Great vid! While the James Tyler Variax line has been discontinued, Line 6 does offer a very good Yamaha line of Variax guitars. Also, Line 6 offers JTV guitars on their web site if they are old surplus stock or reconditioned. I would be interested in your Variax models that you have created for FM. I use my JTV-69S with the Line 6 Helix which allows me to run direct with the sounds that I have created. The line 6 Helix can even change Variax models which I will use within a song to get the sound that I am looking for on that part of the song. Keep us updated. I look forward to more of your content.
Even without the gadgets, the Line 6 Variax JT guitars are amazing and are worth the money. The gadgets and models are a bonus. These guitars are well designed, well built, and will last a lifetime. The magnetic pups are awesome.
Add a Helix floor or LT, and you can use a cable made of cat5 to power the guitar, and change the models and tuning within the presets. I play 4 hour gigs with a JTV69 and only touch the volume control, the tunings and model selection is done automatically by the Helix.
There is a Variax specific cable that is a bit more robust than your standard Cat-5 cable. It is essentially a Cat-5 cable inside but has thicker outer shielding which helps it coil better which the twisted pairs of Cat-5 typically fight against. It also has metal cap ends that shield the RJ45 connector ends and clip into the Variax port and the port on the Helix in the same way XLR cables do. They lock in so you get a more reliable connection at the guitar. I've tried to use a standard Cat-5 cable on the cheap and even with the standard RJ45 clip it would easily fall out. The specialized cable is well worth the money if you can find it.
@@motomike71 Yes, it's called a VDI cable. It uses stranded rather than solid wire, and has a Neutrik ethercon fitting on either end. Line 6 is still selling them, $40 for 3o feet. I need to get a couple for backups for backups.
I use a DVI cable at home but on stage if you don't need many changes within a song you can live with your onboard guitar knob and just enjoy a radio connection.
I've used a Variax, almost exclusively, for the last 12 years at gigs. Combined with the POD HD500 and the Helix, the versatility of being able to switch amps, speakers, effects and even microphones and their position with a single foot-switch, is off the charts! I have an ESP Eclipse II and a Gretsch Electromatic Double Jet with Variax 500 transplants in them. I also have a Variax Standard. I've been taking the Gretsch out lately as I prefer it's neck and the Black-Face FilterTrons. It also looks amazing! It's not for keyboard sounds, but it nails the stringed instruments. And honestly, the acoustic guitars and the Rickenbacker 12-strings are better on the pre-HD Variax. BTW, the jack socket has never failed me and in building the transplants, it's super easy to uplug and therefore replace.
Well done. Thanks for this... interested to learn that they are discontinued as I run a Helix Floor live and would appreciate a ONE GUITAR FOR GIGS approach! Great workaround tips, too! Excellent.
I agree with "TheGuitarJeff"...! I have my Variax 500 since 2005 - and I am still happy with it. The Neck is awesome, the feel, the intonation, the response , the tuning stability is also great. Really a shame they just let go these great Guitars... I know, in times of the hysteric Vintage-Hype these guitars are sort of stigmatized (...they are no REAL guitars...) but I have heard that ONLY from people who haven´t even played one of them. Everybody who has played my Variax is simply amazed. But it is what it is...seems as a Fanta Advertise I saw many many years ago in cinema was terryfying true, when it says "...Fanta: Thirst is nothing - Image is everything...". Great Video, Scott. I really dig your approach. Very honest, very normal (in a good way!) and many great points you make... Thumbs up!
Pretty great overview of that guitar. I have the same exact JTV-59 Tobacco model as you for close to a decade. Especially on pub cover gigs, the variax let's me just use one guitar for the night. Models are close enough, even though I agree about the 12 string being kind of crappy. Can't wait to see you perform in Chicago in October. My wife and I will be up front!
@@ScottPoleyMusic Can't come to Chicago without trying a Deep Dish pizza. Tourist guides will tell you Lou Malnati's and Giordano's are the go to's. They're good but my personal favorites are Peaquod's and Chicago Oven Grinder, depending on where the band is staying. Can't go wrong with any of those. Also, if you get time, all the museums downtown are a fantastic way to spend a day. You guys will have a blast. Tons to do in the city and by October, it won't be blistering hot like it is right now.
I too use this as my only guitar for shows and open mic nights. I didn't know that the jack was part of the board. I know it's playable through the cat5 connector but for ease of use I'd never really go there. There's a little bit of latency in piezo mode but nothing to throw you off. I love being able to switch between the humbuckers and a 12 string acoustic or sitar or banjo. Definitely gets the attention of players who wonder, "how the hell?" I got mine used at Guitar Center for $725. Word it they're having a sale this weekend.
