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Hi! I’m looking to make a few modifications to my JTV-59 and wanted to get some input of what’s in the realm of possibility with the Variax technology. The main things I’d like to add are tuner locks of some kind, a whammy bar, and a sustainer pickup. Would any of these be possible and what should I look out for when installing these additions? I mainly use the Variax models but, from what I understand, they’re all coming from the bridge so I don’t know what limitations that brings to what I’d like to accomplish. I know the Variax technology can be a very complicated topic and, hopefully, this is the best place to get an answer to my questions! Thanks everyone!
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Hi, I currently play on a Yamaha Pacifica that I like a lot, it's a guitar really easy to play for me (I have quite small hands). I'm interested in buying a Variax for the limitless capabilities that this system offers. As they sound all similar with the same electronics, I'm looking at the JTV-59 as I really like the design and it would be complementary with my Pacifica which is a "strat style". But I've never played on a Les Paul style and I see 2 opposite camps in the forums. Some people love the comfort of the 59, some others hate it and have sold their guitar for this reason. Can anyone provide a feedback on this guitar and an advice in my context? I know that alternatives more close to the Pacifica neck would be the Standard or JTV-69, but it's hard to tell when you can't try it in a real store. Thanks in advance for your tips ;-)
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Hello, at the moment i use the helix floor in combination with a midicontroller. The Controller gets the powersupply from the variax-input of the helix and sends the midisignal to the midi-in from the helix. Is it possible to send the midi-signal over the variax-input so i dont need the second cable (midi-in). If yes, which pins i have to connect? thanks for your help
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After 2 decades of Variax, and one decade of James Tyler and Standard Variax around the same motherboard, I hope that Line 6 soon comes with a brand new Variax motherboard and new guitar "platforms". This guitar modelling technology has endless possibilities within its "concept", and together with a "sustainer" it could easily become an instrument to play about ANY INSTRUMENT SOUND one could imagine (cello, organ, ... you name it). If you added a software like the "Antares Guitar Auto-Tune" to the package, Line 6 would have a series of instruments DECADES ahead of the rest of the industry. Imagine coupling such a new design to an extended version of the Helix, and any type of musical instrument could come out of your rig at the flip of a switch or the push of a button on the peadalboard, with the "feeling" and the "touch" that no other platform can produce ... other platforms like keyboards in most cases, which always sound somewhat "sterile", compared to guitars with all their vibrato and pick or finger technique possibilities. I played some synth guitars, but none of them really sounded good ... a new Variax motherboard could forever change the game and bring these synth or modelled sounds to life.
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I recently picked up a Variax 300 & was wondering if I could edit/update workbench by plugging my guitar into my hd500 pedal via ethercon cable & then plugging the hd500 into my Mac via usb cable? Or will I need to buy the vdi interface to be able to access workbench? Variax 300 - Pod HD500 Macbook Pro (2010) osx 10.11.6
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I don't have access to any variax in store. The standard feels like a Pacifica, great, easy enough to try out. What do the 59 and 69 most closely resemble? In particular the neck; the body doesn't matter as much to me. I prefer smaller necks and fretboards. My current guitar has nut width of 42mm, with medium jumbo frets and a 9.5 inch radius. Seems like all the variax have flatter profiles? But it's not just the specs, of course, so any specific (hopefully common!) necks I can sit down with to try out before mail ordering would be appreciated!
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The fuzz face model seems a little hard to tame with my jtv-69 through the VDI cable. Is it possible that there are no impedance simulation mode to emulate a lower impedance with a fuzz face model when using variax through VDI? Since the impedance is unavailable when Selecting variax model as an input block, I was wondering how it’s actually working within the Helix when a fuzz face is the first in chain in that context. l’m pretty sure only someone from Line 6 will be able to give a definite answer to that question, but I post it here anyway. Thanks’ in advance
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Hi friends, someone has tried the new version firmware 2.23 in variax JTV? and there is a way to update it connected trought the helix? Thanks a lot!!! (Sorry for the english, i use a google translate)
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Hi all, I downloaded a RATM preset from CustomTone that includes a Variax drop-D tuning. When I load the preset, it does not drop the tuning, and I can't change any tuning via the Helix or HX Edit. I have plenty of other presets with alternate tuning; this is the only one that will not change the tuning. The Variax setting is "Preset" not "Global", just like all my presets. I'm probably missing something obvious but can't see it. Any ideas out there?
