A little rant on the Line 6 Variax

[Scott Peterson]

I have done 4 shows with the Acoustic Variax now. Last night was another.

I cannot express how pleased I am with this guitar.

You can be full volume, right over your amp - up FULL - with the FOH going full tilt at a big festival.... with your hands over your head clapping along.

On any other acoustic guitar, you'd be killing everyone with feedback. Rumble, you'd be blowing up power amps. And deafening your audience.

The Line 6 Variax Acoustic?

Dead quiet.

It is so inspring, so inspirationsal and so damn FUN to use this thing live it is stupid.

The tones, especially the Jumbo in my case, are incredible. I got a board tape and listened breifly before the singer made off with it last night; that thing sounds like a guitar in a studio with a wicked good mic on it and a wicked good compressor just touching it.

I could not be happier.

Well, I did a few things to it. Rubbed out the neck with Micro Mesh (I do this alot to all my guitars); added fossilized Ivory bridge pins (aesthetic upgrade only on *this* guitar); added new self-locking 18:1 Grover tuners (they are soooooooooo cool) and it is at a luthier getting a new proper Bone nut (NO plastic nuts for me please) whilst I go away on vacation next week between shows.

I am using the regular capo on these gigs, the virtual capo on it works fine but it is hard to remember sometimes in the heat of a gig on the fly that I had the 2nd fret virtual capo on the Dread model and the 1st fret virtual capo on the Jumbo model, etc.... so I like the comfort and foolproof method of just putting the capo on and *knowing* I won't start the next song in the wrong key. (I started twice in the wrong key in rehearsal twice and rethought using the virtual capo live).

Just a glowing rant. :D

[rjmmusic]

Scott, does the virtual tuning stuff work well (aside from having to remember how you set it :) )? I haven't had the opportunity to try one yet, but my fear is that it would sound pitch shifted when playing out of normal tuning.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by rjmmusic
Scott, does the virtual tuning stuff work well (aside from having to remember how you set it :) )? I haven't had the opportunity to try one yet, but my fear is that it would sound pitch shifted when playing out of normal tuning.

Yes and yes. :D

Yes it works; it works really well.

And yes it is completely odd to play the guitar and hear the strings acoustically when the amplified tone is completely tuned differently. If you are playing live and loud, it is no issue at all. Even loud in a small room... well, it is an issue. What the audience hears if fine, but on stage it sounds funny to me.

The guitar isn't acoustically "that" loud, but you can hear it and it bothers me.

So I capo.

One of the coolest things it does though is when you setup a preset to shift the low E and A one octave lower - it sounds fantastic and there is no odd pitch shift to your ear as you play.

So to summerize, it does bother me unless you are playing loud enough to drown out the actual physical sound of your playing. BUT what is amplified is indeed 100% believeable.

Just being honest. And in deference to Line 6, it does state the exact same thing in the manual.

[Funky Chicken]

+1 on the open tunings sounding pure when amplified.

[Den]

I'm glad to hear you're really digging your Variax, Scott. I know you were thinking about going another direction entirely at one point. I've got to believe this route gives you far more versatility ... sounds like a much better solution for your live acoustic work. Thanks again for the report.

[eugewong]

Scott,

You mentioned that it sounded good in the board recordings, would you say that you would get similar results in a proper studio setting going direct?

What's your live signal chain for the Variax? I'm guessing guitar->DI->FOH.

Have you tried recording it direct in your own studio and what have the results been?

Thanks, just a thought that came into my mind.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by eugewong
Scott,

You mentioned that it sounded good in the board recordings, would you say that you would get similar results in a proper studio setting going direct?

What's your live signal chain for the Variax? I'm guessing guitar->DI->FOH.

Have you tried recording it direct in your own studio and what have the results been?

Thanks, just a thought that came into my mind.

I have not tried recording it just simply due to time constraints; I willl week after next (I am heading out of town for a family vacation for a week).

