This is the only worthwhile review of the Shuriken Variax that I've ever seen or heard or read. This is the review you need to see/hear in order to determine if it's for you or not. This review shows how the various sounds sit in a mix, not just casually scrolling through sounds and lamenting how they don't quite sound like the real thing (which is not relevant in a mix).
Well, glad you think so. Not that I'd disagree. I just wouldn't have my head far enough up my own ass to think I'm the one qualified to tell people whether or not a review has a merit to it.
I started with the Variax JVT89-F, then the Shuriken, then the Standard. They are pretty awesome guitars. The guitar models are really close tom my Fender Strats/Tele & Gibson Les Pauls, also the acoustics sound great, especially with acoustic IRS! The tuning s and work bench takes these guitars to another level. Combined with the Helix and you are set,,, imo. Never thought I would stop using my friggin expensive Gibsons and Fenders, and tube amps but this technology is mind blowing. Plus I am not as worried about some sticky fingered weasel ripping off a Line6 variax compared to a Gibson Les Paul Custom! 8-)
Love to somehow incorporate the modeling tech in the Variax line into (something such as) the Traveler Guitar TravelCaster I just purchased, even though its reduced body size might be prohibitive. But then again, I’m not really a metalhead.
Hello mate, this video was instrumental in moving me to purchase my 2.0 Shuriken which arrived today with an Ebony board. Thank you. Ola's my pal too & I have two Solars & you're right about the stock. SM
Hey so, you can mute strings for the variax, but can you also split them to different outputs? So let's say EAD to one output in the Helix and GBE to another?
This thing has some really great features and seems to sound and work pretty good, but to my ears some of the sounds sound a bit dead, don't know if it's the guitar, something other in the gear or just my speakers.....
Kai Fischer yeah, the sitar sounded a little to harsh for me, especially. Overall a really cool piece of gear, yeah, but it's hard to set the right tone for all the stuff you will play in the studio or in a live situation, I guess. I mean different frequencies and different volumes and so on... If someone would give it to me for free, I would be happy af, but else i rather stick with what I'm familiar with and get step after step into other experiences. This one seems like a truckload of new experiences tho...
It’s the the variax. I have the same setup, it’s a totally different experience compared to a normal guitar and amp setup. Less sustain and latency, particularly if your going into daw software. Takes getting use to.
shatteredsquare Yup! The variax tech is actually all built into the bridge. So as long as you don't touch any of the wiring for that you should be good :)
Any comment on the inlays? I'm doing the same kind of inlays on my current semi custom guitar. I haven't seen them on a production model yet. Usually the inlays from 3-12 are under the lower strings. But I like to have them under the high strings, on the low strings, the side dots do the job.
Even though im not a fan of line 6 products... they always seem to dissappoint me, espcially their multi fx unit etc, but i find this guitar interesting.... obviously until i try i cant say whether i like it or not, but you have done a great job of reviewing this instrument based off of what it is and not what brand made it
I had a JTV-59, and loved it... mostly. It was an amazing guitar, as far as just guitars go. One of the best I've ever owned. I loved all the acoustic sounds, but I had a huge issue with the electric modelling using high gain. When you'd string mute and chug, you'd get this weird, "flubbing" sound. Like a hollow "thwomp". It was over powering and rendered it unusable. I noticed here slightly, but honestly, once it's in a mix, you can't hear it at all. I think with the 59, it came from the bridge type used, cause even tho you can hear it in the JTV-89 as well, it's not as bad. I'm 100% sold on getting a Shuriken, but since they're $2300CN (after tax), it'll be a while.
the shuriken variax doesn't have to be always metal or djent, it could be many variety of things than just "metal". I like to use for things like tuning each strings like D A E A E E or the sorts.