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Variax: Electric Guitar Specifications
Line6Tony posted a article in 1st Gen Variax Guitars / Bass / Workbench
Q: What is 'radius' on a neck? A: Radius refers to the amount of curve on the fretboard. A smaller number (i.e. 9.5") has a more pronounced curve than a larger number (i.e. 12"). Players who emphasize chording may prefer more round necks, while players who do a lot of bending may prefer flatter necks. Q: What is the nut width on the Variax electric guitars? Variax 300: 1 11/16" Variax 500: 1 5/8" Variax 600: 1 5/8" Q: What is the difference between maple (i.e. Variax 600) and rosewood (i.e. Variax 300) fretboards? A: Maple tends to be a bit brighter in tone, while rosewood tends to have a bit more sustain. Maple fretboards have some type of lacquer finish, as rosewood is traditionally unfinished. Q: What is "neck scale"? A: Neck scale is the distance from the bridge to the nut. All Variax electric guitars have a scale of 25.5" Q: What fretwire is used on the Variax Electric guitars? A: The closest fretwire in common use is the Dunlop 6130 wire, but it is not exactly the same wire. Q: What size allen wrenches are used on the Variax electric guitars? Tremolo arm and saddle height adjustment: 1.5mm Bridge height: 2.5 mm Truss Rod: 4mm Q: What kind of finish is used on the Variax? A: All Variax instruments use a polyester (yes, polyester) finish. Q: What type of glue is used in the hardware? A: Hide (i.e. horse) glue Q: What gauge D'Addario strings are on the Variax electric guitars? E: 10 (High) B: 13 G: 17 D: 26 A: 36 E: 46 (low) Variax Bass 700/705 B .130 (five-string model only) E .100 A .080 D .065 G .045 Q: What is the hole diameter for the tuning gears? A: The Variax guitars accept the standard 10mm (13/32nd") tuning gear. Q: What happens if I use different brand or gauge strings on my Variax bass or guitar? A: The results will be the same as changing string type or gauge on an analog bass or guitar. The Variax guitars are no different than most other guitars regarding setup and maintenance; the may need to be set up for different gauges play correctly, or seasonally to counteract climate changes. The Variax will accept any common string gauge for that instrument type. Q: Do the Variax guitars have a low or high output impedance? A: All Variax guitars are low impedance, and should be treated like they are active instruments. Q: What are the default custom positions? Contents of Custom 1 Knob Positions: Knob Position / Pickup Selector Position & Original Model Location Custom 1/1 Acoustic/5 Custom 1/2 Reso/4 Custom 1/3 Acoustic/4 Custom 1/4 Reso/2 Custom 1/5 Reso/1 Custom 2 Positions feature hybrid models and alternate tunings created from Variax Workbench,Knob Position / Pickup Selector Position & Custom Tuning Custom 2/1 Spank with R-BillyTron Bridge Drop D Custom 2/2 R-Billy Sparkletop with R-billy D'almond Bridge & Middle Open A Custom 2/3 T-Modle F-Hole with Lester/Bridge Open D Custom 2/4 Special Bird with Chime Toaster/Middle Open C Custom 2/5 Tricone Reso Open G-
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Variax Usage and Tuning FAQs
Line6Tony posted a article in 1st Gen Variax Guitars / Bass / Workbench
Q: I am getting strange noises when I use my Variax. What can I do? - Piezo pickups can be susceptible to Radio Frequencies and Electro-Magnetic Frequencies. Keep cell phones, radios, and computer gear as far away as possible. - Use the highest quality cables you can afford. Be sure to use a high-quality shielded TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) cable if you are using the Line 6 XPS. - Make sure the jack on the instrument is tight and the ribbon cable is seated at the coffin assembly and the jack correctly. - Experiment with lowering the gain on the presets you are using, or using the noise gate when available. - Turn your volume knob off when you are not playing (even during stops in a song when possible). - Experiment with distance and position between your guitar and sound source (amplifier and/or computer speakers). - Avoid florescent lighting when possible. - Make sure that your rig is plugged into the same power source as the rest of your gear/band/PA system (to avoid ground loops). Q: Can I use altered tuning with the 12-string models? A: The processor on the Variax cannot provide 12-string emulation in addition to altered tunings. Although a 12-string modeled guitar can be "altered", once the model is altered the 12 string modeling will revert to 6 string modeling. Line 6 does not reccomend using 12-string models for altered tunings. Attached is a Word document containing advice and tips on alternate tunings with your Variax for downloading purposes. They are also included in the body of this FAQ. You can also visit our website and read some helpful How-to Articles about alternate tuning tips. *Four Variax Alternate Tuning Tips* With the development of Variax Workbench software, you can now tune your Variax electric to any alternate tuning you like. The Variax Acoustic 700 has this feature built into the guitar itself. With the physical Variax tuned to standard pitch, however, the Variax DSP must create the alternate tunings in real time, note by note as you play. This is no easy task, and as with any developing technology, there are limitations. To get the best musical experience from your alt-tuned Variax, please check out the following four Alternate Tuning Tips. They address the most frequently asked questions of Variax owners. 