Which Variax Model Is Right For You?
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- Опубліковано 16 лют 2019
- Donate: www.paypal.me/CHADHUSKEY
Which one of the Line 6 Variax models is right for you? Here are all the options talked about to help you decide which one will work best for you.
More information here: line6.com/guitars/
I own one of the Shuriken Variax models (the 27" one) and combined with my Helix they are easily the best purchases I've EVER made. I am currently using it in one of my main bands and switching tunings during a song is so useful!
Great video Chad. Been watching you for a year or so and always very good. Thanks!
Thanks!!
Great video! I'm interested in getting a Variax, but I couldn't tell what the difference was between the models. This video really helped. Thanks for making it.
At last a great video about Variax !! I’m in love with my 59 gold top with P-90s. It’s a killer beast, when using the Variax system in studio sessions people go nuts about the sound and quietness of the signal. A gun any pro must own !
Love my JTV69s! I bought it brand new for under $900 in 2017. Current prices appear to be around the $1200 you mentioned. Big fan of the acoustic and banjo settings and the ability to disable specific strings when modeling a less than 6 string instrument.
i LOVE my '59! You were such a big help when I first got mine
Thanks so much my friend, I'm glad my stuff was helpful :) The '59 is an awesome guitar!!
Glad I found this. My 1st Variax is in transit.
Chad, am glad you're going to do a series on all things Variax. I'm assuming part of that will be educating on integrating Variax and Helix, such as the ability (for example) to use a 12-string acoustic model for part of a song, then instantly change to a growling Lester model, and change tunings, all within a preset via footswitches on Helix. Overall for me it's a great versatile solution. Kudos to you for educating about it!
Thanks so much! Absolutely that will be something I get into on future videos. I've done that exact scenario you described at gigs before and will be showing how I set that up 👍
Thanks for this overview.
This is great Chad thanks! Started using a Jtv89f 8 months ago and use it as my main guitar all the time now at gigs.
Really looking forward to see how I can change models using my Helix rather than the rotary control as my eyesight is poor and often struggle trying to actually see which model I am switching to.
Really looking forward to be being educated in future videos. Thanks man!
Thanks for the kind words! That's definitely something I'll be covering very shortly!
Great video Chad I own a JTV89f ,I've had it just over 2 years and run it with a Helix ,love it , I find it very inspirational as a writing tool ,funniest thing is the first thing I recorded with it was a country track ,with 12 string , dobro ,and banjo .Next track was dropped tuned
metal.What else can dive bomb a banjo or sitar :-)
I own , and have owned many guitars over 45 years but this is my favorite ,I wish I had it years ago ,it would have saved me a fortune.
Steve Durrant do you have plink in the low E?
I have two JTV89s, a JTV69, and a Shuriken. These days I gravitate heavily to the 89s, but they're all great!
Great review and enough to help me buy a standard limited edition. I also uploaded your strat presets, appreciated. First class review. Many thanks
Thanks Chad great information; I'd love to buy a standard, I'm beginning to save money for that purpose, totally love the white standard! Thanks for sharing this very useful info!
The Variax looks like a very useful guitar with wide ranging possibilities. I’ll probably keep an eye out for a used Strat style version. Your insight is helpful. I look forward to your input in the remaining series of videos you’re working on. Thanks for sharing!
Really useful video. It's surprising to me that Line 6's advertising doesn't clobber you over the head with this kind of info.
The demos of the Variaxe by Line 6 are ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. They have done the worst marketing possible for this instrument. Guys on UA-cam with a cell phone camera regularly do better demos.
I bought one of the first 28 Variaxes to arrive in the UK, it was the most inspiring guitar I've ever played and was great for recording acoustic sounds. I now have a Variax 700 in red finish and it plays better though the sounds are the same. I'm so glad that this channel exists!
Thanks so much! I agree they are very inspiring guitars to play. In the previous series I had a 600, but never got my hands on a 700 model. I always thought they were beautiful guitars!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks again for taking taking the time to do this Chad and I’m really looking forward to learning more. I had one of the original Variax guitars and felt there was a latency issue in the early days then tried one again when the Standard came out but was still not that happy with it. I always felt the Pacifica was an entry level guitar and couldn’t get past that. I tried another one out then still felt the same. A couple of weeks ago I went to look at a hollowbody guitar and say one of the Ltd Edition Standards on the wall and when I picked it up I really liked it. It’s now mine and I’m loving it. I feel this is a really well made guitar that as a stand alone guitar compares favourably with some Strats. It’s really well made and is very stable which is a huge issue for me. Made in Indonesia I’ve had good experiences with Indonesian built guitars and they do seem to have good build and quality control there. Well worth considering.....
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I'm very happy for you that you found a Variax STD that you like! Very cool :)
Makes me wonder if the limited editions had a little more attention paid to them. I know the limited edition finishes are beautiful!
