Line 6 Variax Electric 600/700 opinions please.

Hi guys

I'm thinking about getting a Variax 600 or 700 [with trem] to complement my Line 6 Toneport UX2/Gearbox gear.

I use the Line 6 gear into Guitar Tracks Pro and record mostly heavy metal stuff. I don't play 'live' anymore so for the time being the Variax would only be used in this set up for recording.

The reason I'm considering getting one is that, apart from the onboard guitar models which I could really use, I've read glowing reports from Variax users who compare the playability of their guitar as at least on a par with similarly priced [and higher] traditional electrics.

Over here, the chance to actually try one of these out requires a fair bit of forward planning and a long drive; I will of course try before I buy but would appreciate any opinions, good or bad from current Variax 600 or 700 users.

I currently use a hand made guitar with humbuckers and the sound I get is great, but the problem is, after a while, the recordings start to sound a bit similar, even using different heavy guitar amp models in Gearbox.

I the main, I know I can trust the Line 6 modelling, so my biggest concerns are how these guitars actually feel like to use, and how they play.

I would really appreciate any input, especially for the 700+Trem guitar, if anyone uses one of these - I would respect and trust the views of 'Gear' forum users over those of the anonymous quotes I've previously read about the products.

Many thanks

Steve

I want one too. Guitar isnt my instrument, but I produce a lot of stuff, and its perfect for a producer to use, although, I have guitarists in for sessions often. I like the idea of being able to do it to get an idea at least right away. My friend has one and it is a very useful thing I would say.

Our lead vocalist, who's also our rhythm gutarist, swears by Line6 gear.

He already had a PodXT, a Line6 combo and a Line6 head and 4x12.

He's just bought a Variax 600 and seems to be in Line6 heaven.

He never seems to use anything other than the strat setting though?!

The only thing that I didn't like about the playability of the Variax 600 is that the body shape of the guitar just about requires you to wear a strap to play it sitting down. It ends up too far right when you sit and play it.

Also I had a weird little chirp on the Telecaster model. Usually I could Eq it out but it bugged me a bit. I sold it and used the money to help pay for an Epiphone Les Paul. I've also since picked up a Telly. Playing the real deal influences what and how you play. But if I had to make a choice between no variation or a Variax, I would buy another Variax.

BTW, the one thing you'll really enjoy is the lack of buzz from the instrument when sitting close to a CRT.

Sven, Lance, Bob, Jeff, Lixisoft, Dave and James – big thanks for taking the time to help me out guys; as always, the quality of the advice in this forum is straight out of the top drawer.

Sven, thanks for the input after having played a variax – I will play one before I decide whether or not to get one, but that’s the sort of opinion I was looking for!

Lance, I only rarely play ‘live’ and most of my output goes straight into Guitar Tracks so I take on your point about its advantages in a recording environment.

Bob, I checked out the Workbench videos on the Line 6 website – wow, no wonder you like the combination of the variax and that software. For my needs, I can see the Workbench being a must-have add-on if I get the guitar. Thanks for the nod on that Bob.

Jeff, I already use the Line 6 gear I mentioned above and I previously did most of my recording through a Line 6 POD2 so I’m grateful for your mentioning your guitarist’s fondness for the brand.

LixiSoft, thanks for the input, I’ll be sure to check out the build quality when I get to play one.

Dave, I think I’m coming down on the side of the 700, but thanks for your observations on the 600. I intend to keep my ‘real’ guitar because it’s a great instrument but as you say, the variax offers so much variation, especially in a home recording environment.

James, thanks for the link – I’ve had a good listen through and the tone on some of Variaxman’s guitars is superb. I remember ‘Bad Ronald’ from the Songs forum, I think it was the PM’d rhythm guitar that caught my attention.

I’m leaning toward the 700 with trem at the moment, I’ve tracked down two music stores in Birmingham that stock both the 600 and the 700 so as soon as I get chance, I’ll go and give them a try.

Again guys, thanks for your input

Steve

ORIGINAL: Bob Oister

Hi, Steve,

Just another quick note. I also use a Toneport UX2, (as well as Line 6 stage amps), and with the combination of a UX2, a Variax and Line 6 Workbench, the sound combinations and possibilities are almost endless. I think that you'll really love the versatility.

Bob

Hey Bob, copy that - thanks.

I've just taken a good listen through all your songs on Soundclick and I have to say those are some great tunes my friend, some superb fretwork and some real killer tones.

What impresses me most about Line 6 gear is that by listening to your music, I have no idea whether you're micing up your cabinets or going in direct with Gearbox - or even which parts are being played with your variax for that matter.

My point is, I guess, that the versatility of the Line 6 stuff enables so many different applications while maintaing a consistent tone or sound - a sound you can pull up anytime as well.

I'm hoping the intros to Here In My Heart and The White Queen were done on your variax - that sort of versatility, especially with the clean/accoustic tones is just what I'm after Bob.

My thanks again for your help, I can't wait to go and give the variax a test-drive!

Best wishes

Steve

Look at my sig.....I have teles/strats/pauls/335's/330's/ricks/nationals/silvertones/japs/35-36 of them??

I use my Variax for recording............simple.

Every person I've shown my Variax too, bought one........4 total!
Good luck,

Michael

Update for all you guys who were so helpful in this thread

I finally bit the bullet and got me a Variax 700 trem and the Workbench software this week - now I'm wishing I'd got one when I first asked the question!

The build quality and playability are both excellent, and the quality of the modelling is astonishing - I'm just getting to grips with Workbench (thanks Bob O) but I'm really looking forward to getting some recording done with this gear.

Again, thanks to all you guys who chimed in and helped me to make what has turned out to be an excellent decision.

Steve

Thanks Tony - I feel like I'm just scratching the surface at the moment though!

I guess I knew it was going to sound good but to me the build quality and how it played were my main concerns - I'm over the moon on both counts I'm glad to say.

It's actually been quite a week for me on the Gear front - I traded in my trusty old Japanese series Fender Precision Bass for a 2nd hand Yamaha 4-string with active pick-ups. Man, was that a great trade though - the Yammy kicks the Fender's ass I have to say both in tone and playability.

LOL - it's like Christmas round here at the moment Tony, what with Home Studio 7XL about to be delivered any day now

Steve

ORIGINAL: Jessie Sammler

Steve, does that mean you're jumping ship and not hanging around in the Guitar Tracks forum anymore?

Far from it Jessie

I actually got HS6XL a few months back now - I'm merely upgrading to 7XL at the ridiculously cheap price!

Still very much at home at GT but the lure of MIDI and EZ Drummer in particular took me down the Home Studio route.

Catch you soon

Steve

Steve, a fast question: how well does the Variax stay in tune? Better or worse than a guitar of similar physical specs?

ORIGINAL: Russell.Whaley

Steve, a fast question: how well does the Variax stay in tune? Better or worse than a guitar of similar physical specs?

Hi Russell

So far I haven't really given it much abuse - so far I'm still playing with all the various axe options - hey, that'd make a good name!

Seriously though, the trem is factory set so you can only dive with it and since I've had it, after bedding in a new (decent) set of strings, its returned to perfect tune every time I've used it - even after some big divebombs.

If you want to use pull-ups the trem can be adjusted to a fully floating set-up but as I only ever use my trem to dive I'm going to be unable to answer your 'real' question here I'm afraid.

Steve

I sense a presence in the force.......

if he isn't careful Robert, he'll get so bamboozled by the technology that he'll start mixing genres in his music.....like reggae and metal.....OOPS....too late, he's done that! At least it was well done!

Will do Nigel, sorry you're not having a nice experience with your acoustic though.

Steve