janjanjan

Hello, sounds like you have the 500 (just like me). You need Java Runtime Engine (at least v.6) installed and the Workbench USB interface. Then you might install Workbench and have years of fun with the model editing. I put Ghost piezos and a high-end Warmoth neck on my guitar. The Ghost piezos allow grounding which rids you of the character of the L.R. Baggs piezos. A new neck and locking tuners was of course a huge improvment. Bought this guitar new in 2003 and it has been running without since. Try to find some user models out there, there are tons of them.

I think I had a similar problem previously in Win7. Have you checked in the device manager (C:\Windows\System32\devmgmt.msc) if theres a warning sign or unknown devices? If, then delete or disable those and reboot and let Windows re-build its device cache. Having said that, if theres no sound coming out when you plug into your amp then you probably have to service the guitar.

Hi! 1. Looks like a Variax 500 to me. I have exactly the same guitar. Your serial number might indicate that it was manufactured in 2003. 2. Check so all the sounds play as expected. Check so the model knob switches sounds as expected. Check so the neck is straight. See so you can return the item to the seller if you decide to. 3. You can always trim your output signal for the different models with Variax workbench or just use a clean boost pedal to unify your gain. Hope this helps

I have a Variax 500 I am selling, where I put on a - high-end Warmoth neck - Ghost saddles - Schaller locking tuners. This means I have - the original neck - original piezos. - original tuners - Workbench interface PM me if interested.

Or put in Ghost saddles. A bit tricky to solder but this will give proper ground and improved improved sound quality for each string. https://graphtech.com/collections/ghost-pickup-systems-guitar-saddle

I think the OT writer maybe feels like there is a lack of commitment from Line 6 re data on Variax and under-the-hood insights from the engineers. Personally I bought my black 500 in 2003 and in 2013 I put on a Warmoth neck that cost more than the Variax did in the first place plus I added Ghost pickups. I never had any probs with the board and firmware whatsoever, its been remarkably sturdy. But if I did not know the control codes for calibrate the model knob or volume I would have sold the guitar years ago. Stuff like that needs to be public and not kept secret to save business for support techs. Its not rocket science, everyone can calibrate a model selector.. my 2 cent

Just a shot in the dark but I have you tried placing two single-coil pups close to each other and run them i series?

Don't know about Firehawk but, yes, you would need the non-HD Workbench to connect with all Variaxes up until the JT models. It is on the Line 6 website. Hope this helps!

After poking around on the interweb for awhile, the missing clip turned up live and well. Enjoy! From vettaville.com: Here's a Variax 500 video for all you fellow tech-heads. This is a definitive "behind-the-hardware" video which I put together to help everyone see exactly how the Variax Piezo Bridge & Saddles are put together The video is a little over 8 minuHere's a Variax 500 video for all you fellow tech-heads. This is a definitive "behind-the-hardware" video which I put together to help everyone see exactly how the Variax Piezo Bridge & Saddles are put together The video is a little over 8 minutes running time, and 15MB. I suggest that everyone right-click the image to the left and "save-target-as" to download to your hard drive for viewing rather than streaming off the internet. ENJOY...!!! VIDEO

Hi! I guess vettaville.nl and vettaville.com is non-functioning and wonder if anyone knows of or can share some of the instructional videos made by Nathan Shane (webmaster and creator of the original www.vettaville.com). One of them is called 'Variax_500_Bridge_Saddle_Video.wmv'. They were/are really good reference and would be nice if they could be archived somewhere. any hints very much appreciated Jan