Community : All Content - Variax Guitars / Bass / Workbench

distortion on D string piezo

support@line6.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:26:49 GMT

Hey Guys,

I was doing some recording in the studio the other day and noticed that the D-string on my variax 700 is making a buzzing sound when I record. I triple checked i wasn't getting a fret buzz anywhere. The more I looked into it the more is sounds like a distortion on the piezo.

I've attached a sound file of it. My chain is Variax > VDI > Pod X3 Pro > USB > Logic Studio 9.

I've recorded it completely clean and have included a comparison of the G string too.. the attachment kept failing so its here: http://public.me.com/sb00020

I'm guessing I'm going to need to get it replaced. Does anyone have any experience with similar problems? How long did it take to be repaired etc? I'm in the UK if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance

Sam

Variax Bass Pickguard Material

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:31:07 GMT

try stewart mcdonald they have a black pearloid. its 42 bucks for an 11 1/4 x 19 1/8 sheet there most expensive you could also try all parts or the luthier section of ebay

Locking tuners for Variax 700 electric?

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:23:44 GMT

they give you these little pieces of metal to put under the roller bridge if you remove too much wood. there different thicknesses to bring the nut up to proper height. if you do it right you dont have to shim it you just screw it down and your set.

but since its not an easy thing to get it perfect first time they give you those shims to make everything right if you make a mistake. i didnt need them.

Re-open Firmware Corrupted on Variax500

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:06:37 GMT

Hi Line 6Miller!

I'm back. Sorry for the long absence but I'm in the middle and running late on a Christmas Album that has to be out at the end of this month and also, my internet line has been down (Thanks to a Thunderstorm) so I'm having a fight with Telkom to get it up and running again. In desperation I am actually doing this from an Internet Cafe. My Internet should be up again in the next few days and then we can resume normal communication. PS. My problem is still alive and kicking!

This is the last communication I had from you before the interruption and I would appreciate it if we can pick up from here.

>Hello,

>Having a friend in Canada certainly does help as we have a distributor in Canada (actually in Montreal).

>Before we go any further let me just make sure I have everything covered here.

>Is this Variax under warranty? You said you've had it for only a few weeks correct?

>You've tried reinstalling the flash memory in the guitar to no avail as it will not connect to Monkey at >all through your POD correct?

>Have you tried interfacing the guitar with something other than the POD IE: a Variax Workbench >Interface?

>Please let me know and then we can move forward with trying to get you the part you need.

>Line6Miller

My Answer:

Yes, the Variax is still under warranty as I only had it for a few weeks before it packed up.

Yes, I have tried reinstalling the flash memory in the guitar to no avail as it will not connect to Monkey at all through my POD and also freezes the POD when connecting to it via the rj45 connector.

No, I have not tried interfacing the guitar with another interface besides the POD as I don’t have accesss to any other interface but I successfully connected via the POD using another 500 and 600.

PS. Is it not possible to get the parts to me via Marshall Music/Active Music Distribution in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was given the impression that they are the Line6 distributers in South Africa?

Thanks for the support so far. It has been great and re-assuring

Regards, Carlo

Gauge of strings for el. variax 700 to have more authentic acoustic sound

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:22:20 GMT

I would suggest going for the thicker strings, as thick as possible IMHO. If you are still finding it not sounding good enough to you, you could try acoustic steel strings. However, that would obviously compromise the electric guitar model tones...

Variax 700 will not stay in tune?

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:18:08 GMT

this might help.

RMA status 11487

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:06:01 GMT

UPDATE A FEW MONTHS LATER.....

I just had to update this post. Line6 did return my guitar, repaired, within about two weeks (including coast to coast travel time).

Now that the guitar is working, I LOVE IT. I play it exclusively in a classic rock band (rythm guitar), as a solo singer/songwriter, and an acoustic duo. No troubles, just great fun and playability, and AWESOME sounds.

I have found the presets to be amazingly useful:

Square neck - (Honky Tonk Women, Jenny Jenny, Crossroads)
12 string (Behind Blue Eyes, Nights in white Satin)
Mandolin (Losing my religion), 12 string (Behind Blue Eyes, Nights in white Satin)
Dreadnaught, C&W - general purpose 6 string
Nylon (Something, Sweet Baby James)

I also find the neck to be pleasing, and I can play for hours without the discomfort I find on my Martin. Stays in tune. It's an attractive, well made guitar. Nothing not to love.

Just wish it had a built in tuner. And rechargable batteries.

THANKS LINE 6!

Variax Workbench fails at startup

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:57:18 GMT

Speaking of which, I should have seen your reply in this thread before starting another question of mine of the same problem. My bad. At least I've found the solution...

Variax Workbench installation problem...

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:12:46 GMT

Nevermind guys, I've found the solution. I went on the Java site, and installed the 1.50 version. Had Java 6 installed before, needed the previous version. Thanks again...

Split Bridge

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:37:04 GMT

im assuming this is an acoustic since you mentioned the pins now do you mean the wood part of the bridge has split or the saddle ?

. it is glued to the top of the guitar and youll have to warm it up with a heat gun to loosen the glue. that one has the lrbaggs pickups in it you have to be careful not to break the wires. if its playing ok and isnt a problem other than cosmeticly id leave it alone