Shuriken Variax - NAMM 2018 Demo

[@freezingCode]

To the young kid looking up tabs for his favorite 12'N songs... RIP.

[@JoeConlin]

snowBlind So funny, lol...and yet so true.

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

They must buy a Variax first

[@marcuscleary40]

Yeah it’s a pain in the arse haha

[@drgetwrekt869]

where? I didnt find any f tabs, and im not a kid.

[@wojciechuy2137]

@@drgetwrekt869 They actually have a profile on Pledgemusic.com where you can pay like 10 euro I believe to get all the tabs from Outlier for guitar. It's all written so that you know which riff uses which tuning. I have it and it helped me understand their music better. Cheers!

[@xSTONYTARKx]

Anyone calling him a lazy guitar player propably didn't realize how freakin much time and efford went into getting all these settings right. And it's not like he wrote it and then had to find the settings. He used it as a tool to expand what's possible to write. It's totally innovative, and faaaaar from lazy if you ask me.

[@a-nus]

I agree. This is as innovative an instrument as I've ever seen, and its simply a Swiss-army knife type instrument. People that don't like it aren't actual musicians, they're just tools with a guitar.

[@dannygrimsley7486]

He HAS been busy!

[@jakeGE]

Busy little beaver!

[@CavemanWithAStringStick]

Danny Grimsley I've been busier than a... than a cat. Yes. Burying shit. On concrete.

[@Silverbackmodeler]

Oh thats real busy

[@MrTrixzzzz]

Busier than a cat burying shit on concrete!

[@aspyr5681]

One might even argue that he was as busy as a blowfly at a barbecue

[@Anonymous.android]

Came for the guitar, stayed for this guy. Now I'm gonna check out his band cos I'm very intrigued after this

[@kooskansloos4834]

Lol. I'm not a guitar player, just came here cause I love his band!

[@Nospoon777]

12 foot ninja rox!

[@AaHo0102]

Stevic is the best Line 6 spokes person ever. Hire this man.

[@sebastianlacroix5871]

He has been one for a while now!

[@brianbaugusmusic]

.... They did tho.

[@Law-Enduring-Citizen]

@@brianbaugusmusic I think it’s just an endorsement

[@Niamorg1007]

Concerning the Variax, people are quick to judge Stevic and say he's too lazy to handle the parts on a regular tuned guitar, etc... But it shows great humility to put the song and the performance first, in my opinion. It may mean that he's not playing stuff that is as technical as other prog bands do these days, but allows for great musicianship, composition and live shows.

[@dougcronkhite2113]

I just think it's cool and versatile as all hell!

[@MultiWolfstorm]

I can see both sides of the argument. There are going to always be one kind of person who thinks that merely using everything within your grasp to find your sound and adapting to that is, in itself, innovative. That said, yeah, good luck to the average fan who might feel like they could play this song better but their Stratocaster doesn't magically change tunings on a click.

[@markuso1862]

@@tapomirbowles and he's a beast of a guitar player. If any of the "well, this way I could do it too" crowd still has any doubt there's some amazing acoustic live performance by TFN...

[@apoplexiamusic]

It’s the same argument old guard vinyl fanatic DJs spew when people talk about the new DJing devices that have sync, which matches the tempos of different audio sources. Why restrict oneself to deal with technical hurdles when we can just use technology to offer better performances?

[@ryelor]

And he’s literally playing on one guitar what other bands would do with 3 or 4 separate guitar players. Plus, each time he changes the tuning he has to remember the different chord shapes and fingering patterns. The dude’s crazy good, and innovation is like his super power.

[@JiTiAr35]

This is what makes this guy a unique guitarist. He utilizes the Variax technology to its maximum. Very creative as well.

[@IslamoradaHO]

My respect for this guitarist and the entire band just went up exponentially

[@StructureinSound]

I normally hate Demo's, because their EGO is MASSIVE. This guy I love, strange creativity, but well worth it. I might even listen to some Heavy Metal.

[@jonathanfancett7638]

You see the problem with this is simple, I no longer have an excuse to put off my creative plans by simply saying I cant find any gear versatile enough. This is game changer.

