Great review. Nice to see someone actually explain the palm muting issue rather than just palm muting halfway to the fingerboard and whining that it doesn’t work. Your explanation was great too and should be required reading for anyone asking about this issue online. There’s a lot of nonsense floating around out there...I’ve also found the best results are from putting my hand right on the bridge and really laying into it. But I’m not a big metal guy and my PM technique has never been good anyway. I hear more of a difference in your demo than I hear with my playing, and good enough is good enough. I have to agree that where this shines is in the acoustic models...
The thing I like the most about this review is the statement at the end, which is often lacking in demos. Basically, the "don't take my word for it, go pick up a guitar and play it for yourself." I also appreciate the astute observation regarding the palm muting issue, which is present in pretty much any saddle mounted pickup system. Palm muting is only effective between your muting palm and the chord fingering, so any saddle-mounted piezo system will have this issue.
Great and honest review of this guitar. I have been considering a Variax, but your astute observation of the palm muting issue, which is something I did not know about until watching your review and not something I would have every guessed would be an issue, has be reconsidering now. Even if not playing "chugga ch' chugga" metal, palm mutes are still a fairly common technique in rock guitar. I wouldn't want to compromise on that.
Yeah, it works great for me as a creative tool for a bunch of different sounds. But because of the palm muting issue, I wouldn't use it as a main instrument.
I'm a guy that played circuits as a kid and when I got tired of starving got a real job. Now I have just one high quality guitar that I love to play. The variax would be so much fun to gig with, it makes me want to hit the road again, doing tunings that I wouldn't dare do on my precious ... ;)
Thanks for the review. I have been interested in the variax for some time now. I'm very particular about body contouring and comfortability in playing so the point you made about NO Belly Contour was great info to be armed with. Thanks again.
I just got one and it sounds great on its own. Plays great and stays in tune well. I use the Variax with a Line6 POD HD500X so the floor unit can change the models with each patch. I am changing out the frets to Medium Jumbo and will let you know how that works out. For palm muting on high gain just switch out the bridge PU to a DiMarzio ToneZone or equivalent for more gain than the single coil avoiding the modeling altogether.
Glad you covered this palm muting issue. Its purely due to the processing at the bridge. This is the one reason that I loved the Roland GK-3 on the VG better, and can be added to any guitar easily, but requires a huge Roland pedal that isn't worth much other than modeling guitars in my opinion. I used one gigging for years on my Ibanez because the tuning was stable and I could get just about about any pickup/body/tuning with ease, but in reality this is terrible to carry around another huge "computer" to do the work of the 6 guitars I would want at the end of the day. I have been watching videos tonight hoping that someone could show me that weird midrange buildup sound was gone, and your palm muting demo shows exactly the issue with these. Guess I hope that processing had gotten better in the last 12 years since I ditched mine and clearly Line 6 has chosen not to upgrade anything at all. Thanks for the video, hit the sub button, thanks for being honest instead of dazzled! \m/
Yeah, I think the ideal system would have to include both. A hex-pickup (like the GK) as a source for the electric models, and the piezo saddles as a source for the acoustic models. However, that leaves you with a $1500 guitar that is a $1000 computer inside a $500 guitar. The ideal solution may still be out of reach until the technology becomes cheaper. Thanks for the kind words!
You now, I noticed that when Rabea did his Frogleap Live rig demo (Helix/Shuriken Variax), the palm mutes sounded the same. They sounded flat, lifeless, and had no attack. This makes a lot of sense now, and a huge shame because I was looking into getting a Variax in the future. And by the way you described things they took a low-end Pacifica, customized it slightly, and added in the computer. Although like you, I was looking to use the guitar for more experimental things. Like acoustic, 12-string stuff, and possible sitar.
Great and different review. I don’t play metal so the palm muting thing is like a storm in a tea cup for me. This is not a metal guitar nor was it made to suit a particular style of music. I like this guitar for its versatility. I get great and varied tones. I’m not a guitar purist so I like this concept of “many guitars in one” very much.
Great review.. I have had each model of the Variax over the years but also sold them. I wanted them to be great, especially for studio work but they just feel wrong - i.e. palm muting. I too like higher gain, 80s lead n rhythm. Extreme Nuno tone.. I would suggest buying for clean work or buy guitars such as Epiphone and other makes that are a lower price but are a higher quality build.
I agree. I wouldn't be comfortable using this with any amount of gain while palm muting. They are "clean" sound workhorses though... The options never end!
Check out Chad Huskey on RUclips. He's an avid Helix and Variax user. He has many useful videos that I have learned from and actually answers your questions.
I usually fight the palm muting problem with a boost. Makes it sound tighter. Usually when I run it into Guitar Rig I have a tube screamer and a treble booster boosting it a bit, and it makes the palm muting sound really tight. It makes the whole tone have a bit more bite but a good balance sounds great. The palm muting actually sounds a lot better compared to older Variaxes, and they obviously have technology to detect when you're palm muting, so I don't understand why they can't program an increase of treble/presence during palm muting. It would actually fix the problem completely. The whole reason palm muting sounds like that is because when a magnetic listens it sits in front of your palm where the strings are actually vibrating, but the piezos sit behind your palm where it reads the actual dampened strings where all of the tone is already sucked out. If you want to hear how it would probably normally sound, you can palm mute at the nut of the guitar instead of at the bridge.
lol Thanks! Never hurts to add to the discussion. :) I found that none of the current workarounds get it there for me. IMO, the best solution would be for them to redesign the guitar from the ground up for their next "version" to use a magnetic hex pickup (to source the sound for electric models) as well as the piezo pickups (for acoustic/reso sounds.) However, that would likely add significantly to the cost of the instrument and put it too far away from the target price point.
Agreed Jonathan. I know, for some players, it doesn't bother them, especially within a live mix. I almost envy that. But you gotta like what your hearing to, hopefully, play at your best. It's a thing they'll never fix in current models. Just the nature of the piezo beast.
I use a network instrument cable to the helix so I can use the magnetic pickups and model acoustic guitar sound at the same time through separate outputs.
Amazing review. Finally a video that explains everything. Nevertheless, I am still wondering how the guitar sounds using a regular amp. No modellers, no axe-fx, no line6 etc.
The dreaded palm mute "thomp". It really is a killer. I had a JTV59, and loved everything about it, except the muting issue. Since I'm a 100% metal guy, it wasn't the workhorse I was hoping it would be. I always think about getting another one, since Stevic doesn't have the same (as harsh) issue with the Shuriken, but... $2300 isn't something I want to toy with. Yea, I can take it back, but I still need to get the cash in the first place. haha
Regarding the RJ45/Variax Jack...yes it is annoying to disconnect a standard ethernet style cable, but the door placement is where it is so it works better with the Variax guitar cables with the Nuetrik style ethercon connectors where the release is on the other side. I have a JTV and it’s the same way. This works great for plugging into say a Helix or HD500/HD500X and I think maybe some other Line6 gear. Also worth noting is those devices can power the Variax over the cable without the battery. You can even access the workbench software through those devices. I think there is also an obscure power injector box as well.
Correction on the power injector as I just looked them up. It powers the Variax through the 1/4” connector using a TRS cable. I imagine the Yamaha models work the same. It also functions as an A/B switch so toggle between a 1/4” out and XLR output so you can route your acoustic sounds to say a different amp or direct to PA. The Variax connection into a Line6 modeler also powers the guitar.
