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VARIAX ACOUSTIC

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In our world exclusive feature on Line 6’s new Variax Acoustic we review the first sample in the UK, round-up the latest acoustic-modelling processors and assess the impact EVOLUTION?R of the digital modelling guitar Words Dave Burrluck, Matthew Wig ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC& Chris Vinnicombe

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ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC EVOLUTION?R FLIGHT OF FANCY? The ‘electric’ version of Variax was launched last year andby now, Dave in Burrluck 2004, we have the ‘acoustic’ version. Could this be the future?

ine 6 launched Variax at the end of 2002. We’d already had a range of L amps and effects processors that used digital modelling to capture the sounds of classic amps and effects and present them in a single unit; doing the same with guitars – electric and acoustic – was obvious but, as with amp modelling, it has proved highly controversial in the ultra-conservative guitar market. To begin with, its uninspiring chassis – its neck and body – meant the original Variax (now called Variax 500) did little to persuade the world that DM guitars were really the future. An upgraded vibrato-equipped version, Variax 700, followed and certainly added a better chassis. But the key thing about Variax is that it does more than any other electric guitar by Former Smith Johnny offering over 20 different models of Marr has found the classic electric and acoustic guitars all Variax to be a useful tool onboard a single instrument with no outboard processing necessary – you just plug in a play. And if you’re doing covers you’re trying I need both acoustic and electric,” he to replicate recorded parts.” says. “I find the acoustic sounds on The Players You’d think that a seasoned string- Variax 500 really good, especially After reviewing Variax 700 last year mangling pro like Jerry Donahue through a big PA. The body and neck we dropped it off with Guitarist wouldn’t necessarily see the Variax aren’t the best but the sounds, the ES- contributor, studio owner/producer picture, but at the recent Frankfurt 335, the Teles, the Strat and Les Paul, Mike Westergaard who splits his studio Musikmesse Donahue chose to play all sound good. But it’s the feel of those time between recording artists and Variax instead of his own signature old guitars that you can’t replicate – writing music for TV. He used Variax to Fender, not for a Line 6 demo but on you can’t change the feel.” record the title music of an upcoming the German-company Nobels stand. Wisefield highlights two common E4 show, Four Go Dating, and on new “I think the Variax is the best offering complaints: firstly you might be songs during demo sessions with Sky we’ve seen since Leo Fender hearing a pretty accurate Les Paul- from Morcheeba. “People really liked introduced the Telecaster in 1950,” style or ES-175 tone but there’s no way it, it’s a very useful tool,” he assessed. enthused Donahue. “This instrument’s Variax can feel like either. Also the “It’s the versatility that I found so ability to successfully replicate the neck and body of Variax 500 are well useful: you can quickly dial in a sound tones I’ve insisted on through the made for a budget model but a bit that suits the music you’re working on. years, in addition to so many other average for a player who has other I didn’t pre-select, I just turned the popular sounds/stringed instruments, quality guitars. Top London guitar- model selector and the five-way switch puts it in a league all of its own.” repairer Bill Puplett agrees and was to find a sound that worked.” Laurie Wisefield is another seasoned asked by some of his customers if Session player Nick Robinson who’s pro who has been using Variax 500 Variax was available as a retro-fit so recently been working with Nelly from the beginning; along with they could fit the technology into a Furtado and Kim Marsh is equally ‘real performing in We Will Rock You, he’s favourite guitar. British designer of world’ about his Variax 700: “We all currently touring Europe with Night Of brands like Fret-King and Italia, Trev fantasise about playing on stage with The Proms. “I still take my mainstay Wilkinson, had the same thought: “The loads of different amps and guitars but workhorse guitars but this tour is with first time I saw Variax my first thought in reality, if you’re a working player a full orchestra and an electric rock was wouldn’t it be great to put that playing in smaller venues, the audience band, we play a lot of different kinds of technology in a ‘real’ guitar so you doesn’t notice what gear you’ve got. music and sometimes within one song could have the best of both worlds.”