Chad Huskey I certainly feels like it Chad.
@@andrewbutcher3391 " I always felt the Pacifica was an entry level guitar and couldn’t get past that." That sounds like "Brand conditioning" syndrome. I picked up a Pacifica 1212M, popped in some Steve Lukather EMG active pups and it's THE best playing guitar I've owned in 3 decades. I've had numerous players play it, loving the neck especially, and going out and buying one themselves. Dont' get hung up on sticker price.
Looking forward to the rest of this series. I started with a Variax 500 and then went to the JTV69, which I still have. The other models don't really bring anything new to the table for me so I haven't been interested in them. Now if they were to go to a new generation of modeling technology and put it in a Revstar body, I'd be one of the first to jump onboard.
Thanks! I didn't get the 500, but picked one of the 300 models up a couple of years later. That quickly got sold in favor of the 600 (should have just bought that one first lol). I'm like you, with the 69 and also the 59 I'm perfectly content. I would love to see something like a new gen Revstar. That's about the only thing that would inspire me to buy a new guitar at this point :)
yeah Revstar Variax would sell like Hotcakes Im sure.
@@ChadHuskey is there a variax software or hardware difference between the JTVs and shuriken?
@@vhcxhbvg not sound wise. I think some of the default Alt tunings may be different, I can't remember for sure. However you can customize all of that anyway, so that doesn't really matter.
So essentially they are the same 🙂
I have an 89 and I love it.
Great intro video, Chad. This will help a lot of folks.
One thing I'd like to add: I've owned both a JTV-69S and a Standard. I would never take a 69 over a Standard. The Standard neck is far more comfortable, and the control layout (similar to the 89 and Shuriken) is far easier to use, with an easy-to-read knob instead of a thumb wheel. The only notable build quality differences I noticed between the 69 and Standard are that the vibrato spring cover is not inset on the Standard (works out to be superior for me, I always keep it removed to facilitate string changes), and the Standard does not have locking tuners, an easy upgrade and not really necessary as the stock tuners are fine. Although I loved my JTV-59 for some of the reasons you mentioned, I found (I know this is not true for everyone) it very difficult to memorize model settings with the 3-way switch + knob button. Again, SO much easier on the Standard. I have to say, the cutaway on the 59 is the nicest feature I have found on any Les Paul-style guitar. I would rate the build quality of the 59 on a par or better than any in its price range (and quite a bit higher) that I've tried.
Thanks again for all your videos, presets, and Variax (I use your Strat and Pokerface) banks. Your generosity is laudable and I have learned much from you.
You spoke to just what I was wondering about. I already have 2 Pacificas and love the neck. Sounds like Standard is the way to go. Is the whammy decent? I have a Wilkinson on mine, so I don't expect that will be as good on the Variax.
@@philcig I'm not a dive bomber, so I have never had a tuning issue on either. I found no difference in the quality of the vibrato on the 69 to the Standard. I much prefer having a traditional Tusq nut over some weird Allen key contraption. If I ever own a guitar with one of those, I'll remove it and install something normal. One thing that kept me from seriously considering an 89F, cause they look great. About the Standard tailpiece - the string changes are easy. String changes on the 69 can get dicey as you can't remove them all at once without messing up the fulcrum. As far as the control layout at this point: I probably wouldn't care any more since I got a Helix and that frees my hands entirely from anything but playing.
@@Nicky-T While I use the whammy a fair amount, it's mostly for shimmer and wiggles - I rarely do a dive. What I love about my Pacificas is their stable tuning, so I think that should be ok. Is the whammy bar firmly in its hole or does it wobble before it actually moves the bridge? Wish I could try one out, but no stores around here have them in stock, they're all special order.
@@philcig I can't remember having any wobble, just like any other, you have to tighten it a bit sometimes. I replaced mine with a short Gilmore arm early on, and I keep a small bit of electrical tape at the end of the threads so the bar just stays where I put it, so I never have any play and can place it where I want it to be and it will stay there. Tight as can be. The tuning seems only to be affected by very heavy bending and temperature variations.
Excellent, thank you!
I bought a JTV-69s in all white with the ebony fretboard. Love it to death! I went with the s model as they kinda look off with the humbucker, like the humbucker was an afterthought or they forgot to add it when they designed it. The s just looks so right! Since it's a Variax, I don't have to worry about not having the humbucker because I have the humbucker :)
Hi Chad, again great video. I'm looking forward to further video about Variax from you. I have a 2 Variax guitars and would like to learn more about tweaking and workbench.
Greetings from Claus, Germany, Schwarzwald
Hi Claus! If you look on my channel I have a video all about how to tweak settings in Workbench.
Is it possible to use the workbench with pod hd? I can only afford only the variax right now. Maybe the helix might have to wait...
