MGR/Guitarzen « Line 6 Variax »
Published on 01/27/03 at 15:00I purchased this unit from Musician's Friend for $999. Having previously owned a Line 6 AX212 and a POD, I was very interested in seeing how they would put togehter the world's first modelling guitar. My hope was that the guitar would be the only one I would need on a gig.
The guitar I haev is a very nice example of Tobacco Sunburst. There are no finish flaws and the neck pocket is tight with no noticeable gaps.
The neck is sort of a cross between a Les Paul and a Strat. This is OK for me since I play both of those and this seems to be right smack in the middle of that road.
Now to the modelling aspects: I am playing this through a few different amps. The acoustic models absolutely shine when palyed through an SWR CA Blonde. I think I could use the Blonde, the guitar and a mic and play any coffee house gig. The six sting models (especialy the Gibson J200) are absolutely stunning. The 12 strings models a bit less so, but they will definitely sit well in a mix. The Dobros are also very good.
The electrics are fantastic as well. The Strat model with just the bridge P/U played through a TS9 into a Duoverb is SRV tone all the way. I have also played this through a Fender Reverb Deluxe with excellent results.
The Ric 12 is Tom Petty/Byrds all the way as well - try American Girl or Mr. Tambourine Man.
My least favorite model is the Coral Sitar. It probably sounds just like a Coral Sitar, but I probably won't use it much if at all. I would've rather had a mandolin model.
I also thought the guitar should have come with strap locks. It did not and I had to modify some screws to get the Schaller strap locks to fit into the oversized holes from the original strap buttons.
I think I already covered this, but it s a very good quality guitar. It is no PRS or high end Les Paul, but the workmanship appears to be well done and the finish is flawless. One thing - the neck has a satin finish, not heavy lacquer like most Pauls and Strats.
I will rate this 4.5 and perhaps give it a 5 if an upgrade includes a mandolin and slightly better 12 string models.
I would buy this guitar again, and I have not been sleeping much since it was delivered!
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
The guitar I haev is a very nice example of Tobacco Sunburst. There are no finish flaws and the neck pocket is tight with no noticeable gaps.
The neck is sort of a cross between a Les Paul and a Strat. This is OK for me since I play both of those and this seems to be right smack in the middle of that road.
Now to the modelling aspects: I am playing this through a few different amps. The acoustic models absolutely shine when palyed through an SWR CA Blonde. I think I could use the Blonde, the guitar and a mic and play any coffee house gig. The six sting models (especialy the Gibson J200) are absolutely stunning. The 12 strings models a bit less so, but they will definitely sit well in a mix. The Dobros are also very good.
The electrics are fantastic as well. The Strat model with just the bridge P/U played through a TS9 into a Duoverb is SRV tone all the way. I have also played this through a Fender Reverb Deluxe with excellent results.
The Ric 12 is Tom Petty/Byrds all the way as well - try American Girl or Mr. Tambourine Man.
My least favorite model is the Coral Sitar. It probably sounds just like a Coral Sitar, but I probably won't use it much if at all. I would've rather had a mandolin model.
I also thought the guitar should have come with strap locks. It did not and I had to modify some screws to get the Schaller strap locks to fit into the oversized holes from the original strap buttons.
I think I already covered this, but it s a very good quality guitar. It is no PRS or high end Les Paul, but the workmanship appears to be well done and the finish is flawless. One thing - the neck has a satin finish, not heavy lacquer like most Pauls and Strats.
I will rate this 4.5 and perhaps give it a 5 if an upgrade includes a mandolin and slightly better 12 string models.
I would buy this guitar again, and I have not been sleeping much since it was delivered!
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com