedance between the guitar and the synthesizer's audio input. In this case, the synth is an ASM Hydrasynth, which is pretty flexible in terms of adjusting input levels. Still, I want to get the best possible level match, so I was going through my gear to see what might work better than a basic DI box or a practice amp's headphone out, one being a bit low, and the other too hot. Last night I started shopping for a better option, but nothing immediately stood out.

I have an old Line 6 Pod HD I haven't used in years. I really only used it when I traveled, so I could practice with decent sound. But I haven't been travelling the last few years, so it sat quietly in the storeroom. This morning I ran across it and decided it might just do the trick. It powered right up and went to work like it was 2018 (probably the last time I used it). Funny thing though, I don't recall it sounding anywhere near as good as it does, then it hit me. I only used it in a makeshift light portable rig, and never heard it through studio monitors. Night and day. My impression of the Pod HD has changed in a single day. As old as it is, this think is awesome. So awesome, in fact, I decided the Pod is going to hang out regularly with the Hydrasynth.

Since I didn't need to buy any new DI capable gear, I decided to instead reward the Pod for not being outdated after all. GC Used had an unusually well priced FBV 3 footswitch. Some quick homework told me it would work great with the Pod. The FBV 3 is still sold brand new for $300, but this one was priced at $139.99, looks nice, and of course, can be returned locally if it doesn't work out.

More than just switching and tuner and wah, this will be ideal as the FBV is capable of controlling the Pod's looper. So when I want to experiment with the synth for a new sound, I can use the looper while I twiddle keyboard knobs, then go back to guitar when I like what I hear. This will be fun.

[BatUtilityBelt]

Well now I know why it was priced so well. It even came with its own gigbag, but... that is one unhealthy display.

So it's going back. That's too bad. Good thing my GC is close by.
Can't even decipher what this one says:

[andrewsrea]

Communicate with Line 6. The folks I know who did, got their stuff fixed or replaced, sometimes free and clearly out of warranty. @golem may have been one of the peopleI am thinking of in this regard.

[BatUtilityBelt]

Communicate with Line 6. The folks I know who did, got their stuff fixed or replaced, sometimes free and clearly out of warranty. @golem may have been one of the peopleI am thinking of in this regard.

That's worth a shot. I've got 44 days left to return it to GC, and if they're willing to send out a replacement display, I'm happy to swap it. Thanks.

Edit: I created a ticket with Line6, we'll see.

[golem]

@ Andrewsrea is correct, but frankly, I bought a Helix LT that I recognized had an issue that they were known to fix for free if you filed a claim, regardless of whether you were the original owner. At the time, it was a 200 cheaper than the low end for what these go for, so it seemed worth the effort.

[BatUtilityBelt]

Line 6 got back to me saying send it to a repair center out of state, and we'll fix it for $90 an hour. That wasn't going to happen, so I returned it for a refund to GC. GC had another one for the same price at another store with the plastic still on the display, so I let them order that one for a promised straight-up trade with a start-over on the 45 day return policy. It arrived today and works great. This is a case where Line 6 failed and GC came through.

[mozz]

It could be up to 8 years old, i would not think they would fix it for free. Some lcd's are connected by ribbons cable, sometimes you have to clean those contact. Other lcd's are connected with a rubber strip with conductive spaces. Could be be damaged anyway. Be sure to use cat5 and not cat6 cable as per the website.

[BatUtilityBelt]

It could be up to 8 years old, i would not think they would fix it for free. Some lcd's are connected by ribbons cable, sometimes you have to clean those contact. Other lcd's are connected with a rubber strip with conductive spaces. Could be be damaged anyway. Be sure to use cat5 and not cat6 cable as per the website.

Agree all around. Since I bought it from GC Used, my habit is to not open anything up if I might be returning it. If I was keeping the first one, I'd have looked for dirty contacts, cold solder joints, etc, but I don't do any of that when I can return it for a full refund, or as in this case, a perfectly working replacement from GC.