[@PaulFontaniniArtist]

Stevic the king of PowerPoint presentations! 👍

[@levelzero1]

Somehow "Amazing " just doesn't do this justice. THIS is how you push tech to the limits. I have a few 12 Foot Ninja albums, but I always figured they were doing that with a bunch of over-dubs in the studio. Seeing Stevic do that in a live environment is nuts --- it is NUTS. Just wild use of Line6 tech here. Love the look of the Shuriken, I don't really need a baritone --- but I really do love the look of it.

[@EssexMetalHead]

Worth pointing out, they're releasing a 25.5" scale version?

[@Elviolli]

@@EssexMetalHead They are, and they did and I just ordered one last week. Should be here any day now!

[@ImOutsideTheBox]

This kind of experimentation technically makes 12'N a prog band who've actually done something progressive and not going over the usual odd time sig modal music we've been hearing the last 20 years

[@filip100000]

It's not only about the guitar man

[@azhaz578]

and yet no one else in prog is doing this....

[@ImOutsideTheBox]

Az Haz so.... that is literally the definition of progress then isn't it?

[@azhaz578]

For sure, I was replying to Dolo.

[@ImOutsideTheBox]

Az Haz ah OK I gotchu ;)

[@earlbrackett6742]

just an insane amount of power with this guitar...the tunings in themselves are enough to warrant a purchase...

[@scozzit]

In Australia these guitars cost about $3000, I found a shuriken on Facebook marketplace for $1500, I hate modifying guitars for lower tunings, since buying this guitar I've learned so many songs I've always wanted play but couldn't, only thing I don't have is the pedal, just a Marshall and boss me50 pedal, I have the 270 model which is a bigger scale than I'm use to but still love playing it

[@LibertyCrypto]

To anyone saying that Stevic is not a "player": There is a video on here of him playing classical style/flamenco at age 15 or 16. Watch that and come back again ;)

[@Jammog123]

Heaviest guitar ive heard in my life. Brutal perfection.

[@lowtonezf104]

The concentration to play this alone is impressive. And it sounds beautiful

[@drmagex]

Great guitar with a great open mind, this also means that musicians that had accidents can still play guitar and keep the feeling!

[@greatreset3]

I hope Line6 realizes what a great demo this is! This is how you show the creative possibilities of their products. 🎵🎸

[@isbirwan]

Some times I got bullied from pedal lovers for using multiefx...now i have multiefx hero..tq Stevic 👍👍🤘🤘

[@imjustvibing2018]

Stevic is a guitar visionary. No he didn’t create the variax but he sure as hell engineers every possibility he can out of that guitar. He’s got to be considered a legendary guitarist for the innovation he’s brought to the instrument

[@livefreeanddonttread]

I just love 12 foot ninja. I am not a guitar player, but there just isnt enough material from these guys i need everything i can get.

[@Jammog123]

You built that guitar so should get 100% of the recognition

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

This guitar is smarter than 99% of all guitar players. Finally, an intelligent instrument to allow us to accomplish the "impossible". Thank you, Stevic! Rock on!

[@michaelenochs5024]

This is the first time I'm seeing this and I am straight blown away by this guitar.

[@rogersartandsolutions5074]

Variax for Bass isn't really as practical to make a range of basses for as it is for guitar.

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

​@@rogersartandsolutions5074 The first time I played the OG Variax Bass I was blown away by how versatile and true sounding it is with its individual bass models.. Or are you referring to the impracticality of Line 6 creating a new variax bass in general? Because as for the original, it absolutely does it's job well.

[@rogersartandsolutions5074]

@@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917 just the impracticality of creating a new line of basses. Also, pitch shifting never sounds that great if you do it to extremes. A pitch shifted guitar doesn't have anywhere near the low end a true bass does.

[@paulswang6428]

Well, of course I know Variax as LINE6 used to be one of PT Citra Intirama's brand lines. Thank you for making LINE6 even always better for our better musical living.

[@DreaNEO]

Stevic is a true wizard, alchemist, sorcerer...brilliant. Always waiting to see what he and his mates do next.