I like this guitar, but I've found the lack in hot pickups in the modulation to be a little frustrating. The 89 bridge seems to be the hottest tone for metal, but it's surprisingly lackluster compared to my ESP with an EMG 81 in the bridge. No comparison at all...Line 6 needs to update their pickup selection with some decent modern ones. They all sound dull for metal. Sucks
LOOOOVED my JTV59. The guitar itself, was the best guitar I've ever owned. Pissed I had to sell it to pay bills. :( My only issue, was with the modeling and high gain, it was... fwoompy... if that's a word, which it's not. I haven't heard any of those issues with the new models. I've very, very keen on getting a Shuriken.
I think this is extremely interesting tech and I'd love to play with it, but I think I'll wait until the technology has advanced a couple generations until I bite... Also none of the Variax guitars light my fire in terms of body shapes, necks, or finishes. The Shuriken is much closer, but plain black guitars are boring to me. Still very cool overall though.
Excuse me, but the. Helix is good, but the Firehawk is kicking it's "rump", because if you take that Variax; paired with an underdog such as a Firehawk, run it straight to a PA; you will have nice compatible "set up" that will keep you in The Arena, without costing "a arm & a leg". Just make "sense" 1st, before you go "Gankrupt". "My mom told me; it's best to Shop Around"!! 🗝
tallheadguy97 i find 8 and are the only comfortable tunings since Drop E and E Standard are logically the same when you look at the fretboard and treat the low E like the normal E 7s are what's fucking weird
Eric Sanchez it’s a delay in the time it takes for the sound of the guitar to get to your ears going through the electronics and coming out the speakers once the strings are hit.
Look. I don't understand the flack. When it comes to build quality, Yamaha aren't even bad so I don't get the hate. This thing is designed to be played in unison with a POD HD or Helix, not your normal stack. I want a strat Variax just for the stuff like alternate tunings and instruments at the tap of a switch.
I've been waiting for this, a video on this guitar that isn't shit and is actually amazingly well informed! You made this look just as good as it's supposed to be, thank you'
very nice technology and very beautiful body shape, other than that, it looks too much like something a 15 yo metalhead would like. I think some more colors are needed, at least.
Yeah but then it's rechargeable and you don't have to buy a fuck ton of batteries. It charges pretty quick and lasts a while, or you can power it with the network cable if you have a Helix
1337million , seems so. I love the idea and the video has my brain spinning with possibilities, yet, there's always a -but- yet, being that dependant on electronics gives me a little anxiety haha
It's a 27" inch scale, but it's tuned to standard. So it's the typical tuning of a normal scale guitar, but the scale length is typically used for baritone tuning!
This is the only worthwhile review of the Shuriken Variax that I've ever seen or heard or read. This is the review you need to see/hear in order to determine if it's for you or not. This review shows how the various sounds sit in a mix, not just casually scrolling through sounds and lamenting how they don't quite sound like the real thing (which is not relevant in a mix).
Well, glad you think so. Not that I'd disagree. I just wouldn't have my head far enough up my own ass to think I'm the one qualified to tell people whether or not a review has a merit to it.
This is pretty amazing, but it's something I 100% would feel overwhelmed with / too dumb to make use of haha. It'd keep me TOO busy.
It wasn't that hard to figure out, and I bet you'd make pretty good use of the Octave Down function haha
+Andrew Baena I see what you did there...
But how busy mate?
You'll be a busy little beaver.
This guitar is so ridiculously easy to use...
Make sure Glenn doesn't know
The sitar sold me. If they only added thunderstorm, as an instrument, it would have everything needed for power metal in one instrument.
Sitar sounded like fried assholes Looks like Line 6 included it just for names sake
Its meant to be a coral sitar guitar not an ACTUAL sitar, also the sitar in that song by The Darkness...is a variax.
Sounds just like a Coral sitar, so I guess coral sitars sound like ass.
Twelve Ninja are mental! Such a rad live show and refreshing innovative tunes
Jacob Clark i am awaiting for one of there albums.. Hope they throw one in the futur.. :/
This guy's been as busy as a cat burying shit on concrete...
