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2104 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Dec 22, 2011 9:56 PM by amx05462 RSS
shakiz Just Startin'
shakiz
5 posts since
Feb 3, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Feb 3, 2011 1:35 AM

variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

Hi folks,

 

My variax 600 occasionally has sound sparkles and I have discovered that it is caused by the Model dial

randomly and accidentally switching between guitar models. I used workbench to verify this problem, the pickup selector

is fine, but the model selector will suddenly jump from strat to lester to tele back and forth back and forth, and so on.  it is sometimes so fast that you think

the board is about to explode! it mostly happens when I am in Custom1 to Special models, and less often in the acoustic and Custom 2 dial.

I have read all over this place and have used air compresses and stuff, but it just won't stop. Please Line 6, can you

help me with this issue? is there a spare parts dealer here in Europe? I think I might be outta warranty. Thank you so much in advance.

Also if there would be any technical explanations of how this Knob works I can open it up myself and try to fix it, cause now this guitar

is only playable unplugged

  • thingsabove Just Startin'
    thingsabove
    5 posts since
    Oct 22, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 3, 2011 11:38 AM (in response to shakiz)
    Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

    Re-loading firmware without saving presets fixed some model selection problems I was having with my Variax 700 bass.

  • es336td Just Startin'
    es336td
    182 posts since
    Jan 29, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 3, 2011 1:51 PM (in response to shakiz)
    Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

    Reloading the firmware is a temporary fix.   On the 300 & 600, the circuit board is encased in a metal cage.  With the fluctuation in temperature, humidity, etc., the circuit board being this close to the cage is causing the problems.   The fix is, to take the Variax apart, shield the cage (black electrical tape, non-conductive paint, what have you), reassemble and string.  Your problem will be solved.   Look up discussions on the Dreaded Coffin Shielding or such.   Good luck!

    • shakiz Just Startin'
      shakiz
      5 posts since
      Feb 3, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Feb 9, 2011 11:54 AM (in response to es336td)
      Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

      thanks a million mate!!!

       

      I opened the chasis, and actually just tape sheielded uder the main circuit board and the corners of the model selector knob.

      I did not disassemble the whole unit. But in the past 3 days I have not had that annoying problem any more!!!:-)

      there were a couple of inductors almost touching the metal, and I'm guessing those could be the most problematic units.

      But now the guitar is playing just fine and hopefully it will stay that way. Now the only things remaining are to figure out

      a better palm muting solution with the piezzos and to get some locking tuners...

      • shakiz Just Startin'
        shakiz
        5 posts since
        Feb 3, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Apr 4, 2011 10:52 AM (in response to shakiz)
        Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

        I'm here again. POed and perplexed...

         

        well the annoying model selector problem is back again, though less frequently.

         

        I really really would appreciate if someone would kindly send a photo showing which parts of the coffin

        need to be shielded. Should I dissassmle the model selector knob and also shield around that as well??

         

        Any assisstance would be hightly appreciated as this is driving me crazy.

         

        I really like the feel and touch of this guitar and also the versetality. Otherwise I would have sold

        it already with so many design flaws

         

        thanks in advance

        • es336td Just Startin'
          es336td
          182 posts since
          Jan 29, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Sep 14, 2011 12:29 PM (in response to shakiz)
          Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

          The entire metal interior of the cage/coffin.  That should work.   Be careful and don't unplug any connectors if you can help it.   The problem is not the model selector knob... it's the circuit boards...   I used liquid electrical tape to paint the entire interior of the cage/coffin.  It stopped the problem, but disconnecting all the connectors, cleaning them, and putting them back caused some other problems.  Also, NEVER put the batteries in incorrectly.  The Variax is not very forgiving and you could halt the ability to use the batteries without service center repair.

  • 1oldguitarman Just Startin'
    1oldguitarman
    29 posts since
    Mar 10, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 14, 2011 3:22 PM (in response to shakiz)
    Re: variax 600 model selector knob gone crazy

    Greetings, and sorry to hear about your problem.  There is another possibility ... although it's more likely the coffin-shielding will correct this, I have had a problem that's similar to yours with BOTH of my model 700's selectors.  Since your problem seems to occur more often around SOME model settings versus ANY model settings, I'm thinking that you should try this.  It's simply a procedure, no parts or repair required.  Here is my document's link in the Line 6 documents pages (and even though it's titled for model 700's, the Model Select knob design is more than likely similar if not identical in your 600):

     

    http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2192

     

    I'd be happy to hear your feedback and/or suggested corrections if the procedure can be further simplified or clarified.

     

    Good luck!

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