Skip navigation
5753 Views 10 Replies Latest reply: Jan 23, 2013 6:21 PM by mrkeetz RSS
newsflash66 Just Startin' 3 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Apr 3, 2009 6:01 AM

variax 300 acoustic steel pickup

I bought a used 300 and there's a noticable difference in the volume of the lower 4 strings compared to the 2 high ones (the two high ones are very sensitive, while the lower ones are kinda dead).  This is in respect to volume on the amplifier, if played without plugging it in, there's no noticable difference.  Even the 2 in the middle are less volume then the lowest 2 strings.  I've replaced the strings 2x now, and although with each try I noticed a different sensitivity in each string, they're still not the same and the low ones are not "loud" enough.

 

Is there a gain control per string?  Is this a common behavior or is there something wrong that needs repair?  Someone told me the piezo pickup may need to be replaced, however I can't find any store (including the line 6 online store) that carries them.  Any advice/help is appreciated - thanks :-)

  • Phryrduk Just Startin' 89 posts since
    Mar 27, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 3, 2009 8:55 AM (in response to newsflash66)
    Re: variax 300 acoustic steel pickup

    For the variax electrics you can adjust the volume of each string, that function may be available for the acoustic as well.  In addition, the was some sequence you could set at power up that would allow you to adjust the individual volumes from the guitar itself (I don't remeber what is was, check vettaville.com or vettaville.nl) for the electrics, again this may be available for the acoustic.

     

    Sorry I just checked and the 300 acoustic will not work with the workbench

     

    Here is a link from the institute of noise about the electric start up modes:

    http://www.instituteofnoise.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15539&SearchTerms=string,volume

     

    Someone at line6 technical support may be able to tell you if there is a startup mode for your 300, give them a call.

     

    Message was edited by: Khromagi

  • Line6Andy Line 6 4,345 posts since
    Jun 5, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 6, 2009 4:10 PM (in response to newsflash66)
    Re: variax 300 acoustic steel pickup

    Hello,

      The pickup on the acoustic 300 series does not have individual pickups, but is a "strip" underneath the bridge.  It sounds like the pickup may not be making a strong contact or is beginning to fail.  Please see the info for having your unit repaired:

     

     

    Product Repair

    http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-4285

     

     

    Line6Andy

     

    Please be sure to award Helpful and Correct points to community members who respond with helpful or correct answers!

  • lectricfrets Just Startin' 12 posts since
    Jul 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 10, 2009 12:52 PM (in response to newsflash66)
    Re: variax 300 acoustic steel pickup

    I had the same problem.  You might be able to correct the symptom by loosening all the strings.  As you re-tighten them, they tend to rock the saddle toward the neck.  Use your finger tips to pull the saddle away from the neck as hard as you can while tightening the strings.  Tune it a little sharp as you hold the saddle, then let go and tune it to pitch.  This worked for my Acoustic 300.  Once I did this and had the balance good, I could touch up tuning without recreating the problem.  It only seemed to happen when I changed strings.  Others have said it worked for them, but not for everyone.  Eventually, I took it to a Line 6 repair center just before the warranty ran out and they replaced the peizo pickup.  It's been fine since then.  I believe the pickups are made by LR Baggs.  Good luck.

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)

Legend

  • Correct Answers - 5 points
  • Helpful Answers - 3 points