Every Guitar You'll Ever Need? Line 6 Variax Revisited

TodayI try a #Line6 #Variax for the first time in nearly 20 years
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[@manuelhe46]

The best Variax demo I’ve seen. Each guitar is given its due

[@jcugnoni]

I bought a used and quite worn out Variax 300 in 2008 which I really liked to compose and practice different styles on my Pod XT. It was great as a recording and discovery tool. But the neck was not that great, so I finally moved all the electronics to a new body (Ibanez RG) with a variax / mag pickup switch (high output humbuckers). This was a great project and I really enjoy the versatility of this guitar.

[@TheCristalblak]

Podrías enviarme información de como lo lograste? Me envías los planos para realizar la modificación? Por favor 🙏

[@geoffsmith117]

I've used Variax live for at least 20 years. Never had a problem changing from Les Paul to Tel etc, and what you didn't mention was the alternate tunings available in Workbench, which for me is a game changer. To be fair at least you didn't describe it, as many of the "heads" i meet do, a toy! I own 6 of them as when Line 6 fell prey to Yamaha I knew the technology would more than likely not be pursued. Love your stuff mate.

[@phililpb]

I used to have a roland ready strat that had similar effects. I ended up selling it as I felt all the options were to much of a distraction and I always eneded up playing with the settings more than playing the guitar. At the moment I like something more simple but I can see how somthing like this can be a great option for some. The way you kept refering to the manual remided me very much of me with the roland strat

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

Careful with that Variax, Eugene...

[@TheCristalblak]

Sin duda alguna este es el mejor tutorial de la Variax 300 en todo y todos los canales de la web!!! Mejor demostración, mejor en todo lo explicado! Muchas felicidades! Line 6 debería pagarle a éste buen hombre de por vida por generar este contenido tan explícito y claro en torno a las guitarras Variax!!!❤

[@henryhartley9993]

For myself I would like one for the acoustic settings due to never feeling comfortable playing large bodied guitars, the Telecaster and Strat sounds were pretty convincing to my ears too...

[@guitarbobification]

John, great individual licks to go with each guitar sound. You really pulled that one off nicely!! Very interesting guitar. I remember when it came out but I didn't know anything about it until today.

[@ianthomson9363]

A very good and fair review. When I first heard about the Variax I knew I had to have one as I'd started recording an album. I didn't have a humbucker-equipped guitar and sometimes nothing else will do. Also, recording acoustics is an art and I wasn't happy with my efforts. I got one of the first 28 Variaxes to arrive in the UK and found it to be the most versatile and inspiring guitars I've ever played. Every guitar on the finished album was done with the Variax, and though I say it myself, it all sounded great. Unfortunately, I stopped playing after that and sold the Variax, which I regretted enormously after a while, so I bought a Variax 700 (for a very good price), which is they last guitar I'll ever buy. I love it! As you say, some of the sounds are better than others and though these might not be exactly the same as the real thing, I think just about all of them are usable. I particularly found the acoustics to be extremely useful. I found that changing the sound made me play in a slightly different way- I'm primarily a bassist and didn't find the same physical feel of the guitar was 'wrong' as I had never played some of the guitars modelled. The Line 6 Workbench is well worth having too, to swap pickups between guitars and especially for different tunings. As an afterthought, I've never seen the point in a Variax with magnetic pickups on it!

[@Mr3DBob]

I walked into a music store in Sandusky, OH when those were new; I hadn't heard a peep about them. I was shown the basics of switching from one 'guitar' to another, and my wife, who neither played nor drooled over guitars, could hear the differences in one setting and another. My conclusion was, that it's an artificial construct, because you're always playing the same physical guitar. The differences in guitars are not just the sounds - it's also the way a guitar feels. Thanks for demoing this almost-forgotten piece of musical history. I craved it for the electric sitar setting.

[@Ray_Here]

Good review John. I bought a Variax Standard last spring new for $700 US. I was looking for a 12 string. For the small amount of 12 string I have a need for, it fit the bill and it’s much easier on the fingers. I also recorded a few songs with the sitar setting. It’s not perfect but not bad either. I also like the banjo. The Standard is a Strat style and now it’s a Yamaha Pacifica with Line6 electronics. It looks great and plays pretty well. I’m very happy with the purchase.

