Using Variax & Helix for a Led Zeppelin Tribute Show
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- Опубліковано 2 лют 2020
- FULL SHOW NOW AT • Led Zeppelin show w/36...
www.thediscographers.com
We're doing a Led Zeppelin show at the Clark Planetarium Hansen Dome Theater March 6 & 7, 2020. 52 minutes synced to 360 degree animations project on the dome all around us. We've gotta stay with the animation. No room for mess ups. The Line 6 Variax & Helix controlled by MIDI make the guitar part super easy. Randin walks you through his parts here to show how this allows him to play one guitar instead of six, and focus on his performance rather than dealing with gear.
I can't even imagine how much time it took to piece together all the patches and snapshots... and then to sync with midi. That's a lot of work brother... nice when it pays off. I appreciate all the effort. Well done.
Thanks! The programming and sync stuff for the Helix was nothing compared to the rest of the project. Since we had to play in sync with existing animation made to the original album tracks, I had to tempo map all the tunes... and I can tell you for sure - Zeppelin definitely did not play to a click! :P
This is why I have Variaxes and Helix. Great video!
Thanks!
Thanks for letting us in on your inner workings of your show. Really great!!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
So well presented, no editing needed. Incredible job and really informative - thank you.
Thank you!
OUTSTANDING! Great ART and technical expertise! Excellent job!
Thanks!
This was phenomenal to watch. I just ordered a Variax Standard and can’t wait to play it through my Helix. I’m also a huge Led Zep fan so your video really caught my attention. Great playing. Awesome sounds.
Thanks, and enjoy!
Can’t wait to see the live show with everything together! Hopefully someone records a video! 🤘😉
I'm definitely going to set up at least my DSLR with a widescreen lens. The good news is, playing to a click, the show will be the same ev3ry time, so I can shoot a different angle each of the four shows we're doing, and as long as we dress the same, I can edit together to one soundtrack.
Astounding demo. You've got a good ear for Page's tones and the programming is mind blowing.
Thanks!
Great sounds comin' outa that set up. You put in the time and it shows! Would love to have seen the tribute show.
Thanks! You can find the whole thing here - ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html
Really excellent to see how you're using the helix for a complicated show like this. You're giving me so much inspiration! Anyways, nice work!
Thanks!
Great example of how variax and Helix can be used! Thank you!
Thanks for watching! I was using amps when I made this video, but I'm doing it with models in there now. We just did another Zeppelin show a few weeks ago and the opening act guitarist complimented the tones and said he was looking around for my tube amps during our sound check. People of course can be snobs about this technology, but the proof is in the pudding/performance!
super cool and impressive. mad patience and perseverance skills for sure! well done.
Thanks!
God damn - absolute clinic. BRILLIANT job, man. Thanks! 🙏🤘
Thanks! And I'm uploading the show now. It's huge, so... you know, check back next week. :P
Wow! Very complex and impressive.
Wow!! I too have a Variax & Helix. You've opened more creative ideas for me using the Variax. Thanks 🎸
Nice! Enjoy!
Great demo🎉
thanks!
Well I think you just wrote the definitive video guide to how to maximize the huge array of solutions that helix-variax integration has. The only missing piece is if you had also used amp/cab modeling too but other than that, this was an awesome walk through of the other unique capabilities.
Thanks! I'm going to move to amp modeling, too, so I'll have to make another video some time to fill in that missing piece.
“Paging” through a lot of different effects...love that pun!
It was an accident, I swear! :P
Love this! Great job with this!
Thanks!
Great video, I wish you all the best for your band, clearly you did your homework trying to sound the best as possible as LZep, 👏👏
Thanks! You can check out the show, too, if you like! ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html
Excellent video!
Thanks for checking it out!
WOW amazing playing and spot on tones/patches. Love love that. Led Zep / Page sure had a crazy mix of stuff to create all his sounds. Helix+Variax is amazing to make it easier. Hope to get a Variax one day to match with my Helix LT
I got 3 more Variaxes since making this video. :P I think I'm done now, though... unless (fingers crossed) a new version comes out.
hi. not sure if you'r aware but the your Helix LT model is not capable of the above. It has no Variax interface plug.
