I really want Yamaha to be more supportive of the Variax, especiallywith its integration with the Helix. A new bass with the rechargable battery, and improved versions of the Variax acoustics too.
Best demonstration of this bass guitar's capabilities ever! Line 6 should have hired you when these were released 8 years ago to show the world of what it would do to sell these things. Unbelievable that the Variax 700 Bass did not go over very well and Line 6 stopped production shortly after it began production. They are now turning out to be rare and hard to find. And usually if you can find one it is half of what he price point originally was on the market.
Looks like my volume knob is shoddy. I can’t switch from “red” to “green”. Like maybe it was repaired because there isn’t enough space to switch between models
This is a fantastic demo, and one of the best demos I've seen of this instrument. Major props for trying to play famous lines in the style of some of the more well-known recordings of those respective instruments. It really helps! Of the models I'm actually familiar with, the sound was surprisingly close, much closer than I expected. A couple might actually sound better (I'm looking at you, Hofner). Well done, sir.
GREAT demo! What really knocked me out besides the prowess of the demonstrator are the Kay upright sounds! Damn! I got to have me one of these thangs ASAP before I die -- which could be any day now 'cause I'm old as Will Lee. He's got one of these things and he'll outlive us all.
Wow, fantastic. Great playing, bro, and well executed use of the instrument! I've been playing professionally for over 35 years and have used a few of these you've demo'd, but I'm thinking I need one of these....as was stated here by others, you should do the product demos for them!
I just discovered this and really enjoyed your demo! I’ve got 2 different models of their guitars and wanted a bass, but haven’t found a reasonable example locally that I could play before buying… haven’t even played one yet! Only seen a few on eBay, and I’m really not comfortable buying something like this there at those prices. I’m hoping someday they come out with a new version. I can’t understand why they stopped making the old one unless there were bugs, but you ripped on that one - well done!!! 👍
Great playing and it's so cool that you chose bass lines that reflected the instrument on which they were originally played. I had one on loan as well in '02. Having owned several of the basses that the models were based on along the way, I thought the models were pretty darn good. I can't say that I was in love with the instrument its self and the fact that there wasn't a five string available was a deal breaker for me.
GREAT demo and run-through of the myriad tones while playing in a style that truly represents the various options. Kudos! Based on this video, I am seriously considering picking up a used one I found on craigslist ... for $400!
1st of all, I commend you on this vid. You did a great job on this demo, so much so that i've got to have one of these basses. Keep it low, keep it true, but by all means, keep it bass!
It does look like a lot of fun, though obviously it has its limitations. It seems like a great tool, though I'm not sure I would gig with one. I like your hand motions while playing the harmonics on the 8-string. Great playing!
Hi there I have same variax line 6 bass like your. May I ask you some question need help please? I just plug my bass to amp and after few seconds bass guitar will switch off itself 🤔. I checked the batterie 👍🏼 it’s ok. Just unplug cable and put it back few seconds working and after that switch off itself again 🤔. If you know what’s Up please any help welcome 🙏 thanks
Could Line 6 / Yamaha manufacture a modeling bass with hardware electronics a la the recent JTV and Standard editions? Also, how about somehow simulating a fretless fingerboard? The simulated upright is cool, but it’s tempered!
Seeing as that 6 of the 24 voicings are Fender, I think I am good with my Fender Aerodyne. However, I would love to play this bass if only for the Rickenbackers, 12-string bass, and Kay upright.
I'm also surprised that the bass models have synths in them. It proves that as Roland put their GR series to compete against modeling, Line 6 could obviously do the same and put synthesis into their Variax guitars if they wanted to.
I wish I had purchased a 4 & 5 while they were being clearanced and transfered the Variax circuit into a quality parts bass like a Warmoth Jazz. I've seen guitarists who did the same with the original guitar versions, added things like Piezo & 13-Pin Synth Bridges and Sustainer pickup/drivers and ended up with the Ultimate Live Guitar - all of the Virtual Instruments, REAL pickups, Piezos for acoustic & synth-triggering, and Sustainer effects. This in a "real" Jazz Bass? A Bag of Win.