Live chain is Guitar - DI - FOH. I have a Fishman Loudbox primarily as a personal monitor; it has a DI out on the back.

Given the results I have heard from the board tapes, I have *no* doubt it will indeed sound very good recorded direct. I iintend to try it once I come back (and get my Variax back from my luthier with its new nut!) and will report in full.

[sws1]

Guitarist magazine has a review and a 10 min (approx) demo on the attached CD. Incredibly impressive. WOW

While it seems that a bit of the "air" is missing in the recording since there is no room sound, in a live situation, no one would know. Hell - most people who listen to CDs would never know.

Think I'll wait till they show up used on Ebay in bulk.

[LSchefman]

Seems to me that the L6 acoustic is a wonderful solution to the many problems of playing acoustic live, in a typical club setting especially.

To me, this is a wonderful use of technology, whether or not the sound is "perfect", since most acoustic guitar transducers sound like crap and feed back anyway.

In other words, this isn't a solution in search of a problem, as I feel some of the other L6 gear is. Acoustic guitars live really need that technology fix!

Good report, not a rant at all. :D

[San]

Great report Scott and congrats on the new axe. I read another glowing review in Guitarist this month and the sound samples on the CD were amazing!

The Sitar sound just blew my mind.

As Les said this is a wonderful application of technology!

San.

[KLB]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
(snip...)
Well, I did a few things to it. Rubbed out the neck with Micro Mesh (I do this alot to all my guitars);
(snip...)

Scott,
What makes Micro-Mesh better than 0000 Steel Wool?

I assume you are trying to get rid of the sticky feel?

Cheers,
Ken

PS - I see that Luthier's Mercantile International (LMI.COM) has a Micro-Mesh kit for $16.95 with several grades of paper.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by KLB
Scott,
What makes Micro-Mesh better than 0000 Steel Wool?

I assume you are trying to get rid of the sticky feel?

Cheers,
Ken

PS - I see that Luthier's Mercantile International (LMI.COM) has a Micro-Mesh kit for $16.95 with several grades of paper.

Micro mesh is so far superior to steel wool it is hard to put in words.

It is a bonded flexible reuseable medium that goes from 1500 grit to 12,000 grit. It was originally used to take the scratches off of plexi-glass windows on aircraft.

Steel wool leaves your neck with a haze; Micro mesh (if you use it wet) will leave it just as "soft" to the touch (like satin necks) but as high gloss as a PRS "dipped in glass" look. And with no metal bits sticking to your pickups like with steel wool.

When I do this to a guitar, it not only removes the "sticky feel" it also rounds off the fret ends and polishes them nicely. It makes for a *very* easy to play and comfortable guitar neck.

[KLB]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Micro mesh is so far superior to steel wool it is hard to put in words.

It is a bonded flexible reuseable medium that goes from 1500 grit to 12,000 grit. It was originally used to take the scratches off of plexi-glass windows on aircraft.

Steel wool leaves your neck with a haze; Micro mesh (if you use it wet) will leave it just as "soft" to the touch (like satin necks) but as high gloss as a PRS "dipped in glass" look. And with no metal bits sticking to your pickups like with steel wool.

When I do this to a guitar, it not only removes the "sticky feel" it also rounds off the fret ends and polishes them nicely. It makes for a *very* easy to play and comfortable guitar neck.

Thanks for the heads up. I need to try some of this wonder stuff!
I especially like the easy ability to smooth fretboard and fret edges.

I use the tiny #1175 Stew-Mac fret dress file with the two smooth sides for rounding the sharp point where the fret end touches the board (smooth side glides easily over the board.) The Micro-Mesh will make it easier to do the rest of the job.

I see that Stew-Mac carries Micro-Mesh by the sheet.

- Ken

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by KLB
Thanks for the heads up. I need to try some of this wonder stuff!
I especially like the easy ability to smooth fretboard and fret edges.