1. Guitar Volume Balance: If you hear the standard tuning of your physical Variax along with the alt-tuning, your ears may be fooled into thinking the alt-tuning is out of tune. This is especially true for Acoustic 700 owners, but the solution is easy. In a studio situation, turn up your headphones; in a live situation, turn up the volume of your alt-tuned guitar amp or stage monitor so that it drowns out the physical guitar sound. When you adjust your guitar volume balance so that all you hear is the alt-tuned guitar, your alt-tuning will sound the way you expect it to. 2. Odd-Sounding Notes: If you use pull-offs, especially on an open G string that's tuned down a full step or more, or if you use Capo mode and tune several frets up or down and play harmonics or hammer-ons, you may sometimes hear odd-sounding notes. The general cure for this is to adjust your playing technique so that you play very cleanly when doing pull-offs, play with a lighter touch on extremely alt-tuned notes and harmonics, fret your notes accurately, and avoid any problem zones that may produce odd sounds. It's not difficult to get clean-sounding alt-tuning tracks. It just takes a little time to adapt to the particular alt-tuning you're using, then avoid any obvious problem spots you may encounter by adjusting your playing technique and choice of notes. 3. Ringing Overtones: When you play certain notes and you don't mute your other strings, occasionally a note you're playing may cause a harmonic to resonate from a non-muted string. This can be a good thing, but sometimes it may result in an odd sound as in #2 above. The solution is to mute the strings you aren't using, especially when playing single notes. This way the DSP won't be 'confused' by unwanted notes resonating against the intended note. 4. Amp Sounds: For Variax Acoustic Models, use an Amp Bypass setting or go direct whenever possible. Acoustics, Resos, Sitar, etc. don't like preamp gain, so cleaner is better in order to bring out the full range of these Models. If you use a Vetta II or PODxt Live, it's a good idea to set up an Amp Preset for each of your favorite alt-tuned Variax Models, and save the Variax Model with your Amp Preset. If you are experiencing an output latency when in an Alternate Tuning this is a known issue. This is a result of the time it takes for the DSP in the Variax to detect the pitch, change it to a different pitch, and then output the note. This may require you to change your playing style slightly in order to compensate for the latency. -
Hey everyone hoping someone can help me here. I'm trying to get my setup always "ready to role" based on my situation. I have my Helix setup to my PC through USB, setting the helix as amp and the cabinet is selected on the Powercab+ 112 using an AES cable between the helix and powercab. Using Variax as main work horse tl:dr - does anyone know if the AES Digital Output option can capture the final result and play it in protools? or am i doomed to just use the cabs in the Helix and only use the powercab at 'flat' settings? i am outputting the sound with 'digital' to use the AES cable. i have a keyboard hooked up thru the interface as well. it is using AUX in for direct audio playback, but then midi output for midi controlling in pro tools Because of this, path 1 input is VARIAX is outputting to DIGITAL path 2 input is AUX and output is USB 1/2 I'm able to record audio tracks fine from the keyboard in this setup, as well as capture midi. I'm also needing to make sure i can always do the ghost capture for raw guitar input (i have that on USB 7 no issues) If i set the output of path 1 to USB 3/4 i get the audio of the guitar without the settings in PowerCab. Main issue appears to be that - DIGITAL does not send/recieve - only really sends to PowerCab, and i'm not going to be able to capture that unless i have audio sending from the powercab back into the helix - but in this situation it is now a problem because i would have to change the Path 2 to support this audio. so back to the tl:dr - does anyone know if the AES Digital Output option can capture the final result and play it in protools? or am i doomed to just use the cabs in the Helix and only use the powercab at 'flat' settings?