Great review and helpful , in terms of palm muting your examples are great , with the Variax good EQ and good compressor on your pedalboard would probably improve the palm muting sound.......just a guess..........mod that baby and lets see the result ! Thank you for an excellent video....
Thanks for the kind words! I've tinkered for a long time trying to get a realistic palm muted sound out of the Variax with no luck. It's just not a good tool for palm muted riffage with any amount of gain. At least not for my needs or to my ears. I may get around to doing a video of the upgrades someday. Sadly, spare time for making videos is at an all time low in my life right now. :( Wife, kids, thriving business (that I own), other responsibilities, etc.
Man! This is a great review! Possibly the best and most realistic review about Variax Standard I have seen. I am planning to buy this guitar, I am new to electric guitar and planning to buy this instead of buying a few acoustic and one electric guitar. Also I own a Line 6 Firehawk which I believe can power this guitar so I don't need to deal with the battery at all. Do you think it would be a good idea? Thanks for this great review. Greetings from Melbourne Australia.
Thanks man! I haven't used a Firehawk, but apparently it is on par with the HD series (tone-wise) so it should be decent enough. A Variax is a big investment if you're new to electric guitar. I would honestly get something cheaper until I knew I was in it for the long haul. Thanks for checking out the video!
Thank u man good video I think that would be awesome if u make more videos on this guitar I'm thinking of getting one but om on the fence live in Vegas gets hot here summer u made some good pros an cons thanks
Honestly still trying to decide on the pickups... I prefer rails pickups, since there are already a strat-style single coil models. The biggest hindrance to upgrading to Cruisers (my preferred) is that they need 500K pots, which means I'll need to do some serious work replacing the pots as well. Any modern tuners (10mm) will fit, so whatever you prefer on that end.
A great video. Excellent, straightforward delivery and very informative. I wanted to update my original variax - which has developed a few problems and tried one of these. I think they've made a mistake putting the technology into a low quality body. The one I tried was very cheap feeling and poorly set-up. Line 6 does so many things brilliantly, but doesn't seem to have cracked the format to really get a great instrument to go with the great technology.
Agreed... But, to be fair for comparison purposes, the Variax 500 was the same price as the modern Variax Standard, and I feel the newer ones are better guitars out of the box. The Variax 700 was $1500, and a great guitar. A Variax Standard with a pro setup from the best luthier/tech you can find will produce an excellent quality instrument and will still come in well under $1500.
@@jbealsmusic Thanks for your very informative reply. I'm sure with a bit of expert work, a Pacifica could be made very good. I do like their ideas. I am going to investigate a Roland Strat VG. I tried one of the older ones which was interesting. Another issue is that a lot of modelling instruments become relatively quickly discontinued [obsolete?].
@@MrMjp58 I really like the concept of the Roland GK/VG stuff. If they worked on improving their guitar/pickup modelling, it'd be a total winner for me.
Good info! I'm hoping I can find a similar video on the Sheriken Guitar which is the one i'm interested in. I suppose the palm muting issue could be remedied by switching to the 1/4" jack for a more natural palm muting sound... right?
Same guts, but in a different body/neck. So, playability would be totally different, as would the sound of the magnetic pickups. But the modelled tones are identical. The jack makes no difference in the tone. The palm muting issue is described in detail in my video. The modelled tones will always have that palm muting issue. It's just physics.
This is one the best video reviews I've seen - wish they were all as informative as this! But can I ask, what mods were you thinking of doing? As I'm thinking of adding Tronical tuners, which are locking so hopefully would help the stability some, as well as provide hopefully "real" alternative tuning options. Also, I had mine professionally setup and the luthier mentioned screwing the trem bar down, but I said no as I didn't want to lose use of it. I'd love to hear what you were thinking of doing so I could look into those options myself?
Still debating what to do about the bridge. Making a new multi-piece neck with stainless steel frets, TUSQ XL nut, and locking tuners. Not sure what to replace the pickups with though... I'm not a big fan of single coils, so I was considering dual rails. However, the stock pots are not easily replaceable and rail pickups would require changing them Lots of things to consider.
I was looking for the mod videos. I just got one of the last Variax Standard Limited edition guitars from Line 6's site last August. I would be interested in your upgrades to the tuners and if there is a way to make the strat style tremolo be more like a floating tremolo. BTW, the palm muting on the standard at the saddles is much better than the palm muting on the Suriken Variax which is ironic because the Suriken is designed for more high gain playing.
Never filmed the mods. Upgrading the nut was key for me. If you can find a Variax 89F on the used market, it has a floyd. Despite what their marketing machine and supporters would have you believe, palm muting on the Shuriken has the exact same issue. It is not improved at all. The issue is physics, not hardware or firmware. You can't beat the physics with a fancy body shape or different bridge. If the pickups are still mounted in the saddles, the problem will persist. If you listen with your ears (or just try one), the palm mutung issue is identical on all Variax models when not using the magnetic pickups. Not a deal breaker for me, as I have guitars for those sounds. I use the Variax more for clean stuff and acoustic/resonator sounds.
JiTiAr35 The complaint in the review was regarding palm muting when using the models. Mags are as expected for cheap single coils. They can be changed if needed, but not as easily as a standard guitar.
I just got mine today. I wasn't impressed with the 'out of the box' model sounds. They sounded harsh and it was hard to tell the difference between most of them, plus the acoustic instruments sounded clanky and artificial. I got workbench up and running and realised that by setting the level for each individual model at around -10db hugely improved the sonic quality and realism. I found the -10db level by putting vol and tone up full in magnetic pickup mode (adjusting you amp/monitor/headphones for comfortable montoring level) then matching the model volumes one at a time with the mag output, switching back and forth. Some models need plus or minus 1 db extra. It sounds amazing now. I don't know why they have the outputs of the models so high as a default setting but I recon it must have put a few off trying it out in the shop.
Hi there! Great video with great exposing. I've bought one Standard a few months ago. In your video you refer some upgrades for variax standard. Do you have a video, good references that you can send or post, please? Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words! I may get around to doing a video of the upgrades someday. Sadly, spare time for making videos is at an all time low in my life right now. :( Wife, kids, thriving/growing business (that I own), other responsibilities, etc.
If you rotate a pickup to an extreme extent in Workshop, does the volume drop off on the outermost strings like it would in real life or does the volume remain constant?
It simulates where the sound is being picked up in terms of tone (outermost strings closer to the neck or bridge), but it does not simulate the volume drop.
It seems the Shuriken fixes some of the issues. Palm muting sounds really nice on it, it handles downtuning much more accurately, and the guitar itself is just higher quality, which I guess makes sense since it's a more expensive guitar. In playability comparison, the standards felt like a Squier to me. The Shuriken feels more like a MIM Fender. I haven't played the JT models.
That's what their marketing department would have you believe. 😉 In reality, the models sound and react exactly the same with the Shuriken. The palm muting and tuning down issues aren't any different. But I agree regarding the physical quality. The Shuriken is much better than the Standard. Standard = Squier (I'd say low end Squier) and Shuriken = MIM is also about right on in terms of a comparison.