I have one it's not a midi bass so there are none of those issues it uses piezo pickups in the bridge and it is fantastic remember this just going to a computer no amp hooked to my rig takes it to another level
Nice demo pertybass- but you are a bloody good bassist: you are tweaking the controls appropriately and your playing style suits each tone perfectly. I suppose the synth sounds might save me from having to get good on a keyboard. Dunno how good it'd sound with a plodder and the big question is "Who needs this ?" Maybe a covers band?
Hey dude, what amp did you use for this demo. I jist bought my variax 700 and I cannot achieve this kind of tone. Not sure if there is an issue on the piezo. TIA!
+Pertybass thank you I was just getting ready to ask... sooo this bas can emulate tons of different basses?!?!? amazing! I've seen these and a few line 6 guitars and my god are they expensive
A local music store is selling a 705 the 5 string version for $1000 I can’t find one online to compare pricing what are they going for $$ now days? Does anyone know. You sure make it sound amazing 🔥
Hi, Good Review I have few question: I have bought myself a variax 705 bass but I noticed that H8 and B12A have a very low volume. Is it should be like that or it's an issue? Is there any way to make it louder? How you manage to make it sound so good? Thanks.
Many of those sounds were completely unnatural for me, but a couple (the alembic) in particular were good. I can't, however, comment on how I think it would sound in a full band recording setting - I bet after mix and master you can't tell the difference
Feelthebass Must be the action or intonation. I suggest taking it to a music store and asking for a set-up, they will charge for it but not too much (Usually £35 in my local Dawsons store)
Question.., were you getting all those different tones through the Line 6 Bass Pod XT Live? Or does this bass stand alone w/o the pedal board? Thanks. Great demo BTW!
geezus, the moment roundabout came on, i got so confused by the tone haha... such a rick-esque sound outta your axe man, right on (also, playing yyz on the stein tone was priceless)
Hi. I'm still looking into the Variax. I would like to know about the accessories necessary to get most out of the bass. Are you plugged in with a standard 1/4 cable? What about the power pack and the battery situation? Information seems kind of hard to find on the bass's cables necessary to get the sounds right.Any help would be greatly appreciated. You're a really good player. I really like listening to the demo.
Nice vid. The pitch shifting on the guitars seems a lot better fitted than on the bass, and even the new JTV models are seem to have even better pitch shifting. 99% of the time pitch shifting will sound fake anyways, other than that that's a pretty neat bass.
Nice demo!! I just bought one of these last week. I was wondering if you might know what strings are on the one you're playing? If sure sounds great. Thanks!!
Great video, very impressive tones coming from 1 single bass. I was reading the comments about how expensive this bass is and comparatively, it's really not terribly expensive for a used one, they list for around $700 ... Anyway, killer video highlighting the tonal variations this bass can put out. I was wondering, do you have a website or do you only post videos to TH-cam?
Do you know the history of that bass design? I think Fender releaseda a bass called Fender Jazz bass 5 which looked like that, had 5 strings, but not a low b, but a high c. I think the guitar was a shortscale and only had 15 frets, and failed miserably.-
I bought one of this, cos of your video bro :D I actually play guitar (got a JTV-59 Variax) so this is the perfect match for it :D Just one question, how are you recording? Are you using any pedals or amp? Or dry straight to the usb?
still watching this in 2024 and the urge to get one has increased, will keep any intrested updated!
Amazing, thank you
I have a black 700 in excellent condition if interested.
I hope Line 6 will make a new version of this bass.
I really want Yamaha to be more supportive of the Variax, especiallywith its integration with the Helix. A new bass with the rechargable battery, and improved versions of the Variax acoustics too.
13 minutes of pure enjoyment ! Man, you sure play some great bass !! Rock on \m/
Best demonstration of this bass guitar's capabilities ever! Line 6 should have hired you when these were released 8 years ago to show the world of what it would do to sell these things. Unbelievable that the Variax 700 Bass did not go over very well and Line 6 stopped production shortly after it began production. They are now turning out to be rare and hard to find. And usually if you can find one it is half of what he price point originally was on the market.
Nice, but looking for something a bit more versatile.
+Xavier Bylinowski trust me, I already have enough basses....
:-D
Is 24 basses not enough?
LOL!!
lol
Roundabout..! The bass itself and your playing both are very exquisite and mind-blowing!
Man, now i have a variax because i watched this video. You are a fantastic bassist with a great groove.
