I’m glad you didn’t title this video “Spank Banks” 😂😂😂 Great video. I’ve had my JTV-59 for almost 5 years now, and I’ve never done anything in Workbench. I’ve screwed with all my alt tunings directly on the guitar. Didn’t even know this was a thing.
FYI, I get this message when I click on your link to the Strat banks: "Warning: This URL has been blocked by Bitly's systems as potentially harmful." But I found your stuff on Line 6 CustomTone, so all is good. Great Workbench tutorials!
I bought a Variax 300 for next to nothing a couple of years ago. It's a cool guitar, very playable and with a ton of new sounds. bought the power supply at about half the cost of the guitar but I judged that to be totally worth it. It does a ton of useful sounds. For me the main benefit is the 12 strings and the Resonator and Sitar patches. Stuff I would never be able to justify buying and a decent facsimile of. The 12 string sounds opens up a cover of 12 miles high by the Byrds which is awesome. Luv and Peace.
Damed you ! I really wanted to convince myself a musicman cutlass was what I needed, but your stat sounds do bring me back to earth. Thanks for that video.
I subscribed. I saw first your semi bank for Variax, now this . You're the man.I really like what you do .Great job ! Some tones that I'd really like to use. Thanx for sharing.
I actually have a P90 on my real Fat strat, on the Bridge position on my swamp ash Warmoth, its just awesome! I stumbled upon it back in the late 90's and its been my favorite set up since..... I am about to get a J69 variax just like yours, so P90 will definitely my Bridge go to...
Another awesome video Chad! You're saving me weeks and months off of my learning curve! If I was trying to figure all of this out on my own.....I'd be older and grayer! Thanks again!
Chad, I always enjoy your videos but this time I had to write in. Substituting the Masonite Plank for the Spank body is JUST the thing. It makes my Variax sound a lot more my '65 Stratocaster, which doesn't go to gigs with me any more (for obvious reasons).
Another informative video Chad. Thank you. Is there a certain step by step procedure to making Variax presets in the Helix? Will the Variax work with other presets? Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks! Check out this one about setting up Variax control via snapshots. For me it's been the best way to leverage what Variax can do inside of a Helix preset: ua-cam.com/video/IRL28VITSM8/v-deo.html
Excellent demo Chad. The subtleties of the different pick-ups were clearly evident. Would you mind sharing which Amp model you were using as your base sound? Keep up the good work
Thanks! I was using the litigator amp model. I love that model! 😁 My username on line 6 custom tone is chuskey. I have several patches based on that amp posted there.
I’m new to the Variax/helix world (just picked up both) thank you so much for the awesome information. Weird seeing p90s in a strat but you can’t argue with the sounds. So good. Love p90s
Congrats on getting the helix and variax! I can't imagine gigging without them 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the video! I have lots of tutorial videos about both on my channel if you want to check out more about helix and variax. Thanks!
Chad Huskey I watched quite a few of your videos before I bought the Variax actually. You were a part of the reason I bought the Variax. I already had the helix. Seems like a match made in heaven.
Hi, great video, a learn a lot, love your stack pickups tips, it works very good. I just have one question because i can't see the parameter on your videos (bottom right corner) did you use the magnetic blend control for your models ? thanks.
Thanks! When you open them in workbench have you also uploaded them to the Variax? If the presets are not uploaded to the Variax there will be a delay loading them up. Otherwise I'm not sure why it would be doing that...
Isn’t the Danelectro body emulation semi-hollow? In its way, that would almost make those particular emulations a little bit more like that of the Brian May Red Special, even if the user is not programming it with emulated Burns pick ups.
I had to look it up, because I'm not that familiar with this actual guitar, but you're right it is semi hollow with a center block. You could probably experiment with different pickups and get in the ballpark of the Brian May Red Special. I chose to do a "Strat" version with this body because a lot of Variax users were doing this right after firmware 2.0 came out and some weren't happy with the new Strat sounds. I've always been happy with the Strat sounds, but even more happy after tweaking them a bit.
Hey Chad awesome video mate. I am using the Variax standard with a HD500 I'm having a few issues getting some good tones out of it if you could do a video on how to get good tones for HD500 would be great thanks mate
I don't own a HD500 any longer. But you can check out my patches on line 6 customtone, user chuskey. I have several HD500 patches up there for free. Good luck :)
@@ChadHuskey thanks mate I loaded your custom bank into my variax and PhD motorway patch into my hd500 and it sounds pretty good. I'm definitely going to get myself helix though just for the ease of use
You need to connect to workbench to upload these to your Variax. Here's a video I did about connecting your Variax: ua-cam.com/video/agUn3VuG7JE/v-deo.html And also how to use workbench: ua-cam.com/video/Tikw-drll-Q/v-deo.html
I’ve just gotten a JT-69, and one of the first things I noticed in working with the Helix is the volume difference between the Variax sounds and the magnetic pickups. Do you do anything global to even out that discrepancy, or do you just go patch by patch?
