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1381 Views 4 Replies Latest reply: Dec 15, 2011 8:06 AM by jetrier RSS
goblin_king14 Just Startin'
goblin_king14
9 posts since
Apr 26, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 25, 2009 2:09 PM

String types

Due to pickup system in the various electric variax models, couldn't you theoretically use bronze or even nylon strings without effecting the sounds you get?

Tags: variax, nylon, electric, strings, bronze, nickel
  • mdmayfield Just Startin'
    mdmayfield
    353 posts since
    Feb 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 9, 2009 10:56 PM (in response to goblin_king14)
    Re: String types

    No. The strings make a difference just like on a normal guitar. Variax is not a synthesizer.

     

    If you put flatwounds on a Variax and put it on the Tele setting, it will sound like a Tele with flatwounds. Put it on the Acoustic setting and it will sound like an acoustic with flatwounds.

     

    If you put nylon strings and put it on the Tele setting, it will sound like a Tele would sound with nylon strings, if a standard magnetic pickup could sense nylon. Put it on Acoustic and it will sound like an acoustic guitar, strung with nylon strings.

    • goblin_king14 Just Startin'
      goblin_king14
      9 posts since
      Apr 26, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 10, 2009 8:53 PM (in response to mdmayfield)
      Re: String types

      That's even more levels of awesome than I hoped for.  Is this from personal experience or theory based on the technology?

       

      (Remember, untested, it's still a theory even if it's completely true and accurate. )

       

      The more I think about it, though, that actually makes sense, in some ways.  I guess it's my perception of how piezos work that's got me hung up.  Like, I understand the electronics run your signal through algorithms that shape that signal into the modeled guitar.  I guess I just got the impression that what piezos actually read is the raw vibration frequency, which (in my mind, at least) would give it notes but not tone.

      • jetrier Just Startin'
        jetrier
        20 posts since
        Feb 21, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Dec 12, 2011 7:49 AM (in response to goblin_king14)
        Re: String types

        I found this old thread out there for string types when I searched for "flatwound"... is anyone out there playing with flatwounds on their Variax? If so, are you happy with the results?

         

        I'm playing less "bright" tones than more muted jazz tones and I'm contemplating making the switch. I assume that the bright models and acoustics would not sound the same, but I'd like to hear about others' experiences if you can share them.

        • jetrier Just Startin'
          jetrier
          20 posts since
          Feb 21, 2009
          Currently Being Moderated
          Dec 15, 2011 8:06 AM (in response to jetrier)
          Re: String types

          I ended up putting on some flatwound D'Addario Chromes Jazz Light (11-50, ECG24). I like the results. It's always easy enough to dial up some brighter tones, but getting quality dark tones is harder, IMHO, for the hollow and semis when using light, bright roundwound strings. So I think the hollow and semis tones are very much improved and so are the 6 string acoustics. The 12 strings still sound sub-standard. I don't play them much anyway. The Fender and Ric (6 string) models just sound like I'm using a heavier guage string. They can still be bright enough. I'm going to stick with the flatwounds.

           

          Cheers

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