Happy Jack Posted June 26, 2020 Posted June 26, 2020 (edited) Here is what was (arguably) the most versatile bass ever put into production. Combining an externally-powered pre-amp with a piezo pickup system and clever use of those capacitor thingies, the Variax allows a pretty close approximation of any of 24 different basses at the turn of a single knob. That includes Precision and Jazz, Stingray and Rickenbacker, Hofner and Thunderbird, etc. etc. etc. The styling (and the weight) are largely derived from a 70s Jazz, and Line 6 were clearly trying to play down just how radical this bass really was by keeping the looks traditional. That battery compartment on the back will take six 1.5v batteries, allegedly enough to power the bass for about an hour in the event of some sort of tragic meltdown of the mains power unit. The preamp on this beastie is so powerful that it really needs to have the mains unit mounted on your pedal board, where it does double-duty as a DI box. I'll include close-ups of the headstock because it would seem odd if I didn't, rather than because they're somehow 'interesting'. How does it work? A single, clearly-labelled knob switches between sounds. The labelling is pretty much self-evident ... see if you can guess which bass is being emulated when the knob is set to 'CLANG'. Yes yes yes, but how does it actually work? Well I'm glad you asked me that question. Did you notice the large scratchplate in the first few photos? You might foolishly have thought that these concealed a piece of timber with some unsightly cable routing. Au contraire, mon ami, c'est magnifique! What they said at the time: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/line-6-variax-bass-700 The bass is utterly complete, damned-near pristine, and unmolested. It comes with all the original stuff that it was sold with. That rather revolting instrument lead is simply a stereo cable, and any stereo cable will do. The bass is in Harrow (NW London) and is available for collection, or for meet-up by tube or car within a reasonable distance. I'm perfectly prepared to ship if you need, but my Lockdown experience of overseas shipping has been less than wonderful. If you want me to ship to Europe, and especially to the USA, then best contact me by PM for a discussion. This isn't a bass that I expect to sell quickly because most bassists know very little about them, even though it's a very canny piece of design both for a covers band and for studio work. I'm listing it now, not because I want it gone next week, but because I expect it to take a while and I can continue to enjoy playing it while waiting for it to sell! Edited July 1, 2020 by Happy Jack 5
Happy Jack Posted June 26, 2020 Author Posted June 26, 2020 I could spend some time making a demo video of what it can do but why should I bother when this guy has done such an excellent job?
Richard R Posted June 26, 2020 Posted June 26, 2020 (edited) By random coincidence I happened to read the original Sound On Sound review of this at lunchtime today and promptly spent the next conference call trawling the web to find out more about them. Seems they were only discontinued recently. Edited June 26, 2020 by Richard R
AndyTravis Posted June 26, 2020 Posted June 26, 2020 Hi Jack - minor pedantry, think the 5 string was called the 705. might push the right buyer your way 1
ikay Posted June 26, 2020 Posted June 26, 2020 Sorry to be the one to ask 'that' question but what does it weigh? An accurate weight please if poss (not bathroom scales). Thanks
Happy Jack Posted June 26, 2020 Author Posted June 26, 2020 1 hour ago, ikay said: Sorry to be the one to ask 'that' question but what does it weigh? An accurate weight please if poss (not bathroom scales). Thanks 10.5 lbs ... light as a feather. 1
police squad Posted June 27, 2020 Posted June 27, 2020 I have the JTV-59, les paul alike variax. The modelled sounds are indeed, very impressive. It used to be my no.1 guitar in a band when I was switching between acoustic and electric a lot GLWTS 1
Richard R Posted June 27, 2020 Posted June 27, 2020 Out of interest, what strings are recommended? I assume something bright so that the modelling algorithm has a full range of requencies capturing the performance to start with? So glad this is a 5 not a 4, otherwise I really would be interested and trying to justify it to myself. GLWTS! 👍
Happy Jack Posted June 27, 2020 Author Posted June 27, 2020 It still carries the same rounds that were on it when I bought it - don't recognise the make from the silks, I'm afraid. @Silvia Bluejay thinks they may be D'Addario. 1
Silvia Bluejay Posted June 27, 2020 Posted June 27, 2020 The photos show the distinctive coloured ball ends - including the purple low B. They are D'Addario roundwounds - not sure what flavour though.
Maude Posted June 27, 2020 Posted June 27, 2020 I hope @Happy Jackdoesn't mind me chiming in but I love my Variax and have gigged it extensively for years. String choice does have the same effect as on a 'normal' bass. I've used rounds, LaBella white nylons and now use D'addario half rounds and the modelling algorithm doesn't just override the tonal qualities of different strings. I'll also add that the gig bag these come with is one of the best I've used, really nice quality. 2
MacDaddy Posted June 27, 2020 Posted June 27, 2020 5 hours ago, Richard R said: So glad this is a 5 not a 4, otherwise I really would be interested and trying to justify it to myself. GLWTS! 👍 +1 😳
Happy Jack Posted June 28, 2020 Author Posted June 28, 2020 Having mentioned the battery compartment, I thought it would be churlish not to include a photo. And given that it's a Variax, it also has the Variax RS-232 type connector to enable you to do all sorts of things that you can look up online if you want to.
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