Community: Message List - Variax squealing

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:24:55 GMT

Thanks again Steve

How do I mark your answer as ' Helpful ' so that you can get some points

Cheers Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:51:53 GMT

Hey - very happy to read your positive results with taming the Variax 700 Feedback problem by using the Ribbon Cable "double loop thru the ferite cores" trick.

And for those who are wondering if Feedback is a problem with other Variax's - they fixed this issue by using shielded cables on the piezo pickups on the Variax 300/600 and ALL Tyler Variax's.

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:01:35 GMT

Hi Everyone

I'm happy to report that this has worked probably about 90% so I'm very pleased. There was no squealing or feedback at the times when it would normally occur. And I played pretty loud so I am happy with this massive improvement.

Thank you to Steve for guiding me through the fix and I suggest that if I can do it anyone can.

Flyag, it is relatively easy even if your not techy minded. Just have a look at Nathans video above and then follow Steves instructions

Cheers

Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:20:48 GMT

Wey Hey !

The guitar still works, so thats the main worry gone.

I cranked the volume up on a high gain patch and I have to say it seems better. I pushed it and it was still there when I did.(So not not completey cured) but I think I can probably acheive more volume without the feedback. Not that I will want more volume than I normally use, but I reckon the feedback should occurr less which will be an improvement.

I think that part of the problem maybe due to 2 other factors (in my case anyway)

The feedback happens when sustaining a high note on the top strings, with or without the use of the trem. The trem is then bringing the lower strings in as they must be contacting with the piezos.

Also I think I have developed a habit of muting those strings with my palm (probably to combat the feedback) so I'm not sure if that is adding to the problem.

Anyway as I said, I think its better than before so I will know for sure at my next gig

Cheers, Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:04:51 GMT

Hi Steve

I mentioned some differences between my 700 and the pics and video of yours and Nathans.

I opened up the guitar to take some photos not intending to do the job but because my ribbon cable was not connected by any kind of release clip, as I pulled the board upwards to try to unclip the other connectors the ribbon cable simply pulled free from the board. So I though ah well I have to do it now and went ahead to put the ribbon back through the ferrite cores. Easy enough (well it was a bit fiddly but yeah easy enough) Reconnected everything up and Bobs your Uncle. Incidentally my ribon cable was in fact stuck down by two double sided sticky pads but they came off quite easily.

Has it solved the problem? Does the gutar even still work?

I dunno yet, I'll check it in the morning having had a bottle of beer and a couple of glasses of wine

Cheers Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:47:30 GMT

Hi Flyag

Certainly according to Steves post and pics above the new one have been fixed so good luck. Check out the next post I put up though in the meantime, the 700 fix seems easy enough even for a non techy like you and me to keep you going until you get the new one.

Cheers, Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:13:13 GMT

Thanks for that in depth analysis Mark, much appreciated.

I'm simply hoping since this squealing issue has been highlighted by multiple users, that it has been remedied by Line6/Tyler in the new models.

As I mentioned above strangely (for someone who has adapted to such technology) I'm not very techy and have not utilised workbench for alternate tunings, although I would have use for them. So the new JTV's having onboard tunings, to me, is a real bonus. Add to that the improved processing power/sound quality (although like you I am pretty happy with the 700) and if the newies "do not squeal" (seriously one shouldn't have to do the abovementioned repair - that should be sorted in the factory prior to production)...then the JTV69 (pending feel of course) is the guitar for me...

Cheers

Flyag

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:15:01 GMT

Hi Flyag

Unfortunately I didnt see your post until I got home. I'll answer it first and then explain.

Strangely as it may seem, it wasnt my priority so I didnt consider it because until this post I never gave the problem too much thought.

The problem occurrs once a night on one particular patch and therefore because I am so in love with my Variax I have just overlooked it for all the years since I have owned it. (2005) Of course now that I know the solution, its on my mind and I hope to fix it with Steves solution. I suggest you try it with me and we can post our success.

Now onto your part about buying a new JTV when they become available near you, I'll give you my thoughts from seeing them all yesterday. My opinion is just my opinion though and I have always said that the only way to decide on the purchase of a guitar is to play it before you buy then you cannot be disapointed.

In PMT yesterday there were several on display and I tried them all

2 x 59's a Black one and a Tobacco Sunburst - Both absolutely gorgeous to look at

They felt really nice to play and of course we all know what they sound like

2 x 69's one was Sunburst and one Black

I dont like the neck on this - its too chunky for me but I know that others will prefer it

My favourite to play was a Black 89 with a slimmer neck but stupidlly without a TREM

Lovely feel to it

All the guitars I played could do with a tweek here and there so would benefit from a good set up and I'm told that the new ones have 4 times the processing power than the old, therefore giving much clearer sounds. To be honest I couldnt hear that much difference.

Would I buy one? Thats a complicated answer too - it goes like this

When the Variax came out (2003) I tried a 500 and loved the idea and the sounds but didnt get on with the neck, so I didnt buy one. Then came the 700 and wow! it was perfect (after a good set up)

I sold my 1974 Gibson Les Paul to get the money to buy it) and Ive never regretted that decision.

Ok what about trading up to a JTV? If I didnt already own a Variax then yes I would without doubt trade in any guitar that I owned to scrape the £1049 needed. But I'm not going to jump right now because for the extra money it wouldnt be worth it as I have what I consider to be almost the perfect instrument, plus the fact that the one that suited me best was the 89 but it has no trem.

As I said earlier only you can arrive at your own decision

I hope that has helped

Mark

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:42:23 GMT

Hi Mark,

As the new JTV's aren't readily available here in Oz as yet, can you please report back as to whether they also suffer from the same annoying squealing problem?

I'm sure that will be one of your first priorities, as it would/will be mine.

This is my only reservation about purchasing another/new Variax, regardless of the very helpful and in depth advice, kindly supplied by Steve...!

Thanks

Flyag

Re: Variax squealing

support@line6.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:16:09 GMT

Thanks Steve

I get it now. There is however a difference between my Variax and the pictures above and the video from Nathan.

First, the board looks different to the video in that all the plugs on mine are underneath and a bit harder to get to - having said that I assume they come off in the same way.

Secondly, my ribbon cable is smaller, white and is stuck to the top of the ferrite thingies.

Should I be worried about any of these differences and get on with it?

Also a further question - Where can I buy the newer type cables in the UK?

Many Thanks

Mark

I will post some pics later today, but right now I'm off to PMT in Manchester for a Line 6 demo of all three JTV's