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“This guitar is a great tool for the student, recording studio or just for someone wanting an idea of how all those great guitars were supposed to sound”Pete Townshend

Doves’ Jez Williams – “the Variax will be on our next album”

Pete Townshend can have any guitar he likes, but is a confirmed Variax fan

Well things are moving on that front Paul Malcom from Sound Control’s the difference. I think what we’re too: Warmoth (see Digital DIY) now Glasgow store is equally enthusiastic looking at is the beginning of a changed makes high-quality replacement necks and also states a lot have been sold to art form, not the end. As it gets better, and bodies for Variax 500 so you can “function band” musicians and also to I think the chances of it changing the create your own ‘Variax’. studio-based players. “Variax has been industry will get higher. By the way, fantastic for us. The 500 created an I think it will get better.” Sales amazing buzz – we pre-sold loads – Guitar author Tom Wheeler has Paul Hughes is the Sales Manager at and it’s still the best-selling model.” written and studied the history of the the Soho Soundhouse in London. However, Paul reckons Variax 500 guitar and written numerous books on “We’ve done very well with Variax,” he especially has stolen market share – the subject. He sees the potential for confirms. “Once it was announced we primarily from mid-priced hybrid studio musicians as “promising” but took back orders immediately. electrics, sales of which in his store feels for many players that, “tradition However, you need to explain the have “practically ceased.” continues to play a big role in how we concept to the customer. The only perceive our guitars. You refer to the limitation is the physical guitar itself – Not for everyone way digital cameras have most people have their own favourite Will DM guitars change our industry revolutionised photography, but that guitar, with its own feel. Variax doesn’t like digital technology has changed was a mechanical and chemical-based feel like a Gretsch or a Les Paul but the audio recording and photography? technology in need of revolutionising. tones are close – it’s great for “No,” says Paul Reed Smith. “If the For most of us, photography’s romance duplicating sounds from records.” modelling was as good as the digital is in the photos, not the camera. Are So just who’s buying Variax? “We’ve photography is, I would say yes. But, guitar players really looking for sold mostly to session players and when I see our brochures and it looks something other than a rich sounding touring musicians,” says Hughes. “Lots like these were pictures taken with acoustic guitar, or a great feeling, great of bedroom and semi-pro players too, film, and in fact they were taken looking, great sounding electric guitar but I’d say the majority has been to digitally and no-one can really tell the plugged into a great sounding amp? I’d top-end players. I don’t think Variax difference, I’d say that changes the much rather have a Martin, Fender, has taken anyone’s market share: the industry. But the digitally modelled Gretsch, Gibson, or what have you than people who buy one already have guitars still don’t sound as good as the a single digital instrument, even if it a Strat and/or a Les Paul.” originals, and almost anybody can hear were convenient, cheaper, and could ➛

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ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC EVOLUTION?R