You pretty much have to go patch by patch, bank by bank. I do adjust the height of the magnetic pickups lower if I find that they are too loud even with the models turned up. But I never use the magnetic pickups, so I personally don't worry too much about that. I do have some presets available on the Line 6 Marketplace where I've gone through and tweaked everything. Not only for volume balance, but also for improving the tone: shop.line6.com/marketplace/varaix-tweaked-complete-bundle.html
hey Chad, I've been using the jtv 69s for about a year now and I've started to notice a high pitch ringing on the three highest strings. I tried stopping resonance at the nut but it didn't do much. Have you experienced this problem too?
@@ChadHuskey Thanks for the reply. I don't have the helix. I use a headrsuh pedalboard. What is the litigator based on? Is it a fender tweed or something totally different?
@@ChadHuskey Thanks. I just got my variax a few days ago. I need to find some time to mess around with workbench. Definitely going to try your strat bank. Sounds really good. Thanks again.
Hi Chad, hoping you can help - just purchased a USA Tyler Variax and can't update it to work with HD software as line 6 monkey won't work with my Catalina based my Mac! is there any other way of getting it updated? workbench hd is working fine but doesn't recognize the Tyler..please help! thanks
Hi Michael. As far as getting Monkey to work since it doesn't support Catalina the option I would personally do is setup a virtual machine on the Mac running Windows XP. I believe there are free XP VM's out there if you google them. I know it's frustrating that Monkey isn't supporting later versions of OS X. One question about how you're connecting to Workbench HD. Are you using the USB interface? If so make sure that the battery is charged and that you have the 1/4" cable plugged in as the guitar won't power on otherwise. I've made that mistake before. This isn't the case if you're connecting through Helix and the VDI cable. The other thing is that once you get your firmware updated you should never have to do it again as I HIGHLY doubt there will be a new firmware version. So if you have an older Mac, or a Windows machine you could use once to update the firmware, or possibly a friend that has one you could use, you'd be all set. From there on you won't need Monkey. Hope this helps.
@@ChadHuskey Hi Chad I installed Mojave on a separate partition on my Mac and got the monkey software to install I am the workbench HD-that’s all fine however I cannot get my variax USA to be recognized at all via the USB interface-The interface is fine green on both ends but Line 6 monkey and workbench do not detect variax as being connected, The battery is fully charged and the volume is up and there’s a quarter inch cable plugged in Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!
@@ConstantinoOfficial it's been a while since I setup a VM, but I remember that you had to go into the settings and tell it which USB ports to use for the VM. It could be that it's just not looking at the port. I hope that can help, it's about the main thing I can think of off the top of my head.
I’m glad you didn’t title this video “Spank Banks” 😂😂😂 Great video. I’ve had my JTV-59 for almost 5 years now, and I’ve never done anything in Workbench. I’ve screwed with all my alt tunings directly on the guitar. Didn’t even know this was a thing.
@@jamesdeininger3759 I thought about it 😂
FYI, I get this message when I click on your link to the Strat banks: "Warning: This URL has been blocked by Bitly's systems as potentially harmful." But I found your stuff on Line 6 CustomTone, so all is good. Great Workbench tutorials!
I bought a Variax 300 for next to nothing a couple of years ago. It's a cool guitar, very playable and with a ton of new sounds.
bought the power supply at about half the cost of the guitar but I judged that to be totally worth it.
It does a ton of useful sounds. For me the main benefit is the 12 strings and the Resonator and Sitar patches.
Stuff I would never be able to justify buying and a decent facsimile of.
The 12 string sounds opens up a cover of 12 miles high by the Byrds which is awesome.
Luv and Peace.
He seems to be about the only person that knows how to make this piece of dead wood come to life. I have had no such luck.
Thanks for this video. Just bought a Variax and learning how to tweak and use it. Guitar is awesome tool.
Damed you ! I really wanted to convince myself a musicman cutlass was what I needed, but your stat sounds do bring me back to earth. Thanks for that video.
I subscribed. I saw first your semi bank for Variax, now this . You're the man.I really like what you do .Great job ! Some tones that I'd really like to use. Thanx for sharing.
Awesome, glad you're enjoying the sounds!!