I use the tiny #1175 Stew-Mac fret dress file with the two smooth sides for rounding the sharp point where the fret end touches the board (smooth side glides easily over the board.) The Micro-Mesh will make it easier to do the rest of the job.

I see that Stew-Mac carries Micro-Mesh by the sheet.

- Ken

Get the full blown set; it matters and it makes all the difference. Trust me.

[It's Time!]

That's it I'm ordering my acoustic Variax and doing the Scott Peterson custom job to it :cool:

[BuddyPo']

Scott...If I remember correctly the acoustic variax reproduces numerous acoustic instruments. Could you comment on how it convincingly handles these various settings?

Thanks
BuddyPo'

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by BuddyPo'
Scott...If I remember correctly the acoustic variax reproduces numerous acoustic instruments. Could you comment on how it convincingly handles these various settings?

Thanks
BuddyPo'

IMHO - after dozens of rehearsals and half a dozen shows now - it is my opinion that the main guitar tones: the Parlor, OOO, Dread and Jumbo are all excellent. I use the Dread and OOO all the time in the country band.

I use the banjo setting on one tune; I am not utterly thrilled with it, but it works.

The two reso settings are completely outstanding. Man they are dead on. Grab a slide, do the altered tuning setting and bam - it is spooky good.

The other settings are okay for what they are; but I don't need nor use them so my opinion is sort of useless on that.

I had to do some things to the guitar (as detailed on earlier posts) to make it work better for me (mainly the nut) but man, this thing really causes you to rethink amplified acoustic work.

For instance, using an EQ is not really needed. You just use the mic placement slider to tweak the EQ. I have gone to a rig now where basically I run a DI to FOH and then run a signal to a powered JBL G2 monitor on the floor for me. The tones are incredible. EQ for the room is handled FOH. I have not needed to mess with it on my monitor yet. Indoors, outdoors, big rooms, small rooms, dead rooms and bright live rooms. Move the virtual "mic" slider to nail the tone and poof - done deal. Getting your head around that is a huge leap for me; but if you think about it, well, you don't have eq on your mic'd up acoustic on stage.... you move the mic. If you need EQ for FOH, then you do it on the board. Same thing happening here.

Another mind blower that I detailed earlier is the utter absence of feedback. This is extraordinarily a new reality on stage for me. True acoustic tone - authentic real acoustic, not processed EQ'd cheese from a piezo - and utterly no feedback even at OUTRAGEOUS stage volumes if needed. I shake my head at it still.

I also like that it is a thinner instrument for playing standing up; it just feels more natural than hugging my dreadnaught on stage. Less fatique after a few sets; easier to play than a given acoustic - even better than a wonderfully setup acoustic.

I am utterly convinced and a true believer in what they have done with this guitar. It is a smashing success IMHO and totally sets the bar.

[Den]

Hi Scott ... thanks, as always for your informative posts. Another VA question: Does it make any sense for playing at home at lower amplified volumes? I also do some small room gigs that would only allow low amplified volume. I'm thinking that the altered tunings might be really cool, but do they need a great deal of volume to overcome the actual guitar?

Thanks, Den

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Den
Hi Scott ... thanks, as always for your informative posts. Another VA question: Does it make any sense for playing at home at lower amplified volumes? I also do some small room gigs that would only allow low amplified volume. I'm thinking that the altered tunings might be really cool, but do they need a great deal of volume to overcome the actual guitar?

Thanks, Den

Thanks Den for the kind words.

It works great for low volume late night acoustic recordings. But; there is always a but :D; unless you crank the headphones the thing will sound funny to you in the alterned tuning mode. There is a bit of latency that bugs me and it sounds really awful when you are playing if you can hear the actual acoustic sound; the recording will sound fine. It is a strange thing; but just trying to be honest.

I have gone to using my capo when recording and live. If I need an open tuning or what have you, I just tune it the old fashioned analog way. With the tuners. :D

[Den]

Thanks Scott.