Disagree as l have this exact same variax. The tight gain tone like you state doesn't sound as good as normal pickups. Considering this guitar is designed to give every sound from 1 guitar is pretty Damn great for what it is plus being a super tool for recording. As you say everyone should try gear for themselves before decision making. I too was sceptical but not now,great fun without the hassles of switching instruments or effects or tunings. Incredible for its price. The guitar itself plays not bad too for its effects. Clear review from you was informative for anyone wanting to buy the variax ☺☺☺
Not sure what you're disagreeing with, since everything you wrote exactly reflected what I said. So, I guess we agree. 👍 It's a very handy multi-tool! Just not great for tight gain sounds.
@@jbealsmusic I can see what your saying regarding the gain palm mute is a bit odd but in fairness to the guitar effects trying to sound real as can be isn’t overly bad just different 😂 But useable. The acoustics are pretty good for it is though 😎
Excellent review, particularly because you don't limit your review to the sounds. The physical characteristics are really important, since I currently have a JTV-69 and am looking at the Standard because it has a tuning knob like a pot, not like on the 69, which is hard to read and use. Also, I'm not happy with the neck profile on the 69, sounds like the Standard has a thinner profile, which I like. I am concerned about the tuning stability. Have you changed the machine heads since you did this review? I am worried that it might be caused by the vibrato bar. I would want to get higher-end locking tuners anyway, Why didn't you tell which was the modeled sound on the muting (A or B?) I assume the B is the modeled sound. Good to know how to get the best results by changing palm position.
We determined that the issue was a poor bridge set up, and a less than stellar quality bridge (not hardened steel screws or screw holes/blades). It got better with improved spring tension and screw balance. I kept the audio test "blind" for a reason. If you can hear the difference between the two in the audio clip, you will definitely hear/feel it when you play the guitar in person. Cheers!
I have a JTV59 and a 700. Love them both. I also have 3 Peavey AT-200s with built-in Autotune. These are also keepers. I have no interest in regular guitars because these allow me to do so much more.
Never got to try an AT-200. Tried a Roland G-5, and the electric pickup modeling was great, but the acoustic models were not. It seems like the best possible version of a modeling guitar would be a blend of the two. A hexaphonic magnetic pickup (like the G-5) as the base for the magnetic pickup models AND piezo saddles (like the Variax/AT) for acoustic/resonator models. If only...
@@jbealsmusic My *personal* opinion is that this technology will never be pushed because retailers don't want us to be able to cover so many bases with a single, relatively low-cost instrument. My local *BIG* guitar store doesn't even have a Variax hanging on the wall. I suspect that they don't want their customers to discover the possibilities. I shake my head at my local open-mic event with all the high-end guitars floating around and their owners can barely play. Martins and Taylors that sound bloody awful through an amp but the owner thinks he must be sounding great because he spent all that money.
@@AdaptivePhenix lol Too true! To be fair though, for some people, having nice stuff and regular gear flipping is part of the fun. Like, an adjacent hobby to playing. I'm not big on that, but I guess if they've got the funds for it who am I to judge. As for stores not stocking them, I can't say I agree with your assessment. I've been working in and around the music retail industry for 20 years, and most of the people walking into a guitar store, want the classics. Analog gear, big brand names, etc. The internet has this wonderful effect of bringing like-minded people together through forums, social media, etc. However, the downside is that it creates a feedback loop of reinforcing the ideas of the members of said groups. Despite what online popularity would have you believe, digital/modeling gear is still a very niche part of the industry. A growing niche, but still a niche. Most musicians don't want a computer in their guitar, on the floor, or in their amp. Most musicians do not frequent forums, social media groups, or watch youtube videos. Most musicians just want to play the guitar and don't want to spend time fiddling with their gear settings (especially if it requires sifting through menus or connecting it to the computer). For them, there is freedom in simplicity. A decent quality single channel combo amp with reverb and maybe a dirt pedal can do an awful lot, and it requires mere seconds to plug in and get it sounding good. Digital gear requires hours of learning how to use it, making/modifying presets, understanding signal chains, weighing the pros/cons of tubes, solid state, FRFR, etc. It's a really hard sell for a lot people. Variax is a great multi-tool for someone who needs or wants quick access to a lot of guitar sounds without owning a lot of guitars. But most people don't need or want that.
If you mute the trem springs, that'll help the palm muting... Also, your tuning stability issue is probably due to the fact that you tune down to the note (unless you weren't actually tuning during that one bit in the video). The gearing in tuners is meant to be tuned UP to pitch.
I think a major part of your tuning issue has got to do with those string trees in the headstock. Which is why I have elected to get a JTV69 instead. Locking tuners and no string tree. Other people have left comments about cannibalizing the modeling guts out of the guitar and mounting it in a custom build. Wonder if it could be attached to the body of a Steinberger. I could tell the difference between each Example A and each Example B when you came around to the palm mute issue. I understand your dissatisfaction, although it isn’t necessarily bad enough for me to regret ordering my own.
The reason you can’t keep it in tune is because you don’t have the tremolo balanced. When in tune 440 there must be no pressure pulling from either the spring side or the tuner side. You need to get the trem plate about 1/8” above the top of the guitar with screw adjustment then place an 1/8” shim in the back of the guitar. When I start I guestamate the spring tension a little on the plus side. Then you must tune thr guitar. Start loosening the springs about a turn 2 at the most. Then tune again, as you get closer, turn the spring adjustment screws a half turn, tune than 1/4 tune. The closest you get to zero the more stable the tuning. When you finally get to zero, it will stay in tune. It’s best to get locking tuners and installing the strings just one turn. The more the turns around the tuners the more stretching you’ll need to do. I am a 66 year old luthier and know what I’m talking about. There are other style tremolos but all fender spring type need to be balanced like that. Also buy yourself a set of RAW VINTAGE TREMOLO SPRINGS. . All other springs are junk compared to them. Use all 5 springs like PRs does. You’ve seen all different kinds of springs in your life, but the raw vintage are designed to be identical . So weather you are deep diving the tremolo or just playing guitar, a balanced tremolo with 5 good springs and locking tuners will stay in tune as well as a stop tail. Millions of guitars have been sold with this spring type. I loke the Mann made tremolo who was the original designer for PRs. Tremolos. 920-539-0447 if you jav4 questions be glad to help. There is very little help on RUclips when it comes to balancing spring tremolos. Most guitars with those struggle with them the ones that are really set up bad get sold cheap as a bad guitar. Anyway hope this helps.
It ended up being a combination of three things: binding at the nut, binding at the string tree, and poor quality factory strings that just wouldn't stretch properly. I fixed the nut and string tree and put a set of decent strings on it. No issues since. Great info though, thanks for sharing!
This is a good first look breakdown. Thanks. I would want to be able to use the analog/mag pickups at the same time, with a split signal. That way you have an additional sound, like a traditional piezo/mag setup. Canceling the mag pickup output seems counter-intuitive. Ideally I would want to be able to choose analog, digital, or BOTH. Without that choice I give it a thumbs down. Thanks again.
First , Great Video and hope to watch more. I bought a variax 500 mint condition ,1 month ago and love it .. also bought a pod xt live in order to add some patches. well first thing was to upgrade firmware according to line 6 Monkey. I had the original version firmware in both . got it to flash memory in both and all went well , i got the operation flash memory successful ok .. Now i lost all my factory presets in both the pod xt live and variax 500 , the guitar sounds the same in all the selections . re flashed several time and same thing .. called Line 6 and tech guy says he never heard of that problem. Maybe this is the wrong platform to ask for help but i'm desperate,, any body know where i can go for help? Help .