➛ replicate the sounds of those other instruments. Why? In a word, romance. “As it gets better, I think the chances of the Variax changing I think the simplicity, portability, DIGITAL DIY the industry will get higher. And I think it will get better” ■ Don’t like the neck beauty, feel and vibe of traditional or body of your Variax guitars will continue to make them the Paul Reed Smith 500? Change ’em! instruments of choice for most players sound of the instrument. In electro- immediately change tuning without for decades to come.” acoustic guitars I see it as developing touching our machineheads. “Pitch Author, journalist and Guitarist into an important niche rather than modelling is very exciting,” reckons Bill contributor Charles Shaar Murray has becoming the mainstream. It will have Puplett, who’s fitted and repaired all already been swayed by the versatility an impact, but won’t dominate in the types of multi-tuning devices like of Vox’s Valvetronix digital amps but same way digital technology has Hipshot’s Trilogy bridge and the says: “To extend this into the guitar affected the world of photography and TransPerformance system beloved by universe, we’d need a modelling guitar audio recording.” Jimmy Page. “Any systems that which had as groovy a feel and vibe as physically retune the strings all have Warmoth is probably our favourite Strat/Tele/Les Paul/ES- The future? problems of compromise with differing the premier quality 335 or whatever. Sound isn’t So are we guitarists all technophobic, string tensions and the fact that the supplier of everything. I’d love to be able to turn conservative romantics? “Well, I think neck moves under these different replacement necks my open-tuned solidbody slide guitar the evolvement of the electric guitar is tensions. But to achieve it from a fixed and bodies with a into a 1930s National resonator (or my actually held back by the majority of string tension is a major breakthrough. wide online choice 1996 JD Tele into a vintage Rickie 12) guitarists’ hesitation to accept new It’s a very musical way to go I think.” of options. Recently at the twist of a knob, but that doesn’t concepts and/or new materials and But many guitar players probably the USA company mean I want to play a mediocre-feeling methods of construction,” offers Trev haven’t yet tried this ‘new fangled’ axe. announced alien guitar in order to have those Wilkinson. “It seems strange to me that The Doves’ Jez Williams is happy he replacement necks sounds at my disposal.” As Charles Variax is possibly the one guitar that did: “Variax is proving to be a very and bodies for Variax subsequently commented: “I love the people actually listen to to judge it – handy tool. We’ve already used it on 500 so you can ‘Vari’ but not the ‘ax’.” most other guitars are judged visually various demos, and it will definitely simply load up Ned Steinberger is one of the few on appearance and specs such as end up on the next album. It’s so easy Variax’s parts on to designers that could lay claim to materials or place of manufacture and, to change the whole mood of a song by a new chassis. producing really radical revolutionary of course, age.” simply changing a Strat into a semi designs with his headless and virtually The launch of Variax Acoustic instantaneously.” Currently both Strat body-less carbon fibre instruments. (reviewed on page 92 of this issue) will Johnny Marr was likewise impressed: and Tele style bodies “The power of electronics is wonderful, no doubt heighten the debate. With its “I’ve found so far the Variax has an are available but there is a price to pay. With the on-board ‘pitch modelling’ we not only ‘intrinsic sound’ of its own which is (unfinished from acoustic guitar, the relationship have the versatility of the numerous very pleasing and useful, and is $265, solid colours between player and instrument is onboard sounds but also the ability to particularly good when used with the add $165) while a intimate, with the sound coming POD. I’ve found that I used it as maple/rosewood directly from the body. An a very, very diverse electric Strat-style neck will electric guitar is one step guitar and I stopped checking cost $157 (plus $15 removed, as the sound comes the sound it was modelling upcharge to alter the from a separate speaker. The (almost, curiosity got me). I just screw positions). If beauty of the electric guitar is got a good sound and played.” you want a higher that even though it is amplified, Pete Townshend has access to quality version of the the origin of the sound, which is any guitar he likes but he’s still back-angled Variax the string itself, is still vibrating found time to evaluate Variax. neck with the Line 6 under your fingers, and thus “This guitar is a great tool for headstock, Warmoth responsive to all nuance of the student, recording studio or makes those too. technique. The Variax uses the just for someone wanting an You can order on-line string more like a trigger and as idea of how all those great (or via phone or fax) such is two steps removed. I’m guitars throughout history were and shipping charge sure modelling has an important supposed to sound,” he says. “In place in the world of guitar, but a lot of cases the Variax version to the UK for the I don’t think it will ever sounds better than the original.” above body and dominate the market.” Digital technology may have neck would be $53 Avalon’s MD Steve McIlwrath its detractors but it has changed (approx, plus import has similar thoughts, especially the way we live, work, and taxes, VAT and in in regard to the new Variax create music. Is the digital some cases a Acoustic: “It’s a well made, well modelling guitar (which you handling charge). designed instrument, but like all must remember is just in its www.warmoth.com digitally modelled systems its Seasoned pro Jerry infant stage) the future or Donahue: “the Variax is focus is on what the electronics the best offering since simply a flight of fantasy? What can do, not the natural acoustic the Telecaster in 1950” do you think?

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LINE 6 VARIAX ACOUSTIC 700 £899 ACOUSTIC MODELLING GUITAR CD TRACKS 2 & 3

