Variax guitars

[Martyn]

Been looking online at, and listening to, the acoustic model, which sounds impressive (does a great J200, Martin and others) and wondered if anyone has tried the electric model to see how it does at emulating a strat. The telecaster, Rickenbacker, Gibson sounds are fairly convincing although it's always difficult to judge from some of the YouTube demo videos. I've not heard any strat bridge pickup sounds other than some brief heavy rock examples to work out if the later trem-fitted version (JTV-69) could be convincing enough for our preferred styles of music.
Wondering if it's a Jack of All Trades and master of none so does anyone here own one or have you tried one in a store?

Cheers,
Martyn

[dave robinson]

Tried one in 2004 and took it back for a full refund after a few days - sounds NOTHING like my J-200 or Martin. If they are convinced that those sounds are anywhere near Gibson or Martin, either they are dreaming or have no ears . . . . . .

[tolo]

Wondering if it's a Jack of All Trades and master of none so does anyone here own one or have you tried one in a store?

I have - and found it really very impressive. I tried the JTV-69 (with Trem) - and not only is it a really well made instrument, the models were excellent and the versatility in regard to tunings were also game-changing. For recording this would be a real asset, particularly for the acoustic models - and also would take a lot of hassle factor out of needing different instruments in live situations (even though I know that most guitarists only change instruments because it looks good, want to show they have more than one instrument and, anyway that's what they see on 'proper' concerts....) I will be buying one very soon.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/line-6-jtv-69-j ... lack/41301

I think to compare something from an experience 8 years ago isn't really a relevant comparison (actually, in most technologies) - these are the newest generation of variax technology and are a world apart from the first pioneering models of the early '00's (which neither really looked nor sounded like real guitars!)...

I would say give one a shot Martyn - see (hear) for yourself.

Let me check - yes I am awake and yes both ears intact and working....

Best

Tony

[ecca]

Before getting carried away slagging off these things bear in mind...... the strings.
I had a Roland VG8 that I used on stage for 5 or 6 years and one thing used to bug me when I was emulating an acoustic guitar.
I used to think that it sounded like it had loose strings- which, in fact, it did.
It was a Les paul with a relatively light set of strings and that's what the acoustic emulation sounded like.
Loose strings.
i think with heavier strings it would have sounded much better.

[dave robinson]

Before getting carried away slagging off these things bear in mind...... the strings.
I had a Roland VG8 that I used on stage for 5 or 6 years and one thing used to bug me when I was emulating an acoustic guitar.
I used to think that it sounded like it had loose strings- which, in fact, it did.
It was a Les paul with a relatively light set of strings and that's what the acoustic emulation sounded like.
Loose strings.
i think with heavier strings it would have sounded much better.

Trust me Ecca they don't, I tried all ways to get the sound out of the Acoustic Variax and it sounded very poor, I guess we all have a different level of expectation. I've seen the current demos on youtube and I still don't hear any quality - the banjo isn't too bad though, sorry.

[ecca]

I have a Roland Gr55 now it's the same, the acoustic emulation is pretty good
and whatever opinions are put to me I think the same.
It would sound even better with heavier strings.

[51 Relic]

I bought an electric version at the london guitar show a few years ago ,like Dave i took it back for a full refund. I found the string balance was incorrect and the sounds sounded nothing lke the claimed guitars listed .In a bedroom situation not too bad but on a gig ,forget it i also found the battery pack a pain .

The guitar i had could have been defective but also the fret ends nut and the construction left me wanting a proper Strat or Gibson etc

[Martyn]

Thanks for so many replies and for the honest opinions, be they damning or praising. I certainly wouldn't order one without trying it first so it will mean finding a retailer who stocks the range and having a go myself at some stage, but I hoped some of you may have tried and/or owned one or two versions in order to judge firsthand the authenticity of each guitar type.
I suspected the early models left much to be desired or they would have sold in droves and everyone would have one, but I was hoping the latest versions with their dual processors and the inevitable improvements in technology and sound sampling that have occurred in the intervening years, might have proved acceptable.

As with all things software based, some aspects can be superb whilst others you have to wonder what they were thinking when they included them - most of the demos seemed keen to feature the sitar or dobros that would never be used by me and alarm bells were faintly ringing because if the acoustics or specific electric models were so good, why weren't they featured in greater detail in the demos rather than spotlighting the unusual or obscure types. My main interest was in the acoustics on offer to save having to buy a genuine Gibson J200 or high-end Martin (or trying to find a cheaper but almost as convincing alternative), whilst a telecaster or Rickenbacker 6 and 12 would be bonus features. I did wonder if the strat might be an acceptable sounding one too so that I could have most of my favourite guitar sounds in one instrument and it would of course be a lot cheaper than buying those individual guitars separately - always a factor that has to be considered when this is just a hobby activity.

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers,
Martyn

[noelford]

I've had one for along time. It's a very well built guitar, plays very well and the sounds are great. Perfect simulations? Some are better than others but, overall, a very versatile and nice sounding guitar which holds its own very well against those genuine models that I also own.