My model 500 is great and enough for me.
I had the 600 but i prefer the string through on the 500.
I also put a Roland GK3 hex pup so i can use my Boss gp10 and gr 20 and gr50. And other gr's.
I plan on getting a gr55.
I have a pod xt live and hd500.
The vdi makes these awesome.
Vox and line 6.
I will never replace my real strat and tele, however the vox and line 6 amp models and line 6 and Boss instrument model are a blast.
I wish I could try a cheap model. I just can't play with a middle pickup. The one I'm interested in is the JTV59 (the cheapest HH one).
I currently play and perform with the JTV 89F and a Helix LT. The specific reasons for using the 89F are as follows: once I get the strings stretched out and then locked down (stretch, retune over and over again until it's stable, then lock it down), it pretty much stays in tune for a whole 4 hour show. In the cover band I'm in, we will go from Brass In Pocket from the Pretenders, to Jump from Van Halen, to Uptown Funk, to I Love Rock and Roll from the Joan Jet and the Blackhearts, and they want to jump from one song to the next as fast as possible, and don't care for me changing guitars. Some songs warrant whammy bar usage, so thus the JTV 89F as my choice, and have a JTV 69s as a backup. As far as playability, if Roland/ BOSS ever created a GT 1000 with guitar modeling 13 pin capability, I'd be right back on my Parker Fly, because frankly, any of them (and I've owned them all in regard to the import models except the stop tail 89, and also owned a beautiful JTV 59 USA for a while), aren't the guitar that the Parker Fly is. The thing is just so light, super stable, the fret board is just so perfectly smooth that once you get used to it, playing any of the import JTV models just feels primitive. I'm even considering transplanting my 89F's guts into my Parker, because it has GraphTech saddles and connectors, so the saddles would connect right into the JTV89F's circuit board (the JTV 89F's Floyd is Graphtech). The problem is the real estate on the back of the Parker; not sure if I can figure out how to manipulate all the needed JTV circuit boards in there without routing...
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Hey Chad. I'm intrigued by the Variax but never found the current UA-cam videos that informative. As soon as yours popped up, subbed and liked it straight after watching.
My questions to you are, does the baritone sound better with dropped tunings than a 25.5 inch or is it purely a feel thing?
What guitars have a gloss finish on the neck? The 59 looked like it did (not a fan of gloss necks, slow you down).
Great video can't wait for next one. 👍
Glad you're enjoying the videos!!
I've played the baritone model, but haven't had the chance to A/B them with a standard scale, but I'm not aware of any difference in the performance of the dropped tuning. My understanding is that it just feels different.
There is a Variax FB group that's managed by Shuriken Guitars, so I would recommend posting there with that particular question. I know there are people on there who own multiple models.
facebook.com/groups/VariaxUsers/
I believe the only model that has a fairly glossy neck is the JTV59. It feels very similar to the neck/finish of a Gibson Les Paul. I don't love glossy necks, but the JTV59 does feel good.
My JTV69 has a Warmoth neck I put on it that I reshaped with a sander and left it unfinished. I LOVE the feel of an unfinished neck :)
@@ChadHuskey thanks for taking the time to reply 👍
Thanks a lot brother. I'm in the process of making the full blown leap to Variax with a Helix base. I'm a touring Christian artist and the idea of being able to have this kind of flexibility, is incredibly appealing. Leaning towards the 59. I love the new Tobacco sunburst.
I think you'll love that setup! I have used it quite a bit at church and the flexibility is awesome 😁
@@ChadHuskey 😇
On your JTV 69 is there a specific reason why the mag humbucker is flush to the body? Is it because of warble on the 12 string models?
That's a good catch 😉
There's no reason in particular that it's like that.
For some reason over time that pickup drops in height. Since I never use the mags I seldom bother adjusting it back to where it should be, or open up the guitar to see why it is doing that.
I haven't tested to see how the mag pickup height affects the tone/warble of the modeling.
Good stuff look forward to more videos,
I have the standard sunburst and the 59JTV. They have both become my two favorite guitars replacing my Gibson Les Paul. And my fender strat. I do find that the JTV line seems to have an HD sound quality is as opposed to The standard.. they both just fit with the helix
Thanks!!
That's odd about the difference in sound. Are both guitars on the same firmware and running the same presets?
I'm unaware of anything that would make them sound different, but it's certainly possible. I haven't owned a Standard so I haven't had the chance to closely compare them.
@@ChadHuskey they both are and it definitely have a different feel and sound to the tone of the same preset. Not sure as to why, thought it was difference of custom guitar and standard.