God bless you always.
Thanks !!!!
Looks like my volume knob is shoddy. I can’t switch from “red” to “green”. Like maybe it was repaired because there isn’t enough space to switch between models
@@0713dm this is a common problem and if you're willing to have a switch on your PickGuard you can use that instead of pushing the volume
Pal,
you're a hell of a player.
Thanks
+Johnny Booth
Thank you!
This is a fantastic demo, and one of the best demos I've seen of this instrument. Major props for trying to play famous lines in the style of some of the more well-known recordings of those respective instruments. It really helps! Of the models I'm actually familiar with, the sound was surprisingly close, much closer than I expected. A couple might actually sound better (I'm looking at you, Hofner). Well done, sir.
These basses sound better than I would have thought. That is pretty impressive.
I bought one of these off ebay after seeing this video a year ago, super pleased with it!
Its a shame they don't make them anymore... According all the basses I "help" to sell, I could have been their presenter.
SAME HERE!
(I got 2 via ebay)
Totally Awesome!!!!!..Great Hand Bass Player!!....Nice Complete Demonstration of the Line 6 Variax Bass!!
Thanks!
GREAT demo! What really knocked me out besides the prowess of the demonstrator are the Kay upright sounds! Damn! I got to have me one of these thangs ASAP before I die -- which could be any day now 'cause I'm old as Will Lee. He's got one of these things and he'll outlive us all.
Damn you got some sick style, awesome articulation.
Absolutely extraordinary playing. Mind blowing talent !!!!!
Thanks!!!
goodness that was impressive, good job sir!
Amazing electronic so perfect for versatile, all character on one bass, put 24fret 32scale, 2 output
Its a shame line 6 abandoned the virtual bass,so glad I bought mine when I did
Wow, fantastic. Great playing, bro, and well executed use of the instrument! I've been playing professionally for over 35 years and have used a few of these you've demo'd, but I'm thinking I need one of these....as was stated here by others, you should do the product demos for them!
Best demo I've seen for the variax bass. Thank you very much
Wow, thanks!
I just discovered this and really enjoyed your demo! I’ve got 2 different models of their guitars and wanted a bass, but haven’t found a reasonable example locally that I could play before buying… haven’t even played one yet! Only seen a few on eBay, and I’m really not comfortable buying something like this there at those prices. I’m hoping someday they come out with a new version. I can’t understand why they stopped making the old one unless there were bugs, but you ripped on that one - well done!!! 👍
Thank you, good luck! BTW, the was not my bass...
Great playing and it's so cool that you chose bass lines that reflected the instrument on which they were originally played. I had one on loan as well in '02. Having owned several of the basses that the models were based on along the way, I thought the models were pretty darn good. I can't say that I was in love with the instrument its self and the fact that there wasn't a five string available was a deal breaker for me.
GREAT demo and run-through of the myriad tones while playing in a style that truly represents the various options. Kudos!
Based on this video, I am seriously considering picking up a used one I found on craigslist ... for $400!
Some great tones there and have to say some very accomplished playing. Really enjoyed that.
Thanks for listening
Legal a sua demostração, tenho um variax Bass e amo.
Nice bass
@@pertybass o senhor é um excelente músico.
Both bassist and bass are just sick! Amazing playing and tones! :)
Thanks man
You Sir are an awesome musician. Shalom, God Bless
Thanks a lot
Amazing playing on an amazing instrument
Well done. Just bought one and am learning how to use it. So far, so good. WELL done!
Brilliant demo of a really interesting bass. I had no idea they'd gotten it so good. Seriously bad ass and some top notch playing!
Ok, many thanks for getting back.
Thanks for the demo and the bass LESSON.
Hey never mind the bass, that's some nice playing dude!
Thanks for a no-nonsense, no blah blah blah demo.
I really liked the upright settings
Interesting bass. Thanks for the demo.
Great playing and great sounds.
1st of all, I commend you on this vid. You did a great job on this demo, so much so that i've got to have one of these basses. Keep it low, keep it true, but by all means, keep it bass!
Forget the bass, your playing is on point!
Nice demo! I followed the link front the Gary Sinise post on FB.
Thanks, I didn't see any post of him with that bass
Talk about a bass LESSON. ..Wow.