Nicely done. I used to do the same thing, except I used a pair of the original Vetta amp. Helix didn’t exist back in 2013. I’m sure you blew the audience away on all aspects! I’ve been on a bit of a hunt for Variax users of all styles because I used to Beta test for Line 6 from 2008 til 2012. I told them what I liked, what worked, and what didn’t. Line 6 executives really hated me for pointing flaws in their ‘machine’ as well as business model including salesmanship, demo booths, etc., etc. I wish there had been players like yourself I could have interviewed and presented to those same executives hoping they might care about what their sales base thought. Alas, the company was sold because they ignored my warning about getting into the PA business. The R&D and all that killed the company with horrible sales even though they came out with good powered speakers. If you read this, I’ve saved it and perhaps you might be willing to compare experiences and such? Best wishes!
Sounds great!!
Thanks! You can check out how it worked for the show, too, if you like. ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html
The Helix/Variax combo pretty much healed by gas affliction. Almost no limit to its functionality and you have proved it here. Total appreciation for what you have done. Thanks for the run down, I loved it.
Thanks! It didn't quite cure my GAS, though. I now have 5 JTVs! 59, 59p, 69 and two 69s. Sad, eh?
@@TheDiscographers I would have another if I could justify it. In your case, I wouldn't say too many. Obviously you need back-up guitars but I would be willing to bet you could make good use of the extra capabilities to store alt tunings and your imagination probably stretches the storage capacity of the tuning wheel - it only has 10@#*. I could be tempted by a Tele version if they ever decide to do that. It would depend on the pups.
Forgot to mention that I really enjoyed the link to your DOME show - thanks.
@@78tag Thanks again! And yeah, originally I had the 69s, then 59 seen in this video. I got the 59p partly because P90s are awesome, and partly to be a backup for the 59. Then the 69s became an important part of a Pink Floyd show I do, using drop D and open G tunings. So I needed another 69s as backup for that show. The HSS 69 was kind of an accidental acquisition on the way to the 2nd 69s, but ended up used in the Floyd show for one song as well, where the humbucker in the bridge was really useful. But I think I can live with a backup for that and am done now!
Oh... but I was also gonna say, I mostly store tunings in the Helix snapshots and mostly use stock guitars in the Variax, so the limited memory locations isn't an issue for me.
@@TheDiscographers Oh yea, I didn't think of that. SNAPSHOTS are the greatest thing going. After the latest update to the Helix and HX EDiT, my Variax/Workbench HD and EDIT no longer talk to each other so my ideas get a little restricted these days. When the tech interferes with playing I kind of loose interest. That's a shame because changing tunings is one of my favorite uses of this gear.
Wow. I learned a lot. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Very cool what you are doing!
Thanks! Since then I added amp modeling and a bunch of tunes. I also do a Pink Floyd show the same way, though I use some normal Strats and acoustics for that one. I just use the Variax JTV-69S for tunes where there are quick switches back and forth between songs in drop D, and one in open G.
Slick! I've got one also and it is additive! Hope you had a great show; sounds like it would have been!
Thanks, yep! Video of the full show is linked in the description. It was the weekend right before everything shut down. I'm so glad it went ahead after all the work we put into it!
Helix + Variax + FRFR = nirvana. Nothing can touch it in a cover band, that's for sure. I control my effects, amps, guitars, tunings all with a touch of a footswitch. Incredibly powerful.
I've been half-asking it with Helix and real amps up until now, but have some downtime now and am going to start setting up the amp modeling. I can't wait for my first gig load-in!
Aren't the snapshots just a wonder.
Yeah man !
I've been playing guitar for nearly 40 yrs...... Around the same time it would take me to figure out that technology 😂🎶🎸
Haha. It seems daunting until you get into it. Setting up Helix patches is pretty intuitive, though. You just pick an amp and your pedals and line them up, just like you would in real life, but you've got more and don't have to carry them around!