I picked up an amethyst refurbished strat style Variax Standard Limited Edition last August 2023 from the Line 6 store before they were all gone. I had a Shuriken Variax I picked up from Sweetwater as a dent and scratch special the year before but wasn't happy with the form factor of the guitar and that it did not have a tremolo. I'm very happy with the Standard LE and have used it on a few musical theatre pit gigs along with the Helix floor. It's nice not having to do guitar switching between or mid number and I even used the re-tuning to simulate using a capo on a 12-string. The great thing about being able to do that is you don't run into the intonation issues of using a capo, especially on a guitar with that kind of tension. I'm glad I have two Variax. If I need the 24 frets of the Shuriken I have it and at any rate can be used for spare parts if the time comes I need them.
I'm so glad I managed to get two of these before it seemed the penny dropped for everyone! Playing in a covers band, with this + Helix floor really puts everything not just at your fingertips, but easily with one foot switch change. i know it's not a cool looking custom shop or anything but it's a tool for the job. I use it mainly for tuning changes cos I prefer the LP Special or just the Variax Mags.........all controllable from HX Edit so don't really use Workbench any more. It's a killer solution for a cover band scenario. I still take 2 guitars to a gig, but I take 2 of these ;-)
I bought a 59...then a 69 because strings break lol - love the flexibility, I run the acoustic sound to DI & the elec to 1/4 & DT-25 & YES - strongly agree w/conclusion
Some of the modeled sounds get plinky as you go up the fretboard. I had an old Variax 700 but gave it to a friend. I've been using a Roland hex pickup on my Strat and prefer it.
Be careful performing outside. That Belgium concert in the rain had the chance for possible electrocution! I agree with your Variax overview. Should be updated and made in Indonesia. Also, pedal steel guitars should be make inexpensively in Indonesia also. The best, lower cost guitars are coming out of Indonesia now. Probably one factory, Cort? All the major guitar companies must have contracts with that factory to make their overseas stuff. Reasonably priced, high quality.
Most of us play at home. If some friends come over play with them. Cannot afford too many instruments, retired, kidneys are failing. Need to learn computer, DAW, multiple tracks to mute when a player if a particular instrument comes over. Need software to create Hendrix sound on guitar, Rickenbacker 325C58 sounds, etc. cannot afford to buy many instruments, so it must be done with minimal equipment via a laptop computer, portable. Keyboard? I prefer a Casio Privia PX560M. It has lots of sounds and rhythm patterns.
great guitar, at the end of the day there tools you use to make a living. As somebody who has spent thousands of dollars on tools over my lifetime you go after functionality if you want to survive. A few years back caught Steve Winwood and his guitarist was using a Kemper guitar and amp, sounded just like he did 30 years ago
I had the exact same guitar, but stupidly (perhaps) sold it about 2-years ago when I had the Covid Blues. I loved the feel of it and obviously it's versatility, but I never really played it and would usually pick up a Tele instead! If I'd have been a gigging guitarist, I'd probably have kept it, rather than lugging half a dozen different guitars with me... I have however 'promised' myself that I will look for another if I really don't get over selling it. Great video (as always) by the way!! 🤔🙄😅👊
I have a 1959 les paul reissue Gibson and it has an autotune/keychange unit on it but its a lot of fiddling about to get the sound you want whereas the Line 6 guitar Aviax changes tune instantly with a turn of the knobs as well as many other instruments. I cannot understand why no one has come up with a system like it one can attach to a guitar. Aviax wont sell the system separate and yes there would be a very large market for it!!!!!
It didn’t catch on, didn’t really sell. I think a lot of guitar players are caught up in the “analogue only” world. Also, the first VARIAX guitars were not nice guitars. They always sounded good but looked weird and played like a cheap instrument. Once that was released, the damage was done. Fender tried too, with the VG Strat.
@@ScottPoleyMusic Indeed I have a 500 and it's very lightweight and feels like a toy but it plays very well. When I bought a JTV89F I felt the weight and the premium touch. The JTV series was much more expensive though, maybe that's another reason it didn't catch on.
Something I've never liked about Line Six is they make a product and then at some point in time drop the product and support goes into hiding. I have this same guitar and everyday I hope and pray nothing breaks because I know it will the Variax portion will just become a paper weight.
Yes! It’s the most idiotic design. We’re working on a mod to split the input jack from the board, in theory it’s only a few solder joints but it’s getting the mounting points for the socket & the pcb correct.
