Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?

Subject: Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 05:23 AM

I bought a Vaiax 700 - about five years ago after Penny Black on mudcat recommended one.

I can quite seew they are a superb gigging and recording instrument for Pete, but what I really wanted it for was the 'alternative tunings at the press of a button' feature.

No I will admit I've always been a bit of a dingbat when it comes to technology. But I've never really got that bugger on board. The results have always varied from almost all right to total crap.

Anyway I've resolved to either use it or bin it this year - so I've started a thread on the Line 6 support board. I get the impression Line 6 are a bit disturbed by the negative tone of my postings.

But sod it! I want it to do what it says on the packet.

I realise this cutting edge technology, and people of a nervous disposition should beware sharp edges - but I think I've been very patient. Is anybody else going through anything similar?

Subject: RE: Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 06:17 AM

The 'alternate tunings' feature is very specific in the position of the slider.

Part of the prob I had was beI could hear the strings in normal tuning as well as the 'alternative' which made it sound 'odd'

As I mainly play in DADGAD or Open D then I tuned the guitar rather than use the tunings option and it seemed OK.

Having said that, I've not heard of anyone else having this prob
G-P

Subject: RE: Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 06:25 AM

I've just been over on the Line 600 site and it looks as if a lot of people are having problems, and the demo sounds recorded there sound like dogshit to my ears.

Subject: RE: Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?
From: GUEST,strat-abuse
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 06:03 PM

I think the line6 variax workbench software allows you to tweak the tunings ... but there is no way round hearing the sound from the standard tuned strings except by playing loud enough ... or perhaps wearing headphones for recording. I have recently bought a variax 300 and am very happy with it - the models are good as long as you use an AB switch and direct the acoustic models through an acoustic amp or PA and the electic models though an electric guitar amp.

Subject: RE: Problems with Variax 700 -anybody else?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 09:34 AM

Well you know how i hate to disagree with you Richard - but calling the demos dogshit - seems excessively polite to me.

I have decided I am going to sort this one out. If it can be made to work - I shall make it work.

If it could be made to work it really could make an impact in our sort of music. Not just the kinds of things we can play, but also the kind of places we can play.

Five years ago when I bought it - no one had any sort of clue, but all this time on - I think they should be made to deliver or get up off the pot and stop taking peoples money for something which on the face of it, doesn't work.

I think basically Line 6 see alternative tunings as a bit of a gimmick and they have NO idea of how many applications it could have, and how integral altered tunings are to folk music these days.(Even to those of us whom you reckon don't play folk, Richard!)

thanks for the message strat abuse. i wasn't aware the 300 had altered tunings. I play the 700 through an AER 60 watt combo.which is designed for acoustic guitars so its not that.

I hope your band are doing well