★★★★★

CHOICE

Line 6 Variax Acoustic 700 £899 The rivals Modelling mania hits acoustic players head-on as Line 6 packs an impressive Fishman Aura £499 selection of classic acoustics into just one guitar by Matthew Wig Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster £799.99 Godin xtSA £939 Godin’s latest, reasonably oth Line 6’s Variax 500 and 700 VARIAX ACOUSTIC 700 TEST RESULTS A generous finish applied to neck priced multi-voice guitar (Jan 2004 issue) modelling guitars Build quality and body simultaneously results in offers electric and already offer a small selection of Playability some pooling around the heel/body electro-acoustic tones B Sound plus, via its 13-pin acoustic guitar/instrument types joint line and fingerboard extension standard synth output, among their arsenal of onboard guitar Value for money sides. However, this isn’t a tone issue the potential to access an models. However, it became clear to ■ WE LIKED Ease of use, excellent alternate here, purely a cosmetic concern. unlimited variety of other Line 6 that while these provide a tuning feature, included accessories and the At the rear, a large square cover sounds including the compelling ‘jack-of-all-trades’ solution best acoustic sounds you’ll hear from a plate unscrews to reveal the modelling Roland VG-88’s acoustic plugged-in guitar on its own models. Fishman’s Aura for instrument-burdened gigging ‘nerve centre’ circuit board, which ■ WE DISLIKED Some scruffy construction pedal uses Acoustic guitarists, acoustic players have very details, and what about an onboard tuner? appears deceptively modest Sound Images, not particular needs that were not being considering its capabilities. Only the modelling, to transform your electro-acoustic met. A dedicated acoustic modelling acoustic styling the flat top (there is twin looms of fine wires going to the tone into an exceptionally guitar was required; not only loaded a slight widthways convexity) is a controls and the output, respectively, lifelike acoustic tone – with acoustic-specific features and handsomely uniform-grained slice of hint at the wealth of stealthy it’s got a chromatic tuner, functionality, but with a more solid cedar; and you’ll notice the technology at work here. Both the notch, phase, compression and three- congruous playability and design. traditional black and white purfling. pickup and main PCBs are securely band EQ. The Fender is Enter the Variax Acoustic 700, armed The rosette is a bit furry around its screwed to the body wood. The battery a more straightforward with appropriately potent modelling edges, but the perimeter purfling is compartment is latched shut with a stage-only electro- fire-power: 12 classic acoustic models, cleanly laid. The black lacquered inner ‘coin slot’ screw, and inside you find a acoustic, with graphite topped alder body, maple four more exotic acoustic instrument surface of the ‘soundhole’ chamber is 6 x AA battery cradle, which rattles neck, three-way Fishman models, preset and custom alternate left surprisingly rough. around loose when it’s empty and is pickup into three- tunings at the touch of a button, Where the ‘electric’ Variaxes have removable to leave a 9V PP3 channel preamp, active compression, modelled microphone bolt-on necks, this three-piece connector. 9V cells are for emergencies tone and sexy colours placement and the ability to save mahogany example is mortise-jointed, only as they are swiftly drained. preferred parameter settings. These Les Paul style. Its fingerboard is cleanly The simple control panel is models have all been created for this finished, with sharp outlined inlays, but purposely lacking in defined markings guitar, and do not correlate to those it’s not the neatest fret manicure we’ve since the three sliders control a found on its predecessors. As a result, ever seen. The nut is squarely seated number of functions. Unusually, these more time and effort has been spent and this rosewood-faced headstock sliders have bare ends, but they’re tweaking the algorithms that instruct carries a set of smooth and positively sufficiently smooth and damped. The the complex digital transformations, geared tuners. Down at the authentic main selector knob is a chunky, aiming to enhance the acoustic realism acoustic bridge we find an unusually positively clicking and significantly of the models. dry, bare-wood surface, albeit tidily damped device with sufficient finished with no sharp corners. The resistance to any accidental twisting Variax Acoustic 700 front-end of the Variax’s complex or depressing. As we mentioned in our preview signal chain is a fairly familiar piezo- While there is a digital in/out, you’ll (March 2004 issue) this guitar is styled type transducer with separate sensors need Line 6’s Vetta combo to use it. a bit like the Gibson Chet Atkins SST. for each string. This unit is a neat The standard mono jack output can Its body is solid mahogany, although looking, if chunky, integrated saddle receive phantom power from the very three separate slabs make up its width, unit with logically staggered, slotted handy XPS footswitch via a stereo lead; with considerable wood mass removed metal saddle pieces for accurate and Line 6 includes both. The XPS is a for the electronics compartments and intonation. At each end there’s a handy mains powered (adaptor included) DI oval ‘soundhole’ chamber. For fittingly height adjustment screw. box that allows A/B switching between ➛

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LINE 6 VARIAX ACOUSTIC 700 £899 ACOUSTIC MODELLING GUITAR CD TRACKS 2 & 3