[@malcolmgordon2988]

Nice video! I bought one of these back in the day (2007?) and did the job. For a cheapest guitar, it’s well made and plays pretty nicely! I got it primarily for recording and most of the sounds work well in a mix… even the Ricky 12 string was passable in certain situations if you rolled off a lot of high end. Similar to yourself, my biggest issue was that the sounds were sometimes at odds with the playing experience… I could talk myself into it for the Fender models, but the Gibson’s felt so different to be almost disconcerting. Haven’t played it in a long time but keep meaning to dig it out!

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I've had the original Line 6 300 series Variax for about 15 years or more and I've always enjoyed having it. I'm not going to drop a load of money on various high end Guitars Electric or Acoustic so this allows me to have some close approximation of them instead. That's good enough for me not being a purist. Here in the States I picked mine up second hand for $300.00 dollars. Money well spent.

[@loucarta2845]

I finally got around to playing w my 20 year old Variax early 500 model w my Helix ... And have to say the acoustic tone was amazing... So much so I thought I needed the newer JVT 69 to go further ... But ... The JVT acoustic versus the earlier 500 has a stark blatant difference.... The JVT 69 is no where near the realism of the 500... surprised no one has mentioned this...I can only assume it's the bridge. . The original hard tail versus the JT tremolo... Night n day... So now I have to keep both... Going to try to fix JVT w eq but WOW, huge difference! You should cover this topic.... The JVT69 is a great tool but the Resonance models should be as good as the 500 to be absolutely perfect all in one!!

[@eddiebobcat3183]

I have a 300 I bought for $100 off craigslist about a year ago and really enjoy it. Great for jam sessions. I played it yesterday at a Veterans Hall dinner and the bass sound through a PA was spot on. Then the Tele position one was spot on for country licks including Folsom Prison Blues and Boot Scootin’ Boogie. Played the Les Paul middle position for Rock Around The Clock. The “Chime” Ric 12 string setting sounds great to me. Yes I have other “better” guitars, but it is so cool to get such a variety of tones at the twist of a knob and the flick of a switch.

[@stevehowland8493]

Thanks John. 😀

[@pablohanc]

I remember these very well. Saw them demonstrated at a guitar show in newcastle in the early 2000s, then got to try one at the music live exhibition show at the birmingham NEC (used to love those huge shows). I quite liked it to play...... but wasn't interested enough to ever purchase one. Problem was, I didn't want a guitar that sounded like a strat, a Tele, a les Paul etc...... I wanted those guitars separately, ie, I wanted a Tele, I wanted a strat, I wanted a les Paul etc...... As they never really took of I don't think I was alone in that.

[@kittyhooch1]

I had a Variax 600 just like that including the color. The newer versions are an improved modeling, "HD". They also have altern tunings. This does sound good though. I have a JTV-69S black with a maple neck now. Love it.

[@ianedmonds9191]

I've just bought one of these for 200 quid all in. I just think it's a really interesting quirky guitar.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

9:27 - think you made a bit of a mistake in your settings/description there! It be good if you could do a video where you compare this old first generation type of Variax with the newer HD versions from Yamaha, please?

[@Finishyoursong]

I've had a Variax 600 for about 10 years - Steve Howe used to use one for acoustic guitar on stage with Yes. I set one of the custom banks to open G and Nashville tunings for the resonator and acoustic guitars - quite fun!

[@MrMjp58]

When I saw Yes around 12 years ago, I thought Steve's Variax sounded the clearest, brightest - and most authentic of all his incredible classic instruments. It was a bit of a shock.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Wow versatile! A Variax 500 would have been a great option for a young me trying out all the tones, even if it wasn't the best fit long term. Instead I had to buy and sell a bunch to find a model I bonded with while learning at the same time. Naturally I made a few rash mistakes, but eventually found what I like best, having a few classic guitar brands and their unique, time tested tones.

[@BrentAdams]

Yes......totally agree with your thoughts and experience on "the feel". I think it might be fine for a one man looper show..... not for me.

