Line 6 have expanded the Variax family with the introduction of the Variax Standard guitar. The Variax Standard represents the first major collaboration between Line 6 and Yamaha since the two companies joined forces in January 2014. We took a closer look at the NAMM 2015 show.
With this latest model, innovative Line 6 Variax technology and legendary Yamaha craftsmanship have been combined to make a guitar which is a very strong contender for the money.
“Since Yamaha acquired Line 6, we’ve been working closely to develop innovative gear,” said Marcus Ryle, Chief Strategy Officer at Line 6. “We’re excited to release Variax Standard, a great-playing yet affordable guitar that enables more musicians to have the sounds of incredible vintage instruments they’ve always dreamed of. And even better, Variax Standard can provide the rich, bold tone of a priceless ‘50s instrument with vintage single-coil pickups—without the hum and buzz that plague these guitars. It’s an experience you can’t replicate with any traditional vintage or modern guitar.”
For those unfamiliar with the Variax concept, it uses proprietary electronics to recreate the sound of various vintage, modern, acoustic and exotic instruments, all from a single instrument. Guitarists can also choose from an array of alternate tunings with the turn of a knob. Workbench HD software makes it possible to mix and match components and create any guitar imaginable.
Unlike other guitars in its price range, Variax Standard can sound like an entire collection of vintage, modern, and exotic instruments, including some of the most coveted electric and acoustic guitars of the past century. Guitarists can also choose from an array of alternate tunings with the turn of a knob. Workbench HD software makes it possible to mix and match components and create any guitar imaginable.
Thanks to the experienced craftsmen at Yamaha, Variax Standard delivers the rock-solid build expected from a high-quality guitar. The lightweight alder S-type body, one-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and custom-wound pickups combine to serve up a sound that Lane 6 describe as 'clear, full-bodied tone with harmonic richness.
Variax Standard also features high-quality components that set it apart from other guitars in its class—and prevents guitarists from spending extra time and money on upgrades. The proprietary tremolo bridge delivers total comfort and playability with lots of sustain, and the lubricated Graph Tech nut provides consistent balance and precise string spacing to help guitarists stay in tune.
Variax Standard ($1,119.99 MSRP) comes in three finish options—Tobacco Sunburst, Vintage White and Midnight Black, and will be available in the first quarter of 2015.
