Demonstration of how I modify my Strat settings in Workbench Donate: www.paypal.me/... Download Custom Strat Bank: www.dropbox.co... Download Custom Bank: www.dropbox.co...
What you DON'T get in this video is the LIVE SOUND you have from this and the Helix... As a guy who has heard you several times in live settings, I can say without a doubt your strat tone with the Helix is just fantastic!
Awesome! I had hung my JTV-69 up because I just couldn't deal with the harsh sound. I think these tips will have it back in the rotation in no time - thank you!
Awesome tips! Before the Variax, I was always a strat player (though usually with a humbucker in the bridge). I've been playing Variaxes since the very first one, and since then I find I've strayed away from the strat as it always sounded weak and harsh, something I never experienced with my real strats. These are some great ideas. Thanks!
Thanks for checking this out! Hopefully these tips will help. Also here's another video I did experimenting with different strat styles ua-cam.com/video/HgkkbUAI6mo/v-deo.html
I've been struggling with the harsh sound of the Variax Strat model - and even of the real pickups on it (I have the standard model). I replaced those pickups already (Classic 69 Fender pickup in neck, Dimarzio Chopper in bridge) and still don't like it. Your video is exactly what I needed - I'm gonna try out your Strat models and see if that solves my problem. Thank you so much!
I'm really liking the model with a strat body and P90 in the bridge. It's become one of my "go to" models. Have you ever created a model in Workbench where the mag pickup volume was maxed, in an attempt to add that to the repertoire? I have a couple of those in the same custom bank as this modified Strat model and quickly realized NOT to choose a mag pickup model when using a custom tuning ( since the mags know nothing of modeling software), but I did have a glitch on a patch that started with the mag model, but was later updated to this P90 model, where after a power failure the custom tunings in the Helix patch wouldn't work.
I've found I have a frustrating problem. I can't increase the pickup volume without getting clipping with heavy right hand strumming. Even if I take the Preset Volume way way down to try and compensate, it still clips if I really get on it with the right hand! So looks like I'm stuck with the stock strat pickup sound (though I did straighten the pickup). Years ago, I pumped up the strat pickup volumes and then within the last few years, brought them back down after the clipping issue. How terribly weird and frustrating.
That's strange. Have you tried lowering the string volumes in the global settings? I had to do this on my G string as it would clip when I played it too hard.
If you want a fat strat sounding, muck like a hot texas sound, stack your two pickups in series and not in parrallel. You will gain more output, very useful. I keep the real JTV pickups for a more strat classic sound.
I have another video where I go into a lot more depth on the Strat model and talk about series vs parallel. Generally I leave the Strat bank as a more classic sounding Strat and have my stacked, fatter, Strat sounds in Custom bank 1. ua-cam.com/video/HgkkbUAI6mo/v-deo.html For sake of consistency and the fact I use the alt tuning quite a bit I don't use the magnetic pick ups at all, but they are good sounding single coils. I have a SRV Strat that I've had since '92 and like the Texas Specials a lot. I just don't use them anymore since getting the Variax :)
GREAT piece of advice, Chad. Thanks! You have some excellent insights. When Johnny A had his custom guitar made by Gibson, he insisted on using PAF pickups, but with a 25.5" scale neck AND he had them move the bridge pup further away from the bridge. The scale length brought those pups to life and the bridge just roared (very P90-ish) but without any brittle edge. I still don't know if I'm able to wrap my head around a guitar that looks like a Strat but sounds like a Les Paul. :)))
Thanks! I have a jtv69 and a jtv59 because sometimes I want to "feel" like I'm playing a strat and sometimes a les paul. So I know where you're coming from :-)
Hello Chad, I have a situation with my Variax James Tyler, for some reason I only can the guitar's models with my POD, when I use my guitar with a regular cable and I want to use a modulation, it just get mute, do you know about this issue?
The only thing I can think of is the battery isn't working. When you press the battery test button next to the battery compartment do the lights come on?
@ChadHuskey yes, all of them, I have a tester, I will check that but the battery looks good, When ai bought it it was working just fine but now I don't know what happened
Chad, I just ordered a new battery but I was trying to make a Flash memory for the Variax but in the Line 6 Monkey, I can't see that, have you ever done it to a Variax?
The original Variax (Gen 1) strat model was junk because it had an artifically short sustain. Most users switched for a firebird or lp Jr body to remove the problem. Just saying, love my line 6, but they've been borking the strat model for a while. Still use my 1st Gen Variax and keep a pod xt running to this day, but truth is truth.
Sorry man, but putting 2 pickups in parallel as your neck pickup sound is completely OFF. You might like it more, but objectively, it does NOT sound like a Strat Neck pickup... There's no more bottom, and way too much mid.
What you DON'T get in this video is the LIVE SOUND you have from this and the Helix... As a guy who has heard you several times in live settings, I can say without a doubt your strat tone with the Helix is just fantastic!
Thanks so much!! Look forward to having you at the helm for some upcoming shows :)
Awesome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and custom settings
Awesome! I had hung my JTV-69 up because I just couldn't deal with the harsh sound. I think these tips will have it back in the rotation in no time - thank you!
Awesome tips! Before the Variax, I was always a strat player (though usually with a humbucker in the bridge). I've been playing Variaxes since the very first one, and since then I find I've strayed away from the strat as it always sounded weak and harsh, something I never experienced with my real strats. These are some great ideas. Thanks!
Thanks for checking this out! Hopefully these tips will help. Also here's another video I did experimenting with different strat styles ua-cam.com/video/HgkkbUAI6mo/v-deo.html
That P90 tones kicks ass
Thanks! Yeah that's my go to bridge tone. Best of both worlds between a Strat and Les Paul.