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Variax 300 Acoustic Replacement Piezo
KingThommy posted a topic in Variax Guitars / Bass / Workbench
Hello everybody, so the under-the-saddle piezo in my variax 300 steel acoustic stopped working. motherboard is fine. does anybody know where i can find a replacement that fits? are there still original parts somewhere out there? thanks in advance. thommy -
Hi. I have to 2 identical JTV-59 and 1 of them has a significant weaker signal on both Signal paths; PU + piezo The one I do prefer has a hot output-level that drives the cleaner amp models of the POD HD500 the right way into crunch. The other one doesn't tickle the crunch out of clean tones the right way. It sounds a bit boring in comparison. So what can I do? Would raising the magnetics always make the piezo signal hotter somehow? or so I have to raise the magnetics and level out the overall output of the weaker JTV59 to taste? I don't like the idea of managing 2 different sets of presets on both of my 59s.
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Hey Guys, I've been trying to make a helix preset where the string volume changes from snapshot to snapshot, and can't seem to make it work. In my case I'm trying to go from a Open G# with string 6 at volume 0% on 3 snapshots, to a standard tuned guitar with all strings 100% volume on the 4th snapshot. The tuning changes fine per snapshot, but the string volume remains at 100%. I know I can work around this through workbench, but I shouldn't have to, it's supposed to work. My input variax setting is - "per preset". I've checked every global setting and have found nothing that should effect it. Guitar is JTV59, flash memory 2.23, Helix 2.82. Has anybody made a preset with snapshots changing string volumes? I noticed, if I leave the preset, and return, it works temporarily, the 6th string is dead (which is what I want) in snapshot 1... But as soon as I go to any other snapshot, the volume goes back to 100% on all the snapshots.
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I Posted this topic under Helix, but had no success, so since it is also a Variax topic, I thought I would try here too... Hey Guys, I've been trying to make a helix preset where the string volume changes from snapshot to snapshot, and can't seem to make it work. In my case I'm trying to go from a Open G# with string 6 at volume 0% on 3 snapshots, to a standard tuned guitar with all strings 100% volume on the 4th snapshot. The tuning changes fine per snapshot, but the string volume remains at 100%. I know I can work around this through workbench, but I shouldn't have to, it's supposed to work. My input variax setting is - "per preset". I've checked every global setting and have found nothing that should effect it. Guitar is JTV59, flash memory 2.23, Helix 2.82. Has anybody made a preset with snapshots changing string volumes? I noticed, if I leave the preset, and return, it works temporarily, the 6th string is dead (which is what I want) in snapshot 1... But as soon as I go to any other snapshot, the volume goes back to 100% on all the snapshots. I attached my preset if someone with both a Helix and a Variax wants to try it out... lollipop Back NG.hlx
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What's the best way to get a better palm mute chug sound out of the Standard? The models, so far, to me don't seem to be tight enough. Seems like a fairly common problem due to the piezo being behind your palm. So is there a good setting to use on the model that works well? I'll keep playing around with my Firehawk to see if I can get a good sound from it using the single coil magnetic pickup, too. My existing patches don't sound great with the magnetic pickup, so any tips there are welcome. Last resort would be replacing the bridge pickup. Any particular ones anyone has had good success with?
