Line6 Variax 300 Modeling Guitar

Over 25 historic guitar sounds, agathis body, maple neck, Indian rosewood fingerboard

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Line6 Variax 300 Modeling Guitar reviews

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45 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

 

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* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

"The single most AMAZING instrument invented in my lifetime!"

Feature:
OK ... here's where the thing blows me away: The WORKBENCH! With this computer add-on, not only can you tweak the KIND of guitar you're playing (body, shape, pickups, pot qualities and all) but you can CHANGE THE TUNING to ANYTHING that you like! Drop D? DONE! Open G? COOL! A true Baritone guitar that's halfway down to a bass? Outstanding! I really like putting the bottom 3 strings down a full octave then playing bass lines, counterpoints and harmonies with the top 3 strings normal for a REALLY fat guitar. If you're a "looper," it lets you lay a bass part in with a simple click of a switch. Then you can pop into a screaming lead line with another click. Limitations? They're all in your head!

Quality:
The one I got was in pretty stellar condition, but the first fret did have a tiny bit of buzz. I fixed it by carefully prying the fret up with a knife blade and freezing it there with a few drops of crazy glue. Perfect! Of course, I'm an instrumant maker and repair guy, so that kind of thing doesn't spook me. The only delicate thing is the multi-pin connecting wire to the computer for using the Workbench. Be carefull to keep the tiny slip wires straight. If you stick the jack in crooked, you can bend one or two and then it doesn't talk to the computer. I know. I tracked down that problem after a few days of studying the Line 6 Support pages and finding no answers. It's simple and physical, but something to keep in mind.

Value:
Guess what ... for the price of a basic Strat copy you're getting TWO DOZEN guitars that play well and expand your mental horizons. Yeah, it's a GREAT value!

Desirability:
Here's probably the weakest link in the Variax chain. Folks still want to SEE a gorgeous Les Paul when they HEAR one. They want to SEE a Strat when they hear that hollow sound. And players grouse that they miss the psychological change of style they get when they exchange one guitar for a physically different one. There is some of that. On the other hand, I LIKE the fact that I don't have to re-learn the "feel" from one instrument to the next.

Sound:
The sound, especially when heard through a clean amp or a recording system, is so close to the original instrument being modeled that it's spooky. The Tele sounds like a TELE. The Strat has the best Strat sounds you've heard on record. Same with the Les Paul ... even down to the fact that a Paul is LOUDER than a Strat or Tele! The other guitars are equally true to the original. And if you've ever played one of those electric Sitars like I did in the 60's, you'll be amazed at how perfectly they nailed THAT sound, even with the third string being louder and buzzier than the others. Astounding accuracy!

Ease of Use:
The only thing that an older guy like me notices is that the main Select knob is hard to read without "cheaters." There are a whole TON of clicks there and you have to kind of do it by feel. The "learning curve" is mostly trying to remember ALL the possibilities without clicking at random up and down. I found a good PICTURE based wall chart that is an excellent helper in finding the sound you imagine FAST.

Support:
They are STELLAR. I didn't even buy it direct and didn't have an official "warranty," yet their tech guys were right on my problem with the wire mentioned above. Then they sent me a WHOLE NEW Workbench (which I had also NOT bought from them new!). The web has several Variax sites with tons of really experienced users. One of the best is in Holland!

Overall:
I have WAY too many "real" guitars, yet I find myself ignoring them and grabbing this Variax most of the time. Perfect intonation and sweet feel up the neck. And ANY damn guitar (or bass) I want in any TUNING I want at any TIME I want it. What's not to like? I just hope they keep making and improving the Variax line. Sometimes I get the feeling that it's just WAY too much for most players. They pull back from the endless range of possibilities. Too much brain drain. Personally, I LOVE it!

Submitted: 10/24/2007

Style of Music: A mish-mash of rock/country/folk/jazz/bossa/latin stuff

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* * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

"Technological bargain!! Choices, choices."

Feature:
To power the guitar you need to use batteries, an included power supply, or if you have a pod you can use connect it direct via digi cable. It is a well built guitar(aside from frets that weren't filed well.

Quality:
Seems a bit rough but just minor things( the fret edges a bit rough or a little sharp). Solid paintjob. Still well built and holds tune well.

Value:
this is the most affordable of the models and for the price you can't beat it. Excellent value! If you need a variety of tunings and sounds, this is it.

Desirability:
The looks are plain though I don't believe they were going for something original in aesthetics. It's more about the sound variety. so it's practical and has a strat type look.

Sound:
It gives you alot of sonic options. It is hard to say if the guitars being emulated are close to what they claim (I've never heard most of these guitars alone ex. 57 L Paul) ? They sound good and the option to switch between instruments quickly is great. Some of the sounds just seem like the same guitar with the tone knob adjusted. Ths guitar gives you alot of variety for a low price.

Ease of Use:
It's pretty easy to flip to a sound and play. It is easier to edit the guitar on the computer. On line website help is available and it works well live or recording.

Support:
I haven't had the need to call them but the website is very helpful, No problems in over a year.

Overall:
As technology continues to move forward there will eventually be a better version. For now I love it for recording. Great buy. If you have too many guitars this one could take the place of a few.

Submitted: 6/10/2007

Style of Music: Indie rock on pop psych side.

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About This Product!
Description
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From Our Catalog
The Line 6 Variax 300 takes the technology and sound from the award-winning Variax family and puts in a guitar any musician can afford. The exclusive Line 6 modeling technology that lives inside the solid-body Variax 300 guitar enables musicians to easily access over 25 historic guitar sounds, including classic single-coil and humbucker guitars, hollow and semi-hollow jazz guitars, acoustic 6- and 12-string, dobro, sitar, banjo, and many others. Instantly familiar controls work just like any traditional guitar. Custom TRS cable and XPS mini power supply box included.

Technical Info

Comfort-contoured agathis body

Maple neck with Indian rosewood fingerboard

Six-on-a-side headstock

22 medium profile frets

25 1/2 in. scale length

12 in. fingerboard radius

Standard 1/4 in. guitar output jack

Digital I/O jack for PODxt Live, Vetta II, and Workbench connectivity

Includes XPS Mini power supply with 1/4 in. standard guitar output for connection to any guitar amp

Powered by XPS Mini, on-board batteries, Vetta II or PODxt Live
All the same models as the Variax 600 and 700, with a flatter fretboard and agathis body. It can be powered by the included XPS Mini power supply or batteries. Leave your other 15 guitars at home!

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