plarkin Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I had a 700 acoustic years ago, which I sold quite a while back. Since I've had the Helix, I started thinking about the Variax again. Over the weekend, I found a used JTV-59 in mint condition and bought it. Glad I got the chance to play it first, after reading some of the posts in the Variax forum and how the quality can be inconsistent. Seems like a great guitar, even without the Variax electronics. Neck is a little beefy, but I don't mind--reminds me of my LP Dlx Goldtop. Not sure if I'll gig with it, but it will sure make weekly rehearshals easier in the sense that I only need to carry one guitar to do electric, acoustic and alternate tunings. Really looking forward to exploring its compatibility with the Helix and the ability to remember guitar models & tunings for each patch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoeWoe Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I love my Variax. The church I play at seems to have a lot of issues with noise so I'm able to avoid the issue with the VDI connection. It's also really useful to have all that tonal range for my patches. If it sounds a bit nasally I'll switch over to the Lester...if it sounds a bit muddy I'll switch over to the Spank. I don't mess with the EQ as much because I can usually find a setting I like on the Variax. For my needs the versatility is what it's all about. I have a few really nice Gibsons, but it's just so much easier to setup with a JTV and a Helix and know I'm set. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plarkin Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share Posted February 1, 2016 I have a few really nice Gibsons, but it's just so much easier to setup with a JTV and a Helix and know I'm set. Me too. But it'll be nice to not have to drag them out of the house all of the time. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kts222555111000 Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 I had a 700 acoustic years ago, which I sold quite a while back. Since I've had the Helix, I started thinking about the Variax again. Over the weekend, I found a used JTV-59 in mint condition and bought it. Glad I got the chance to play it first, after reading some of the posts in the Variax forum and how the quality can be inconsistent. Seems like a great guitar, even without the Variax electronics. Neck is a little beefy, but I don't mind--reminds me of my LP Dlx Goldtop. Not sure if I'll gig with it, but it will sure make weekly rehearshals easier in the sense that I only need to carry one guitar to do electric, acoustic and alternate tunings. Really looking forward to exploring its compatibility with the Helix and the ability to remember guitar models & tunings for each patch. I have a JTV89F and the Helix and it is a fantastic combination. Already gigged with it and had nothing but positive comments from the band and audience. The key settings for Variax are in the Input Block. Page 2 lists the settings that you can force the Helix to remember and Page 3 lets you set your tunings. Another thing to remember is that if you update the firmware of the Helix and reset the globals it will seem that all your Variax settings are lost when you import your patches back. They aren't though. All you need to do is edit one patch back to "per preset" on Page 2 and all will be restored. Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaeger28 Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 It's just a pity that the correct impedance loading like on the guitar in isn't available when connected through VDI. My Variax seems to sound and feelmuch more "real" through the guitar in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klangmaler Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 It's just a pity that the correct impedance loading like on the guitar in isn't available when connected through VDI. My Variax seems to sound and feelmuch more "real" through the guitar in. Guess you're talking about the mags only? Don't forget, the Variax is no 'normal' electric guitar (if such thing exists anyway ;)) - because of the piezos. Maybe L6 could find an option for the mags (only) in the helix signalflow someday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaeger28 Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 Guess you're talking about the mags only? Don't forget, the Variax is no 'normal' electric guitar (if such thing exists anyway ;)) - because of the piezos. Maybe L6 could find an option for the mags (only) in the helix signalflow someday... Well the models sound better (more natural, more guitar like) through cable and the guitar input, too, try it! However switching and pickup selection through Helix presets won't work then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozbadman Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 Well the models sound better (more natural, more guitar like) through cable and the guitar input, too, try it! I can't think of any real reason why that would be the case but then, I don't have a HELIX yet. I guess, you may lose a tiny bit of high-end using a 1/4in cable so you could try turning down the high-end a tweak in the global EQ and see if that gets you what you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.