GENERAL FAW
What is Shuriken Variax SR250?
The Shuriken Variax SR250 guitar is the newest addition to the Shuriken Variax family. Like the longerscale Shuriken Variax SR270, it resulted from collaboration between Shuriken Guitars, Line 6®, and Yamaha® Guitar Development. The Shuriken Variax SR250 is a modern, high-quality instrument featuring a unique body shape with contoured edges, a traditional 25.5" scale length, an Indian ebony fretboard, a custom mid-gain humbucking pickup, and all of the sonic versatility provided by Variax HD technology. The Shuriken Variax SR250 comes with a Shuriken premium padded gig bag.
Why did you make the Shuriken Variax SR250?
The response to the original Shuriken Variax SR270 guitar has been overwhelmingly positive. Soon after the launch of Shuriken, many fans of the Shuriken design were requesting a 25.5” scale version.
HARDWARE
I saw changes to the Model and Alternate Tuning knobs on the guitar. Does Shuriken Variax SR250 offer new guitar models?
Shuriken Variax SR250 offers a new collection of instrument and tuning presets which were designed by Stevic Mackay. It does not contain new guitar models.
How do I access Stevic MacKay’s presets?
Stevic Mackay’s presets are available via the Model knob and 5-way switch. Please note that Stevic uses a lot of alternate tunings and we recommend that you set the Alternate Tuning knob to the “Model” position for these tunings to recall correctly. Stevic prefers the low E string tuned down a whole note to D, so all his presets assume that the low E string is tuned down accordingly. Please note that all settings stored on the Alternate Tuning knob are based on standard E to E tuning, i.e. do not require the low E string tuned down to D.
Where can I get Stevic MacKay’s Workbench HD presets?
All of Stevic MacKay’s presets are available in the Shuriken Variax Preset Bundle and can be downloaded at https://line6.com/variax-modeling-guitars/resources/
Does the 5-way switch affect the magnetic pickup on Shuriken Variax SR250?
No, the analog guitar signal is affected by the volume and tone knobs, but the single humbucker pickup output is intentionally the same signal regardless of the position of the 5-way. This enables the magnetic pickup sound to be combined with any Variax modeled sound (when using VDI to Helix or other Line 6 products) without the magnetic tone being altered based on the model selection.
VARIAX WORKBENCH HD
Will there be a new version of Workbench HD software, and what changes will it include?
We will release an update to Workbench HD that recognizes Shuriken Variax SR250 and displays the Model knob “banks” correctly. You can download it here: https://line6.com/software/
Will I need to install the newest Workbench HD application in order to work with Shuriken Variax SR250?
While we recommend that you update Workbench HD, it is not required. Older versions, provided that they work with JTV and Variax Standard guitars, can be used in tandem with Shuriken Variax SR250. Please note that older versions will not show correct bank names.
Can I change the models and/or tunings using Variax Workbench HD?
Yes, like all other Variax Standard and JTV models, each preset and tuning location can be customized to your liking.
Can I use Shuriken Variax SR250 with Helix?
Yes, Shuriken Variax SR250 is compatible with Helix, POD HD, and Firehawk, as well as limited compatibility with POD xt, POD X3, VettaTM II amplifier and other legacy Line 6 products.