I bought a JTV 69 back in 2016 mine has the three single coils which seem to be quite rare. I chose that model as I wanted a straight Strat style guitar. It’s a great guitar a lot of fun. The thing is it gets you in the ballpark obviously the feel is different for example when playing a Gretsch sounding guitar as opposed to an actual Gretsch. Another reason I opted for the Strat style is the trem, being able to play 12 string acoustic with a trem is certainly interesting, as I said they’re a lot of fun. The tones and sounds are very usable.
The only downside is the battery it doesn’t hold a charge very well if I put it aside well charged, for a month or so it always needs recharging, considering this was brand new that’s not great. It does have a decent enough charge whilst playing however. It can also play as a regular magnetic pickup Strat but that kind of defeats the object.
Overall a great piece of kit. Good review too cheers.
Hey Chad, great video. I'm looking to swap out the neck like you have but on my 89F, do you know if this is an easy swap?
To be honest I'm not sure about a neck swap for the 89F. I would reach out to Warmoth and see if they have an off the shelf solution.
Chad, can you use the Workbench to combine an acoustic sound with the magnetic pickups for a semi acoustic tone...I saw Jack Thammarat do a song Elevated Jam Tracks Soulful Chill Groove in E eolian using The Graphtec ghost system which combines the piezo pickups with magnetic pickups for an interesting sound. If you have time to check it out and let me know what you think.....thx...
Yes you can absolutely do this. In Workbench at the bottom right is the magnetic blend slider. You'd just want to set the Variax to acoustic and then you blend in as much of the magnetic pickups as you want.
Where this is really fun is if you have a Helix. You can assign the Variax modeling and the magnetic pickups to different paths. So you can have a traditional amp/cab setup for the mags, and an acoustic path setup separately.
You can even run them out of different outputs on Helix if you want to.
Fun stuff :)
Can you use the alternate tuning switch with only the clean DI signal going into a valve amp or do you have to use the amp models in the Variax mode as well to have the alternate tuning?
You can use the Alt tuning at any point running into a valve amp 👍
@@ChadHuskey Sweet, thanks man!
Glad to see you're doing this. Love my JTV59 ( black ) and if a cherry or tobacco sunburst ever comes along at a real steal of a price, might get a second. Here's a somewhat obscure question I posted in the Facebook Variax forum. If I decided to have my JTV tone knob control the level parameter of a Helix compressor ( instead of the expression pedal on the Helix ) could I also have custom tone knob settings per snapshot that would remain in effect even as I twist the tone knob? And would such functionality be limited to the VDI cable ( not possible with wireless )
I can say for sure that the functionality would be limited to VDI. No Variax data is transmitted over the 1/4" output jack.
I haven't tried that exact scenario. My first thought is that it may not work, but after thinking about it if you save a custom tone knob position and you have the tone control locked out via Helix then it may work as you described. I'll have to test that out.
Or if you get the chance to try it before I do let me know what you find out. Thanks!
@@ChadHuskey played around with it briefly before I had to head out this morning and it wasn't working
I got that working now so the tone knob affects the level of the final compressor in all my patches and I can still set the actual variax tone in the guitar model per snapshot .....you have to be careful about getting some clipping noises going on.... it seems if I get my patches to generate an output of between -18 and about -25 decibels I'm in a workable range with the minus 18 being the loudest end of that range before I start to get some clipping artifacts and so forth .......now that I have the expression pedal freed up I can use that for the pitch whammy dive-bombs I've been wanting to do in church. :-)
Glad it's working! Thanks for reporting back. I always thought those Hillsong tunes were missing dive bombs :-)
Thanx for the great video. I hope in the next episodes you will show some adjustments to make Variax sound the best possible way. Some say that these guitars dont sound great straight out of the box and need some tweaking. After a year of having my Standard and Helix I still cannot figure out how to make acoustic models sound less artificial. I also think that built in Yamaha pickups sound more pleasant than electric models😪
Thanks for checking out the video! I'll definitely have a video soon about tweaking the sounds in workbench and getting the most out of it 👍
The Variax technology is the same but the piezo pickups and scale length are not. There is some tonal changes between the models. Great video. To be fair with a little tweaking they can sound almost identical. Thanks for the great videos
Thanks! I've read on the Facebook group from the guitar tech at Line 6 that each Variax model some EQ in the software to compensate for the variations in the different models. If I'm wrong on that someone can correct me, but I'm fairly certain that's what was said.
I haven't done any recorded blind tests between my 59 and 69, but that might be something fun to try in the future.
At times I think I notice a subtle difference, but I know it could also easily be in my head. There's something of a disconnect when you're playing a guitar that looks like a Les Paul and it sounds like a Strat :)
I was told by a line6 rep that the software is the same.
That the computers may have differences in processing.
They are the same.
Tonal differences may only exist in the sense of the difference in resonance.
I have had the 600 and i still hsve my 500.
I have playrd a few 700s and some standards 2 usa JTV's and a few non us jtv's.
