NWB - Community Blog

25 Apr 2009

line 6 variax 5 string bass

Filed Under : Gear

Posted By : Duke Bocks | Comments : 6

has anybody tried one of these?

A while ago i was seriously cosidering buying one of these technological ground breaking machines. I knew guys who used the 6 string lead and they are awesome so I thought Id look at the bass version. I play 5 string so that was the version I was considering. Then they go and discontinue it..why?..cos they were were bobbins?, unreliable? or what? Still wouldnt mind tryin to find one to have a threngle on or is it a waste of space?

Comments

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 26/04/2009, 15:38 (GMT)

Hi Minim,
I have played one and whilst the modelling was really good, I didn't like the neck, not sure why, just didn't do it for me. I guess you really need to decide if you really need all the different models in 1 bass.
I ended up with a G&L L2500 instead. It can easily sound like a P-Bass, Jazz or Stingray on Acid, (if that is what you want) and is way cheaper. The other plus point is you can use it in passive mode, whereas the Line 6 you can't.
The G&L is my normal back-up as it really is a "Get out of Jail free" Bass. You can pick them up for around £300.
Welcome to try mine if you are anywhere near South Manchester.

# Posted by Duke Bocks - 26/04/2009, 16:55 (GMT)

Cheers RFB. I'm really happy with the bass I use at the moment,a Zaneti, which is really a rebadged Yamaha, 5 string active, 5 band EQ so loads of tones and a through neck, miles of sustain and it stays in tune so much that I can drag it out of the case from one gig to the next and it's still spot on. Only problem is it has no passive mode although it does give you plenty of warning before the battery dies. That's where my old Fender P bass copy comes in to get me to the end of the set if needed, wieghs a ton and you gotta quickly remember there isnt a bottom B but it's old faithful.
Just wondered why they discontinued the Line 6. Wasn't overkeen on the big scratchplate and it did look better in black but the technology was amazin..probably wishful thinkin when i fancied one..lol

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 26/04/2009, 17:36 (GMT)

I guess the only reason they stopped making them is that they didn't sell.
The guitar tech I normally use specialises in transplanting Line 6 electronics into anything, so i guess that tells all. Great electronics but not so good wood-work. He did a stunning Line 6 Telecaster.

# Posted by Duke Bocks - 26/04/2009, 18:17 (GMT)

oooo..that sounds interesting

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 26/04/2009, 19:10 (GMT)

Here's the info.
http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/variax.html

# Posted by DBLT - 14/10/2011, 13:36 (GMT)

I've decided to part company with my Variax 5 string bass if you're still interested. Let me know. I'm keen for it to go to a player rather than a dealer.

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