I've been struggling with the harsh sound of the Variax Strat model - and even of the real pickups on it (I have the standard model). I replaced those pickups already (Classic 69 Fender pickup in neck, Dimarzio Chopper in bridge) and still don't like it. Your video is exactly what I needed - I'm gonna try out your Strat models and see if that solves my problem. Thank you so much!
Fantastic video! This was very helpful - explaining your thought process as to why you made the adjustments you did. Thank you Chad!
Thanks! I'm so glad that was helpful!
Well done! Your tweaked sounds sound more Stat-like than many genuine Strats I've heard.
Thanks so much!!
Thanks for doing this Chad. Very informative as usual.
You're very welcome. Thanks!
Great video Chad! Looking forward to trying this.
Thanks! Let me know how it works for you.
I'm really liking the model with a strat body and P90 in the bridge. It's become one of my "go to" models. Have you ever created a model in Workbench where the mag pickup volume was maxed, in an attempt to add that to the repertoire? I have a couple of those in the same custom bank as this modified Strat model and quickly realized NOT to choose a mag pickup model when using a custom tuning ( since the mags know nothing of modeling software), but I did have a glitch on a patch that started with the mag model, but was later updated to this P90 model, where after a power failure the custom tunings in the Helix patch wouldn't work.
I've found I have a frustrating problem. I can't increase the pickup volume without getting clipping with heavy right hand strumming. Even if I take the Preset Volume way way down to try and compensate, it still clips if I really get on it with the right hand! So looks like I'm stuck with the stock strat pickup sound (though I did straighten the pickup). Years ago, I pumped up the strat pickup volumes and then within the last few years, brought them back down after the clipping issue. How terribly weird and frustrating.
That's strange. Have you tried lowering the string volumes in the global settings? I had to do this on my G string as it would clip when I played it too hard.
If you want a fat strat sounding, muck like a hot texas sound, stack your two pickups in series and not in parrallel. You will gain more output, very useful. I keep the real JTV pickups for a more strat classic sound.
I have another video where I go into a lot more depth on the Strat model and talk about series vs parallel. Generally I leave the Strat bank as a more classic sounding Strat and have my stacked, fatter, Strat sounds in Custom bank 1.
ua-cam.com/video/HgkkbUAI6mo/v-deo.html
For sake of consistency and the fact I use the alt tuning quite a bit I don't use the magnetic pick ups at all, but they are good sounding single coils.
I have a SRV Strat that I've had since '92 and like the Texas Specials a lot. I just don't use them anymore since getting the Variax :)
@@ChadHuskey Ok... thanks a lot. Appreciate all your contents on Variax and Helix, helps me a lot.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
You're very welcome!
Man this is way better! Thanks you do a great service to us!
+Paul Stoddart thanks man! Glad you like it 👍
Can you do vids for other models too? I like the 335 but it's just off a bit and I don't know what to do to fix it.
+Paul Stoddart I'll take a look at the 335 model and see what I can come up with :-)
Also having a little trouble with the jazz boxes. I actually like it through the new plexi bright. I need to do some tweeking with the workbench
Chad Huskey That would be SO helpful - a couple of videos of you teaming a couple of different guitar models. 335, Les Paul. PRS. 😀
GREAT piece of advice, Chad. Thanks! You have some excellent insights.
When Johnny A had his custom guitar made by Gibson, he insisted on using PAF pickups, but with a 25.5" scale neck AND he had them move the bridge pup further away from the bridge. The scale length brought those pups to life and the bridge just roared (very P90-ish) but without any brittle edge.
I still don't know if I'm able to wrap my head around a guitar that looks like a Strat but sounds like a Les Paul. :)))
Thanks! I have a jtv69 and a jtv59 because sometimes I want to "feel" like I'm playing a strat and sometimes a les paul. So I know where you're coming from :-)
Hey I was wondering why do you use the neck pickup for the middle and bridge positions for 2 4 and 5? Cheers! Great video
Great work chad
Thanks so much!
Sounds awesome. What type of amp and cab models are you playing through for this video? And are you using any effects?
Were you able to make the 12-string modeled sounds better? Struggling with that as well...
Hello Chad, I have a situation with my Variax James Tyler, for some reason I only can the guitar's models with my POD, when I use my guitar with a regular cable and I want to use a modulation, it just get mute, do you know about this issue?
The only thing I can think of is the battery isn't working. When you press the battery test button next to the battery compartment do the lights come on?
@ChadHuskey yes, all of them, I have a tester, I will check that but the battery looks good, When ai bought it it was working just fine but now I don't know what happened
@@Cla-2A I'm not sure what it could be. If you haven't maybe open a support ticket with line 6. They might be able to help diagnose it 🤞
@ChadHuskey The battery looks good but I'm not sure about it.
Chad, I just ordered a new battery but I was trying to make a Flash memory for the Variax but in the Line 6 Monkey, I can't see that, have you ever done it to a Variax?
The original Variax (Gen 1) strat model was junk because it had an artifically short sustain. Most users switched for a firebird or lp Jr body to remove the problem. Just saying, love my line 6, but they've been borking the strat model for a while. Still use my 1st Gen Variax and keep a pod xt running to this day, but truth is truth.
This always drove me NUTS. I get going for authenticity in tone, but don't artificially cut off sustain!
Sorry man, but putting 2 pickups in parallel as your neck pickup sound is completely OFF. You might like it more, but objectively, it does NOT sound like a Strat Neck pickup... There's no more bottom, and way too much mid.
Doesn’t sound like a Strat to me. Way too bright and tone less. My 1963 Strat blow these away easily.