I only noticed what i perceived as a clarity of the models which the person at line 6 said eas likely the amp/board/pa and as i stated earlier possibly faster more powerful processing of the model data.
Great fun instruments.
I like to run my vari to a a splitter to an amp/mixer or pa and the gk3 i put through a splitter to the gp10 and a gr20 or one of my other gr's the gr is midi'd to a synth or two all to the mixer then to the pa/recorder/headphones for a wall of sound.
Too much fun.
One question can the variax be used to change patches on helix or fractal etc. Just saw a band using shuriken with fractal no floor board or back line and no one apparently manning controls. At first I thought they were using a backing track due in part to synth parts that were tracked. But after watching guitar players it seems the didn't do a complete recorded show.
The Variax can't change presets on the helix, but you can assign the volume and tone knobs on the Variax to control parameters on the helix within a patch.
It wouldn't interface at all with any other brands of products.
It would just plug in like a regular guitar and you'd just use the on board controls on the Variax to change Variax settings.
The Variax would have to have midi output in order to control another device.
With helix the communication happens over the VDI cable.
@@ChadHuskey thanks for the prompt reply
Great video, Chad, as always. You clearly know what you’re doing. Has Line 6 ever employed you?
If I could afford it (and if Line 6 did custom builds), I would have a guitar assembled with the body and hardware of a 69, the headstock of a 59 and the fingerboard of an 89. Could you answer as to whether or not the neck of a Brian May Special is compatible with the body of a 69?
Thanks so much!! No I've never been employed by Line 6, I'd never turn down a paycheck though if it were offered lol. I've had the chance to meet most all of the staff at Line 6 and they are really great folks.
I don't know enough about the Brian May Special to give you a definite answer. All I can say is that any neck that will fit into a standard Fender Strat neck pocket should work.
Much appreciated, @Chad Huskey.
hi chad I have a variax 600 how often do you change strings on these and what kind would you recommend? thank you
As far as frequency I would change the strings as often as you would on any regular guitar.
I believe Variax guitars all come standard with .10 gauge strings. I use withe 10's or 11's with good success.
I've tried several brands and have not found any particular advantage in terms of how the Variax responds, so I would just stick with your favorite brand.
thank you very much
Good stuff. How is the neck feel between the Std and the JTV (the stock)... ?
I haven't had a ton of time with the Standard vs the countless hours I had on the stock JTV neck :) I would say that the JTV neck may be a little bit thicker. The only thing I really never loved about the stock neck was the narrow nut width. I didn't notice that to be an issue on the Std. Other than that I liked the stock neck on the JTV.
The best way I can describe the Std neck is that nothing jumped out at me as being uncomfortable about it. It did feel good.
I have a JTV69 with a Warmoth neck that I love. I would really like a comparison between the Korean made and USA made JTV’s. We always read in forums about how great the Variax is “...but not as good as my (insert $3,000 PRS, Suhr, Tom Anderson, etc)..”. I’d love to know if the USA models stand up.
That's something I'd like to try out as well :) I don't know that I'd spend the extra on the US version, but then again I've never spent $3k on any guitar I've ever owned. I bought a Les Paul Standard way back before prices got really out of hand, but that's the most expensive guitar I've personally purchased.
I'm really not terribly picky when it comes to guitars. As long as I get the chance to set them up the way I like, with string gauge and action, I'm pretty much good on anything.
I've played some high end guitars, and they're nice, but at the end of the day I can play the same notes on a Variax as I can on a Suhr. Just comes down to personal preference and budget.
I have finally begun to pretty much stay away from a lot of the guitar forums because they've turned into so many people arguing about "mine is better than yours". If I'm happy with my guitars and playing music I like, then I'm good to go ;)
Having said that if anyone has a US Variax and want to get together and compare them I'm up for that!
Does your Warmoth neck have the side mounted truss rod adjuster?
Can I use the Variax with my HX Stomp? Is the JTV69 neck too chunky?
You can use the Variax with Stomp, or any other guitar amp/processor, but you would have to use a standard 1/4" cable. You have to use the physical controls on the guitar to make changes.
With the Helix and Helix LT you can use the VDI cable to have the Helix control parameters on the Variax. But the functionality is pretty much the same.
Neck size will always come down to personal opinion. Did I find the JTV69 neck too chunky? No I didn't at all. My only complaint was it was more narrow at the nut than I prefer. But I have bigger hands which is why that bothered me.
For reference my previous guitars all had bigger necks on them. I played a SRV Strat for years and 50's style neck Les Pauls. So I'm quite used to bigger necks.
I have heard some say they thought the JTV69 neck was chunky, so you may want to try one for yourself. I found it to be comfortable personally.
great stuff Chad. Too bad they dont make a JTV89 without the Floyd Rose for those who want a fixed bridge in the shredder/Ibanez style and dont want to upgrade to the Shuriken.