Soiled Shorts excellent reference!lol
“Reading a Melways is like trying to read a f**kin tartan shirt”
Perfect ref
Well that IS pretty busy, isn't it?
That's quite busy!
This is the most badass demo for this guitar I've found yet. Thank you! (I just bought one, plus the Helix.)
What do you think about this guitar? I'm seriously thinking about saving to buy it instead of buying many guitars to have different tunings and sounds
yeah, would love to hear some feedback on the usability and convenience)
Sick playing dude
Congrats on being able to cut this video in one take. It's seamless.
😂😂😂
I started with the Variax JVT89-F, then the Shuriken, then the Standard. They are pretty awesome guitars. The guitar models are really close tom my Fender Strats/Tele & Gibson Les Pauls, also the acoustics sound great, especially with acoustic IRS! The tuning s and work bench takes these guitars to another level. Combined with the Helix and you are set,,, imo. Never thought I would stop using my friggin expensive Gibsons and Fenders, and tube amps but this technology is mind blowing. Plus I am not as worried about some sticky fingered weasel ripping off a Line6 variax compared to a Gibson Les Paul Custom! 8-)
People have complained about the standard model that Yamaha is manufacturing. You find nothing wrong with it yourself, Tony?
Love to somehow incorporate the modeling tech in the Variax line into (something such as) the Traveler Guitar TravelCaster I just purchased, even though its reduced body size might be prohibitive. But then again, I’m not really a metalhead.
Have had mine for a yr and love it. I run it through a helix floor to a firehawk 1500.
Hello mate, this video was instrumental in moving me to purchase my 2.0 Shuriken which arrived today with an Ebony board. Thank you. Ola's my pal too & I have two Solars & you're right about the stock. SM
The demo song is surprisingly technical :D Nice one, wanna more of this :D
So whats the difference between 27" and 25.5? Is there a sound difference in alt tunings?
wow! some amazing playing here, great job!
I miss the variax acoustic modeling. Jesus it sounds so good
Great playing man! Really good!
Stellar playing dude
Hey so, you can mute strings for the variax, but can you also split them to different outputs? So let's say EAD to one output in the Helix and GBE to another?
This thing has some really great features and seems to sound and work pretty good, but to my ears some of the sounds sound a bit dead, don't know if it's the guitar, something other in the gear or just my speakers.....
Kai Fischer yeah, the sitar sounded a little to harsh for me, especially. Overall a really cool piece of gear, yeah, but it's hard to set the right tone for all the stuff you will play in the studio or in a live situation, I guess. I mean different frequencies and different volumes and so on...
If someone would give it to me for free, I would be happy af, but else i rather stick with what I'm familiar with and get step after step into other experiences. This one seems like a truckload of new experiences tho...
It’s the the variax. I have the same setup, it’s a totally different experience compared to a normal guitar and amp setup. Less sustain and latency, particularly if your going into daw software. Takes getting use to.
Can you swap the magnetic pickups in a variax and still retain the modeling technology?
shatteredsquare Yup! The variax tech is actually all built into the bridge. So as long as you don't touch any of the wiring for that you should be good :)
Any comment on the inlays? I'm doing the same kind of inlays on my current semi custom guitar. I haven't seen them on a production model yet. Usually the inlays from 3-12 are under the lower strings. But I like to have them under the high strings, on the low strings, the side dots do the job.
The future is now old man
UNBELIEVABLE!🎸😲AND PLAYING 👍🏻
Even though im not a fan of line 6 products... they always seem to dissappoint me, espcially their multi fx unit etc, but i find this guitar interesting.... obviously until i try i cant say whether i like it or not, but you have done a great job of reviewing this instrument based off of what it is and not what brand made it
I had a JTV-59, and loved it... mostly. It was an amazing guitar, as far as just guitars go. One of the best I've ever owned. I loved all the acoustic sounds, but I had a huge issue with the electric modelling using high gain. When you'd string mute and chug, you'd get this weird, "flubbing" sound. Like a hollow "thwomp". It was over powering and rendered it unusable. I noticed here slightly, but honestly, once it's in a mix, you can't hear it at all. I think with the 59, it came from the bridge type used, cause even tho you can hear it in the JTV-89 as well, it's not as bad. I'm 100% sold on getting a Shuriken, but since they're $2300CN (after tax), it'll be a while.