Chad ...... Simply AMAZING guitar tweaking !!! Thanks for these AXE Banks !!! Keep 'em coming !!!
So great, especially the kindness of sharing banks that you put a lot of work in!
I actually have a P90 on my real Fat strat, on the Bridge position on my swamp ash Warmoth, its just awesome! I stumbled upon it back in the late 90's and its been my favorite set up since..... I am about to get a J69 variax just like yours, so P90 will definitely my Bridge go to...
Another awesome video Chad! You're saving me weeks and months off of my learning curve! If I was trying to figure all of this out on my own.....I'd be older and grayer! Thanks again!
So glad the videos are helpful, and thanks for the support!!! :)
Great to see you my friend! What an amazing resource for the community!
Thank you my friend!
Chad, I always enjoy your videos but this time I had to write in. Substituting the Masonite Plank for the Spank body is JUST the thing. It makes my Variax sound a lot more my '65 Stratocaster, which doesn't go to gigs with me any more (for obvious reasons).
I'm glad that's working for you!! :)
Another informative video Chad. Thank you. Is there a certain step by step procedure to making Variax presets in the Helix? Will the Variax work with other presets?
Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks! Check out this one about setting up Variax control via snapshots. For me it's been the best way to leverage what Variax can do inside of a Helix preset: ua-cam.com/video/IRL28VITSM8/v-deo.html
amazing ! wow thank you for the share ! impatient to see your les paul creations
ps. discovered your name on Line 6 Variax Worldwide Family ! thanks once again sir
Awesome Chad, thanks for sharing
Loving this series, Chad! Thanks so much!
Excellent demo Chad. The subtleties of the different pick-ups were clearly evident. Would you mind sharing which Amp model you were using as your base sound? Keep up the good work
Thanks! I was using the litigator amp model. I love that model! 😁
My username on line 6 custom tone is chuskey. I have several patches based on that amp posted there.
I’m new to the Variax/helix world (just picked up both) thank you so much for the awesome information. Weird seeing p90s in a strat but you can’t argue with the sounds. So good. Love p90s
Congrats on getting the helix and variax! I can't imagine gigging without them 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the video! I have lots of tutorial videos about both on my channel if you want to check out more about helix and variax. Thanks!
Chad Huskey I watched quite a few of your videos before I bought the Variax actually. You were a part of the reason I bought the Variax. I already had the helix. Seems like a match made in heaven.
That's so cool! 😎. Thanks!
I purchased 2 weeks ago a Variax/Taylor on eBay, and I love it, but why did Line6/Yamaha stopped production? I mean, this is now 12-15 years old, no?
Thanks for sharing Chad. Really enjoyed the video
Thanks so much!
Thanks!
Hi, great video, a learn a lot, love your stack pickups tips, it works very good. I just have one question because i can't see the parameter on your videos (bottom right corner) did you use the magnetic blend control for your models ? thanks.
Glad you like the videos! I don't use the magnetic blend. I just use the modeling 100% of the time. Thx!
@@ChadHuskey Thanks a lot, love your vids !
awesome as always - strange that mine doesn't switch as fast in workbench
Thanks! When you open them in workbench have you also uploaded them to the Variax? If the presets are not uploaded to the Variax there will be a delay loading them up. Otherwise I'm not sure why it would be doing that...
Very educational love your videos keep up the great work.
Thanks so much!
Isn’t the Danelectro body emulation semi-hollow? In its way, that would almost make those particular emulations a little bit more like that of the Brian May Red Special, even if the user is not programming it with emulated Burns pick ups.
I had to look it up, because I'm not that familiar with this actual guitar, but you're right it is semi hollow with a center block. You could probably experiment with different pickups and get in the ballpark of the Brian May Red Special.
I chose to do a "Strat" version with this body because a lot of Variax users were doing this right after firmware 2.0 came out and some weren't happy with the new Strat sounds.
I've always been happy with the Strat sounds, but even more happy after tweaking them a bit.
Thank you very much for your prompt response, as always Chad.
Hey Chad awesome video mate. I am using the Variax standard with a HD500 I'm having a few issues getting some good tones out of it if you could do a video on how to get good tones for HD500 would be great thanks mate
I don't own a HD500 any longer. But you can check out my patches on line 6 customtone, user chuskey. I have several HD500 patches up there for free. Good luck :)
@@ChadHuskey and you used the variax pickup only.
@@Animal22021 Yes I'm only using the Variax pickup. I never use the magnetic pick ups.
@@ChadHuskey thanks mate I loaded your custom bank into my variax and PhD motorway patch into my hd500 and it sounds pretty good. I'm definitely going to get myself helix though just for the ease of use
@@Animal22021 Helix is amazing! You'll love it :)
SWEET!!!
