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Line 6 Variax 300 Acoustic Steel Modelling Guitar

 

Review of the Line 6 Variax 300 Acoustic Modeller by The Man in the Jar 

As an enthusiastic user of Line 6 electric guitar modelling and Line 6 amplifier modelling, I was keen to discover how the acoustic machine did its magic.

Unlike its older and more expensive sister, the Variax 700 Acoustic, the 300 does not offer a long list of modelled guitars. Instead it takes a smaller-bodied acoustic (a 1967 Martin O-18) and a larger-bodied acoustic (a 1954 Gibson J-45) and sticks the model of each on either end scaled control knob. Points on the scale between these two references produce different hybrids of the altered relative body size.

Features of the Line 6 Variax 300 Acoustic  

Tuners - Sealed mini-tuners with small knobs that work very well.

Headstock - Simple three-a-side paddle with the rather utilitarian Line 6 logo inlaid in pearloid.

Nut - The white plastic nut abuts the fretboard and is tidily finished.

Neck - Although the Variax 300 looks like a conventional acoustic guitar, it is in reality simply a string platform for modelling technology and only takes on the appearance of an acoustic instrument for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. Consequently the neck is a bolt-on affair and because this design is inherently stronger than normal acoustic guitar construction, there is no need for a normal acoustic heel. The neck itself is mahogany and has a sleek and slim profile not unlike an electric guitar neck.

Fretboard - The medium-dark rosewood fretboard has traditional dot markers in pearloid. There are 20 frets and the access to the higher frets is good. 

Frets - The fretwire is thin with a rounded profile, giving the instrument an "authentic" acoustic feel.

Action - Due to the more predictable machining of the bolt-on construction a quite low action is delivered straight out of the carton. It's possible that adjusting the action at the bridge is not an option due to the placement of the piezo pickup directly under the saddle.

Body - As already mentioned, cosmetically the Variax looks like an acoustic guitar but it is simply a slab body of about the same thickness as a Telecaster. The mahogany back has been routed out providing an acoustic chamber to lighten the natural sound and a spruce top caps the body. The "soundhole" is completely cosmetic, it's simply a two-inch depression in the body which is painted black to give the impression of a real soundhole.   

Bridge - The simple rosewood bridge has a slotted tailpiece which dispenses with the need for bridge-pins (which would in any event be inappropriate for the construction methods employed on the body). The white plastic saddle is compensated at the second string for better intonation.

Pickup - The magic Variax modelling gizmo is fed by a piezo pickup located under the bridge saddle.

Controls - Set in a panel on the top edge, the main controls are covered by two knobs and three sliders. The first knob is a Volume control which is very straightforward. The other knob is about as complex as knobs get. It is labelled "Body" and changes the virtual body size of the modelled sound produced.
The first two sliders are quite conventional, controlling the levels of Reverb and Compression. The third slider is labelled Mic and essentially doles out a second helping of Line 6 modelling magic. The slider moves a virtual microphone around in front of your virtual soundhole. Naturally the modelling of the original guitars was done using a microphone, so it has been possible to programme in the effect that moving that microphone had on the overall sound. Move the slider up towards the headstock and the virtual mic moves in the same direction, away from the soundhole, and so delivers a thinner more middle-orientated sound. Move it back towards the bridge and the virtual microphone delivers a more resonant and full sound from in front of the soundhole.
Lastly on the control panel is a chromatic tuner and a button for saving up to ten of your personal favourite mic and body settings.       

Strap-buttons - Two medium strap buttons, one on the bottom of the body and one on the back in the middle of the neck retainer screws.

Output Jack - On the lower edge set in a square plastic plate.

Finish - There's not a great deal to go wrong here and consequently the guitar is finished very well throughout.

Accessories - Line 6 supply the lead, converter and power supply required to supply the guitar with phantom power. Otherwise you can choose to use batteries.

 

Sound of the Line 6 Variax 300 Acoustic Steel Modelling Guitar

The Variax 300 provides an amplified acoustic solution that must surely spell the beginning of the end for conventional electro-acoustic compromises. The only thing it won't do is perform unplugged and un-amplified. The body knob sweeps from one utterly convincing acoustic sound to another bigger, more resonant yet still utterly convincing acoustic sound and gives you the luxury of a stop at all points in between. All but the most annoying Prima Donna will find an acoustic sound to fit their particular bill in amongst all the possibilities available. Just find one you like, tweak it with mic placement, reverb and compression, then save it to memory. Do that nine more times and you've got ten acoustic guitars ready for recording or stage use.  

 

Overall Impressions of the Variax 300 Acoustic Steel

The Variax 300 Acoustic Steel Modeller is a must-have affordable solution for recording studios of all sizes. It is also the perfect tool for the gigging acoustic player who is tired of reinventing the wheel with every set-up at every new venue. It is not necessarily an instrument that would suit the occasional player who wants an acoustic because structurally it is an electric guitar and always requires amplification. But if gigging or recording acoustic guitars makes up a big part of your day you'll want to get yourself acquainted with the Variax 300 right now  

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