I mean, you say "attached to THE circuit board". If you take the back of these guitars, there is SOOOOO much circuitboard in there it almost makes the jack less of a worry 😄 but i love them, even though I know one day it'll break somewhere inside that thing and it'll probably cost me a fortune to fix if that's even possible! I'm even considering a 'donor' parts Variax for that reason. Toggle switch is another weak point on these I think.
I’ve had my JTV-59 for close to a decade now. As a gigging musician with a diverse set list, this guitar is a life saver. I know I can pretty much show up to any gig with this guitar and my modeler and cover any genre. It’s great especially for when the singer puts together the set list which any thought to guitar tunings or changes 😂
I see your point chickenlickin3820 - 90% of the sounds are good, close enough to distinguish the difference between a Strat / Les Paul / Tele. The alternate tunings function makes the guitar indispensable for me. Of course the digital models are not as good as a ‘real’, analogue guitar sounds, but you could say the same of a modelling rig Kemper / Helix vs a tube amp, or a keyboard vs a Hammond or piano.
Great vid! While the James Tyler Variax line has been discontinued, Line 6 does offer a very good Yamaha line of Variax guitars. Also, Line 6 offers JTV guitars on their web site if they are old surplus stock or reconditioned. I would be interested in your Variax models that you have created for FM. I use my JTV-69S with the Line 6 Helix which allows me to run direct with the sounds that I have created. The line 6 Helix can even change Variax models which I will use within a song to get the sound that I am looking for on that part of the song. Keep us updated. I look forward to more of your content.
That’s so cool. When I get a moment - I’ll put the models up for download from my website 👍
Even without the gadgets, the Line 6 Variax JT guitars are amazing and are worth the money. The gadgets and models are a bonus. These guitars are well designed, well built, and will last a lifetime. The magnetic pups are awesome.
Couldn't agree more!
Excellent video Scott, which Mac tribute are you in?
Add a Helix floor or LT, and you can use a cable made of cat5 to power the guitar, and change the models and tuning within the presets. I play 4 hour gigs with a JTV69 and only touch the volume control, the tunings and model selection is done automatically by the Helix.
Cool!!!
There is a Variax specific cable that is a bit more robust than your standard Cat-5 cable. It is essentially a Cat-5 cable inside but has thicker outer shielding which helps it coil better which the twisted pairs of Cat-5 typically fight against. It also has metal cap ends that shield the RJ45 connector ends and clip into the Variax port and the port on the Helix in the same way XLR cables do. They lock in so you get a more reliable connection at the guitar. I've tried to use a standard Cat-5 cable on the cheap and even with the standard RJ45 clip it would easily fall out. The specialized cable is well worth the money if you can find it.
@@motomike71 Yes, it's called a VDI cable. It uses stranded rather than solid wire, and has a Neutrik ethercon fitting on either end. Line 6 is still selling them, $40 for 3o feet. I need to get a couple for backups for backups.
I use a DVI cable at home but on stage if you don't need many changes within a song you can live with your onboard guitar knob and just enjoy a radio connection.
This is worth it just to get rid of dependency on a battery, but it's also so much more versatile and elegant when making changes.
Great video, and excellent playing!
Thanks a lot!
I've used a Variax, almost exclusively, for the last 12 years at gigs. Combined with the POD HD500 and the Helix, the versatility of being able to switch amps, speakers, effects and even microphones and their position with a single foot-switch, is off the charts! I have an ESP Eclipse II and a Gretsch Electromatic Double Jet with Variax 500 transplants in them. I also have a Variax Standard. I've been taking the Gretsch out lately as I prefer it's neck and the Black-Face FilterTrons. It also looks amazing! It's not for keyboard sounds, but it nails the stringed instruments. And honestly, the acoustic guitars and the Rickenbacker 12-strings are better on the pre-HD Variax. BTW, the jack socket has never failed me and in building the transplants, it's super easy to uplug and therefore replace.
Well done. Thanks for this... interested to learn that they are discontinued as I run a Helix Floor live and would appreciate a ONE GUITAR FOR GIGS approach!
Great workaround tips, too! Excellent.
Thanks Jeff
I agree with "TheGuitarJeff"...! I have my Variax 500 since 2005 - and I am still happy with it. The Neck is awesome, the feel, the intonation, the response , the tuning stability is also great. Really a shame they just let go these great Guitars... I know, in times of the hysteric Vintage-Hype these guitars are sort of stigmatized (...they are no REAL guitars...) but I have heard that ONLY from people who haven´t even played one of them. Everybody who has played my Variax is simply amazed. But it is what it is...seems as a Fanta Advertise I saw many many years ago in cinema was terryfying true, when it says "...Fanta: Thirst is nothing - Image is everything...". Great Video, Scott. I really dig your approach. Very honest, very normal (in a good way!) and many great points you make... Thumbs up!
