Clinton - the Learning of alternate tunings re the Variax is just the same just that the strings are electronically tuned - partial capo's are of great use allowing standard chord and open tuning chord to be used at the same time - not a gimmick just more versatility and a tools which you have to learn to use to get the best out of it, and certainly not a shortcut.

Ridiculing the use of a partial capo would be as silly as abusing a standard capo saying it was a short cut not to learning every chord, when we're all aware that chord shapes have an effect on the overall sound and transposing into a different key will change that.

Because there is little acoustic sound from the Variax, clashing of chords is not a problem - but of course it's a new technique to be learned and become accustomed to (although when recording I tend to have headphones on and on stage a fold back and back line is used so that won't be a hardship)- all part of the learning experience and advancement in the music world. Think of it as a keyboard player using keyshift, he plays the same chords/notes but they are in a different key.

But like I said before if the Variax doesn't serve your purpose don't buy it - but if it takes off anything like the 500 and 700 electrics did it's going to be a great success and fantastic for live and studio use. I've more than had my money's worth out of the Variax 500.

Thanks God we moved on from carving everything in stone or the Internet wouldn't keep Rolling On ;-)

PB