A new nut and hardened steel mounting screws were the solution. For what I'm predominantly using this for, a fixed bridge version would have been a better choice. But they don't make a "standard" version with a fixed bridge, so this was the only option.
Just bought Variax standard mainly for acoustic models and Im very disappointed especialy with 12 strings. It doesnt sound smooth and natural at all. It has some kind of high pitched tone to it that sounds like some cheap synth lead sound. The only way to not hear this is removing +12pitch in workbench, but I guess this pitched sound is the idea behind 12string emulation. I use Variax with Pod x3live via digital cable and directly to pc. Have tried many tone setups in x3 including no amp at all and acoustic still sound nothing like in sound presentations on yt. Anyone can help? Im upgrading fx to Helix floor shortly. D'you think it may help?
I agree 100% about the 12-string sounds... I've heard/seen other reviews where people have claimed that they were great and "glitch" free. I have to disagree with those assessments. Play some harmonics while on a 12-string model and listen to the digital gremlins float about and glitch around. The 12-string sounds are almost unusable, unless they're just for basic strumming and buried in a mix.
Old video I know but is JT version MUCH better ref keeping the tuning....is the neck also better made? What about Variax 2 standard now.....redo this video please...
Well, it's a review of the Variax Standard only, which hasn't changed since this review was published. I haven't seen any announcements from Line 6 about a new version, so I'm not sure what you mean by "Variax 2 Standard" (link?). You're right, the JTV versions are much better quality instruments. Also more than double the price. The models sound identical, but the passive pickups are better and the physical guitar is better than the standard version.
Anyone using the software on PC? .. I'm just wondering because I'm not seeing enough dudes going into that beyond saying "it works!" Which is a bit disconcerting to me.
@@jbealsmusic it has been to the luthier twice. I've read about it it's not uncommon and they're are fixes on you tube I've done but still have a problem.
I agree about the palm muting. Borderline unusable. The models are "good enough" for experimenting with the sounds that different guitars would have to offer. But of course, nothing beats the real thing.
It is a potential issue whenever the models are used. Since all the alternate tunings do is digitally pitch shift the sound, the issue is actually emphasized (due to the added artifacts from the pitch shifting) with the alternate tunings engaged.
The models sound and react the exact same with the Shuriken. Don't be fooled by marketing. ;) It's all good though. As mentioned in the video, the Variax is just a quick creative tool, primarily for low-gain/clean stuff (especially the acoustic models). If I'm playing or recording high-gain palm-muting, I'm using normal guitars with magnetic pickups.
Its a shame how line 6 ignores the palm muting issue.Yes I know they tried to make it better.(FAIL)But in reality, it still sounds like complete shit, and is completely UNUSABLE for high gain palm muting applications.IMO, most people who buy line 6 gear are metal players.I feel that should have been TOP PRIORITY over every other aspect about the variax.
I kind of agree. Even though I mostly use it for lower gain stuff, the attack just never responds the way it should. I don't know why they don't do a redesign using neo-hex pickups or something to retain the brightness necessary for the acoustic models.
"Industry standard" was definitely a misnomer. I just meant what is common in the same price range. I've worked in the industry for a couple of decades now and guitars in the price range of this instrument (around $1K) are mostly 2-piece bodies.
Fair comment... although any guitar in this price range should at most have a 2-piece body. But that's just my opinion as a luthier. Nicely comprehensive review.
I would say it's like a higher end Squire. So, not bottom of the barrel, but not great. You're definitely paying for the electronics more than the guitar.
Modelling Guitar review without reviewing the modelling but instead commenting on the battery case and plugs?! And no revelation what is A and B after an A-B test? 6 min. of my life for no relevant information...
At the beginning of the video I said, "I just want to give an overview of the instrument, and highlight some of the things I haven't seen mentioned in other videos or reviews." You could have saved yourself 6min just by listening to that, and using the "Jump to a topic" feature to see if I covered the information you wanted. Regarding the A-B tests, they were practical tests to see if the modelled tones would be acceptable to you while palm-muting. If you can't hear the difference and identify which is magnetic and which is modelled from those sound demos, without being told the answer, the results don't actually matter. That's kind of the point of doing blind tests. That's how science works. 👍
@@jbealsmusic I buy point one. Ii could have looked if I had considered the option ofba modelling guitar review basically withoutvreviewing the modelling. Regarding the "science" I got the point without your explanation - but still find it odd as I did not expect to be thr mouse in an A-B test and it feels a bit arrogant to me to set it up this way. I guess most people who take part in a test would want to see the result. But if you like it that way...
![Line 6 Variax JTV69 - Honest Review and First Impressions [from a Line 6 fan]](/img/1.gif)
What a refreshing and informative review of the Variax. Thanks for taking the time to produce this video. I found it very enlightening.
Parroting what many others have said: very refreshing, and interesting angles at looking at the guitar that I never even considered! Fantastic job
Wow, thanks man!
this guitar is simply amazing. line 6 has taken a guitar to a whole new level.
Great review. Nice to see someone actually explain the palm muting issue rather than just palm muting halfway to the fingerboard and whining that it doesn’t work. Your explanation was great too and should be required reading for anyone asking about this issue online. There’s a lot of nonsense floating around out there...I’ve also found the best results are from putting my hand right on the bridge and really laying into it. But I’m not a big metal guy and my PM technique has never been good anyway. I hear more of a difference in your demo than I hear with my playing, and good enough is good enough. I have to agree that where this shines is in the acoustic models...
The thing I like the most about this review is the statement at the end, which is often lacking in demos. Basically, the "don't take my word for it, go pick up a guitar and play it for yourself." I also appreciate the astute observation regarding the palm muting issue, which is present in pretty much any saddle mounted pickup system. Palm muting is only effective between your muting palm and the chord fingering, so any saddle-mounted piezo system will have this issue.
definitely interested in Varix mods and transplants.
Thanks for explaining and not selling the things as they are, clearly, objectively, honestly.
Great and honest review of this guitar. I have been considering a Variax, but your astute observation of the palm muting issue, which is something I did not know about until watching your review and not something I would have every guessed would be an issue, has be reconsidering now. Even if not playing "chugga ch' chugga" metal, palm mutes are still a fairly common technique in rock guitar. I wouldn't want to compromise on that.
Yeah, it works great for me as a creative tool for a bunch of different sounds. But because of the palm muting issue, I wouldn't use it as a main instrument.
I'm a guy that played circuits as a kid and when I got tired of starving got a real job. Now I have just one high quality guitar that I love to play. The variax would be so much fun to gig with, it makes me want to hit the road again, doing tunings that I wouldn't dare do on my precious ... ;)
Good review and yes very interested in upgrade / mods
Thanks for the review. I have been interested in the variax for some time now. I'm very particular about body contouring and comfortability in playing so the point you made about NO Belly Contour was great info to be armed with. Thanks again.
Thanks Jonathan - Much Appreciation on the Professional Review --
I just got one and it sounds great on its own. Plays great and stays in tune well. I use the Variax with a Line6 POD HD500X so the floor unit can change the models with each patch. I am changing out the frets to Medium Jumbo and will let you know how that works out. For palm muting on high gain just switch out the bridge PU to a DiMarzio ToneZone or equivalent for more gain than the single coil avoiding the modeling altogether.