[Jim Martin]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
...There is a bit of latency that bugs me and it sounds really awful when you are playing if you can hear the actual acoustic sound; the recording will sound fine...

Thanks for the review, Scott. I never played one of these, and kind of assumed it must be bad (I know, not a fair assumption).

Is there a latency when you don't use altered tuning with the Variax? (That's my biggest gripe with modelling amps - they can sound fine, but they never feel right when you're playing them.)

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Thanks for the review, Scott. I never played one of these, and kind of assumed it must be bad (I know, not a fair assumption).

Is there a latency when you don't use altered tuning with the Variax? (That's my biggest gripe with modelling amps - they can sound fine, but they never feel right when you're playing them.)

I imagine there is a 2ms or so just because of the processing, but it is very very hard to tell. It does not bother me at all when playing in normal tuning.

[LeifK]

Hey Scott,

I was wondering how the feel of the guitar and neck are. I know you sanded the back a little, but how's the thickness of the neck, and the overall playability. I know with their Variax electrics a lot of people didn't like the necks...so much that Warmoth made a replacement neck for it.

thanks

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by LeifK
Hey Scott,

I was wondering how the feel of the guitar and neck are. I know you sanded the back a little, but how's the thickness of the neck, and the overall playability. I know with their Variax electrics a lot of people didn't like the necks...so much that Warmoth made a replacement neck for it.

thanks

Including me on the Warmoth replacement; I have a Warmoth body and neck coming for my Variax 500.

On the Variax 700 Acoustic; once I replaced the nut, used micro-mesh on the back of the neck and had the frets leveled and polished the guitar is utterly outstanding. The neck is a full "C" shape not unlike my Tacoma; not as small as a Taylor, but not as full as a Martin. I LOVE it.

[chipdog]

Hey Scott,

I just bought a new Variax Acoustic and want to replace the tuners. What model Grovers did you put on yours? Did you have to drill at all? I'm thinking of these from Stewart McDonald - any opinion?

Grovers (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guitar,_solid_peghead/Grover_Locking_Guitar_Machines.html)

Thanks!

[Scott Peterson]

Yep, I am pretty sure those are the ones I have on mine. I am on vacation far away from my Variax right now, but I can check for sure next Sunday.

I really like the Grover locking tuners too.

[chipdog]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Yep, I am pretty sure those are the ones I have on mine. I am on vacation far away from my Variax right now, but I can check for sure next Sunday.

I really like the Grover locking tuners too.

Thanks, Scott. Do you recall having to drill or plug any holes for the new tuners?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by chipdog
Thanks, Scott. Do you recall having to drill or plug any holes for the new tuners? Nope, I don't rememer any drilling. And if I did, it was just a quick ream with the hand drill.

[DrSax]

I tried one out today at GC, and I liked it! For the application I think would be best for it (live band setting, where volume could be an issue), i think it is a great thing. I'm not TOO thrilled with the tones (didn't like the banjo tone), but definitely an ok compromise.

Scott, are you using the DI that comes with it? I'm assuming you use the XLR out and run it to the PA?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by DrSax
I tried one out today at GC, and I liked it! For the application I think would be best for it (live band setting, where volume could be an issue), i think it is a great thing. I'm not TOO thrilled with the tones (didn't like the banjo tone), but definitely an ok compromise.

Scott, are you using the DI that comes with it? I'm assuming you use the XLR out and run it to the PA?

I almost exclusively use the Dreadnaught, Jumbo and C&W settings. I like the OOO setting and the Parlor too.

I use it in a few ways; with batteries direct to a DI; with the POD XT Live into a DI and with the Peterson Strobostomp's excellent DI.

I have indeed used it with the Line 6 DI too; but prefer not using it because you have to run power to it. I like to load the guitar with new batteries and run direct into the DI, just for simplicity in setup. If I have time to run power, I'd just assume use the XTL instead of the L6 DI.

[chipdog]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Yep, I am pretty sure those are the ones I have on mine. I am on vacation far away from my Variax right now, but I can check for sure next Sunday.