LINE 6 VARIAX With plenty of frets The controls are ACOUSTIC 700 beyond the 12th, it’s simple to use and PRICE: £899 (inc gig bag a good job intonation sturdy enough to last and accessories) is up to scratch ORIGIN: Korea TYPE: Single cutaway, flat-top, acoustically chambered solidbody featuring 16 digital acoustic guitar/instrument models, instant alternate tunings and onboard compression TOP: Solid cedar BODY: Mahogany MAX RIM DEPTH: 48.5mm MAX BODY WIDTH: ➛ 350mm an instrument level mono jack output NECK: Mahogany and a standard line level XLR output, SCALE LENGTH: so you can toggle between acoustic 648mm amp or direct PA routing if necessary. TUNERS: Individual die-cast chrome The Variax Acoustic is designed to NUT/WIDTH: feel like a regular acoustic, so its Synthetic/43mm reasonably buxom ‘C’-profile neck, FINGERBOARD: about 21mm (first fret) to 23.5mm Rosewood, unbound with pearl snowflake markers, (10th fret) deep, is par for the course. 432mm (17-inch) radius Combined with a manageable width, FRETS: 24, medium this delivers a non-specialised BRIDGE/SPACING: familiarity that’s reminiscent of Rosewood/54mm ELECTRICS: Piezo-type Avalon’s Silver Series (Oct 2003/ hexaphonic saddle Sept 2004) neck dimensions. pickup into patented The fingerboard is given a lightly onboard Variax DSP sealed, dry silk finish that offers modelling ‘nerve centre’/preamp. Controls ‘talcum powder’ lubrication, but as we include multi-function mentioned earlier the fret ends are not 16-way rotary model as snag-free as they could be. The simple control panel is Variax selector/push-button Acoustic has Solidbody construction makes it knob, volume, purposely lacking in defined both a regular compressor, modelled simpler to achieve ideal neck markings since the three jack socket mic position, instant alignment and a uniform fingerboard, and a digital alternate tuning switch, so we have no problems here. Fret I/0 for Vetta II preset alternate tunings sliders control a number of connection height looks very even, too, end to end. select, individual string or functions ‘capo’ pitch (custom The result is a consistent, positive and tunings) and custom effortless action, that makes these settings ‘save’ function. standard-issue light-gauge bronze A quick press of the selector knob Power via 6 x AA batteries strings seem unusually easy-going. and the red LED lets you know you’ve (10-12 hours approx), 1 x PP3 (1-2 hours – Also, you can adjust the 12th fret string engaged alternate tuning mode. If Line emergency power) or height via the saddle screws, which 6’s tuning choice is inappropriate you phantom supply from XPS means you can do a complete action enter alternate tuning set-up mode (a A/B footswitch/DI box set-up yourself. quick double press leading to a flashing (included) through TRS/stereo lead Intonation is, unsurprisingly, as near red-green-red-green LED) where you (included). Guitar outputs as damn-it to perfect at the 12th, which can pick from the library of preset – regular 6.4mm jack and is a relief with all these frets, an open tunings (see boxout). It is assumed you digital I/O for Vetta II amp cutaway and the electric style low- will tune the Variax Acoustic to connection. XPS A/B footswitch/DI box profile heel to tempt you ‘up there’. standard tuning to begin with, or else (external power supply Acoustic players may balk at the presets go a little pear-shaped. In this included) toggles between weight of this guitar, but once you’ve mode the compressor and mic position shamisen you cannot use alternate unbalanced 6.4mm jack stood up and pranced around with it sliders function differently. When tunings, but you do get logical and balanced XLR outputs for a bit, the slim body advantages farthest from the knob the compressor manipulation of these models. For WEIGHT (kg/lb): 3/6.6 make a persuasive argument. slider selects preset tunings mode, in example, with the 12-strings you can LEFT-HANDERS: Not yet which case the mic position slider acts vary the relative pitch of the string OPTIONS: Spruce top Special Features as preset tuning selector. Moving the pairs to get some chorusy phasing or versions planned for later in year The main rotary selector is illuminated compressor slider towards the knob choose for only the high octave strings FINISHES: Natural gloss with a green LED in basic play mode engages custom tuning mode and to sound (like Nashville tuning). body and neck (as (see boxout for model listing). In this selects each separate string in turn Alternate tunings, compressor reviewed) or black mode the three sliders govern until the final position when the ‘capo’ levels and mic positions can all be Line 6 UK 01788 821600 compression, volume and mic position. setting selects all strings saved to the particular model you www.line6.com Compression is a tricky concept, but simultaneously. The Variax’s pitch selected to edit, and you can even save the Variax simplifies it to a single ‘more modelling allows you to drop each alternate tuning mode as the default or less’ decision. Sophisticated string down an octave (12 semitones/ for that model. microphone modelling allows you to half-steps) or raise it by a fifth (seven You’ll note the lack of any EQ, which adjust (in the digital domain) semitones/half-steps). Pitch control is Line 6 considers unnecessary. microphone placement relative to the served by the mic position slider here. Personally, this reviewer thinks an modelled instrument’s soundhole. This For the two 12-string guitars, the onboard tuner would be the next is your only control over tone. mandola, the sitar and the Japanese generation’s most useful addition. ➛