Cheers Chad
Cheers 🙂
Nice, Thanks...
Chad, can you please provide a different link for the download/ Bitly is reporting a harmful post. I filled out a form there, but have not heard back.
Thanks for the heads up. I just updated the link.
Hi. Great video. The link to the preset download doesn't appear to be working. Just times out.
That's strange....I redid the link and updated it in the description. Let me know if that works ok for you. Thanks!
Hi Chad!
thanks a lot for sharing. but how do i upload the file to my Variax...?
You need to connect to workbench to upload these to your Variax.
Here's a video I did about connecting your Variax: ua-cam.com/video/agUn3VuG7JE/v-deo.html
And also how to use workbench: ua-cam.com/video/Tikw-drll-Q/v-deo.html
I’ve just gotten a JT-69, and one of the first things I noticed in working with the Helix is the volume difference between the Variax sounds and the magnetic pickups. Do you do anything global to even out that discrepancy, or do you just go patch by patch?
You pretty much have to go patch by patch, bank by bank. I do adjust the height of the magnetic pickups lower if I find that they are too loud even with the models turned up. But I never use the magnetic pickups, so I personally don't worry too much about that.
I do have some presets available on the Line 6 Marketplace where I've gone through and tweaked everything. Not only for volume balance, but also for improving the tone: shop.line6.com/marketplace/varaix-tweaked-complete-bundle.html
Chad Huskey awesome, thanks!
hey Chad, I've been using the jtv 69s for about a year now and I've started to notice a high pitch ringing on the three highest strings. I tried stopping resonance at the nut but it didn't do much. Have you experienced this problem too?
I haven't experienced that issue. I would suggest opening a support ticket with Line 6 and see what they say about it. That doesn't sound right.
can't download the custom Strat banks :URL has been blocked by Bitly's systems as potentially harmful.
Thanks for letting me know. I just updated the link.
What amp and cab models in the helix are you using for this video?
I use the litigator model and a dual cab block: 2x12 interstate and 4x12 greenback.
@@ChadHuskey Thanks for the reply. I don't have the helix. I use a headrsuh pedalboard. What is the litigator based on? Is it a fender tweed or something totally different?
@@dchicora it's a custom built amp model that isn't based on a particular amp. But think Dumble, two rock, Fuchs ods, etc
@@ChadHuskey Thanks. I just got my variax a few days ago. I need to find some time to mess around with workbench. Definitely going to try your strat bank. Sounds really good. Thanks again.
Hi there, would you have interest in checking microphone? I would like to work with you but didn't find your contact email.
Hi Chad, hoping you can help - just purchased a USA Tyler Variax and can't update it to work with HD software as line 6 monkey won't work with my Catalina based my Mac! is there any other way of getting it updated? workbench hd is working fine but doesn't recognize the Tyler..please help! thanks
Hi Michael. As far as getting Monkey to work since it doesn't support Catalina the option I would personally do is setup a virtual machine on the Mac running Windows XP. I believe there are free XP VM's out there if you google them.
I know it's frustrating that Monkey isn't supporting later versions of OS X.
One question about how you're connecting to Workbench HD. Are you using the USB interface? If so make sure that the battery is charged and that you have the 1/4" cable plugged in as the guitar won't power on otherwise. I've made that mistake before.
This isn't the case if you're connecting through Helix and the VDI cable.
The other thing is that once you get your firmware updated you should never have to do it again as I HIGHLY doubt there will be a new firmware version.
So if you have an older Mac, or a Windows machine you could use once to update the firmware, or possibly a friend that has one you could use, you'd be all set.
From there on you won't need Monkey.
Hope this helps.
@@ChadHuskey Thank you Chad this helps immensely I will try that!
@@ChadHuskey Hi Chad
I installed Mojave on a separate partition on my Mac and got the monkey software to install I am the workbench HD-that’s all fine however I cannot get my variax USA to be recognized at all via the USB interface-The interface is fine green on both ends but Line 6 monkey and workbench do not detect variax as being connected, The battery is fully charged and the volume is up and there’s a quarter inch cable plugged in
Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!
@@ConstantinoOfficial it's been a while since I setup a VM, but I remember that you had to go into the settings and tell it which USB ports to use for the VM.
It could be that it's just not looking at the port.
I hope that can help, it's about the main thing I can think of off the top of my head.
@@ChadHuskey thank you - I hate to ask but what is a VM?
Talking wayyyyyyyyyy tooooooooooooooo much.......