They made an 89 with a hard tail before they came out with the floyd rose version. I'm assuming the floyd rose out sold it and didn't make sense to keep both in the line. You might could find one used possibly.
Great vídeo! I have a jtv69 and 59 to :)
Thanks!! Owning those guitars has cured me from buying more guitars. So in the long run buying them has actually saved me a lot of money lol.
Chad Huskey I agree 😁
One of the things I've been trying to figure out is the difference between firehawk and helix when used with the variax. In other words firehawk seem to does everything. Helix has more features, but what will be the main differences compared to firehawk?
I haven't owned a Firehawk, but looking at the manual it appears that with the Firehawk you can select the Variax model/pick up position. As well as control the position of the tone knob.
With Helix you can do both of those things, but you can also define custom tunings in Helix which can be selected on a per snapshot basis. So you can have one snapshot in an open tuning on an acoustic for example, then another snapshot that's standard tuned electric.
Also on Helix you can lock out the volume and tone controls (independently) from controlling those functions and use those knobs to control parameters on the Helix. For instance you could control the drive level on the amp model with the volume knob and the delay feedback with the tone knob. Leaves room for lots of possibilities.
In terms of comparing the 2 units the Firehawk uses the old HD and pre-HD (Pod Farm, Pod X3, et) amps and effects. Also it's designed to primarily be edited with the bluetooth app. There aren't as many physical controls on the unit itself.
The Helix uses the HX generation of modeling and is on a completely different level. I used the HD500 for about 6 years, and pretty much every earlier generation of device Line 6 put out as well, so I can say with full confidence that the Helix is something completely different.
From the tone to the user interface it's head and shoulders above anything else I've used.
Hope this helps!
@@ChadHuskey omg, yes, it helps, thanks. You have a talent for writing this technical stuff comprehensively. I suppose knowing the gear intimately is important.
It's really amazing what they have achieved.
Can you plug this straight into an amp and use the amps distortion instead of the models when utilizing drop tunings?
i think i understand what you're asking...so here goes:
if you're not using the modeling, the tuning dial has no effect. it does not change the physical string tuning, it only alters pitch on the models. so if you want alt tuning via the magnetic pickups, you'll have to do it the old fashioned way.
Note that the models in the variax have no fx or distortion..the model's unamplified guitar signal comes out of the 1/4" jack, so it's just like plugging that guitar into the amp or processing chain of choice, except you can alter tunings on the fly via the dial.
You can even blend magnetic and modeling outputs via the workbench for patches if you choose.
Hope that answers your question!
cheers!
To echo what kelldammit said there are no built in effects (distortion) in the guitar. So yes you can plug straight into the amp and use whatever tones from your amp/pedals that you want. Hope that helps!
Thanks guys
The rightest one
Finally I got a used JTV-69. They are almost impossible to find even 2nd hand.
I have small hands and tried a friend’s 59 - the neck is wider than 69, and as deep. Too big for me. The extra width makes it feel really bigger overall.
Now I found a 89 with a fixed bridge. Not my look at alll but I’d love to have a backup Variax.
What do you guys think? I am a little worried there may be some Yamaha based models in the works. On the other hand the whole Variax family may as well be on its way to extinction.
I'm hoping for a Yamaha version one of these days. No real info out there so far to know if that's in the works or not.
I own and play the Variax 300 professionally and looking forward to upgrading to the Shuriken!
You'll love it! I started out with a 300 and eventually moved to the JTV's once they came out :)
Any tips on where to go find setup tips and tweaks. I have a 2018 standard onyx and Helix Lt into two L2T’s cab’s and it sounds flabby and muddy. The cleans are ok but crunch sounds are not defined.
Do you find this to only be the case with only the Variax and not your other guitars? I'm wondering if your issue is the Variax or the particular Helix patch you're using. Let me know :)
Chad Huskey Just the variax. My Les Paul and Strat sound great through this rig. Thanks for the prompt response.
If you want to send me your patch I'll give it a listen and see if I notice the same thing on my Variax.
Chad Huskey , That’d be great. I’ve got a out town gig today, but I can send out a patch when I get back. Let me know how, custom tone site or what ever works best.
If you want to post it on Customtone that would be great! Just send me a link.
I am on the verge of purchasing a Variax. Right now I am leaning towards the 89F, but I am gathering that the tunings that come on the tuning knob are different from those on the others - because it's a "shredder" guitar. Is this true? I still want the open tunings for slide guitar and such, but if the 89F doesn't have it.... (regardless, you can change tunings in workbench, correct?) Any information on this to help me decide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
There are different pre programmed tunings on the 89 vs the other JTV models. But you can certainly go into workbench and set them to whatever you'd like them to be. Plus if you use Helix and the VDI cable you can also use the Helix to send custom tuning changes to the Variax. Hope that helps!