I really like the Grover locking tuners too.

Scott,

Were you able to check whether those tuners were the right ones? I was also thinking of replacing the stock ones with the Planet Waves locking tuners, but they are a little different shape then the Grovers.

[Scott Peterson]

chipdog,

I forgot that my Variax Acoustic is out on loan to the guy filling in for me on a show while I was gone; I'll get it back in the next few days and check for you. Sorry for the delay.

[Bob Collins]

Hey Scott,

Incredible. I just bought a L6 Var Acc. myself. My complaint is the strings.

My weak fingers never liked accoustics. So I put a set of 9's elect's on it and couldn't hear any real difference. But the bridge on the guitar began to seperate, buldge from the body and I returned it...no fault of the strings, it came with 12s.

It took Line6 nearly a month to send the replacement and I had a set of ExNanoweb 10 accoustics put on it. Still can't get the bends I can with an electric... still using the PRS 90 studio to jam with... so I'm installing a set of ExNanoweb 9 electrics and report what I find.

I want to change the tuners too. Grover locking, right?

Bob Collins

[Scott Peterson]

Yes, Grover locking tuners. I love them.

My guitar has been used - hard - for well over a year now with nary a hiccup. Sorry that you had an issue.

[chipdog]

I received mine yesterday and can't put the darn thing down. Scott has given a very accurate asessment of what this guitar can and cannot do well. I'm completely digging the ability to change tunings - just wish there was more storage capacity per model. If I had one issue versus a straight acoustic it would only be that I miss the body percussion I'm used to incorporating in my playing. Anyway, Scott, I will definitely change the tuners, micromesh the neck and change the bridge pins as well. I'm thinking of using the Planet Waves Locking Tuners on mine. Although those super expensive Steinberger 40:1 straight through tuners on the SM site look pretty cool . . .

[Scott Peterson]

Chipdog,

Good point about the percussive top, or lack thereof, what I have done is gone to tapping the strings instead of the body when I need that. It isn't the same, but the tradeoff for the lack of feedback is more than worth it to me.

[jtg116]

Scott do you use the Variax connection with the XT Live? Thanks for all your info, I'm going to micro mesh a couple of my guitars. My Melancon has such a smooth fee(I guess part is maple vs. mahogany) but does mico mesh give it that satin feel? Also my LP gets a sticky feeling pretty fast, that's going to be the first in line!

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by jtg116
Scott do you use the Variax connection with the XT Live? Thanks for all your info, I'm going to micro mesh a couple of my guitars. My Melancon has such a smooth fee(I guess part is maple vs. mahogany) but does mico mesh give it that satin feel? Also my LP gets a sticky feeling pretty fast, that's going to be the first in line!

Yes, I do use the Variax and XTL. Not all the time, but most of the time.

Micromesh gives your neck that broken in feeling, like it has been played for 10 years with no real wear.

[chipdog]

Well, I have the Variax Acoustic and have done the following:

-Micromeshed the neck

-Installed Locking tuners

The micromeshing goes pretty smoothly, although my technique leaves a little to be desired. The neck has the same smooth feel from headstock to body, but I left a few spots more satin looking than glossy (at either end of the neck - the middle is perfect). I don't really care because it feels so nice and the differences are very slight. Probably just didn't work each grit to its maximum.

I installed the Planet Waves locking tuners that automagically cut the string ends off as you turn them - very cool and they look and work great! They come with a small screw and cover the 2 lockholes that were under the original tuners.

Still want to replace the nut and bridge pins. The stock items are a joke . . .

Thanks again, Scott.

Chip

[Bob Collins]

I've bought a Roland AC60 (accoustic choris).. twin 8" speakers. But I've noted the Variax sounds a bit tinny thru it. It does have an out for a powered subwoofer.

Any suggestions on improving with this amp?

Sounds better going thru a PA system. Not taken it to any open mikes yet, still getting the feel and trying to nail down the sound.