Thank you.
Really nice chops. I love how the Variax bass sounds. So many PURISTS I know stick their nose in the air when they hear Variax. Not me.
Thanks
you play insanely great man....
Great video demo!
I watched this video 20 times decided if i want one... and i caved in and I just got one thanks man!
I’m having trouble accessing all of the models (switching from “green” to “red”) and using the save feature. Can anyone explain?
Sorry, it wasn't my bass...
Damn nice bass!!! Some great playing too bro. Keep thumpin' it!!!
You are an incredible bass player. Your pick technique needs some work, but fuck it, your fingerstyle and slapping is fantastic.
Excellent playing!
Last two chords really reminded me of the last two chords of chopin's prelude in e minor.
Great demo! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
It does look like a lot of fun, though obviously it has its limitations. It seems like a great tool, though I'm not sure I would gig with one. I like your hand motions while playing the harmonics on the 8-string. Great playing!
Stanley Clarke and his famous School days also! And I totally agree, killer playing man, great demo.
In the bridge. It's a piazo pickup...
Hi there I have same variax line 6 bass like your.
May I ask you some question need help please?
I just plug my bass to amp and after few seconds bass guitar will switch off itself 🤔.
I checked the batterie 👍🏼 it’s ok.
Just unplug cable and put it back few seconds working and after that switch off itself again 🤔.
If you know what’s Up please any help welcome 🙏 thanks
Thanks but the bass wasn't mine to begin with. I took it only for the video
Could Line 6 / Yamaha manufacture a modeling bass with hardware electronics a la the recent JTV and Standard editions? Also, how about somehow simulating a fretless fingerboard? The simulated upright is cool, but it’s tempered!
Dude, amazing playing. Excelent demo!
Thanks! Fun bass!
i always wondered if the it matters on this bass if the strings a new or old, since the pickups are piezos and processed
Thomas Weishäupl Piezo pickups are affected by string freshness. They vibrate differently
aahh well... makes sense ^^
Seeing as that 6 of the 24 voicings are Fender, I think I am good with my Fender Aerodyne. However, I would love to play this bass if only for the Rickenbackers, 12-string bass, and Kay upright.
Thanks
EXCELLENT VIDEO.
I'm also surprised that the bass models have synths in them. It proves that as Roland put their GR series to compete against modeling, Line 6 could obviously do the same and put synthesis into their Variax guitars if they wanted to.
loved it thanks 9:10 - 1994 Hamer B12A (12 Strings)
Thanks
I wish I had purchased a 4 & 5 while they were being clearanced and transfered the Variax circuit into a quality parts bass like a Warmoth Jazz. I've seen guitarists who did the same with the original guitar versions, added things like Piezo & 13-Pin Synth Bridges and Sustainer pickup/drivers and ended up with the Ultimate Live Guitar - all of the Virtual Instruments, REAL pickups, Piezos for acoustic & synth-triggering, and Sustainer effects. This in a "real" Jazz Bass? A Bag of Win.
One of the best Variax 700 demonstrations I've ever seen. Nice!
I have one it's not a midi bass so there are none of those issues it uses piezo pickups in the bridge and it is fantastic remember this just going to a computer no amp hooked to my rig takes it to another level
Nice demo pertybass- but you are a bloody good bassist: you are tweaking the controls appropriately and your playing style suits each tone perfectly. I suppose the synth sounds might save me from having to get good on a keyboard. Dunno how good it'd sound with a plodder and the big question is "Who needs this ?" Maybe a covers band?
Mad bass skills, dude! Oh, yeah, nice bass, too.
Hey dude, what amp did you use for this demo. I jist bought my variax 700 and I cannot achieve this kind of tone. Not sure if there is an issue on the piezo. TIA!
No amp at all, only the bass thru the interface. These basses are old and have a lot of electronic issues
It's a piazo pickup. Its on the bridge.
+Pertybass thank you I was just getting ready to ask... sooo this bas can emulate tons of different basses?!?!? amazing! I've seen these and a few line 6 guitars and my god are they expensive
Tasty and tight playing, sir.
I am also buying because of your video man! Hope you'll be sponsored or hired by that brand! Great Playing! Thanks!