@@TheDiscographers
Sounds like a good idea to be fair.
I suppose if you're playing to a video and a click and the patch volumes are set so that they cut through the main mix when needed then happy days.
My experience of pre loaded patches with a live band is that everything is OK until the drummer digs in and you now have to start pissing around with settings to cut thru a mix!
Or.... Perfect in one venue but not in another and the sound man says the settings are the same as last time??! 😂
Fantastic! A recent Shuriken owner... giving me a lot of ideas
Do them all!
Very Nice 👍
Thanks!
Very nice job. No dickin around just covering how a player would use this setup. A website where one could download Variax/helix personalities, Page, Beck, Gilmore, etc.
Guitar Pro sync for the scores , lyrics and backing tracks.
Karaoke 2.0
I had no idea Led Zeppelin music was that complicated. I stick to playing in the bedroom.
I’ve just purchased this exact setup inspired by your video to play with my band which does a combination of funked-up jazz standards and original compositions. Would you ever be willing to share / sell your patches for your Zeppelin Show?
This is one of the better demos of Variax/Helix I've seen in a while. I've been considering a Variax BUT it is at least 8 years old and Helix is 4 years old so I'm expecting Line 6 to start dropping "new" gear to replace these items right in time for the holiday season. Is your JTV a US model or Korean? Very clever programming and signal splitting. I can't blame you for tuning down if you are going to sing early Led Zep. Cheers.
They just dropped a new variax standard :) but i see what you mean
would you please send a link to share presets?
7:32 Can you hear any dissonance from the E flat tuned strings when your using the digital tuning with Double D (or whichever tuning you may be using).
It would seem to me that there would be some clash as our ears are so close to the now unamplified strings and their vibration .. if you follow me?
Yeah, that definitely happens at bedroom volume levels, enough to drive you crazy. Especially if you're sitting down so the guitar is up close and cozy with you. But once you're at band rehearsal or gig volume levels and/or using IEM's as I do, you don't notice it at all.
@@TheDiscographers Thanks for the swift replay, Sir. So, it would seem that headphones would be the order of the day for quiet practice time then, when using that feature at home. Something like the Boss Waza-air maybe? (been looking for an excuse to purchase a pair for a while now, especially as they're €100 cheaper now on Amazon 😅 )
Regards from Ireland
@@coolmacatrain9434 Yeah, headphones if you're trying to keep it quiet. That said, I do play out loud at home with it. It doesn't have to be deafening. I probably have it loud enough to bug the wife, but not the neighbours.😆 And as I said, standing is better than sitting.
Great video, I was wondering which output from the Variax you are using? Don't you have to use the ethernet jack to control the models from the helix? are you using both 1/4 inch and ethernet?
Yeah, I'm using a VDI cable for this. You don't need the 1/4" if you're using the VDI. The cable that comes with the guitar is a flimsy computer-like cable with creases, but you can buy nicer cables that feel more like a normal guitar cable.
In normal gigs, I'm mostly wireless and just plug in the VDI when I need mid-song model or tuning switches. I wish it could be wireless all the time, but Line 6 has said it'd be really expensive and they don't believe the market is there to make it worthwhile.
Was the magnetic pickup sound tuned down 1/2 step? I’ve never tried it. I’d heard that if you do that it causes havoc with the modeling but it sounds fine to me.
You can tune the strings however you like and the modeling will work fine. You just have to know that the modeled tunings change relative to the real strings. So if you tune down a half step, the DADGAD tuning setting will not be DADGAD, but DbAbDbGbAbDb. Which is much harder to say.😝
Awesome,,,,,,, You look like a friend of mine from as band called Meaningless Tag ....
New to the Line 6 Helix. Question - you can change preset, modeling and tuning with one switch press depending how the preset is programmed?