You can swap the physical pickup?
Dude...tear that shit up!! Killer licks!!
Did you have any latency issues with the digital down tuning? Thats the only thing that bothers me about this. Otheriwse I would buy this in a second.
Is there any problems with palm muting on that piezo bridge while using modelled pickups?
I just like how the guitar looks..as far as everything else id rip it all out and put an emg or Fishman in it with normal wiring and a good pot or two
does it really work better with lower tunings that previous models?
Do you have Helix settings/scenes to share with your community? I'm newly subscribed. Thank you. SM
Nice set up. Is that your studio? Looks Nice. Thanks man.
wow thats a great review!
Is the fretboard black or brown on the shuriken?
Trey, you make shredding look so easy.
the shuriken variax doesn't have to be always metal or djent, it could be many variety of things than just "metal". I like to use for things like tuning each strings like D A E A E E or the sorts.
I know I'm late to the game, but can you customize your own tunings? I'm really considering buying this.
@@theshapeeternal_8388 with the Workbench HD desktop software that u connect 2 via interface, you can customise ANY tuning you want!
How does the patch change work with wireless connection. Does the variax still change guitar types?
there's isn't wireless functionality for helix > variax yet
How is the scale feel as far as long finger stretching?
What brand is your guitar strap? look so cool!!
awesome guitar work sir
Sorry --- is that the SR250 or 270?
You nailed it! love the sounds
sick playing!!!!
The tunings are a godsend!!!....would like to add a killswitch and a roland 55 synth to the helix......that would be interesting!!
you could program the blade switch on the shuriken to act as kill switch
I like this guitar, but I've found the lack in hot pickups in the modulation to be a little frustrating. The 89 bridge seems to be the hottest tone for metal, but it's surprisingly lackluster compared to my ESP with an EMG 81 in the bridge. No comparison at all...Line 6 needs to update their pickup selection with some decent modern ones. They all sound dull for metal. Sucks
Very cool and great playing!
LOOOOVED my JTV59. The guitar itself, was the best guitar I've ever owned. Pissed I had to sell it to pay bills. :( My only issue, was with the modeling and high gain, it was... fwoompy... if that's a word, which it's not. I haven't heard any of those issues with the new models. I've very, very keen on getting a Shuriken.
Where are you filming now trey? That room looks awesome
Thanks dawg, it's our studio. Just finished decking it out with treatment, gonna do a studio tour soon!
Please do! Tell us all about the treatment process too!
God damn you play some mean banjo son!
How do we get tabs to that intro song?
I have to get one of these!
I think this is extremely interesting tech and I'd love to play with it, but I think I'll wait until the technology has advanced a couple generations until I bite... Also none of the Variax guitars light my fire in terms of body shapes, necks, or finishes. The Shuriken is much closer, but plain black guitars are boring to me. Still very cool overall though.
awesome video sir
That's something right there. The variax has come a long way over the years
Your right hand technique reminds me of Michael Romeo, sick playing Trey.
Jorge Rojas Vargas I was thinking exactly the same...
Jorge Rojas Vargas and wes hauch
Excuse me, but the. Helix is good, but the Firehawk is kicking it's "rump", because if you take that Variax; paired with an underdog such as a Firehawk, run it straight to a PA; you will have nice compatible "set up" that will keep you in The Arena, without costing "a arm & a leg". Just make "sense" 1st, before you go "Gankrupt".
"My mom told me; it's best to Shop Around"!! 🗝
what's with all the "quotation marks"?
Is this the 27 or the 25.5 inches scale?