That kind of defeats the purpose of having a modeling guitar for me. But, I'm sure it would be a great solution for many. 👍
Great review! This was very informative
Very good review, no BS-ing at all!
Glad you covered this palm muting issue. Its purely due to the processing at the bridge. This is the one reason that I loved the Roland GK-3 on the VG better, and can be added to any guitar easily, but requires a huge Roland pedal that isn't worth much other than modeling guitars in my opinion. I used one gigging for years on my Ibanez because the tuning was stable and I could get just about about any pickup/body/tuning with ease, but in reality this is terrible to carry around another huge "computer" to do the work of the 6 guitars I would want at the end of the day. I
have been watching videos tonight hoping that someone could show me that weird midrange buildup sound was gone, and your palm muting demo shows exactly the issue with these. Guess I hope that processing had gotten better in the last 12 years since I ditched mine and clearly Line 6 has chosen not to upgrade anything at all.
Thanks for the video, hit the sub button, thanks for being honest instead of dazzled! \m/
Yeah, I think the ideal system would have to include both. A hex-pickup (like the GK) as a source for the electric models, and the piezo saddles as a source for the acoustic models. However, that leaves you with a $1500 guitar that is a $1000 computer inside a $500 guitar. The ideal solution may still be out of reach until the technology becomes cheaper.
Thanks for the kind words!
You now, I noticed that when Rabea did his Frogleap Live rig demo (Helix/Shuriken Variax), the palm mutes sounded the same. They sounded flat, lifeless, and had no attack. This makes a lot of sense now, and a huge shame because I was looking into getting a Variax in the future. And by the way you described things they took a low-end Pacifica, customized it slightly, and added in the computer.
Although like you, I was looking to use the guitar for more experimental things. Like acoustic, 12-string stuff, and possible sitar.
Great and different review. I don’t play metal so the palm muting thing is like a storm in a tea cup for me. This is not a metal guitar nor was it made to suit a particular style of music. I like this guitar for its versatility. I get great and varied tones. I’m not a guitar purist so I like this concept of “many guitars in one” very much.
Thanks, bud. Great work!
Great review..
I have had each model of the Variax over the years but also sold them. I wanted them to be great, especially for studio work but they just feel wrong - i.e. palm muting.
I too like higher gain, 80s lead n rhythm. Extreme Nuno tone..
I would suggest buying for clean work or buy guitars such as Epiphone and other makes that are a lower price but are a higher quality build.
I agree. I wouldn't be comfortable using this with any amount of gain while palm muting. They are "clean" sound workhorses though... The options never end!
Thanks for that cool rewiev! I would really like a video about Variax and Helix interaction.
Check out Chad Huskey on RUclips. He's an avid Helix and Variax user. He has many useful videos that I have learned from and actually answers your questions.
Real nice and explained video cause I’m thinking of getting on
Very good video. U sound like you might be a teacher - compliment. Anyway, this was way more useful and informative.
Haha.. Thanks man! Love doing videos like these. Wish I had time to do more.
I usually fight the palm muting problem with a boost. Makes it sound tighter.
Usually when I run it into Guitar Rig I have a tube screamer and a treble booster boosting it a bit, and it makes the palm muting sound really tight.
It makes the whole tone have a bit more bite but a good balance sounds great.
The palm muting actually sounds a lot better compared to older Variaxes, and they obviously have technology to detect when you're palm muting, so I don't understand why they can't program an increase of treble/presence during palm muting. It would actually fix the problem completely.
The whole reason palm muting sounds like that is because when a magnetic listens it sits in front of your palm where the strings are actually vibrating, but the piezos sit behind your palm where it reads the actual dampened strings where all of the tone is already sucked out.
If you want to hear how it would probably normally sound, you can palm mute at the nut of the guitar instead of at the bridge.
Sorry you basically said it in your video, I posted that before I finished watching.
Very informative video.
lol Thanks! Never hurts to add to the discussion. :) I found that none of the current workarounds get it there for me. IMO, the best solution would be for them to redesign the guitar from the ground up for their next "version" to use a magnetic hex pickup (to source the sound for electric models) as well as the piezo pickups (for acoustic/reso sounds.) However, that would likely add significantly to the cost of the instrument and put it too far away from the target price point.
Agreed Jonathan. I know, for some players, it doesn't bother them, especially within a live mix. I almost envy that. But you gotta like what your hearing to, hopefully, play at your best. It's a thing they'll never fix in current models. Just the nature of the piezo beast.
I use a network instrument cable to the helix so I can use the magnetic pickups and model acoustic guitar sound at the same time through separate outputs.
Amazing review. Finally a video that explains everything.
Nevertheless, I am still wondering how the guitar sounds using a regular amp. No modellers, no axe-fx, no line6 etc.
Hi there, very nice useful guitar. Thanks for the review. 😎🎸🎶🎶🎵🎵🖤
Thanks for this vid! Be interested to hear if you'd find the JTV versions better quality builds
The dreaded palm mute "thomp". It really is a killer. I had a JTV59, and loved everything about it, except the muting issue. Since I'm a 100% metal guy, it wasn't the workhorse I was hoping it would be. I always think about getting another one, since Stevic doesn't have the same (as harsh) issue with the Shuriken, but... $2300 isn't something I want to toy with. Yea, I can take it back, but I still need to get the cash in the first place. haha
Please create more videos, with helix lt and how to upgrade this guitar with better tuners etc etc
Man, I wish I had the time to... I like doing this stuff.
Regarding the RJ45/Variax Jack...yes it is annoying to disconnect a standard ethernet style cable, but the door placement is where it is so it works better with the Variax guitar cables with the Nuetrik style ethercon connectors where the release is on the other side. I have a JTV and it’s the same way.
This works great for plugging into say a Helix or HD500/HD500X and I think maybe some other Line6 gear. Also worth noting is those devices can power the Variax over the cable without the battery. You can even access the workbench software through those devices. I think there is also an obscure power injector box as well.
Correction on the power injector as I just looked them up. It powers the Variax through the 1/4” connector using a TRS cable. I imagine the Yamaha models work the same. It also functions as an A/B switch so toggle between a 1/4” out and XLR output so you can route your acoustic sounds to say a different amp or direct to PA. The Variax connection into a Line6 modeler also powers the guitar.
@@misteraon Thanks. That's important info to add.
surprised by the quality of the instrument modeling tones. gonna' have to buy one of these now. great review.
Very good review
Great review and helpful , in terms of palm muting your examples are great , with the Variax good EQ and good compressor on your pedalboard would probably improve the palm muting sound.......just a guess..........mod that baby and lets see the result ! Thank you for an excellent video....
Thanks for the kind words! I've tinkered for a long time trying to get a realistic palm muted sound out of the Variax with no luck. It's just not a good tool for palm muted riffage with any amount of gain. At least not for my needs or to my ears.
I may get around to doing a video of the upgrades someday. Sadly, spare time for making videos is at an all time low in my life right now. :( Wife, kids, thriving business (that I own), other responsibilities, etc.
Man! This is a great review! Possibly the best and most realistic review about Variax Standard I have seen. I am planning to buy this guitar, I am new to electric guitar and planning to buy this instead of buying a few acoustic and one electric guitar. Also I own a Line 6 Firehawk which I believe can power this guitar so I don't need to deal with the battery at all. Do you think it would be a good idea? Thanks for this great review.