Yep. Just to get the terminology right, the top level on the Helix is Patches. The patch contains all the effects and whatnot - essentially a patch is a virtual pedal board. And with Variax, it stores Variax settings as well. But you also have 8 Snapshots within each Patch. In each snapshot, you can change all of the settings in any of the effects in the patch and on the Variax. So off the top of my head, I'd say go to the Stairway to Heaven part of this video. You'll see that within one patch, I go to an acoustic model, a 12-string Rick model and a Tele model, sometimes mixing in the Variax's magnetic pickups as well, and I turn various effects on and off. That's all within one Patch, but changing the settings with Snapshots.
It wasn't in this show, but I also use this setup for 'When the Levee Breaks.' In that one, I switch Variax models and tunings midsong via a Snapshot to go from the rhythm guitar part to the slide solo.
Excellent. I wonder if Jimmy has seen this?
Excelllent demo! Been a convert for years now. I'm a little nervous that Yamaha, who now own Line 6, doesn't seem to be that interested in the Variax guitars, but I hope they'll continue to evolve and improve cuz I'm all on board with it and don't want to look back.
Yeah, it hasn't caught on and sold well enough for it to be a priority for them. I'm scared support will go away in the not too distant future. But I'll stick with it as long as my gear lasts!
@@TheDiscographers Also (and your no doubt aware of it) Variax string volumes are adjustable through the Helix, too. I personally use that a lot for my fingerstyle stuff since my thumb picking tends to be louder that my fingers, especially for the acoustic models. It's also great if you have balance issues with the separate piezo pickup, too.
@@guitarjonn7103 Yep, I actually do one big cheat with that. It's not in the show this video was about, but when we do 'When the Levee Breaks,' I play guitar, sing, and play a harmonica in a clamp. Since you don't need the two low strings in that guitar part, I just turn them off so I don't have to worry about accidentally hitting them and can just strum away on the guitar and keep more of my attention on the vocals or harmonica.
@@TheDiscographers Awesome!
@@TheDiscographers That is truly amazing!
Incredible! Just wanted to know whether there is any discernible latency when you are using the alternate tunings?
Some very fast and picky shredders say yes. Most of us mortal humans say no.
I play w/ a Rod Stewart Tribute act and am up to 3 onstage guitars plus a Mosaic 12 string effect in addition to a Boss ME 80. Really considering this as I do an acoustic/electric duo that does a wide variety of stuff. Seriously considering this.
I obviously recommend it! And if it's not obvious, I'm not affiliated with Line 6, James Tyler Guitars, or Yamaha in any way.
@@TheDiscographers Just bought one!!
@@jjzuc Enjoy!
@@TheDiscographers Just got a JTV59 today! Been working on acoustic sounds all day. Took a while but I got some nice sounds.
Great stuff... Im on the fence at the moment... I have an expensive Tayor that I am thinking of getting rid of in favor of this setup.
I am more of acoustic player these days playing all these different tunings and I am SOOOO tired of re-tuning my guitar. Switch.. nother tuning... switch ..and another
I am TORN... being tied to an amp...electricity... but being able to switch tunings on the fly... TOUGH CHOICE
Well, you have to go with the one obvious solution. Both!
Variax is cool but will never replace the feel and fulfilling sound of an acoustic.
Of course, you could go for multiple cheaper Taylors and have them live in different tunings.
@@TheDiscographers I am so intrigued by the versatility. I ditched my electric set-up (LP, Digitech 2112, MESA Boogie) to pick up my Taylor because I wasn't playing electric much. This looks and sounds good. To your point though... It'll never replace the sound but I've heard some stuff that came pretty darn close... Richie Castellano ( ua-cam.com/video/JFQx5tYuT7k/v-deo.html ) has a great tutorial.
Thanks for your reply
Sell those presets?
Sounds great, man. I have the 59P, gold top
You probably know this but a fun fact- D'yer Mak'er is pronounced Jamaica.
Corny old joke.
My wife's gone to the West Indies.
Jamaica?
No, she wanted to go...
Works best with a Black Country accent and explains the Reggae feel
Good luck with the show.
