James Tyler Variax Factory Reset Options

If, for some reason, or just for the sheer mad joy of it, you would like to restore the 50* factory settings on the Guitar Model Selector knob or a specific preset or all presets on the Alternate Tuning knob/roller, here’s how you do it.  Warning: This will erase ALL settings prescribed within the options below.

*NOTE: Factory reset will not restore the Custom 1 or Custom 2 banks. The only way to restore those is to reload the flash memory via Line 6 Monkey (instructions further below).

To reset Guitar Model Selector

Set the Pickup Selector Switch to it’s middle position, then press and hold the Guitar Model Selector Knob while you plug in a 1/4” cable to power up the guitar. Your Guitar Model Selector LED and Alternate Tuning LED will both flash red. Next, press and hold the Guitar Model Selector knob again. Guitar Model Selector LED will flash red, rapidly 3 times, indicating all 50 guitar models in the Model Selector knob memory locations are now restored to factory settings. Guitar will now return to normal operation.

To Reset one or all of the Alternate Tuning presets

First, set the Pickup Selector Switch to it’s middle position, then press and hold the Guitar Model Selector Knob while you plug in a 1/4” cable to power

up the guitar. Your Guitar Model Selector LED and Alternate Tuning LED will both flash red.  Switch the Alternate Tuning knob/roller to any new position -Guitar Model Select know will no longer be lit. To restore all Alternate Tunings, now select MODEL on the Alternate Tuning knob. To restore only 1 preset, select the desired tuning on the Alternate Tuning knob. Once you’ve made your selection, press and hold the Guitar Model Select knob.  Guitar Model Selector knob will flash red, rapidly 3 times, indicating all 10 Alternate Tunings or 1 selected Alternate Tuning are now restored to factory settings. Guitar will now return to normal operation.

Q:  How do I re-install the flash memory on my Variax Electric 300, 500, 600, 700 and James Tyler Variax guitars?

A: These instruments can only be returned to factory reset by reinstalling the flash memory. You will need to connect your Variax to the workbench software using your Variax enabled hardware (i.e. Variax Hardware interface, POD XT/X3 Live, POD X3 Pro, VETTA with VDI, or POD HD500), then you will have to connect your interface to your computer via USB.  Once the guitar and interface are connected to the computer, you will need to run Line 6 Monkey.  See the following link for more information on connecting your device to your computer and installing Line 6 Monkey:

Once you have Monkey installed and your computer is recognizing the connection, see the screen shots for the reflash procedure:

1) Once you run Line 6 Monkey, Monkey may ask you to register.  If you do not wish to register (or have already registered) select "remind me later".

2) If you want to reinstall the factory presets (or update the firmware), select "Flash Memory" the select "Reinstall Latest"

3) Select "OK" to agree to the software license

4) Select "yes" or "no" If you want to keep the patches on the instrument

5) Select "Yes"  to continue with the update.  Do not disconnect the variax during the update.

6)  Line 6 Monkey will reinitialize the device and update the flash memory. You can watch the progress on the blue bar on the right side of Monkey.

7) Once the update is complete you will need to select "OK" to continue.

Variax Bass 700/705 Reflash

Factory defaults must be restored one at a time. Select the Model you wish to normalize, the place the blend and two tone controls in the detent (center) position. Now press the Model select pot down until the indicator light stops flashing. The Model should now be restored to factory settings. Use this procedure for any model you want to restore to the factory setting.  The Variax bass series can also be "reflashed" using the procedure for the Variax electric guitars described above.