Greetings from Melbourne Australia.
Thanks man!
I haven't used a Firehawk, but apparently it is on par with the HD series (tone-wise) so it should be decent enough. A Variax is a big investment if you're new to electric guitar. I would honestly get something cheaper until I knew I was in it for the long haul.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Great review! I’m assuming example A is the real pickup? Would love to see you do another video on sound samples of the various Variax models.
Thank u man good video I think that would be awesome if u make more videos on this guitar I'm thinking of getting one but om on the fence live in Vegas gets hot here summer u made some good pros an cons thanks
Great review.
Which single coil mag. Pickups do you recomend for the upgrade?
Fender locking tuners will be ok?
Thanks
Honestly still trying to decide on the pickups... I prefer rails pickups, since there are already a strat-style single coil models. The biggest hindrance to upgrading to Cruisers (my preferred) is that they need 500K pots, which means I'll need to do some serious work replacing the pots as well. Any modern tuners (10mm) will fit, so whatever you prefer on that end.
A great video. Excellent, straightforward delivery and very informative. I wanted to update my original variax - which has developed a few problems and tried one of these. I think they've made a mistake putting the technology into a low quality body. The one I tried was very cheap feeling and poorly set-up. Line 6 does so many things brilliantly, but doesn't seem to have cracked the format to really get a great instrument to go with the great technology.
Agreed... But, to be fair for comparison purposes, the Variax 500 was the same price as the modern Variax Standard, and I feel the newer ones are better guitars out of the box. The Variax 700 was $1500, and a great guitar. A Variax Standard with a pro setup from the best luthier/tech you can find will produce an excellent quality instrument and will still come in well under $1500.
@@jbealsmusic Thanks for your very informative reply. I'm sure with a bit of expert work, a Pacifica could be made very good. I do like their ideas. I am going to investigate a Roland Strat VG. I tried one of the older ones which was interesting. Another issue is that a lot of modelling instruments become relatively quickly discontinued [obsolete?].
@@MrMjp58 I really like the concept of the Roland GK/VG stuff. If they worked on improving their guitar/pickup modelling, it'd be a total winner for me.
Wow, most informative on line 6 standard? Can you please review the 69 JTV?
I'd love to! Know anyone who will send me one for free? ;)
Good info! I'm hoping I can find a similar video on the Sheriken Guitar which is the one i'm interested in.
I suppose the palm muting issue could be remedied by switching to the 1/4" jack for a more natural palm muting sound... right?
Same guts, but in a different body/neck. So, playability would be totally different, as would the sound of the magnetic pickups. But the modelled tones are identical.
The jack makes no difference in the tone. The palm muting issue is described in detail in my video. The modelled tones will always have that palm muting issue. It's just physics.
This is one the best video reviews I've seen - wish they were all as informative as this! But can I ask, what mods were you thinking of doing? As I'm thinking of adding Tronical tuners, which are locking so hopefully would help the stability some, as well as provide hopefully "real" alternative tuning options. Also, I had mine professionally setup and the luthier mentioned screwing the trem bar down, but I said no as I didn't want to lose use of it. I'd love to hear what you were thinking of doing so I could look into those options myself?
Still debating what to do about the bridge. Making a new multi-piece neck with stainless steel frets, TUSQ XL nut, and locking tuners. Not sure what to replace the pickups with though... I'm not a big fan of single coils, so I was considering dual rails. However, the stock pots are not easily replaceable and rail pickups would require changing them Lots of things to consider.
Make sure you keep your pickups within the 6 to 8 K ohm range or it will create problems in the circuitry.
atrothe Why would the dc resistance of the magnetic pickups make any difference?
Ok. Thank 's
I was looking for the mod videos. I just got one of the last Variax Standard Limited edition guitars from Line 6's site last August. I would be interested in your upgrades to the tuners and if there is a way to make the strat style tremolo be more like a floating tremolo.
BTW, the palm muting on the standard at the saddles is much better than the palm muting on the Suriken Variax which is ironic because the Suriken is designed for more high gain playing.
Never filmed the mods. Upgrading the nut was key for me. If you can find a Variax 89F on the used market, it has a floyd.
Despite what their marketing machine and supporters would have you believe, palm muting on the Shuriken has the exact same issue. It is not improved at all. The issue is physics, not hardware or firmware. You can't beat the physics with a fancy body shape or different bridge. If the pickups are still mounted in the saddles, the problem will persist. If you listen with your ears (or just try one), the palm mutung issue is identical on all Variax models when not using the magnetic pickups.
Not a deal breaker for me, as I have guitars for those sounds. I use the Variax more for clean stuff and acoustic/resonator sounds.
Have you tried replacing the bridge pickup with single-coil sized humbucker?
Just wondering if it can solve the high gain problem.
JiTiAr35 The issue is palm muting with the models, not the mags. Changing the mags wouldn't help.
Jonathan Beals , are you saying that you don't use magnetic pickups for high gain stuffs?
JiTiAr35 The complaint in the review was regarding palm muting when using the models. Mags are as expected for cheap single coils. They can be changed if needed, but not as easily as a standard guitar.
Jonathan Beals , Thanks for the reply.
I'd love to learn more about what you've done to tweak the Variax Standard. I've just bought it and want to see how I can optimize the sound.
I just got mine today. I wasn't impressed with the 'out of the box' model sounds. They sounded harsh and it was hard to tell the difference between most of them, plus the acoustic instruments sounded clanky and artificial. I got workbench up and running and realised that by setting the level for each individual model at around -10db hugely improved the sonic quality and realism. I found the -10db level by putting vol and tone up full in magnetic pickup mode (adjusting you amp/monitor/headphones for comfortable montoring level) then matching the model volumes one at a time with the mag output, switching back and forth. Some models need plus or minus 1 db extra. It sounds amazing now. I don't know why they have the outputs of the models so high as a default setting but I recon it must have put a few off trying it out in the shop.
Hi there! Great video with great exposing. I've bought one Standard a few months ago. In your video you refer some upgrades for variax standard. Do you have a video, good references that you can send or post, please?
Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words! I may get around to doing a video of the upgrades someday. Sadly, spare time for making videos is at an all time low in my life right now. :( Wife, kids, thriving/growing business (that I own), other responsibilities, etc.
palm muting at 7:10 example b sounded pretty bad so was that the pizo pickups? you never did say.
It was a blind test, so I wasn't supposed to say. ;) B was the Variax model (piezo).
I had no trouble discerning which was which@@jbealsmusic. Again, if you could use both outputs simultaneously it would help a lot.
@@musicrockinrobin You can if you use an L6 modeler (like Helix or HD500X) to separate them. VDI only.
Excellent video. Saved me some cash too.
No mention of the power supply A/B box.
Can't mention something it didn't come with. :(
If you rotate a pickup to an extreme extent in Workshop, does the volume drop off on the outermost strings like it would in real life or does the volume remain constant?
It simulates where the sound is being picked up in terms of tone (outermost strings closer to the neck or bridge), but it does not simulate the volume drop.
@@jbealsmusic Thank you for the info.
It seems the Shuriken fixes some of the issues. Palm muting sounds really nice on it, it handles downtuning much more accurately, and the guitar itself is just higher quality, which I guess makes sense since it's a more expensive guitar.
In playability comparison, the standards felt like a Squier to me. The Shuriken feels more like a MIM Fender.