@@ChadHuskey This helps tremendously. I haven't looked in to the workbench application yet and wasn't fully sure what you could do with it. Yes, I do use Helix and can see LOTS of potential. Ok, thank you thank you Chad for the reply and information!
@@mhavens9 look through my channel and I have a variax playlist that goes over workbench. I think you'll have fun with it 🙂
@@ChadHuskey Will do! Thank you!!
What is the fastest best way to get a Variax Battery Replcement?
I would Google and see who carries them and shipping time. B&H do carry them www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1382806-REG/line_6_980340003_variax_battery.html
I'm totally into Variax sounds, and have been using them for years. What I am less impressed with, has been the guitars that Line 6 chooses to install this wonderful technology into. I've had two Variax 500s that I eventually used as transplant donors. The donor guitars were very cheap feeling. The finished transplant guitars are my most played guitars, at home and at rehearsals and gigs.
Last week, I decided to buy one of the latest generation Variax "HD models". I bought a black Variax Standard. Unfortunately, it is very reminiscent of those earlier generation Variax guitars. The neck feels like it was shaped from a framing 2x4 from a hardware store. Fret sprout like crazy, terrible action, has yet to get through a song in tune and is just generally an uninspiring guitar. On the "hits" side, the stock magnetic pickups sound very good and the illuminated model knob is much appreciated by these tired old eyes. On the "misses" side (besides the construction quality) the "HD" models don't sound as good to my ear as the older models did. Pretty disappointed. Just my $0.02.
Great info! Sounds to me that if I'm not a very active performer and have other guitars I like, I should invest in an old model and not jump onto the newer ones immediately.
Could you answer your opinion, are the acoustic simulations convincing enough in comparison with the newer models or did the old ones sound revealingly computerish? That is the most important thing I'd like to know.
I went shopping for a Variax guitar and the salesman told me he had one but got rid of it because in Variax Mode there was a noticeable latency when recording. Anyone else experience this latency issue??
This is not true. It's been discussed ad nauseam in the Variax Facebook community, but there isn't latency.
I've been using Variax since '05 for live and recording use. I've logged literally thousands of hours playing Variax. There isn't a noticeable latency.
I've spoken directly the product manager who was on the Variax team and he explained to me how they achieved zero latency. It was simple, but pretty genius.
They weren't going to put out the Variax if it had noticeable latency.
The only noticeable latency when recording is introduced through your audio interface and buffer settings. Regardless of what type of instrument you're plugging into it.
On the Facebook group discussion someone claimed to have done tests and was showing 15-20ms latency with Variax.
I don't know the methodology of his tests, but something wasn't measured correctly.
The product manager I referenced above also did a video with consistent testing methodology that showed there wasn't latency.
Ultimately though the best solution is for you to play a Variax and see if you like it.
Even using alternate tuning mode, which I use at EVERY gig I play, I perceive not latency.
And I've done lots of recording and anything over 10ms I start to notice. I feel confident in saying that if the latency was there I'd notice it.
So is the only difference between all of them is feel and cosmetics?
The reason is ask is I've played a strat my whole life and love playing them but would love to have the ability to get an 8 string sound with the standard variax model. I've seen it a lot on the shuriken but want to make sure I could get the same sounds with the standard? I'm pretty sure that's what u were saying and meant. But just double checking. Thanks for the review!!
That's correct that the tone of all of them are the same. The software is identical on all of them.
Some of the tuning presets are different on the jtv89, but you can reprogram any of them to what you want.
Hope that helps 👍
@@ChadHuskey thank you!!
Fret size? Radius?
I don't know those specs off the top of my head, but if you go to the guitar center or musicians friends website they have the specs listed when you look up the guitars.
You forgot the bass and Hundreds series!
Good video otherwise :)
Love my 300 but looking to upgrade to the Standard......
I only included currently available models and not the legacy models.
I had a 300, then 600, and the newer models are definitely worth the upgrade 👍
Good to see new Variax content. Wonder if anyone can verify that Yamaha is quietly killing off the Variax guitar line. Can't find them new any more and prices skyrocketing on ebay.
I can say pretty confidently that Yamaha isn't killing off the Variax guitars. I'm basing this off of comments I've seen Line 6 staff make on forums and Facebook posts. They certainly seem committed to the line. I've been happy to see new Shuriken models and colors available. I know Variax guitars are a little harder to find at times, and I wish this wasn't the case. I don't have an educated reason to explain why that is.
Pre ordered the jtv89f in april 2019, was told paint problem at factory meant they couldn't be released and they didn't have a date when it would be sorted, this is on all high end models! Waited till December before giving up and buying helix instead! Waiting for second hand jtv to come in post now!
Just keep in mind if you loose the XPS Footswitch like it happen to me, you are stuck with batteries to power these guitars. I can't even do a full gig with fresh ones. Been looking for years for a used XPS power.