[@ShurikenGuitars]

=)

[@NonnyStrikes]

Honestly... I can't wait to get my hands on that exact guitar model you have of variax. I bought the first model when it came out. When my local gtr tech did a demo for me, I said YES. He showed me everything else there after... and it literally sped up my learning process ten fold. Eventually I sold it because I didn't like the feel of it. But here we are... MANY years later and they finally have a "metal style" neck and feel that's pretty close to an ibanez. I'm saving up, almost there. Gonna use it at the club I DJ for to really amp up my nightly performances.

[@jamesdeininger3759]

You won’t regret it. I’ve got a James Tyler Variax and absolutely love it. The Shurikan looks dope.

[@NonnyStrikes]

@@jamesdeininger3759 OH I KNOW! I DJ for a local club and I'm adding lots of different midi/guitar into my sets

[@joelbrown6411]

Innovative. You make it look seamless and easy. The amount of time and effort to put it all together must be monolithic. I can't imagine how much more so without this great tool.

[@ZolFox]

In Drop C that chord with the crazy stretch is absurdly easy to play. I know cuz I recognized it right away as an F13 chord that I’ve used from time to time. Although that second variation with the root dropping to E is pretty deadly sounding. Sick.

[@sttarch5150]

My Helix has replaced my amps, but I have a single tube amp (Marshall Monoblock) to play the Helix through. It is a life-changing technology. Don't even think the emulation is going to be poor. It has finally been perfected. The variax is great, but I still rely on my other guitars.

[@philipsgarage]

Same, I ended up selling all my tubes amps after I got one.

[@marksto6581]

The best standup show I've ever watched)) God bless Stevic! \mm/

[@jamesdeininger3759]

I absolutely love my Variax. Been gigging with it for 4 years. I really wish they’d bring us an upgrade and support the tech though. It’s a game hanging instrument.

[@meantime69]

" I just jazzed! " - Stevic, ... at some point, for no reason

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Thats just nuts but awesome at the same time just simply amazing love it

[@OrinSorinson]

This guy... he's really been busy.

[@peterengdahl4087]

Best presentation ever.

[@moosterable]

So good to see an Aussie doing this stuff. Variax rocks!

[@erik3079]

Who knew a genius musician could also be capable of the best Ted Talk you’ll ever see?

[@Rockitout32]

I'm saving up to buy one of these this year. Stevic and 12 Foot Ninja have inspired me to get serious with my career in music. And nothing in this world could be more inspiring to a guitarist than the limitless possibilities this Shuriken offers. Thank you so much Line 6 and Stevic! 🤘🤘

[@Rockitout32]

I can appreciate that advice. But honestly, I'd rather get the sounds that Stevic gets and love the music that I make, rather than cater to the gear snobs who would not take a musician seriously based solely on what they choose to play. I don't know if you've ever listened to any Twelve Foot Ninja songs, but they have some of the best guitar tones I've ever heard. Not trying to be snappy or anything. Just continuing the discussion. I appreciate different viewpoints and opinions.

[@ShurikenGuitars]

Shit. Here I was thinking I existed in the "real world"! ha ha ha WTF are you on about Nick!? Taken more seriously by who??? If you can make cool music, use whatever the F you want - only insecure amateurs judge people by their gear.

[@MrDmadness]

People pay to see a professional play an instrument. Dead strings without muting is lazy. Would you be stoked to go see a drummer and then he just fucks a track on easydrummer? No.

[@MrDmadness]

Clicks a track.. auto correct.

[@V3xxe]

@@MrDmadness I would rather watch a dude look like he's putting in energy for his performance instead of stood still, staring at his fretboard.

[@cpamiseso]

He's such a guitar nerd, interesting to watch while he explains shits about Variax.

[@RedbackRecordz]

Amazing technology we have now days! Twelve foot ninja is such a cool band! Wish I could afford this setup! Stevic really knows how to get the best out of this setup too! Awesome 🤘🤘

[@dedexyz8475]

Wow! I don't play guitar, but if I did....this is it! I do play drums...and this reminds me of going from acoustic kits to electronic...and being able to tune/change the sounds...via sliders.

[@hms2407]

True evolution of the instrument. I need to get one of these!

[@jhopper007]

Great charismatic speaker!

[@gribblegreeble]

super cool Stevic time!