I haven't played the JT models.
That's what their marketing department would have you believe. 😉 In reality, the models sound and react exactly the same with the Shuriken. The palm muting and tuning down issues aren't any different.
But I agree regarding the physical quality. The Shuriken is much better than the Standard. Standard = Squier (I'd say low end Squier) and Shuriken = MIM is also about right on in terms of a comparison.
I love this guitar, but the Adrian Belew model had a sustainiac too. Can i add it to this one at ur opinion ?
It's certainly possible, but not at all easy. Not recommended unless done by a professional luthier/tech.
@@jbealsmusic Thx a lot for ur fast answer.Nice channel .
The model select (push/pull) button does not work on either my guitar nor bass Variax. Do you have any idea what I am doing wrong?
If it is plugged in and the battery is charged, it should work. If not, you'd need to reach out to a tech to diagnose.
@@jbealsmusic thanks for your help. Yup it looks like I need to contact a tech.
Disagree as l have this exact same variax. The tight gain tone like you state doesn't sound as good as normal pickups. Considering this guitar is designed to give every sound from 1 guitar is pretty Damn great for what it is plus being a super tool for recording. As you say everyone should try gear for themselves before decision making. I too was sceptical but not now,great fun without the hassles of switching instruments or effects or tunings. Incredible for its price. The guitar itself plays not bad too for its effects. Clear review from you was informative for anyone wanting to buy the variax ☺☺☺
Not sure what you're disagreeing with, since everything you wrote exactly reflected what I said. So, I guess we agree. 👍 It's a very handy multi-tool! Just not great for tight gain sounds.
@@jbealsmusic I can see what your saying regarding the gain palm mute is a bit odd but in fairness to the guitar effects trying to sound real as can be isn’t overly bad just different 😂
But useable. The acoustics are pretty good for it is though 😎
So did you do any mods or transplants with teh variax?????
Honestly haven't had the time. Between the business and having kids, there hasn't been any "hobby" time really. Hopefully this year!
Excellent review, particularly because you don't limit your review to the sounds. The physical characteristics are really important, since I currently have a JTV-69 and am looking at the Standard because it has a tuning knob like a pot, not like on the 69, which is hard to read and use. Also, I'm not happy with the neck profile on the 69, sounds like the Standard has a thinner profile, which I like. I am concerned about the tuning stability. Have you changed the machine heads since you did this review? I am worried that it might be caused by the vibrato bar. I would want to get higher-end locking tuners anyway, Why didn't you tell which was the modeled sound on the muting (A or B?) I assume the B is the modeled sound. Good to know how to get the best results by changing palm position.
We determined that the issue was a poor bridge set up, and a less than stellar quality bridge (not hardened steel screws or screw holes/blades). It got better with improved spring tension and screw balance.
I kept the audio test "blind" for a reason. If you can hear the difference between the two in the audio clip, you will definitely hear/feel it when you play the guitar in person.
Cheers!
I have a JTV59 and a 700. Love them both. I also have 3 Peavey AT-200s with built-in Autotune. These are also keepers.
I have no interest in regular guitars because these allow me to do so much more.
Never got to try an AT-200. Tried a Roland G-5, and the electric pickup modeling was great, but the acoustic models were not.
It seems like the best possible version of a modeling guitar would be a blend of the two. A hexaphonic magnetic pickup (like the G-5) as the base for the magnetic pickup models AND piezo saddles (like the Variax/AT) for acoustic/resonator models. If only...
@@jbealsmusic My *personal* opinion is that this technology will never be pushed because retailers don't want us to be able to cover so many bases with a single, relatively low-cost instrument. My local *BIG* guitar store doesn't even have a Variax hanging on the wall. I suspect that they don't want their customers to discover the possibilities.
I shake my head at my local open-mic event with all the high-end guitars floating around and their owners can barely play. Martins and Taylors that sound bloody awful through an amp but the owner thinks he must be sounding great because he spent all that money.
@@AdaptivePhenix lol Too true! To be fair though, for some people, having nice stuff and regular gear flipping is part of the fun. Like, an adjacent hobby to playing. I'm not big on that, but I guess if they've got the funds for it who am I to judge.
As for stores not stocking them, I can't say I agree with your assessment. I've been working in and around the music retail industry for 20 years, and most of the people walking into a guitar store, want the classics. Analog gear, big brand names, etc. The internet has this wonderful effect of bringing like-minded people together through forums, social media, etc. However, the downside is that it creates a feedback loop of reinforcing the ideas of the members of said groups. Despite what online popularity would have you believe, digital/modeling gear is still a very niche part of the industry. A growing niche, but still a niche.
Most musicians don't want a computer in their guitar, on the floor, or in their amp. Most musicians do not frequent forums, social media groups, or watch youtube videos. Most musicians just want to play the guitar and don't want to spend time fiddling with their gear settings (especially if it requires sifting through menus or connecting it to the computer). For them, there is freedom in simplicity. A decent quality single channel combo amp with reverb and maybe a dirt pedal can do an awful lot, and it requires mere seconds to plug in and get it sounding good. Digital gear requires hours of learning how to use it, making/modifying presets, understanding signal chains, weighing the pros/cons of tubes, solid state, FRFR, etc. It's a really hard sell for a lot people.
Variax is a great multi-tool for someone who needs or wants quick access to a lot of guitar sounds without owning a lot of guitars. But most people don't need or want that.
If you mute the trem springs, that'll help the palm muting... Also, your tuning stability issue is probably due to the fact that you tune down to the note (unless you weren't actually tuning during that one bit in the video). The gearing in tuners is meant to be tuned UP to pitch.
Lol. We weren't actually tuning the guitar. That's called B-roll. ;)
I think a major part of your tuning issue has got to do with those string trees in the headstock. Which is why I have elected to get a JTV69 instead. Locking tuners and no string tree. Other people have left comments about cannibalizing the modeling guts out of the guitar and mounting it in a custom build. Wonder if it could be attached to the body of a Steinberger.
I could tell the difference between each Example A and each Example B when you came around to the palm mute issue. I understand your dissatisfaction, although it isn’t necessarily bad enough for me to regret ordering my own.
The reason you can’t keep it in tune is because you don’t have the tremolo balanced. When in tune 440 there must be no pressure pulling from either the spring side or the tuner side. You need to get the trem plate about 1/8” above the top of the guitar with screw adjustment then place an 1/8” shim in the back of the guitar. When I start I guestamate the spring tension a little on the plus side. Then you must tune thr guitar. Start loosening the springs about a turn 2 at the most. Then tune again, as you get closer, turn the spring adjustment screws a half turn, tune than 1/4 tune. The closest you get to zero the more stable the tuning. When you finally get to zero, it will stay in tune. It’s best to get locking tuners and installing the strings just one turn. The more the turns around the tuners the more stretching you’ll need to do. I am a 66 year old luthier and know what I’m talking about. There are other style tremolos but all fender spring type need to be balanced like that. Also buy yourself a set of RAW VINTAGE TREMOLO SPRINGS. . All other springs are junk compared to them. Use all 5 springs like PRs does. You’ve seen all different kinds of springs in your life, but the raw vintage are designed to be identical . So weather you are deep diving the tremolo or just playing guitar, a balanced tremolo with 5 good springs and locking tuners will stay in tune as well as a stop tail. Millions of guitars have been sold with this spring type. I loke the Mann made tremolo who was the original designer for PRs. Tremolos. 920-539-0447 if you jav4 questions be glad to help. There is very little help on RUclips when it comes to balancing spring tremolos. Most guitars with those struggle with them the ones that are really set up bad get sold cheap as a bad guitar. Anyway hope this helps.