That's why I keep away from Line 6 gear. Even after they been acquired by Yamaha, they discontinued their products as soon as they release new gear.
left handed version?
No
The Variax JTV is getting to be 10 years old, so the technology and modeling is way over due for upgrade, which means new gear and bigger price. Variax are showing up on Ebay and Reverb for decent prices as opposed to buying one new.
Not trying to be a jerk, but it’s a little off putting that you don’t look right into the camera. Thanks for the vid!
It’s there in your title: right for everyone. No lefties at all except for a prehistoric 300 used.
I know where you're coming from. I'm left handed as well so I get it. That's the reason when I started playing guitar I decided to learn right handed. My guitar teacher told me it would be easier to find guitars that way.
As to a left handed Variax, this has been discussed quite a bit on the Line 6 forums as well as the Variax Facebook group. I could go on a bit about what has been discussed, but it might be worthwhile if you to search on the FB group for some of the discussions if you haven't already.
The bottom line is this though: Based on market research and sale projections if Line 6 made a left handed Variax they'd lose money on it. Based on what I've read from the staff at Line 6 there would be a lot of new tooling and parts made to do this and it's simply cost prohibitive.
I know it sucks, but as someone who runs a small business I get their side too. In the end you can't do a project you know is going to lose money.
BTW, I love your channel name and it looks like you have some cool videos! Just subscribed :)
Thanks for reply and sub. Buying a helix today so it’s not all bad 😏
I think you'll love it! I have a lot of Helix tutorials on my channel as well and if you have any questions on setup, routing, patch building, etc I've probably got a video about it :) Feel free to reach out with any Helix related questions here as well and I'll be glad to help out any way I can. Cheers.
Much respect... but, the bar that bends the note up or down should be referred to as the Vibrato bar, because it affects the note value(freq), not the volume, like a Tremolo effect would do.
I’m aware of the difference between a tremolo effect and a vibrato effect. And to be sure the arm on the guitar is causing a vibrato effect and in no way alters the volume as a tremolo effect would.
However the VAST majority of the time guitarists refer to this as the tremolo arm. Even on Fender’s official web shop they are called tremolo arms.
The point of these videos is to convey information in a way that will be understood. If I had said vibrato arm I would have gotten WAY more comments asking me what that was or telling me it’s supposed to be called a tremolo arm.
Totally understand. I used to call it tremolo... I’ve always wondered why it was named that in the first place :) BTW- just ordered the Variax 89f. Very excited. ...and great videos. Thanks for the education.
Congrats on the Variax! 😁
@@benbowman7730 Your "correction" is wrong. Most guitar manufacturer's official documentation and specs refer to these as "Trem bars" or "Tremelo Bars". The people who make the product get to decide what it's called-- whether you agree or not.
They can name it the "Steering Wheel Stick" if they want. And if they do, then it's called a steering wheel stick... period.
Dave Carsley I honestly don’t give a f...
Why haven’t they put the Variax guts in a Jazzmaster?
My guess is the marketing data didn't support there being enough demand for that model to make money. With the JTV line they went with the primary Fender style, primary Gibson style, and a "shred" style of guitar. That does cover most of the bases I think. It would be cool if they had it in lots of different types of guitars, but I can understand the cost prohibitive nature of doing that.
Because Jazzmasters are awful looking and most of us wouldn't be caught dead on stage with one :-)
Do they do lefties Chad?
Unfortunately they don't make a left handed version. Line 6 has said it just wasn't feasible financially to make one.
@@ChadHuskey thanks for reply Chat. That's a shame. Does the Line6 POD 500 work with a conventional electric GUITAR?
@@markgardiner1767 yes it does work with any electric guitar.
But at that price point I'd look at pod go since Variax integration won't be a factor.
you sound like chris pratt
Thanks I guess :)
Very unfortunate for me as I own a JTV 69,and cannot get rid of the klunky,plunky,pingy sounds when used with high gain. Palm muting still sounds horrible and completely unusable no matter how much Line 6 claims they made it better thru software updates(NOT). So it just sits on a stand collecting dust.
Do you use a fret wrap at the nut? I just put some Velcro behind the nut and it fixed everything
@@gussothe2nd Yes I did that, even tried to pad under the strings at the bridge. Nothing works.
@@cast390 I used to have that problem then I just started adding an EQ before my tube screamer targeting that frequency! And works like a charm
@@Danny_Aniss i hve not tried that idea,I dont use a TS. Do you know what frequency you canceled out?
@@cast390 I don't precisely remember as it is a set-up and forget thing but start looking around the 2k range and just dial it while palm muting till it's gone (make sure you have a narrow enough curve so that you don't kill the pick attack)
why are the whites of your eyes so white ?
Too much "variax"!