I took the plunge and this was my pick for a Father’s Day gift this year. The Line 6 Variax 300. I did tap into to the $299 Musicians’ Friend Special which meant I had to get a Red guitar. I guess that is not all that bad - I mean for $299! Although, I would have preferred black.
The setup out of the box was pretty decent. The strings were extremely oxidized so they were replaced. I had to tighten all the tuners. I made very slight intonation adjustments.
I was pleasantly surprised at the playability. Of course I was convinced that I would not like the neck at all. But it is very smooth and comfortable. One of my major concerns was how palm muting would work with the piezo pickups. And for the clean sounds, it seems natural. But I may have to adjust how I mute when using distortions.
Setup: I connect my 300 to the Pod XT Live via the Variax Digital Interface (VDI). So I haven’t tried the batteries or the XPS power connector.
Models:
- (Updated 7/6/07)
I was really disappointed with the Stratocaster models. But I haven’t given up on them yet. I had the same problem with the Strat models that I had with the Acoustic models, I just had not found the correct amp model combination. But I got it dial in last night and I think it captures the essence of the the Strat. - I was initially disappointed with the Acoustic models until I got the right amp combination.
- The selling point of this guitar was the Jazzbox models. Some of the sweetest tones you can imagine.
- The Sitar is kind of weak. You have really strike the strings pretty hard to get the Sitar to ring out.
- The banjo model is pretty cool.
Pros:
- Price is right for 25 different guitar models.
- Variax Workbench allows you to create more models.
- The alternate tuning capabilities is another great feature. It is nice to be able, at the flick of a switch, go to drop D tuning or open G and then back to standard tuning.
- Pod XT Live interface.
Cons:
- I can’t use my GR-20 interface the same as I did on a standard guitar.
- Not as much sustain as standard guitars.
Here is a song where the main lead guitar work is using the Strat model, I call the song “Stratisfied”. Credit and thanks goes to KOR for the great backing track “BTT Backing Track”.
Here is a sample where I use the Variax for the acoustic guitar, the bass and the banjo. I virtually have the banjo model tuned in standard banjo tuning so I am playing this on my guitar using banjo chords and picking style. I have never played banjo before so be kind.
COOL!! Happy f.day to you Dolan my friend…cant wait to hear some v.axe post…Dave
Left by Strat on June 16th, 2007
I’m glad to see that Variax is inspiring some great tunes on Riffcaster for us all to listen to! I’m going to have to get one now I do believe…… Much thanks for the detailed review,.
Keep up the good work my brother!
Oh yeah and congrats for getting Summertime on the Sonoma MySpace page.
Left by Mickey on June 27th, 2007
Thanks Dave and Mickey. This instrument is inspiring.
Left by bluesydude on June 27th, 2007
That clip is really cool sounding Dolan!
Left by J.J. on July 2nd, 2007
I found you searching for GR-20 and variax. I’ve had a vax300 for a couple of years, got the XTLive for Christmas 06 and just got my GR-20. I installed the GK on there using the screws and clipping the springs down by about 80%. So far it’s working really well but I’ve only had it a week. You said you couldn’t use it with your GR. Why’s that?
I play sunday mornings, so the bigger my arsenal, the more I have to offer and the less people will realize how mediocre I am.
Have you pathed the XTLive to the GR-20 to automate patch changes? That’s my next challenge.
Left by ScottMcC on January 10th, 2008
BTW, can’t find your name, but do you have some connection to Probe Ministries? Steve Cable used to be my Sunday School teacher and I just saw him again about a month ago!
Left by ScottMcC on January 10th, 2008
Thanks for your post Scott. No connection to Probe Ministries.
What I meant about not using the GR-20 on the vax like I did on my Ibanez is the ability to use the patch cable from the guitar 1/4″ into the 1/4″ on the GK-3. On my Ibanez, I would hook up this way then I could put the GK-3 in the middle position and get both guitar and synth at the same time. Are you connecting your vax to your XTL via the VDI cable?
Please let me know if I am missing something.
Left by bluesydude on January 11th, 2008
At first I ran the output of the XTL back up to the GK-3. It functioned but didn’t sound very good. I got better results running the output of the XTL to the mix in of the GR-20. I practice with it in that config but run totally separate channels on Sun. morning.
I’ve also hooked up a midi cable out of the XTL into the GR. The patch link function is so easy to use that I’m now selecting VAX model, XTL patch and GR-20 patch using only the XTL selection. The only draw back with that is that the XTL not only sends out program changes but is also sending the pedal level so that the GR volume follows the XTL. Therefore, I have to adjust volume on the GK or the GR pedal after turning down volume on the XTL. Still getting used to it.
Left by ScottMcC on January 17th, 2008