I'm jealous of that gold top! I'm tempted every time I see a used one pop up but can't justify it right now. I love P90s but right now only have a thinline Telecaster with them.
And yeah, it's "Jamaica" with a Jamaican accent, and I can't bring myself to say it with full commitment!
once Line 6 releases a wireless system for the Variax, I'll buy a Variax.
Where did you download your patches, or did you make them yourself? Looking at buying a Helix and wanted to know the best place to get Led Zeppelin patches. You sound amazing by the way!
Thanks! I did it all myself, and it's easy! I hadn't even owned the Helix very long. It's worth getting in there and learning it yourself. A lot of people go down the rabbit hole with super elaborate setups, buying third party IR's and such, but I just use the Helix stock, put a few pedals and amps in order, and get compliments on my tone all the time.
@@TheDiscographers good to know! Thanks for your help!
Any variax will do ???? because i have an old Variax 300 and a workbench
You can certainly do cool things with a 300, but you can't do everything I did in this video. Most importantly, I used the JTV's "real" magnetic pickups a lot, and you don't have any of those on your 300! The newer Standard, JTV line and Shuriken Variaxes have pickups.
Congratulations, great job !!!
what do you think of this line 6 james tyler variax jtv-59?
does it have a heavy weight?
compared to a real gibson les paul what do you think?
Do you recommend it also in 2022?
Thanks and congratulations again !!!
Max
Confession: I've never had a Gibson Les Paul. I was always mostly Fender, Taylor and Steinberger until getting into JTV's. From my little experience with LPs, I'd say the JTV-59 is a little lighter and fixes a couple of the known LP problems. The headstock isn't at a "please break me" angle and the neck joint is carved for much better high fret access.
Yes, I still recommend it. Since this video, I bought a JTV-59P, another JTV-69S and a JTV-69! And I have moved to amp modeling in the Helix rather than just using it as multi-effects before amps like I did in this video. And I get compliments on my tone all the time.
@@TheDiscographers Thanks for replying.
Saw the "concert" ... Great sound !! compliments!!!
I wonder how is the simulation of the layer and the canvas compared to the original since you've always played with it?
how much does the JTV-59 guitar cost?
is it still new or do you have to go to the second-hand market?
Thanks and congratulations again!
@@massimilianogullini5222 Thank you! They are not easy to find and there are always rumors that they will no longer be made, but someone from Line 6 said they're just delayed by supply chain issues. Here in the USA, they are around US$1100 new or $800-900 used.
@@TheDiscographers thanks!
Are tele and strato modeler good?
what is your favorite simulation? do you still use the stratocaster and telecaster or just jtv 59
@@massimilianogullini5222 We had a gig tonight. I brought a Taylor for acoustic songs, a JTV-59 and a JTV-69S for everything electric. Honestly, the Strat and Tele models are good, but I prefer the real thing. Variaxes don't totally replace the real thing for me. But in the context of a cover band gig, I'd rather have Variaxes that cover more sounds. I used to bring like 6 electric guitars to cover band gigs. :P A 12-string, a baritone, one Strat in Eb, one in standard, a Steinberger for humbuckers and crazy tremolo, etc. Now just the Variaxes. Remember that the 69S is basically a Strat with real pickups PLUS Variax tech, and the 59 has real humbuckers like an LP. I mostly play with the real pickups, but use the models for certain songs through the set for different sounds or tunings as needed.
Nearly perfect. The only (big) improvement would be to run the acoustic instruments side to a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI to the PA.
Thanks, but yeah, for what it's worth, after that show, I did start routing the acoustic models to the PA. One reason I didn't on this first run was that we didn't have a good PA, just the planetarium's house speakers that were far away from the band. I'll have to look into that DI.
And also mix and match acoustic IR to the Variax (on the presets). It does augment the “real” aspect of the sound.
The only thing about running stereo through 2 amps is they are never going to be completely balanced in terms of sound. Even here on UA-cam, sometimes the left ear is noticeably louder. Just something to keep in mind if the show you play is fully in stereo... I only use time based effects in stereo. 2 identical analog amps are gonna behave differently, no matter what you do, and with 2 different guitars especially. Really informative otherwise!!