[@jollygoga]

For me, I think this guitar will be good stuff in the budget studio.

[@PGvideoinc]

Really good and honest review, spot on about the guitar sounds throughout. I've got a 500 that I bought secondhand about 10 years ago with a Pod XT that you can plug into with a special lead to supposed matched amps. I don't play it much these days and keep meaning to put them on ebay or Gumtree but never do. Why - well stuff like the dobro, the danelectro and the sitar are all good to mess about with every now and again, plus with the xt pedal board it is easily transportable and acceptable when I jam with a few mates.

[@Barbarapape]

Some of the sounds were very convincing, the Strat and Tele are very closr to the real thing. As said below, the one thing it can't do is simulate the feel of the original guitar. To me it reminds me of having a new effects unit, you spend more time finding and playing with all the different sounds than doing what you should be. A very interesting guitar, but how long before the novelty wears off?

[@petersmith1732]

Agree completely. I picked up a " boutique" JTV69 model for £200. Apart from having a neck like a baseball bat, I could never "connect" with instrument. It never became part of me. I sold it after a year for quite a profit. Clever tech though.

[@tramlad2]

I have the 300 series model in tobacco burst, its really useful, some of the effects are spot on, some a bit tinny, the new versions are amazing, i keep it because they are quite collectable now.

[@beatxt]

I love my Variax. I got a Mk1 500 when they appeared and sold it to get a Mk2 Standard a couple of years ago (Pacifica body, after Line 6 was bought by Yamaha). You do have to make some compromises but it's entertaining and offers hours of playalong and recording fun! The Acoustic and Reso sounds are full band audio so best not used through guitar amps/sims. The tone knob alters virtual mic placement for these models. Acoustic/Reso sound better with heavier strings so that compromises playing the electric models to some extent. I was disappointed the Mk2 12-string sounds hadn't improved on the artifacts they carry (might be solved by a software update some time). But as you say, John, they get lost in a mix. And Mk2 does come with the extra knob for custom tunings (best used with headphones or a very loud amp!) Then there's the Workbench software plugin to custom-tweak most aspects of the sound and let you build Frankenstein models...

[@latheofheaven1017]

How convincing are the new ones John? Do you know what's changed over the years (apart from looking more conventional)? I looked into buying one about 15 years ago, but when I played one in a shop, was put off by the guitar build quality. I hope they make better ones now (they've certainly had time to up their game).

[@ensignbarabus]

Did you get a chance to try any of the alternate tunings? Seems like those could come in handy.

[@calbrockocat8728]

This is the kind of thing that may help you decide which guitar is the one that sounds best to you. Still, I'm a newbie and I think every guitar is its own beast, with its pros and cons. It's why I've got 5 already! And, yes, there are all beasts! At least, they sound that way when I play 'em!

[@brendanbehan2289]

I have one of these guitars, neck is very slim other than that it's a good guitar.

[@tramlad2]

Brilliant John, i cant get mine to make those sounds.............because i am not that good, you on the other hand are superb, loved that demo excellent

[@greenslider]

Fascinating. Was unaware of these things..vague recollection of synth guitar talk with Maiden and Priest circa 86. Sonics really sound interesting. Did Gibson do something similar with the Firebird X.?

[@Vertlain]

Had one (Variax Standard), sold after few years. My Squier tele is more fun (though I miss fooling around with sitar sound).

[@andyking527]

Are you another great video have you tried the boss JSDA miniature and some great shout take care

[@OzzyMandias]

I have a problem with Line 6 stuff - I bought a Pod Go Wireless for £449 and I can't make it sound any better than my Sonicake Rockstage (I know you can but I can't...yet) - anyway my next gig I'm using Sonicake - so there!

[@Peyote1312]

Nice guit-fiddlenya got thrrr

[@2002ChrisK]

Gordon Giltrap used one of these a few years ago for his track "The Dodo's Dream": kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmq0ZnptbaaKadk Later on he used a custom built guitar which contained the Line 6 electronics.

[@ericmelvin10]

I got the 300, 600 and 700 models and sold them 1 month after. Never sounded good to me, there's also some latency. Only usable in non-pro cover bands.

