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Hi folks! Just arrived my hd500x 2 days ago. Got a fresh pack of EB regular slinky (. 10 /. 46) to replace in my RR1. Soooo..... Question is (never tryed pitch glide or D tunning): Op A) Tune std E and down to whatever with pitch glide. Op B) Take advantage of the high tensión in this pack (tunning to std E requires 5 springs set in my schaller double locking trem). Tune D and use pitch glide for std tunnig and even lower (C, B) The op B came while thinking 5 springs means there's a lot of tension in that pack. Trem, action & relief adjust is no issue, just pain in the axe. I read U. Thanks.
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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 -
Q: How do I perform a Factory Reset ("reflash") on my Variax 300/500/600/700/705? A: See the following link for the reflash procedure: Variax Reflash and Software Update F.A.Q. Q: The strings on my Variax Steel string are breaking consistently at the saddle piece. How can this be resolved? A: There may be a "burr in the saddle", meaning that there is an edge cutting into the string and causing it to break. Depending on where the string is breaking you may need to replace the piezo, the saddle piece, or both pieces. Please contact an authorized Service Center for more information. Q: I am getting a high-pitched 'squeal' when I have both the ¼" TRS cable and the Variax cable plugged into my PODxt/X3 or Vetta. How do I eliminate this? A: The high-pitched squeal is indicative of an overload of the power input buffers, as the unit is receiving power from both the TRS and the Variax Digital Cable. You will need to unplug one of the cables to remove the high-pitch noise. Q: What happens if I leave my Variax plugged into an amp while using batteries (not using the power supply)? A: If you leave your Variax plugged into your amp and are not using the power supply you will drain your batteries. If you remember to turn the volume knob on your Variax all the way down, the guitar will go into a low power 'standby' mode, but the batteries will still be draining (although at a substantially slower rate). Remember to unplug your Variax if you have finished a soundcheck and are heading off to dinner somewhere before your gig. Q: I have a dead string on my 300/500/600/700 (electric or acoustic) guitar - where can I get a replacement piezo? A: Replacement Piezo pickup/bridge saddle pieces can be purchased directly from the Line 6 webstore: Variax Piezo Element Replacements Q: When I first plug it in the sound goes on and off like the power is being turned off and on and I hear a constant click...click...click...through the amp? A: The problem sounds like it's a battery issue. If the battery's power drops below a current point, even though the batteries may seem good, the guitar will cut in and out. Even if you connect the power A/B box the guitar will still cut in and out. When this occurs, you must disconnect or change the batteries. Q: Where can I get a replacement neck and/or body for my Variax guitar? A: You can order your Variax replacement neck or body from Warmoth Instruments. Q: Can the Model Select knob on the Variax 300/600 be calibrated? A: No, the Model Select knob on the Variax 300/600 cannot be calibrated. If the model knob is "out of sync", try reflashing your instrument. If you are still having problems with the model select knob not selecting the correct model, you will need to have the unit serviced at your local Line 6 service center. Q: How do I calibrate the Model Select knob on the Variax 500/700? A: Here are the instructions on how to calibrate the Model Select knob on the Variax 500/700: *Please make sure that the output from the Variax 500/700 is plugged into an amplifier or monitoring source to hear the audio beeps from the guitar. 1. Unplug RJ45 cable from guitar. 2. Turn off Power (disconnect ¼" TRS cable from guitar). 3. Turn the volume up. 4. Pull model selector knob "up" and away from the guitar body and set it to position Custom 1. 5. Set pickup selector to 4th (neck-middle) position. 6. Set tone knob to middle position. 7. Turn on power (connect "¼" TRS cable to guitar). ONCE INITIALIZED, YOU WILL HAVE APPROX. 13 SECONDS TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE: 8. Turn tone control to min and then max. 9. You will now hear a beep sequence come from the amp or monitor source the Variax is plugged into. (The beeps will NOT come from inside the guitar itself.) 10. Turn model selector from "Custom 1" through all positions up to "Custom 2" this should be timed to approximately 1 second per physical step. (Counting: "one, one thousand", making sure to turn the pot on the one). 11. You will hear a low-high-low beep when completed. 12. Model selector will now be calibrated. 13. Press the Model Select knob back in to the guitar body to the "down" position. If you hear the low-high-low beep prior to completing the entire rotation of the model select knob, unplug the "¼" TRS cable from guitar and start over again until the timing is correct. Q: How do I calibrate the strings on a Variax Bass 700/705? A: To Activate String Calibration Mode: 1.Press down and hold the VOLUME knob, then power up the bass as follows: a.plug in a TRS cable connected to a powered XPS power supply, or b.plug in a VDI cable which is connected to a powered Bass PODxt Live. 2.The LED on the bass will appear to be orange or red (not green - if the LED is green, try again). Release the VOLUME knob after confirming that the light turned on orange/red.*** *** Note: If the light does not light up orange/red, make sure that you are able to press down on the Volume knob like a button. If it does not feel like a button, or if the knob does not travel down enough because it is to close to the pickguard, you should try removing the knob and pressing down on the Volume stem. In String Calibration Mode, all modeling is bypassed and the level of each string can be adjusted individually. To confirm you're in String Calibration Mode, listen to several Models, including a Synth Model; they should all sound the same: direct piezo. Important Note: As per the instructions below, the BLEND knob is used to adjust the volume of each string. The BLEND knob has a center detent, and that detent equals the Factory level volume for each selected string. You should adjust string levels from the center detent as a reference. Boosting levels too much may result in distortion, which is not good. For best results, listen to all strings and determine which ones may be too loud or too soft, then adjust accordingly, leaving the other strings at their detent levels. To Calibrate Individual Strings: (steps 5a & 5b for 5-string only) *After successfully powering up in String Calibration Mode, monitor the Variax Bass in the usual way, with the Volume knob at max, plugged into a bass amp, PODxt Live, etc. 1a.Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 1st Model, VinJ, to select the 1st string (G). 1b.Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the G string level with the other strings. 2a.Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 2nd Model, ModJ, to select the 2nd string (D). 2b.Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the D string level with the other strings. 3a.Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 3rd Model, PreBass, to select the 3rd string (A). 3b.Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the A string level with the other strings. 4a.Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 4th Model, Manta, to select the 4th string (E). 4b.Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the E string level with the other strings. 5a.Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 5th Model, Clang, to select the 5th string ( B). 5b.Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the B string level with the other strings. When all strings sound in balance, press down on the MODEL SELECT knob to exit String Calibration Mode. The LED will turn green and your level changes will be saved. * Rotate the MODEL SELECT knob to load a Model and return to normal operation
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This may sound like a weird question, but does anybody know if it is possible to use non-standard strings on a Variax 500? By non-standard I mean replacing the normal wound strings with duplicates of the G string. The idea being easier bends and less string/finger noise on the E A and D strings. I know on a regular guitar there would be a problem with volume from the magnetic pickups, but would this be a problem with piezo pickups? Also would it cause a problem with intonation or neck relief. -
Any awesome strings/pads patches out there for the Helix? Would love to try some.