Wouldn't the test be how it sounds through a Kemper or Fractal?
Nope. This video demos the integration of Helix and Variax. Kemper and Fractal can't do that and don't have an alternate technology to compare with Variax.
These all sound great! How did the show work out?
You tell me! ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html
@@TheDiscographers ah... sounded great!
@@BillVerdon thanks!
Just pulled the trigger on a Variax. This was a pretty solid demo, though you didn't delve into settings details as much as I had hoped. Just one comment: the song "D'yer Mak'er" was meant to be pronounced like someone with a thick English accent saying "Jamaica".
You're the third person to comment on 'D'yer Mak'er'. :P Yeah, I know, but in the moment, I just didn't have it in me to put on the accent required to say their dumb pun correctly, so that's just how it came out.
Yeah, I was trying to be as brief as I could to make a demo as opposed to a detailed how-to video. As has been commented on elsewhere, though, the effect settings are really really simple and I only used the stock Variax models. I'm no power user of Variax or Helix, and the settings are really basic. What's cool is how you can string it all together to make a show flow, so that's what I'm showing.
@@TheDiscographers Yeah, that really is the foundational value of a rig like this, isn't it? Even with just a fairly basic level of understanding what it can do, you can do SO MUCH! Then if and when you want to dig deeper, that's available to you, too. The one drawback to owning a rig like this, as far as I can tell, is that you have to spend time doing other things like working for a living. You can't possibly devote as much time to it as you probably would like.
Are these on the Line 6 customtone website?
Sorry, nope, for a few reasons. Mostly, I used real tube amps, so am only using the Helix as multi-effects, plus the tunings are really specific to my half-step down norm and lower on a few tunes. So it's not even close to a plug-and-play setup for most Helix/Variax users.
@@TheDiscographers Understood. Thanks for the reply!
VERY Cool Video....I see a used JTV69 near me..but I ALREADY own 15 gtrs and although Id like to par down....I don't know if It would ever REALLY sound better than what I have. It would HAVE to sound better..not as good. These tones you get are somewhat dependent on the Helix, it is noted. Times are tough and dropping the coin to find out isnt easy. This is the best demo Ive seen.I hope the gig went off well. Id love to see video of it. But for me..I may wait on the purchase...Line6 seems to move on very quickly thru technology and support is a big issue for me.
Hey, thanks for the comment. You can watch the whole show here: ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html. It luckily happened just days before everything shut down!
In terms of the sound, the only thing the Helix is doing that you can't do with non-Line 6 devices is mix the signals of the Variax models and the magnetic pickups. Otherwise, it's just providing overdrive, delay, etc. Where it's being most useful is that it can switch the Variax settings for you. I could have done it all on the guitar itself without a Helix. I just probably would have messed up some switching during the fast-paced show! If you take a little time between songs, that's not an issue.
In terms of sounding better than what you have, that wasn't exactly the goal of the Variax for me. If I'm recording at home, given the choice of my 12-string electric or a Variax model of one, I will choose the 12-string. However, if I'm playing a gig and need a 12-string on two songs, or, in the case of 'Stairway to Heaven,' part of a song, I would much rather leave the 12-string at home and bring the Variax. I used to take 6 guitars to gigs, now I take two. And nobody in the average audience knows or cares about the difference.
Variax JTVs are almost 10 years old so the tech inside and processing power is way behind now. Which , to me, means Line 6 will be bringing something out to replace the JTV. I have been looking at a used Jtv69 but I remember playing one at GC years ago and hated the neck and jumbo frets. This guys does a nice demo but not enough to get me to go buy a helix or JTV. Planned obsolescence is part of Line 6's business model. I've owned bunch of their gear and always got rid of it after about a year. These things sound good going DI but amp in the room sound is lacking.
