Line 6 Variax Standard – NAMM 2015

Line 6 unveils the result of the first major collaboration between Line 6 and Yamaha, the Variax Standard, combining Yamaha’s craftsmanship and Line 6 instrument modeling technology.

Line 6 Variax Standard

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Line 6 Now Under Yamaha

The guitar will be on display at the Line 6 2015 NAMM booth found in room 212A, and is described as the company’s attempt to make a Variax instrument that is more affordable and accessible.

Since joining with Yamaha in January 2014, I have been expecting that Yamaha will be infusing their quality mass production expertise into Line 6’s existing manufacturing process. And it looks like this is this will be just one of the many products that will be produced by the collaboration of the two companies.

As expected, the Variax Standard features Line 6 modeling technology that allows it to reproduce the sound of a wide variety of guitars, from vintage to modern and even exotic instruments. Variax HD technology has come a long way, and to my ears they are now much closer to the actual guitars that the model, even the sonic details, feel and response are convincing if not downright amazing.

If the line up of virtual guitar models are not enough, you can even build your own virtual guitar via the free Variax Workbench HD software. It turns you into a virtual luthier with complete control over every element of your Variax tone, essentially allowing you to build your own signature guitar! With the Variax Workbench HD, you can mix and match a wide range of body styles and pickup models until you find the sound that you are looking for. In my opinion this is the coolest feature of the instrument, and I won’t be surprised if they will soon implement instrument profiling!

The wood and build of the guitar has been delegated to Yamaha’s craftsmen, although there was nothing special going on about the build. It has a lightweight alder Strat-style body, a one piece neck with rosewood fingerboard and custom-wound pickups. Other features include lubricated Graph Tech nut, and a proprietary tremolo bridge.

Marcus Ryle, Chief Strategy Officer at Line 6, said: “Since Yamaha acquired Line 6, we’ve been working closely to develop innovative gear. 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.”

The new Line 6 Variax Standard has an MSRP of $1,120 and is available in three finish options, Vintage White, Tobacco Sunburst, and Midnight Black. It is scheduled for release within the first quarter of this year. Visit Line 6 for more information.

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