Line 6 Variax

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$620.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (5)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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1 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.0 (6)

$620.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $620

Standard/Professional

$599

$1000+

Price Tier

In the Digital Modeling Guitars category, Line 6 Variax is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Line 6 Variax, a groundbreaking fusion of digital innovation and classic guitar craftsmanship. Designed for the modern guitarist, this instrument offers a seamless blend of Variax HD technology with Yamaha's renowned build quality. With a resonant alder body and custom Yamaha Alnico V single-coil pickups, the Variax delivers a rich, versatile sound that can adapt to any musical style.

What sets the Variax apart is its remarkable modeling capabilities. Instantly switch between dozens of vintage electrics, acoustics, and even exotic instruments with a simple turn of a dial. Say goodbye to the hassle of changing tunings manually; the Variax allows for rapid tuning alterations without delay. This dynamic guitar is perfect for both studio and live performances, ensuring you have the right tone every time.

Beyond its sonic versatility, the Variax is a dream to play. It features a comfortable thin-finish maple neck and a smooth ebony fingerboard that makes playing effortless. The custom tremolo bridge and Graph Tech components provide rock-solid tuning stability, letting you express every nuance of your performance.

For the tone tweakers, the Variax pairs with the Workbench HD software, putting a world of customization at your fingertips. Craft your dream guitar by adjusting everything from individual string pitches to pickup configurations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Line 6 Variax offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and innovation, making it a must-have addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

Combines Line 6 modeling with Yamaha craftsmanship
Resonant alder body with Alnico V single-coil pickups
Smooth-playing ebony fingerboard and thin-finish maple neck
Custom tremolo bridge and Graph Tech nut for stable tuning
Variax HD modeling engine for diverse instrument and tuning models
Free Workbench HD software for extensive customization options

Product specs

Brand	Line 6
Model	Variax Standard Modeling Electric Guitar with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish	Sunburst
Year	2010s
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What makes the Line 6 Variax different from traditional electric guitars?: The Line 6 Variax features digital modeling technology that allows it to emulate the tones of various classic guitars, providing a wide range of sounds in one instrument. This makes it highly versatile for both studio and live performances.
How does the Line 6 Variax integrate with other Line 6 products?: The Line 6 Variax can seamlessly integrate with Line 6 products like the Helix and POD series, allowing for enhanced control and customization of tones through Variax Digital Interface (VDI) connectivity.
Is the Line 6 Variax suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Line 6 Variax is well-suited for live performances due to its ability to quickly switch between different guitar models and tunings, providing flexibility and convenience for guitarists on stage.
Can the Line 6 Variax be used with standard guitar amplifiers?: Absolutely, the Line 6 Variax can be used with any standard guitar amplifier, just like a traditional electric guitar, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.
How does the pickup configuration of the Line 6 Variax affect its sound?: The Line 6 Variax features an SSS (single-coil) pickup configuration, which provides bright, clear tones typical of classic strat-style guitars, complementing its digital modeling capabilities.

Videos

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Sweetwater

Line 6 Variax Standard Modeling Guitar Demo by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Line 6 Variax Standard - Demo with Victor Moncebaiz

Kraft Music

Line 6 Variax Modeling Guitar | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Gear Review: Line 6 Variax Standard

Jonathan Beals

Reviews

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PROS

Offers programmable tuning, ideal for live performances and recording sessions
Wide variety of realistic digital modulations for diverse sound options
Excellent for avoiding manual switching and transposing
Solid build with good sound quality at an affordable price
Versatile tones suitable for recording and composing new tracks
Single-coil pickups perform well independently

CONS

Initial tuning stability issues; may require upgrades like roller nut and locking tuners
Base model uses Yamaha Pacifica, which might not be everyone's preference
Magnetic pickups might be less appealing for humbucker enthusiasts

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 Variax.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners often upgrade to locking tuners and adjust nut width for better playability.
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Some users enhance their Variax's tonal clarity by adding an EQ block in the Line 6 Helix signal chain to compensate for the piezo's frequency response.
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User experience

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Owners of the Variax Shuriken report it can achieve a wide range of tones, debunking the myth that it can't produce quality "chug" tones for heavier music styles.
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Palm muting can be challenging with modeled sounds, though it's straightforward with magnetic pickups.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners suggest the integration of EQ adjustments directly within the Variax models to better manage tone without using additional DSP resources from external gear like the Helix.
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The Variax Standard isn't compatible with Fender necks, unlike some other Variax models.
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The Line6 Workbench software allows extensive editing of the Variax's models, providing a high level of customization.
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Use cases and applications

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The Variax Shuriken model allows players to emulate numerous guitar brands and styles, making it a versatile choice for covering a wide range of musical genres.
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The sitar model on the Variax is used surprisingly often by owners for its unique sound.
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Comparisons

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Users note that Boss' VG-800 lacks a physical selector switch, relying on footswitches for control, which feels less intuitive compared to the Variax's onboard controls.
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The Variax Standard is essentially a Yamaha Pacifica SSS with integrated modeling electronics, offering similar ergonomics and neck profile.
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Roland's pickup system focuses more on synth emulation rather than the editable guitar modeling offered by Variax.
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Features and functionality

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The Variax struggles with palm muting due to piezo pickups, creating a muddier sound compared to traditional magnetic pickups, though some users find it acceptable.
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A Variax cable powers the guitar and allows tuning changes via presets when paired with a Line 6 Helix.
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The Variax allows open tunings at the turn of a knob, appealing for quick tuning changes during performances.
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Build quality

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The Variax Standard features taller frets than Fender's "narrow tall" style, which might require an adjustment period for players used to other necks.
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The JTV59P model is noted for being particularly heavy, which could be a consideration for gigging musicians.
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Value and pricing

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Variax guitars tend to not hold their value well, making used models a cost-effective option.
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Critic Reviews

Line 6: Variax modeling guitar | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Line 6's Variax modeling guitar impresses with its ambitious attempt to replace an array of guitars through innovative sound modeling technology. While its versatility and ease of use make it a compelling tool for cover bands and studios on a budget, the sound quality falls short for professional studio use, with a noticeable "plugged-in Ovation" tone. The Variax shines with some convincing emulations, particularly the Rickenbacker 12-string, but struggles with others, like the Telecaster. The mixed opinions from guitarists highlight its polarizing nature. Overall, the Variax is a promising yet imperfect solution for those seeking diverse tones without hauling multiple guitars.

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