It ended up being a combination of three things: binding at the nut, binding at the string tree, and poor quality factory strings that just wouldn't stretch properly. I fixed the nut and string tree and put a set of decent strings on it. No issues since.
Great info though, thanks for sharing!
This is a good first look breakdown. Thanks. I would want to be able to use the analog/mag pickups at the same time, with a split signal. That way you have an additional sound, like a traditional piezo/mag setup. Canceling the mag pickup output seems counter-intuitive. Ideally I would want to be able to choose analog, digital, or BOTH. Without that choice I give it a thumbs down. Thanks again.
You can do both at the same time, but only via VDI with another L6 product (like Helix or HD500X).
First , Great Video and hope to watch more.
I bought a variax 500 mint condition ,1 month ago and love it ..
also bought a pod xt live in order to add some patches. well first thing was to upgrade firmware according to line 6 Monkey.
I had the original version firmware in both .
got it to flash memory in both and all went well , i got the operation flash memory successful ok ..
Now i lost all my factory presets in both the pod xt live and variax 500 , the guitar sounds the same in all the selections . re flashed several time and same thing .. called Line 6 and tech guy says he never heard of that problem. Maybe this is the wrong platform to ask for help but i'm desperate,,
any body know where i can go for help? Help .
if it wont stay in tune reset the trem systems to stratocaster spec
A new nut and hardened steel mounting screws were the solution. For what I'm predominantly using this for, a fixed bridge version would have been a better choice. But they don't make a "standard" version with a fixed bridge, so this was the only option.
Just bought Variax standard mainly for acoustic models and Im very disappointed especialy with 12 strings. It doesnt sound smooth and natural at all. It has some kind of high pitched tone to it that sounds like some cheap synth lead sound. The only way to not hear this is removing +12pitch in workbench, but I guess this pitched sound is the idea behind 12string emulation. I use Variax with Pod x3live via digital cable and directly to pc. Have tried many tone setups in x3 including no amp at all and acoustic still sound nothing like in sound presentations on yt. Anyone can help? Im upgrading fx to Helix floor shortly. D'you think it may help?
I agree 100% about the 12-string sounds... I've heard/seen other reviews where people have claimed that they were great and "glitch" free. I have to disagree with those assessments. Play some harmonics while on a 12-string model and listen to the digital gremlins float about and glitch around. The 12-string sounds are almost unusable, unless they're just for basic strumming and buried in a mix.
Old video I know but is JT version MUCH better ref keeping the tuning....is the neck also better made? What about Variax 2 standard now.....redo this video please...
Well, it's a review of the Variax Standard only, which hasn't changed since this review was published. I haven't seen any announcements from Line 6 about a new version, so I'm not sure what you mean by "Variax 2 Standard" (link?).
You're right, the JTV versions are much better quality instruments. Also more than double the price. The models sound identical, but the passive pickups are better and the physical guitar is better than the standard version.
Anyone using the software on PC? .. I'm just wondering because I'm not seeing enough dudes going into that beyond saying "it works!" Which is a bit disconcerting to me.
The software? It works. ;) What do you want to know about it?
Mine has this banjoy sound no matter what model guitar you're using.. unfortunate the middle strings are banjoy or sitari sounding
That could be the action, frets, or something else that needs work. That's a physical thing that can be fixed by taking it to a luthier.
@@jbealsmusic it has been to the luthier twice. I've read about it it's not uncommon and they're are fixes on you tube I've done but still have a problem.
@@thearoom It could be an issue with the saddles. Maybe one or two of them are defective. That's not unheard of, and should be covered under warranty.
I bought a standard. Then tried a JTV. Hated both. Palm muting is a serious issue. And things just do not sound as good as the real thing.
I agree about the palm muting. Borderline unusable. The models are "good enough" for experimenting with the sounds that different guitars would have to offer. But of course, nothing beats the real thing.
Is the the palm muting isssue also present with variax tuning's pot or only with model's pot?
It is a potential issue whenever the models are used. Since all the alternate tunings do is digitally pitch shift the sound, the issue is actually emphasized (due to the added artifacts from the pitch shifting) with the alternate tunings engaged.
you need a shuriken my guy for your needs in high gain palm muting
The models sound and react the exact same with the Shuriken. Don't be fooled by marketing. ;)
It's all good though. As mentioned in the video, the Variax is just a quick creative tool, primarily for low-gain/clean stuff (especially the acoustic models). If I'm playing or recording high-gain palm-muting, I'm using normal guitars with magnetic pickups.
Just wrap some teflon tape around the bar. Fits snug
Its a shame how line 6 ignores the palm muting issue.Yes I know they tried to make it better.(FAIL)But in reality, it still sounds like complete shit, and is completely UNUSABLE for high gain palm muting applications.IMO, most people who buy line 6 gear are metal players.I feel that should have been TOP PRIORITY over every other aspect about the variax.
I kind of agree. Even though I mostly use it for lower gain stuff, the attack just never responds the way it should. I don't know why they don't do a redesign using neo-hex pickups or something to retain the brightness necessary for the acoustic models.
That pot metal, thin trem block is the biggest shame on the Velorex Standard
The "industry standard for a solid body is 2 or 3 pieces"?? Nonsense.
"Industry standard" was definitely a misnomer. I just meant what is common in the same price range. I've worked in the industry for a couple of decades now and guitars in the price range of this instrument (around $1K) are mostly 2-piece bodies.
Fair comment... although any guitar in this price range should at most have a 2-piece body. But that's just my opinion as a luthier.
Nicely comprehensive review.
I would take into consideration the reviewer wants to sell mod kits. Not much point in him reviewing a really good stock instrument.
woody I don't sell mod kits. Don't intend on it either.
No
This thing looks very cheap like a Squire.
I would say it's like a higher end Squire. So, not bottom of the barrel, but not great. You're definitely paying for the electronics more than the guitar.
Modelling Guitar review without reviewing the modelling but instead commenting on the battery case and plugs?! And no revelation what is A and B after an A-B test? 6 min. of my life for no relevant information...
At the beginning of the video I said, "I just want to give an overview of the instrument, and highlight some of the things I haven't seen mentioned in other videos or reviews." You could have saved yourself 6min just by listening to that, and using the "Jump to a topic" feature to see if I covered the information you wanted.
Regarding the A-B tests, they were practical tests to see if the modelled tones would be acceptable to you while palm-muting. If you can't hear the difference and identify which is magnetic and which is modelled from those sound demos, without being told the answer, the results don't actually matter. That's kind of the point of doing blind tests. That's how science works. 👍
@@jbealsmusic I buy point one. Ii could have looked if I had considered the option ofba modelling guitar review basically withoutvreviewing the modelling.
Regarding the "science" I got the point without your explanation - but still find it odd as I did not expect to be thr mouse in an A-B test and it feels a bit arrogant to me to set it up this way. I guess most people who take part in a test would want to see the result. But if you like it that way...
And I guess it's good info regarding the power consumption etc. That's useful...
This is a Toy
Not instrument
real insturment is without batter