[@codybruce3864]

Such a talented and charismatic guy.

[@ImposterMalone]

I'm a minute and 46 seconds into the video and the guitarist of one of my fave bands just told the internet it's great to not hat to touch his guitar.. . . . ?

[@jazzylei143]

He's very talented and unique

[@jasonhartley-smith9680]

Dude! Just insane skills and Helix/Veriax skills.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Since Yamaha now owns Line 6, what about another Variax edition modeled physically after the SBG-2000? The Shurkien is appealing, as a guitar for the user who is prioritizing the modeling over anything he/she would do with the hardware pickups, but it’s probably more functional to continue manufacturing guitars prioritizing the traditional hardware in perfect tandem with the modeling technology. And, what cooler way to continue the amalgam of traditional electric guitar technology with the modeling technology than by emulating Yamaha’s (arguably) most classic electric guitar model, the SBG-2000?

[@airbo0309]

Stevic is my Spirit Animal 🤘🏻

[@joshuabenton3785]

Good demo! Rough audience.

[@sim911]

Amazing! Best guitar, best technology, best band! Really best band!

[@spsanders69]

I absolutely LOVE my JTV59! Who knows may entertain another Variax for a different neck feel. Though, nice thing about the Variax, pretty much one guitar to rule them all. I like how they changed the tunings to User 1, User 2 etc. Since I usually change tuning to something different than what is actually on the knob Just got my Helix last week and will start doing some of the Variax controls. I replaced a HD500 which I controlled the variax somewhat, but the Helix looks to make it so much simpler. Great demo, never thought about muting some strings for certain songs that don't use certain strings. Amazing how he can keep all of the different tunings straight Such an amazing versatile combination.

[@JustinChampa]

I’m with ya. Got the JTV-59 first. Was the only guitar I used live for gigs for almost 2 years. I also love Strat-style guitars, so I picked up a JTV-69 last year. Now I love ‘em equally. They’re the only 2 guitars I bring to gigs. And I’m talking as a guy who already had a Les Paul, a PRS, a USA Strat, and a MusicMan “Luke”! I’ve barely used any of them since acquiring a Variax!

[@robdubent]

What a great presentation. Cheers!

[@7strSlnger678]

I would LOVE a Shuriken with a tremolo (I still secretly wish for a 7 string, but one thing at a time lol (I use a lot of 7 string voicings))

[@RadityoPramAdi]

and Shuriken bass please?

[@RadityoPramAdi]

btw great playing Stevic!

[@ShurikenGuitars]

Cheers mate!

[@0num4]

No wonder I can't fucking figure out how to play Oxygen. Bastard! :D

[@christophermurphy7723]

Not cheating, it's another creative, way to get our musical crazy out there, If you like have one of these you aren't using, u can send it to me,! THANKS FOR THE DEMO..

[@Metroidam11]

Never heard of this band but this dude is awesome. Also, the use of stock photos was hilarious. Kinda want this guitar now too...

[@EternalColdMusic]

like will below me, 3 years ago. I came today because I was like "wtf line 6 made guitars?!" and now I'm on spotify looking up Twelve foot Ninja, fuck that was sick

[@sb6232]

Killer tone sheesh!!

[@mindfuc]

Stevic is a Legend!

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Weird that we have to say that it’s brave to use this type of thing to play music. People might put “playing guitar” before “playing music” and honestly... I worry I might be one of those people.

[@kalebevans2846]

Yeah things like completely muting strings and automatic tuning just kind of set off red flags. I think it's incredibly useful to use things like this as a performer but beginners probably shouldn't use them. You need to at least learn how to play a normal guitar. If you can do that, I don't think anybody cares what guitar you use as long as it sounds good.

[@molliemicrobe]

Aae Beb ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@talkingbredstiks]

So it's basically the ultimate beginners guitar

[@markuso1862]

Lol, good luck with that

[@mido3ontheway]

I remember the first time watching this and the riff at 19:55 just completely blew me away lol been a fan since

[@MoontownMoss]

He's been busy.