[@MikeyNewman1974]

I had a sunburst one of these years ago, had alot of problems with the electronic saddles going down and intermittently cutting out. Had to go in the end to much faffing about.

[@davidbarlow431]

I think every word John says here is bang on. Now that said, as I have the selection of guitars I want, is one of these things worth the novelty factor? A small bout of G. A. S.? Maybe... 🎸🤔

[@martin-1965]

I was keen on the idea until a mate lent me one for a few weeks and I just couldn't get over how artificial the sounds felt. Not a badly constructed guitar in itself but definitely no replacement for the real guitars. It was fun to play with but as the one I borrowed was the same as John's with no "real" pickups to mix the digital signal with, it got tired very quickly. I could see it being a handy tool if you're in a covers band and have limited room to carry other guitars, but it's just not for me. Also they still go for around £250+ even for the basic model and I'd rather spend that on another guitar :)

[@davidbarlow431]

@@martin-1965 yeh, I think that's pretty much what I thought after a few days thinking about it. If a real bargain ever comes my way then maybe, but can prob put the money to better use elsewhere.

[@frankcarter6427]

my mate's still got one in the attic or somewhere, I hated it years ago when got it, played and sounded awful as I remember, have to borrow it and have another go

[@LuciensMusic]

I found a "600" model for 300 bucks, I think it'll be a useful tool to record with.

[@randyupchurch1899]

...Excellent "Studio" axe...Peace...

[@mschiano1]

i bought a 600 over 15 years ago, thinking i’d just return it-but it immediately became my primary guitar. i’ve since bought a newer model as a backup, but don’t like it.

[@srhvideo]

John, sorry if you said but I missed it but I'd like to know how it generates its initial signal. My guess is that there's a piezo bridge

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Yes mate. Spot on 👍

[@chasfug9659]

Hi What amp sim do you use I'm having terrible trouble getting bias fx2 to work? Thanks

[@JRobsonGuitar]

I used Guitar Rig for this video 👍

[@davethehermit8482]

Alright John. Very interesting - never heard of this before. Definitely not for me but still interesting.

[@rolatau]

Very impressive review. I use this one since ten years and also a Variax JTV James Tyler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moini355qpaGpdU Both worked well but sometimes one ore several of the piezos - on both guitars - failed. Couldn´t find the reason why. So I removed strings and piezos, cleaned them and took them back in place. That was it and they´re still working again.

[@Vincentbrennan1301]

I presume you could run this through a clean amp with similar effects?

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Yup 👍

[@TheCristalblak]

Por favor, traduce en español ❤

[@andyholmes9485]

Tried one but as you say, guitars are so different in feel in real life.

[@wjhandy]

You do have adjust the amp settings to the guitar just like real world

[@Adipsia1]

Really interesting video John. I guess that this comes down to organising sensory priorities. Surely first and foremost it should come down to sound rather than feel under the fingertips. If it sounds right you will change your playing style accordingly. The other red herring is in terms of aesthetics. Personally I would buy one of these for £350, rip the electrics out and build them into a body that took my fancy... and I'm seriously considering doing that. The biggest issue to overcome here is the G.A.S. one... I'm not sure how many people would truly want a guitar that covered all bases ? Because that would threaten the end of an addiction/habit.

[@edatkinson322]

John McFee of the Doobie Brothers uses one a lot

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

God damn dude rips on guitar

[@Instramark]

So clever as usual. Thanks John. You revive a lost interest. Rock on!

[@geemac7267]

So John, you'll be selling your other guitars now? Never!!! 😄

[@nancydavis6750]

Don't tell the wife, otherwise it'll be a case of 'why do you need all these different guitars when this one does it all?

[@valueofnothing2487]

Just say no. Once you go down that river, those no coming back.

[@AlBowly]

I think they are made by Yamaha

[@qualaup]

All Line 6 gitars sounds the same. lol

[@thapthoptheep2076]

Impressive demo, John - I'd quite like something like this, neck actually looks really nice on it.

[@charliebuttocks2400]

Ive got a bit of a snivelling cold actually John