@@DrRussPhd I don't know. You say the processing power is behind, but there's no other product to compare it to. I don't think it's proved to be a huge seller and there's been a change of ownership of Line 6 since Variax was invented, so I'm not holding my breath for a new version.
As I've said elsewhere, I don't use Variaxes for everything. Never for recording. If all I need is Strat tone in one tuning all night, I'll bring a Strat. If I need a 12-string and will have time to switch guitars, I'll bring a 12-string. But for what I did at this Zeppelin show - 53 minutes with no breaks between songs, 5 tunings, and the sound of Telecaster, Les Paul (with humbuckers and P90s), 12-string electric and acoustic - there's simply no other way. Even a guitar tech handing me guitars wouldn't have been fast enough for some of the transitions.
Oh yeah, and it sounded great. :P
@@TheDiscographers Thanks for the reply. The only product I can think of to compare it to would be the Boss GP 10 for guitar modeling. I own one and have a MiM Strat with 13 pin hex p/u built in. I've had the Strat for 15 years and it is my favorite. I see your point about blasting thru a 53 minute set and needing 8 arms if you did guitar swaps . My experience with Line 6 gear has always been excitement when I first got it then after a while it would start hitting dsp limits after a few software upgrades, weird aliasing sounds and artifacts. I have an old Variax 700 hardtail and I really can't hear much difference between it and the JTVs or even the Yamaha standards. My wish is that Roland would re-issue the VG99 with newer processors and interface. I really liked your playing in this vid and will check out the entire Zep show. If you are playing Pagey and singing Plant at the same time my hat goes off to you. Peace.
@@DrRussPhd Yeah, I worked my butt off for months to pull off being Jimbert Plagent as well as I did. In the end, I'd say I pulled off Page better than Plant, but people had fun at the show all the same!
I've never had one of the old Variaxes to compare, but to me the real magnetic pickups are a huge bonus. I'll gig with my JTV-59 or 69S seen in the video and the 59P (P90s) I got since then, mostly using the magnetic pickups, then switch on the models for certain tunes here and there rather than bringing the extra guitars I would've needed for tunings, 12-strings, etc. I also haven't used any of the PODs and such so can't compare those to the Helix. I can only compare Helix to pedal boards I've spent heaps of money on but left me having to adjust knobs and tap dance during sets. My big board with the big Strymons and lots of little pedals hasn't been to a gig since I got the Helix. Poor thing was thousands of dollars and is just sitting in its case.
your presets look so simple...damn
Yeah, I'm a little mystified that people want my presets. Umm.... I put in a little overdrive, a little delay, a little reverb... nothing fancy on most of it!
@@randingraves4735 I was joking about the oven mitts on FB obviously...be nice if they sent you a powercab, I've got a Firehawk...way too heavy
9:42 it's pronounced "Jamaica", not deer maker...
Yeah, but it's spelled that way to make you say it in a faux-Jamaican accent, and I'm not gonna do that. :P
@@TheDiscographers a good point, but it really isn't! It's pronounced Jamaica in an English accent, from an old English joke: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27yer_Mak%27er#Pronunciation_of_song_title
Maybe it doesn't work so well with an American accent :)
p.s. great video, really enjoyed it.
@@boblambert8985 Yeah, I think the accent makes the difference. And I've worked with reggae bands and have known several Jamaicans, so I find the whole thing kind of embarrassing. I think I just won't talk about it anymore!
I 2 Variax’s as well….(1) 59 & (1) 89🤓
They're so good! I added a 59P not long after making this video.
What is and what should never be is A13add9 to E7, Not A6th
Check your ears and watch my fingers, sir! It's not an A6, it's an E9. Jimmy played it different ways live, but this is a good way.
@@TheDiscographers So I gave you the benefit of the doubt and rewatched your video. @ 4:01 you are clearly playing an A6th chord which should be A13add9. If you feel the need to argue this may I suggest you quit guitar and take up tuba.