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I'm new to Variax. Do the strings have to be tuned to standard tuning when using the modelling option? And what gauge strings should I get when I'm replacing them? Cheers
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I have been restringing using the stock Dadario ,10s that came with my Variax. I would prefer to go to 9s or 8s as 10s are a little more work than I prefer. Couple of concerns, I play slide with a standard setup, a little concerned I will lose some sustain and amplitude with 9s or 8s. As it is I feel the high E doesn't ring as loud as it should. Wondering if I can fix it via Workbench but then I would have to do every model? I figure 8s will require a nut change but should be able to use existing nut with 9s When I first got my Variax I went through a bit of a learning curve playing it as the high E kept sliding off the fretboard, Probably sloppy finger attack but lighter strings may start this up again. So has anybody gone lighter with/without problems? Also any reccomendations on strings for bluesy slide work? Thanks, Kevin -
This is a bit of theoretical question, because I could just try it, but for the models does the type of string matter? That is, how much of the physical sound of the string affects the final audio? I'd started trying halfwounds on my Strat to reduce sliding noise when recording, which helps but I sometimes would like a brighter sound. Just thinking that if the JTV doesn't care, then I'll load it up with halfwound or maybe try flatwounds. -
Recently dropped the gauge of the stings down to extra slinky 8's. After the usual tremolo adjustment noticed that the low E string volume was way, way louder than the rest. Initially thought that this may be due to the individual volume (dB) adjustment on the string modelling, nope. It's also happening using the straight pick-ups so guess it's combination of the slacker string, proximity to the pick-ups and a bridge height. Does this sound about right? Anyone got any other ideas, I hate messing with the bridge action height because I seem to spend ages getting the intonation right again Jason
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Hi! First post here - I'm a pastor, been playing acoustic guitar for over 40 years (Martin HD-35, lately into a Yamaha acoustic stomp pedal board, into our PA - Presonus board, Nexo amps and speakers), and decided to trade in an old Yamaha 12 string on a Variax. I ended up with a scratch and dent 69 (humbucker, two single coils, upgraded to HD 2.0 firmware) from Sweetwater - also a POD 500X and L3T. My preferences and experience is with acoustic, so I'm looking first for great acoustic sound - and I find the Variax a little "thin" - not quite there. I read on Sean's blog where he insisted that stringing it with 11's is the way to go for acoustic sounds - mine came with D'Addario 10's. I also haven't been able to get into the POD 500X much yet. So - a basic question - are people happy with 10's on the 69, and are able to make it sound great with the 500X? Or should I go to 11's? I downloaded Sean's patch and will try that. I plan to get into it in a big way this weekend and over the next couple of weeks. Following on that - what adjustments need to be made to the guitar to accommodate the 11's, and how do you do it? I've never actually changed gauges of strings on a guitar - I had mine set up by Martin when I ordered it, and have stuck with basically the same strings. I did have some trouble with intonation on it and had a luthier set it up with the Buzz Feiten system - MUCH better. Is it advisable to take the Variax to a luthier to be intoned and set up? Thanks so much, Larry -
After reading a topic, "Putting 11's On Jtv 69" about going to heavier strings (10's to 11's), people thought that it improved the acoustic models but made the overall volume louder due to the increased downward tension on the piezo's. Many feel that release 2.0 firmware improves the acoustic models, and most of the electric models, but has decreased outputs. What if you do both. Bump output up with 11's, and take it back with 2.0 while getting improved models. Just an idea. I would try it in a heartbeat, but unfortunately I went to 11's already at 1.9 for improved acoustic sounds. I play in a church band and I save a different preset for each song with the HD500, so I don't want to load 2.0 and throw everything off at this point. And no, I don't want to switch to 2.0 and 12's (ouch). 11's were not bad to get used to after 10's. Someday I'll play with string volumes in Workbench. -
Does anyone have any hints on how to best change the strings on the JTV59. I always try and get a few neat windings on the string tree which means the string needs to be a little long befroe its tightened and needs to be taught so it feeds on neatly. With every other bridge I've used the string has been fixed at the bridge end so it's not a problem. But with the JTV-59 it's loose. I've kinda worked out a way to do it by stretching my hands to do multiple jobs but sometimes the string comes free at the bridge anyhow. Am I missing something simple here?