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LINE 6 VARIAX ACOUSTIC 700 £899 ACOUSTIC MODELLING GUITAR CD TRACKS 2 & 3

The slimline mahogany body feels quite agreeable once you’re used to it

The Variax With a built-in alternate tunings library, you may Acoustic catwalk not need these as much ■ Here’s the Variax Acoustic 700’s list of as you think models, along with the drool-some source instruments Line 6 referenced to create them…

‘PARLOR’ 1941 Martin 5-17 ‘TRIPLE 0’ 1946 Martin 000-28 ‘DREAD’ 1960 Martin D-21 ‘JUMBO’ 1954 Gibson J-45 ‘C & W’ 1951 Gibson SJ-200 The Line 6 XPS footswitch is ‘GYPSY’ 1933 Selmer included with Maccaferri the guitar ‘JAZZ’ 1951 D’Angelico New Yorker ‘NYLON’ 958 Manuel Velazquez ‘FOLK 12’ 1973 Guild F412 The sounds are just there and usable straightaway, the basic ‘BLUES 12’ 1935 Stella Auditorium controls are simple, the alternate tunings feature is intuitive ‘RND NECK’ 1939 National and mastered in minutes Reso-Phonic Style “O” ‘SQUARE NECK’ 1937 Dobro Model 27 Hence, when you move on to ‘Gypsy’, When you’re using an alternate ‘BANJO’ Gibson Mastertone ‘Jazz’, ‘Banjo’, ‘Sitar’ (excellent fun), or tuning you really want to be drowning ‘MANDOLA’ Mandola even ‘Shamisen’, you appreciate the out any acoustic sound coming from ‘SHAMISEN’ Japanese Shamisen complete personality change, even if the Variax or the dissonance will do ‘SITAR’ Indian Sitar you don’t know what to do with them… your head in. Also, you’ll find that note yet! Both the atmospherically lo-fi tracking is fractionally slower on a Selmer Maccaferri-based ‘Gypsy’ and digitally de-tuned string, and the lower ■ And here are the preset alternate Gibson Mastertone-based ‘Banjo’ are you tune the more the model character tunings you have at your fingertips… particularly impressive, capturing the gets blurred. E & A OCTAVE DOWN real spirit of the source instrument, DROP D DADGBE although actual users of these Verdict DADGAD instruments may be more critical. One of the Variax’s huge pluses is its HIGH G GBDGBD The resonator models capture the immediate plug in and play ease of use LOW G DGDGBD essence of the instruments in question, – the sounds are just there and usable OPEN D DADF#AD but the idiosyncrasies are missing, straightaway, the basic controls are while ‘Nylon’ is a bit unconvincing. simple, the alternate tunings feature is OPEN A EAEAC#E Both the 12-strings and ‘Mandola’ intuitive and mastered in minutes. On OPEN E EBEG#BE highlight the technical difficulties that one level Fishman’s nifty new Aura arise when modelling instruments with pedal does offer your existing electro ➛ SOUNDS: To this reviewer’s ears the string-pairs, and the results are still a an edge with its more lifelike acoustic ‘Triple 0’ is the most convincing of the little synthetic. ambience, but that is a relatively tricky six-string models, with a core tone Inevitably, some of the characterful set-up concentrating purely on the that’s superbly workable and if occasionally perplexing quirks sound quality issue; plus, at gigging considerably more satisfying than any associated with such acoustic volumes, the solidbody Variax Acoustic existing acoustic pickup system alone instruments are somewhat ironed-out is bound to behave better. Inevitably, could hope to provide. The mic and homogenised during the digital, it’s the Variax’s choice and features position control allows a welcome and algorithmic re-assembly processing. that give it the edge, and not only is it useful variety of warmth, tonal colour So, while each model tone is unique as a one-stop cure for many and percussive elements. For a more commendably balanced, positive and acoustic players’ woes, but it offers by biting, meaty sound the ‘Dread’ comes consistent over its entire response far the best value way of achieving this in a characterful second best, but it has range, delivering a predictable specific solution. to be said that some of the other six- performance, even at very high strings sound a bit like variations on volumes, there’s a slightly unrealistic Line 6 Variax Acoustic 700 the ‘Triple 0’, just with different EQ. dynamic smoothness. RATING

