Very little slide - but use a lot of open tuning and partial and double partial copoing. Steve a local lad might be a the club tonight - he's into slide so will let him have a go (trouble is I'll have to fight to get it back :-)
The Variax will be used both in a group situation and as the only backing instrument in some numbers.
My obs so far - strings will be changed to elixir 12's, feel and playabiliy very happy with (then I play a solid bodied banjo so it's doesn't feel that unusual)
Wouldn't buy it for classical guitar - but treat it as a sound not a replacement and it becomes usable.
Dread is Brill far better than 500 (which was good) and 95% of people listening to a recording wouldn't think it was anything but a nice Martin Mic'd up. When dropped into DADGAD is a killer.
Dropping the whole guitar an octave is not advised other than doing a bass fill within a group situation - baratone drop is very good.
12 strings are very good.
Banjo won't take the place of me "real ones" but migt be sliped in on some odd solos.
Not had much chance to mess with the rest but will happily give any info I can - the trouble with instruments is that everyone has their own pet-hates and likes (likewise with strings, cars etc. etc.)and become protective, where really it's best just to be happy with what your happy with and let everyone else do the same.
I hate people asking me "what's the best guitar to buy?" because you can't answer the question - only they can.
I love me Martin - me lad loves his Taylor both are good guitars.