[@underscoreisnotvalid]

the most hilarious man in all of rock and roll

[@Draken0023]

I bought a Shuriken a couple weeks ago. Quality control must have gone to lunch when mine came down the line. The model select knob fell apart the first time I used it. The "alternate tuning" mode never works right. It sounds like a bunch of out-of-tune strings being layered in on top of another out-of-tune string. The action is WAY to high to make playing even the simplest of chords comfortable. The ONLY time it doesn't sound like total trash is when it's directly linked to a computer and the signal is being cleaned up by the Workbench software. As far as playing this guitar live without the use of a computer goes; zero out of five stars. Be warned; using this guitar without cramming a computer into your lineup is going to be VERY disappointing. The whole point, for me, of purchasing this guitar was so that I could program the settings I wanted, unplug it from the computer, and use it like any other guitar. The demo Stevic made where he was demonstrating the ability to "quickly change tunings" was what got me hyped for this guitar. I should have paid more attention to when he got a sound that was "a bit dodgy". That's all I get from this guitar. I'll be returning it and will not be asking for an exchange. Love Stevic and Twelve Foot Ninja, but Line 6 failed hard on this instrument. For those of you who are happy with it; awesome. I, however, would not recommend purchasing a $1400 guitar that requires a computer link to sound good and super glue to hold together the hardware.

[@ShurikenGuitars]

You need to be mindful of hearing the strings acoustically . . . I always have my output source louder than what I can hear unplugged. WorkBench doesn't "clean up" the sound - it just enables you to edit and save guitars. I've never brought a computer to a show. I just recall guitars/tunings in my Helix settings. If the "setup" of the guitar is shit, or any component is busted - take it back and get a refund, repair or exchange - but hang in there with the tech. It's different to anything else so there will inevitably be a learning curve.

[@Draken0023]

Shuriken Guitars It's definitely not the acoustic sound that I'm hearing. Even with headphones on. There is definitely a difference when using Workbench, too. When plugged into a computer, the alternate tuning works flawlessly. Plugged into my amps and effects, it doesn't. I don't have a Helix and, quite frankly after this, will not be spending any more money on Line 6 guitars and effects. There is hope for the tech, but after such a terrible experience, I'm no longer really interested in this particular product. Maybe after some updates I'll be willing to take another look. The "setup" is definitely a bit too stiff for my liking anyways. Again, if everyone else received a good product that functions as advertised; awesome! I did not, though, and $1400 is a lot of money for a dud. On top of that, having to spend another thousand to $1500 for an effects processor puts a damper on the guitar's overall appeal. I'm sure there are a lot of people who can afford things like that, but I'm not one of them. Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully things improve in the future and I can try again

[@ShurikenGuitars]

If you make a video demonstrating what you mean and post on the Shuriken Guitars facebook page: I can give you more specific feedback. WorkBench doesn't really work the way you're describing (or the way I'm interpreting what you're saying) which indicates something is either wrong or being lost in translation. It very well might be a dud - that's always a possibility - but it's also often user error. When you don't get an instant result and have forked out your hard earned it can induce anxiety and disdain pretty quickly. I totally get that. Question: when you're plugged into your amp, are you in Variax mode? (i.e. is the model knob LED lit) What is the model set to? What is the tuning select set to? Is the battery charged? Are you saving tunings into the guitar in workbench then recalling them when you're plugged into your amp?

[@Draken0023]

Shuriken Guitars Yes, the guitar is in Shuriken mode. The issue is that when I'm attempting to change the tuning using the onboard software, the sound that is produced is awful. There seem to be layers of different sounds all being combined onto one string and they're all out of tune. No matter what guitar I select after that (acoustic, Spank, etc), the sound is the same. I don't have Facebook, so I'll try to post something here to KZbin later when I have a chance to record. Also, my computer is down at the moment, so I'm unable to plug in and demonstrate the difference between using Workbench and not. All of this aside, when I turned the model select for the first time, the top portion of the knob completely fell off, and there's no excuse for that. I understand that mistakes and quality issues occur in a production facility, as I work in a major automotive manufacturing plant. The fact that a flawed product reached a customer is unacceptable, though. There should be a more extensive testing process and final inspection before a product is even prepared to ship. I will post the link here once I've recorded the video. Unfortunately, the video will be public and therefore openly viewed by potential customers. I will make note in the video, as well as in the video's description, that my case may be unique, but I feel that some may jump to conclusions regardless.

