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I bought a Variax Standard last week after seeing a good deal online. I started using it through a VDI cable into a Helix and a Blackstar Artist 15. Going into the second day I was exploring the Worbench editor, and added a couple of tunings. I also created a custom guitar for Keith Richards Open G tuning, by reducing the volume on the low E string to zero - nice easy way of doing it without actually having to take a string off a guitar. It was all going wonderfully until a loud "white noise" started. I think I was just turning the Guitar Selector when in cut in. The noise is almost as loud as the strings. It is only present in Variax mode, and changes in tone as I turn the Guitar Selector and Tuning knobs. I have tried changing to a 1/4" jack cable, going straight into the amp without the Helix, and using a different amp, but nothing made any difference. I also did a firmware upgrade flash, which additionally served as a factory reset, in case my custom settings had caused something - no joy. The noise is not there in magnetic pickup mode, so it is obviously something in the Variax system. It will obviously have to go back to the shop for a replacement. However I am rather concerned that this should happen on a brand new instrument after only 24 hours, and that these instruments may not be very reliable. I can fix most things on my conventional guitars myself, but I can't fix this. If this guitar (or replacement) is going to keep going wrong, particularly after the warranty expires, it is going to become a very troublesome and expensive liability. Is this sort of problem common, or am I just unlucky?