Variax Acoustic

[GuitarG]

Has anyone demoed one of these? I read the GP review and it sounds interesting. I do an acoustic duo and I've been playing Takamines on that gig for about 12 years. But I am getting really tired of the piezo tone so I'm looking for another guitar for this application. I'm not realy concerned with recording applications (I've got other guitars for that),just something for plug and go live shows. I'm wondering if the variax might work on this gig. It would be so nice to have open tunings at my disposal without having to change guitars. And a faux-reso tone would be nice. I'm just really curious about the dynamic response. Does it respond to playing dynamics like a good acoustic?
I've gotta say that I am an old, conservative stick in the mud when it comes to guitars so getting something using this type of technology would be quite a strech for me. But it looks good on paper.
Any opinions?

[Motojunkie]

That GP article is quite compelling isn't it?

I haven't demoed the Variax Acoustic yet, but I do have an original Variax. They sound quite convincing, and work real well in a mix. If you A/B against the real thing, I'm pretty sure you can tell the difference, but live or in the studio, they are pretty awesome.

Here's a few links to videos/audio files.....

This is a link to the NAMM Line 6 demo -

LINK (http://www.line6.com/media/Variax/video/VariaxAcoustic700.wmv)

Here's a compilation of some recent demos that happened at a European NAMM type event -

LINK (http://www.vettaville.nl/vvvideosguitars.htm)

Here's a great resource for all Line 6 gear -

LINK (http://www.instituteofnoise.com/L6/home.asp?pid=5)

Here's a mp3 of a Blues project that a few of us over at The Institute of Noise put together. It's just a 12 bar blues, and each guy does 12 bars. Some of us went twice due to the limited entries. I goofed, and used a Steinberger on one clip, but it sounded good, so we left it in. Otherwise, all of the guitars, including acoustic, are Variax.

LINK (http://www.tiff-tools.com/variax/instituteblues.exe)



That should get you started. The Variax Acoustic is fairly scarce right now, so a lot of guys haven't gotten a chance to try it yet. There are a bunch of guys over at the Institute of Noise that have them, and they should be able to answer any questions.

[Nelson F]

Thankz for the links. :blp

[GuitarG]

Thanks for the links Moto. I used to go by the Institute of Noise site from time to time, but I haven't been by there recently. I uploaded a bank of my POD2 patches there a couple of years ago. I'll have to start checking by more frequently. Thanks again.

[Motojunkie]

No problem. I just hope it helps you to make an educated decision - either way.