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Hi, I am completely new to the variax and maybe I am missing something simple. I am running the Variax through a G10 Relay into an Amplfi. All line 6 no outside imposter gear! The problem i have is that when I select an alternative tuning I hear both the magnetic pickups and the alternative tuning through the amp. I thought by turning on the variax it automatically disabled the magnetic pickups? Any help appreciated. Also if I've missed something completely obvious light mockery is also welcomed! Thanks
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Hey Guys, I've been trying to make a helix preset where the string volume changes from snapshot to snapshot, and can't seem to make it work. In my case I'm trying to go from a Open G# with string 6 at volume 0% on 3 snapshots, to a standard tuned guitar with all strings 100% volume on the 4th snapshot. The tuning changes fine per snapshot, but the string volume remains at 100%. I know I can work around this through workbench, but I shouldn't have to, it's supposed to work. My input variax setting is - "per preset". I've checked every global setting and have found nothing that should effect it. Guitar is JTV59, flash memory 2.23, Helix 2.82. Has anybody made a preset with snapshots changing string volumes?
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Hi guys, The D string on my Variax Acoustic 700 is electronically barely audible. I don't believe it's anything more than a problematic connection between the D piezo and the bridge PCB**. Can anyone name guys in or near Sydney Australia who've got experience with the insides of this guitar? And for the interim, any troubleshooting methods to help further diagnose where the problem sits? Thanks all, much appreciated. -Dawes **My reasoning for this is due to my experience with the guitar in the few months I've owned it. - Purchased in March/April from an interstate seller. - A friend living near seller tested guitar on my behalf, gave it the ok. - Friend loosened strings before he shipped the guitar to me. - Upon arrival, the D string piezo was barely audible. - I loosened string, carefully applied pressure to piezo and retightened string onto it. Success. - Some intermittent dropouts for a few days but got it under control and have had no further problems since March/April. - I recently loosened the strings; now D string is once again not working, this time it seems unfixable. (I did manage to get a very, very distorted -but appropriately volumed- note out of it briefly but I think that was a death rattle; hoping it's not the ribbon or PCB!)
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Hey all - Does a magnetic pickup setting short that doesn't appear to exist in the same position using Variax (instead of magnetics) generally mean there's a wiring problem on the magnetic side? Or does that generally mean the 5 way switch is faulty? Not seeking a concrete answer - more like a "What are the chances of A versus B?" Background I have a JTV-69 with JBE pickups in it, and at a gig last weekend the middle pickup (when playing magnetics) crapped out. Was able to get sound via the piezo/Variax with the switch in the 2, 3 and 4 spots, but I know the switch doesn't behave like a normal 5 way so I don't know what, if anything, that means. Before I go through the production of taking everything apart, would like to know the odds that it's a wiring problem versus a switch problem - reason being the PCB replacement parts are on back order at Full Compass. If it's likely to be wiring, I'll just try to chase the short with my multimeter, but if it's likely to be a switch issue, then I'll wait until I get the replacement parts from Full Compass. The pickups were fine for years; the only thing I can think of is that the gig I played at was outdoors and it was a chilly (40-50 F) day, so maybe the failure was weather-related.
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Hello! I am relatively new to the Helix / variax scene. I have had my helix for a few months, and just picked up a JTV-69S yesterday along with a Variax ethernet cable.. Here's the scenario: Lets say that I have a preset that is set up for Variax acoustic models. How can I assign foot switches on the Helix such that foot switch 1 brings up "Acoustic D", footswitch 2 brings up "Acoustic D12" etc. It would be very handy to have one preset that allows control of multiple Variax models. Thanks, and I look forward to your replies.
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Hi! I'm new on this forum, I'm from Italy. Recently I purchased a Variax Standard white, I would like to transplant it into a stratocaster body and consequently replace the neck with a maple neck. I've already made a transplant of a Variax 300 into this body with fake pickups but now I would upgrade this body with all Variax Standard electronics and real pickups. Does exist any project on the web? Have anybody tried this transplant?
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Where can one buy replacement necks for a JTV69? I checked with Warmoth and their deal with Line 6 ended long ago; Full Compass doesn't have them. Looking for a lefty maple neck made to fit without my having to question the fit of or take any measurements to have built or what have you. Doesn't have to say Variax on it, just has to be straight 6 lefty maple that I can also put an Earvana on. Anybody know?