27
I'm just waiting for them to do a 7 string
tallheadguy97 I'm waiting on the 8 haha
Kinnzie Martin I have to limit my dreams
tallheadguy97 gotta reach for them drop tuned stars man! haha \m/
I favour the 8 string but i can deal with a 7. I can't deal with a 6 any more it feels so weird and i keep trying to play notes that aren't there
tallheadguy97 i find 8 and are the only comfortable tunings since Drop E and E Standard are logically the same when you look at the fretboard and treat the low E like the normal E
7s are what's fucking weird
Locking Tuners?
Cool guitar. Wish there was a non-baritone model though.
This song sounds straight off City of Evil lol
Awesome man I love my shuriken
Awesome song in the beginning :-)
are you in fluffs studio?
Nope, its my studio in Burbank, CA. 1008 Recording Studio.
I took a drink for every camera edit. RIP me.
I can see that Kemper in the back ;-)
Holy shit riffs
Sitar setting, instant Phrygian
I have the same setup. The latency bugs the shit out of me though.
Eric Sanchez it’s a delay in the time it takes for the sound of the guitar to get to your ears going through the electronics and coming out the speakers once the strings are hit.
Song was fucking dope, Trey!
Very nice!!!
Look. I don't understand the flack. When it comes to build quality, Yamaha aren't even bad so I don't get the hate. This thing is designed to be played in unison with a POD HD or Helix, not your normal stack. I want a strat Variax just for the stuff like alternate tunings and instruments at the tap of a switch.
This with boss katana! Oh i love ninjas!
Glenn must review this.
he wont, this thing is expensive
Have you been busy ?
I've been waiting for this, a video on this guitar that isn't shit and is actually amazingly well informed! You made this look just as good as it's supposed to be, thank you'
I wanna be a ninja.
Dat twang face ! 13:34 :)
0:55 - Oh hello, Mr Petrucci.
Black. As. Death. Haha, that got me
I love how much your jam sesh sounds like avenged lol
Man.. I wish i would have tryed this before i bought way to many 8 string guitar's
Dude release an album.
very nice technology and very beautiful body shape, other than that, it looks too much like something a 15 yo metalhead would like. I think some more colors are needed, at least.
Please explain the theory behind the jazz progression mate?
Great video as usual, Trey, but maybe cut back a little on the jump-cuts? I felt like I was having a seizure.
Sebastian Lacroix Jesus chrost yourenright. I didnt notice until you said something. Now He looks like Max Headrooms hipster step son.
Wat. Line 6 makes guitars?
Id be Yamaha i believe since Line 6 was bought out by them
Variax has been around for over a decade.
I just never knew it had the Line 6 name under it.
I really wish Line6 could fix that horrible palm muting issue,thats the deal breaker for me.
It's not a bug or anything, it's any Piezo pickup. It can't pick up the vibrations because you are literally muting them
does the song in the beginning of the video remind anyone else of Avenged Sevenfold?
Fucking of COURSE it uses a proprietary battery. A nice little shit cherry on top of what looked like a potentially decent sundae.
Yeah but then it's rechargeable and you don't have to buy a fuck ton of batteries. It charges pretty quick and lasts a while, or you can power it with the network cable if you have a Helix
I like
This guitar is Variax-iting! Ha.. ha ..a
Can it play metal? Shuriken
Can it play country?. Shuriken
How about Jazz? Shuriken
It's STEVIK! m'kay?
So it's basically a keyboard, but in a guitar
1337million , seems so. I love the idea and the video has my brain spinning with possibilities, yet, there's always a -but- yet, being that dependant on electronics gives me a little anxiety haha
More jumpcuts than genre changes in a 12ft song
You never said if it was good! 😭
stevic says its not a baritone
Brian Forrest I could say the sky is red, doesn't make it true
It's a 27" inch scale, but it's tuned to standard. So it's the typical tuning of a normal scale guitar, but the scale length is typically used for baritone tuning!