I just found one on Reverb!!🤩
Couldn't pass it up 😬
This bass seems AMAZING!!😘
More versatile than the Peavey T-40!🤔
Very nice!
Sweet demo never heard of this bass
I love the reflection of the camera on the pickguard :-D
A local music store is selling a 705 the 5 string version for $1000 I can’t find one online to compare pricing what are they going for $$ now days? Does anyone know. You sure make it sound amazing 🔥
Thanks, I have no idea how much these basses cost today.... good luck!
Hi, Good Review
I have few question:
I have bought myself a variax 705 bass but I noticed that H8 and B12A have a very low volume.
Is it should be like that or it's an issue?
Is there any way to make it louder?
How you manage to make it sound so good?
Thanks.
Thanks, I did this demo a long time ago and it wasn't my bass... sorry
Nice playing and probably good enough facsimilies for most sounds
If u can only own 1 bass this is definitely the bass to buy amazing playing by the way absolute beast of a bass
Thanks
I wonder if changing the strings to flats changes the tone??
🤷♀️
Many of those sounds were completely unnatural for me, but a couple (the alembic) in particular were good.
I can't, however, comment on how I think it would sound in a full band recording setting - I bet after mix and master you can't tell the difference
The rick sound is spot on! :D
Wooooow gorgeous playing 😍
Note that he stated that it's direct input. No bass amp sound which would color the tone of the models correctly.
I have one of these, but the D & G strings are lot quieter than the E & A, can you you tell me how I can get a balanced volume ?
Feelthebass Sorry, I no longer have this bass, can't help you with that... try ask Line 6
Feelthebass Must be the action or intonation. I suggest taking it to a music store and asking for a set-up, they will charge for it but not too much (Usually £35 in my local Dawsons store)
Question.., were you getting all those different tones through the Line 6 Bass Pod XT Live? Or does this bass stand alone w/o the pedal board? Thanks. Great demo BTW!
All the sounds are from the bass alone with no pedalboard
geezus, the moment roundabout came on, i got so confused by the tone haha... such a rick-esque sound outta your axe man, right on (also, playing yyz on the stein tone was priceless)
Hi. I'm still looking into the Variax. I would like to know about the accessories necessary to get most out of the bass. Are you plugged in with a standard 1/4 cable? What about the power pack and the battery situation? Information seems kind of hard to find on the bass's cables necessary to get the sounds right.Any help would be greatly appreciated. You're a really good player. I really like listening to the demo.
***** This was recorded with the power pack and the batteries were full. Thanks !!
It's a Piezo pickup
...and Jaco - how could I forget!
Nice vid. The pitch shifting on the guitars seems a lot better fitted than on the bass, and even the new JTV models are seem to have even better pitch shifting.
99% of the time pitch shifting will sound fake anyways, other than that that's a pretty neat bass.
3:41
Lmao
Hi, thanx for the video! I bought it! btw, what are the knobs?? they are cool! if already somebody asked you sorry!
I guess it depends on what you expect. The Rick model sounds very good to me.
I lol'd at 11:37. Btw, could you do an instructional on the double thumb tap thing. I tried but I think my thumb is stupid. :(
Nice demo!! I just bought one of these last week. I was wondering if you might know what strings are on the one you're playing? If sure sounds great. Thanks!!
Great video, very impressive tones coming from 1 single bass. I was reading the comments about how expensive this bass is and comparatively, it's really not terribly expensive for a used one, they list for around $700 ... Anyway, killer video highlighting the tonal variations this bass can put out. I was wondering, do you have a website or do you only post videos to TH-cam?
David Sutkin thanks David. I don’t have a website, I only post on TH-cam. I’m just an amateur bass player, this is not my day job.
do you still have it? does it still works fine?
It was never mine.... just took it for the demo
Do you know the history of that bass design? I think Fender releaseda a bass called Fender Jazz bass 5 which looked like that, had 5 strings, but not a low b, but a high c. I think the guitar was a shortscale and only had 15 frets, and failed miserably.-
The Ricken is pretty good. The Js and Ps are not bad. The Warwick Thumb doesn't sound anywhere close to the real thing.
I bought one of this, cos of your video bro :D I actually play guitar (got a JTV-59 Variax) so this is the perfect match for it :D Just one question, how are you recording? Are you using any pedals or amp? Or dry straight to the usb?