Thanks so much.
I also have a 500 and I think it's the best of that series. I also have a JTV89F and that's the ultimate guitar for me.
Pretty great overview of that guitar. I have the same exact JTV-59 Tobacco model as you for close to a decade. Especially on pub cover gigs, the variax let's me just use one guitar for the night. Models are close enough, even though I agree about the 12 string being kind of crappy. Can't wait to see you perform in Chicago in October. My wife and I will be up front!
Oh man I can’t wait to come to Chicago. Any recommendations for us to visit on our day off there?
@@ScottPoleyMusic Can't come to Chicago without trying a Deep Dish pizza. Tourist guides will tell you Lou Malnati's and Giordano's are the go to's. They're good but my personal favorites are Peaquod's and Chicago Oven Grinder, depending on where the band is staying. Can't go wrong with any of those. Also, if you get time, all the museums downtown are a fantastic way to spend a day. You guys will have a blast. Tons to do in the city and by October, it won't be blistering hot like it is right now.
@@scottturek4655 Amazing! Can't wait! Thanks for the recommendations.
I too use this as my only guitar for shows and open mic nights. I didn't know that the jack was part of the board. I know it's playable through the cat5 connector but for ease of use I'd never really go there. There's a little bit of latency in piezo mode but nothing to throw you off.
I love being able to switch between the humbuckers and a 12 string acoustic or sitar or banjo. Definitely gets the attention of players who wonder, "how the hell?"
I got mine used at Guitar Center for $725. Word it they're having a sale this weekend.
Same here, you get it.
I picked up an amethyst refurbished strat style Variax Standard Limited Edition last August 2023 from the Line 6 store before they were all gone. I had a Shuriken Variax I picked up from Sweetwater as a dent and scratch special the year before but wasn't happy with the form factor of the guitar and that it did not have a tremolo. I'm very happy with the Standard LE and have used it on a few musical theatre pit gigs along with the Helix floor. It's nice not having to do guitar switching between or mid number and I even used the re-tuning to simulate using a capo on a 12-string. The great thing about being able to do that is you don't run into the intonation issues of using a capo, especially on a guitar with that kind of tension. I'm glad I have two Variax. If I need the 24 frets of the Shuriken I have it and at any rate can be used for spare parts if the time comes I need them.
Absolutely
I knew those were versatile but I didn't realise just how many tricks they had on board, great review mate 🤘🏻
Thanks my man 👍
I'm so glad I managed to get two of these before it seemed the penny dropped for everyone! Playing in a covers band, with this + Helix floor really puts everything not just at your fingertips, but easily with one foot switch change. i know it's not a cool looking custom shop or anything but it's a tool for the job. I use it mainly for tuning changes cos I prefer the LP Special or just the Variax Mags.........all controllable from HX Edit so don't really use Workbench any more. It's a killer solution for a cover band scenario. I still take 2 guitars to a gig, but I take 2 of these ;-)
Exactly 👍 you know it!!
I bought a 59...then a 69 because strings break lol - love the flexibility, I run the acoustic sound to DI & the elec to 1/4 & DT-25 & YES - strongly agree w/conclusion
Great stuff. I’m sure if string breakage is an issue, it’s a simple setup / rough edge that needs filing.
that is awesome!
Thanks Saman
love line 6
That’s great Kenny. I like them too.
Some of the modeled sounds get plinky as you go up the fretboard. I had an old Variax 700 but gave it to a friend. I've been using a Roland hex pickup on my Strat and prefer it.
I don’t really notice that on this instrument, but the actual guitar sustains really well. I’ve not tried the Roland alternatives since the VG Strat…
Be careful performing outside. That Belgium concert in the rain had the chance for possible electrocution! I agree with your Variax overview. Should be updated and made in Indonesia. Also, pedal steel guitars should be make inexpensively in Indonesia also. The best, lower cost guitars are coming out of Indonesia now. Probably one factory, Cort? All the major guitar companies must have contracts with that factory to make their overseas stuff. Reasonably priced, high quality.
Glad you enjoyed the video Thomas. Cort do a great job.
Yes, you CAN use the workbench hd with the latest mac os system! I use it.
How? It won’t install on my machine?? It says it’s only suitable for 32 bit and my new mac is 64 bit. Amazing if it does work!!
@@ScottPoleyMusic there was no problem to install and use the workbench version 2.15 on a MacBook M1 with OS 13.5.2 Ventura
@@ScottPoleyMusic I'm running mine on MacOS Sonoma.