@@cast390 Haha, you're a peach. The grammar in your first post made it sound like you were saying it was meant to go from A13add9 to A6th. May I suggest you quit trying to write UA-cam comments in English and take up bassoon. Yeah, I was just learning some of these songs when i did this video and play some of them differently now. I've been tinkering with noodling with it more like Jimmy did live - ua-cam.com/video/uwOOFYDhAQA/v-deo.html
“Dear Maker”? You actually said that out loud! It’s a reggae song. Reggae comes from D’yer Mak’er! Nice try though!
That's been covered here already. I find it too embarrassing to put on the fake British accent to say their stupid joke. :P
PS, it's a really stupid and embarrassing joke from a bunch of white Brits playing white boy reggae, as genius as they were in other respects. That is all.
Dude, that's really great. But where are the patches? Why you are playing those sounds and do not sell the patches in Line6 patch store or just share them with your subscribers? No offense, now it looks like you show up us a forbidden fruit and then immediately hide it. I feel defrauded because of that. I am absolutely sure nobody here wants to compete with your band in night clubs. It is just for fun, just for home playing.
You indeed did a great work. It sounds like true Zeppelin. Let me know, if your band visit Minnesota. I'll be there on your gig.
Thanks for commenting. I have family in MN, so there's a good chance I'll end up there some time when the apocalypse is over.
The main reason I haven't posted the patches is that there's nothing to them! The real magic that more experienced Helix users know how to do is amp model and IR use. Like I said in the video, I'm using combo amps here, using the Helix just as a super-power multi-effects pedal. Most patches are just an overdrive, delay, reverb, sometimes something more like Leslie or phaser. But it's super simple. You can do that yourself! Then it's got some Variax settings, and my Variaxes are stock. But those settings are tuning it down for my voice, and nobody else wants that since you can't play along with Zeppelin tracks that way.
Really, what I'm showing here is how easy it is! You can set it up yourself for the songs you need.
@@TheDiscographers Thank you for the well grounded answer. I understand that your patches are equipment-specific ones, it is not just the Helix. But some of your patches are pretty darn good! I have tried but anyway cannot reproduce patches from STH. It is still a kind of magic for me.
I hope the gig happened. Covid year
Yeah, it was the weekend right before everything shut down. We played Friday & Saturday, then the planetarium closed on Tuesday for the rest of the year. Video of the whole show is up here, too. ua-cam.com/video/hC5o1sNPSE8/v-deo.html
I'm not sure what the deal is here...it doesn't sound great to me. Maybe to some unknowing folks in the audience it won't matter but it's just cheap and hollow sounding. It's just not at all what I think a guitar should sound like.
The big deal is I played for 53 minutes in sync with video, with no breaks between songs, and used 5 different tunings and several different guitar tones without ever having to change guitars or even touch a pedal board except for wah on one song.
Yes, the audience was happy with it. Admittedly, I wouldn't use most of the modeled guitar sounds on recording. I'd use the real thing, instead. But this makes previously impossible live shows easily doable.
Also keep in mind that you're listening to hastily mic'ed tube amps at low volume in a home studio over UA-cam. I get complimented on these tones by other musicians in live performance all the time, even after I switched to amp modeling rather than real tube amps as in this version.
@@TheDiscographers That all makes sense...but the tones are a bit of a stretch to my ears even with the convenience and possibilities I don't know that I'd bother to use them in any capacity outside rehearsal or at home. I think that was the general point I was making. Maybe through a nice PA or however you'd prefer to amplify it they may sound better. I know people who pay to hear a cover or tribute band want to hear authentic sounds so that may achieve the goal in the end. It just sounds inorganic to me so the tricks of switching the tunings and such don't mean much to me. Thank you for explaining it and not cutting me down for it. I'm new to modeling amps and gear such as the variax but I'm beginning to warm up to the idea since I recently purchased a Peavey Vypyr x3. I find it to be pretty amazing and accurate to the sounds of the amp models on tap on the amp. Thanks for the response.
Great stuff man but I can't help thinking that all this technology is the work of the Devil.
So you're saying 1970's Jimmy would support it? :P