[@ShurikenGuitars]

There are a number of possibilities regarding how the top part of the knob got damaged - it isn't a forgone conclusion that the guitar was shipped with a busted knob, although that of course is a possibility. Shuriken Guitars are made the same place PRS, Chapman, Schecter and a number of other well known guitar brands are made and the same level of quality control is implemented. Regardless, it is completely covered by warranty. The issue about the tuning is what I'm interested in...First of all, is the guitar perfectly in tune physically? Then if you press the model select knob down so the LED comes on, and select say the SPANK model, then change the tuning knob to drop C . . . You're saying that you're hearing multiple notes at the same time on one string through your output source eg. amp? Have you modified any of the settings in WorkBench? Are you aware there is a PARALLEL PITCH setting in WorkBench designed for 12 string models which can add another "note" to each string? Has that setting been turned on and saved anywhere? Maybe reload the Factory Bundle to make sure nothing has been bunged up along the way . . . line6.com/data/6/0a020a3e0da558ec1d1217cd8/file/%20zip/variax-shuriken-bundle.zip

[@josephwalton487]

So...Line 6... Can you guys please make a bass version of the Shuriken in bright yellow with black hardware? Oh my god that would be brutal.

[@tama6767]

what a great way to explain the guitar

[@elirhoades9418]

Well, Stevic’s a genius.

[@naiyalexic]

i so need this

[@ScottHerbert1975]

Now that's how you powerpoint!

[@elalchymist6107]

When do we get to have that technology installed in a 4 string bass and an 8 string guitar^^?

[@brighterhealthshop]

I' ve just incorporated his tunings and expanded on some on the Helix. The Acoustics sound better 1 whole step down. Also standard tuning 5 steps below is also killer giving up B as the outside strings changing things. Some of these tunings can change RB and hip hop for me.

[@evilutionltd]

Fuck, I love that last song, it got me into 12 for ninja, now I’m gonna have to buy the guitar.

[@jonkerrmusic]

This man is an underappreciated priest of tone chasing.

[@WillCollins]

Stevik is too good for this world

[@VRCM_Skywarn_XUSA]

Embrace, the learning curve.

[@zaesoodl]

This guy is genius lol

[@felipefarias7654]

Best Demo ever!

[@GuillermoSmyser]

“That’s cheating” “No. THAT’S cheating.” Lol

[@k.2768]

Is there any chance this guitar will make its way into the market again ? I saved for years to finally buy it and now it’s gone 😢.

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

Fuck yeah Stevic! That was awesome and that was a tough crowd. Everyone had sticks up their asses.

[@theicon2125]

I'll never understand how they managed to get this sorcery to work but I really want to try it.

[@Nicky-T]

It's the best. I've been using them for years. Pair with a Helix and your tones are limitless

[@adakhochalai]

Good luck covering his songs

[@drinalco]

Not enough juice for the squeeze. Legendary quote

[@drinalco]

dumptrucks. Falling. FROM THE SKY!

[@Beb3emCovers90]

That last bit was hilarious hahahaha 😂

[@mido3ontheway]

Beb3em Covers ساموعليكو هاهاهاها

[@HenryDarr]

Sold !

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

“I want the coffee mug!” Uh huh! With the tunings Stevic’s come up with, do ya think he’s bought a couple of Joni Mitchell LPs?

[@MsPedro444]

hey you should do now one variax for the more kind of a modern player , something like the Ibanez az or Charvel DK24 with the variax tecnology that would sweet with the 24 frets , roasted Maple , Stainless Steel frets , Locking Tuners , Fishman pickups , floating trem and with the locking sadles from Wilkinson would be a bomb . please Line 6 ! if you can Hear me !

[@Mugenloo]

This guy is hilarious

[@Hanssone]

This stuff is blowing my mind

[@kenboi169]

Nice presentation!

[@trevorcupps6180]

It would be great if they somehow made it possible to mute the open strings so that it's like a mute but not actually a mute

[@rickhuepers5161]

So much cooler than what we had in 1968.

[@jasontheryan]

When aliens learn how to play guitar.