Now..I've also replaced the nut with a graphite precut. Works just find.

I also put on Elix.poly 9-42's and found when I'm putting the strings into the bridge holes, the pegs keep trying to pop out. Had to use a small hammer on each to get them seated.

Am I doing something wrong here? Appreciate any advice.

Bob

[guitarplayer_pr]

I've never played a better guitar than this baby. I'll tell you some things:


The guitar sounds are great and very "natural!" I specially like the Jumbo for strumming parts, but I've used most of the sounds. I set the Dread to a baritone guitar tuning (BEADF#B), which I find very useful. For solos, I prefer the 000 and sometimes the Parlor because of their attacks. The 12 Strings are very cool, too.
The non-guitar sounds, while I haven't used them while performing, can be used in creative ways.
The action is. . . AMAZING! And if you've played an SST, you'll know how the Variax would feel.
You can crank it and you won't get feedback. Enough said.Highest recommendation for the Variax Acoustic

[Scott Peterson]

I've bought a Roland AC60 (accoustic choris).. twin 8" speakers. But I've noted the Variax sounds a bit tinny thru it. It does have an out for a powered subwoofer.

Any suggestions on improving with this amp?

Sounds better going thru a PA system. Not taken it to any open mikes yet, still getting the feel and trying to nail down the sound.

Now..I've also replaced the nut with a graphite precut. Works just find.

I also put on Elix.poly 9-42's and found when I'm putting the strings into the bridge holes, the pegs keep trying to pop out. Had to use a small hammer on each to get them seated.

Am I doing something wrong here? Appreciate any advice.

Bob

Bob - your string guage is *very* light for acoustic; that might be an issue. Also - you need something with more bass than two 8" speakers. That will not cut it; for personal monitoring it will work... but it is two 8" speakers after all.

Just some suggestions and thoughts.

[tone4days]

how does the acoustic variax respond over time as the strings go dead? .. is there a noticeable change in the output sound like there would be with a traditional acoustic guitar? or does it retain the same tone throughout the string life?

thanks

t4d

[Tinman]

Anyone have any experience with the Variax 300 acoustic steel? It's about half the price of the 700, but its not clear to me if there is more than one guitar model on the 300.

[enharmonic]

Here's some clips of Alain Johannes playing a few of the Variax models

http://www.line6.com/variaxacoustic/movies.html

[guitarplayer_pr]

how does the acoustic variax respond over time as the strings go dead? .. is there a noticeable change in the output sound like there would be with a traditional acoustic guitar? or does it retain the same tone throughout the string life?

thanks

t4d

It responds just like a traditional acoustic guitar would, but the process is a little bit longer, at least from my use of it. Maybe it's the strings, but this is a "real" guitar.

[tone4days]

It responds just like a traditional acoustic guitar would, but the process is a little bit longer, at least from my use of it. Maybe it's the strings, but this is a "real" guitar.thanks!

[CryBaby]

Hi Guys !

In order to bump this thread, I just wanted You all to know that as from tomorrow I am also a Variax 700 owner.

I play in a bluesband, and all I want is a tool to let me do some acoustic sounds, from time to time.
I have no intention to sound the most natural Taylor on earth.
No high expectations.

First gig is on Wednesday.
I'll fill You in, later.

Thanx for the information in this thread, Scott !!!

[Earthworm]

I've had two Variax 700 acoustics. I loved them both. I got rid of them for two reasons: 1. I didn't trust the hardware (i.e. worried about breakdowns) 2. It wasn't percussive. That's it.

I thought that the Vax 700 had the greatest plugged in sound I've ever heard on the Jumbo setting. Absolutely fantastic. I thought the alternate tunings sucked big time. They had the weirdest artifacts and strange overtones. Not at all usable for me (I play in a lot of alternate tunings). The virtual capo was also a no-go.

Nonetheless, I think the guitar is awesome. Kind of miss it.