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LINE 6 VARIAX ACOUSTIC 700 £899 ACOUSTIC MODELLING GUITAR CD TRACKS 2 & 3 More acoustic modelling Although Variax remains the only acoustic modelling guitar, we’re seeing more and more products that use some kind of acoustic modelling, or similar technology, to ‘improve’ your basic piezo or magnetic electro-acoustic tone. Here’s a brief overview by Chris Vinnicombe

ALSO CHECK… Roland VG-88 Fishman Aura We’ve not reviewed BOSS’s AD-8 Acoustic PRICE: £899 PRICE: £399 Guitar Processor (£279) TYPE: Virtual guitar and amp modeller plus TYPE: Digital acoustic instrument processor but our tech team has synth and digital effects pedal – ‘Acoustic Imaging Blender’ heard an excellent demo. The AD-8 uses COSM Back in September 2000, we reviewed As reviewed in issue 251, Fishman’s Acoustic Modelling to, the Roland VG-88 Virtual Guitar new Aura processor provides a slightly “transform piezo- System. Rather than being a specific different take on modelling technology, equipped guitars into six high-end acoustics.” acoustic instrument modelling system, focussing instead upon taking the Body and String Enhance the VG-88 incorporates Roland’s COSM sound of your acoustic’s piezo or help to create what BOSS technology to model a whole library of magnetic pickup and employing believes are, “warm, guitars, effects and amplifiers to great sophisticated digital processing in mic’d acoustic sounds.” Other features include effect – including both steel and nylon- order to simulate the effects of a four-band EQ and reverb, strung acoustic models and the option carefully positioned studio-quality onboard tuner with mute to change the size and type of the microphone. The main advantage to function, anti-feedback synthesised acoustic body. Although this approach is that you can get close control, four preset memory locations and this is easily the most expensive option to the mic’d acoustic tone of your own balanced XLR outputs to here, don’t forget that acoustic instrument, in whatever environment allow direct connection to modelling is just a small part of an that you decide to play. We said at the a PA. incredible array of sonic options that time: “that buzzy, ‘close-up’ piezo Roland UK 01792 702701 the VG-88 offers, with the added pickup character is eradicated, www.roland.co.uk advantage that there is no need for replaced with a natural airy sparkle onstage guitar-swapping. and a three-dimensional sense of size and space.” WE LIKED Everything! No tracking delay and the majority of sounds retain playing dynamics WE LIKED Extremely lifelike mic’d-up acoustic and expression sounds, upgradeability and solid construction WE DISLIKED Requires the GK2A pickup to WE DISLIKED No MIDI adaptor cable, lack of get the most out of the unit; minor glitching on knobs for more intuitive editing some real-time parameter changes FCN 01892 603730 Roland UK 01792 702701 www.fishmanaura.com www.roland.co.uk Yamaha AG Stomp Korg AX10A

PRICE: £399 PRICE: £99 TYPE: Acoustic guitar preamp pedal with stereo TYPE: Multi-effects processor for the digital effects and mic modelling acoustic guitar Reviewed in issue 219, Yamaha’s AG Korg’s brand new AX10A follows on Stomp takes the successful formula of from their cost-effective electric guitar their modelling pedals and applies it to and bass modelling pedals which we the particular needs of acoustic reviewed back in issue 250. The AX10A guitarists. The AG Stomp features uses Korg’s highly-regarded REMS microphone modelling technology and modelling technology to approximate although microphone models are more the tones of a variety of classic generic than the Acoustic Sound acoustic guitars and features mic Images used on Fishman’s Aura, we modelling as well, although this is were again impressed by the way that limited in comparison to the Fishman the AG Stomp managed to breathe life and Yamaha units. and natural ambience into a basic piezo However, if you are looking for a low- tone: “Twisting the blend control cost way to liven up an acoustic signal between direct and full microphone for live or studio use then this could be simulation, you can hear claustrophobic an ideal first port of call. It would piezo buzz give way to a truly three- particularly be a good place to start for dimensional sense of space.” less-experienced players.

WE LIKED Emphasis on the essential acoustic WE LIKED Easy to use and ideal for multi- requirements and totally credible, effective mic effects virgins simulations WE DISLIKED Slightly unsophisticated WE DISLIKED Lack of input gain control sonic options

Yamaha 01908 366700 Korg UK 01908 857100 www.yamaha-music.co.uk www.korg.co.uk

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