Great guitar for fly dates
🎸👍
Most of us play at home. If some friends come over play with them. Cannot afford too many instruments, retired, kidneys are failing. Need to learn computer, DAW, multiple tracks to mute when a player if a particular instrument comes over. Need software to create Hendrix sound on guitar, Rickenbacker 325C58 sounds, etc. cannot afford to buy many instruments, so it must be done with minimal equipment via a laptop computer, portable. Keyboard? I prefer a Casio Privia PX560M. It has lots of sounds and rhythm patterns.
I hope your kidneys aren’t failing? 😳 - the variax definitely has its uses from beginners to professionals.
I would buy one just for the electric sitar feature....
Oh man!! I love that sound. I had to take it out to get more presets in, I need to find it again.
great guitar, at the end of the day there tools you use to make a living. As somebody who has spent thousands of dollars on tools over my lifetime you go after functionality if you want to survive. A few years back caught Steve Winwood and his guitarist was using a Kemper guitar and amp, sounded just like he did 30 years ago
100%
My JTV 59 is my indispensable workhorse and to boot it’s a lovely guitar to play. Too bad Line 6 saw fit to discontinue its production. Very silly
Yeah I agree Jerry.
I had the exact same guitar, but stupidly (perhaps) sold it about 2-years ago when I had the Covid Blues. I loved the feel of it and obviously it's versatility, but I never really played it and would usually pick up a Tele instead! If I'd have been a gigging guitarist, I'd probably have kept it, rather than lugging half a dozen different guitars with me... I have however 'promised' myself that I will look for another if I really don't get over selling it. Great video (as always) by the way!! 🤔🙄😅👊
Thanks Ian - they’re really useful guitars. The stock guitar with the stock pickups sounds REALLY good and plays great too.
I have a 1959 les paul reissue Gibson and it has an autotune/keychange unit on it but its a lot of fiddling about to get the sound you want whereas the Line 6 guitar Aviax changes tune instantly with a turn of the knobs as well as many other instruments. I cannot understand why no one has come up with a system like it one can attach to a guitar. Aviax wont sell the system separate and yes there would be a very large market for it!!!!!
I wish they would update / reintroduce the concept.
Why is this guitar discontinued ?
It didn’t catch on, didn’t really sell. I think a lot of guitar players are caught up in the “analogue only” world. Also, the first VARIAX guitars were not nice guitars. They always sounded good but looked weird and played like a cheap instrument. Once that was released, the damage was done. Fender tried too, with the VG Strat.
@@ScottPoleyMusic Indeed I have a 500 and it's very lightweight and feels like a toy but it plays very well. When I bought a JTV89F I felt the weight and the premium touch. The JTV series was much more expensive though, maybe that's another reason it didn't catch on.
Something I've never liked about Line Six is they make a product and then at some point in time drop the product and support goes into hiding. I have this same guitar and everyday I hope and pray nothing breaks because I know it will the Variax portion will just become a paper weight.
Yes, it’s to do with the company being sold and moved on. Poor form isn’t it? There’s also never been a VARIAX 2….
Line 6 excels at planned obsolescence .
NO NYLON - Great video tho
Agreed - would have been a very handy feature!!
Wow. Sounds risky with that output jack being attached directly to the circuit board.
Yes! It’s the most idiotic design. We’re working on a mod to split the input jack from the board, in theory it’s only a few solder joints but it’s getting the mounting points for the socket & the pcb correct.
I mean, you say "attached to THE circuit board". If you take the back of these guitars, there is SOOOOO much circuitboard in there it almost makes the jack less of a worry 😄 but i love them, even though I know one day it'll break somewhere inside that thing and it'll probably cost me a fortune to fix if that's even possible! I'm even considering a 'donor' parts Variax for that reason. Toggle switch is another weak point on these I think.
Should be called the gullible guitar for those that can't tell the difference.
I’ve had my JTV-59 for close to a decade now. As a gigging musician with a diverse set list, this guitar is a life saver. I know I can pretty much show up to any gig with this guitar and my modeler and cover any genre. It’s great especially for when the singer puts together the set list which any thought to guitar tunings or changes 😂
I see your point chickenlickin3820 - 90% of the sounds are good, close enough to distinguish the difference between a Strat / Les Paul / Tele. The alternate tunings function makes the guitar indispensable for me. Of course the digital models are not as good as a ‘real’, analogue guitar sounds, but you could say the same of a modelling rig Kemper / Helix vs a tube amp, or a keyboard vs a Hammond or piano.