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Average Price: $800

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$1001+

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Description

Experience the pinnacle of versatility and sound fidelity with the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass—an electric bass that transcends traditional boundaries by offering a definitive collection of 24 meticulously modeled vintage and modern bass tones. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, this instrument empowers you to effortlessly switch between iconic bass sounds, from classic jazz to an authentic upright bass, and even analog synth-bass. With the Variax 700, you don't just play bass; you command a symphony of tones that define entire genres.

Crafted with precision, this bass features an alder body, a 34-inch scale maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and 21 medium-profile frets, embodying the quality of the finest American-made instruments. Its intuitive controls blend the best of passive and active systems, offering powerful new features like adjustable pickup positions and total recall, making it adaptable to any musical setting.

Whether you're looking to replicate the exact sound of a record or explore new sonic landscapes, the Variax 700 Bass is your ultimate tool. Its seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and classic craftsmanship ensures that you only need one instrument to cover all your bass needs, eliminating the hassle of lugging multiple instruments to gigs.

Key Features:

  • 24 modeled bass tones including vintage and modern varieties
  • Alder body with 34" scale maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • 21 medium-profile frets
  • Blends passive and active system controls
  • Adjustable pickup position and total recall functionality

Product specs

Brand Line 6
Model Variax 700 Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 2010s
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass?

The Line 6 Variax 700 Bass features advanced electronics that model the sound of various basses, offering a wide range of tones. It includes active pickups and an active preamp for enhanced sound shaping, making it versatile for different music genres.

How does the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass achieve its diverse sound modeling?

The Variax 700 Bass uses internal electronics to process the sound from each string individually, allowing it to replicate the tonal characteristics of multiple bass guitars and other instruments.

Is the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Variax 700 Bass is well-suited for live performances due to its active electronics and ability to switch between different modeled bass tones, providing flexibility and adaptability on stage.

What kind of music genres is the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass best suited for?

The Variax 700 Bass is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres including rock, jazz, funk, and more, thanks to its ability to model various bass sounds.

Does the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass require a special power supply?

The Variax 700 Bass requires a power source for its active electronics, which can be supplied via a standard 9V battery or an external power adapter.

How many frets does the Line 6 Variax 700 Bass have?

The Line 6 Variax 700 Bass features 21 frets, providing a standard range for most bass playing styles.

Pertybass

Pertybass

Line 6 Variax Bass Demo

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax Bass Demo by Pertybass

Line 6 Variax Bass Demo

Pertybass

Pertybass

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax 700 Bass Deep Dive - A Relic of an Overly Digitized Time - LowEndLobster Fresh Look by LowEndLobster

Line 6 Variax 700 Bass Deep Dive - A Relic of an Overly Digitized Time - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax Bass 700 - La Pietra Music Channel by La Pietra Music Planet

Line 6 Variax Bass 700 - La Pietra Music Channel

La Pietra Music Planet

La Pietra Music Planet

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax Bass 700 - Demo (Parte 1) by Jorge Arturo Nando Gonzalez

Line 6 Variax Bass 700 - Demo (Parte 1)

Jorge Arturo Nando Gonzalez

Jorge Arturo Nando Gonzalez

Video thumbnail for Me and my Bass - Line 6 Variax 700 Bass part 1 by Neo Land

Me and my Bass - Line 6 Variax 700 Bass part 1

Neo Land

Neo Land

Video thumbnail for Line 6 / Variax Bass 700【Test Play】 by Bass Sound Maniac

Line 6 / Variax Bass 700【Test Play】

Bass Sound Maniac

Bass Sound Maniac

Reviews

PROS

  • Extensive sound versatility with numerous modeled basses, including Fender, Rickenbacker, and Music Man

  • Excellent recording tool with no noise floor, ideal for studio sessions

  • Customizations can be saved easily with a button press

  • Great for exploring a wide range of sounds, even if not completely authentic

  • Successfully mimics the unique character of each modeled instrument

  • Compatible with Line 6 devices like POD and HELIX for enhanced performance

  • Provides unique sounds like the Hagstrom 8-string and Hammer 12-string

  • Ideal for musicians needing sound flexibility for gigs and studio work

CONS

  • Hefty weight at approximately 11 lbs; may need a backup bass for gigs

  • Drains batteries quickly; DI box recommended for power management

  • Techniques like slides and string skips may not translate perfectly

  • Glossy neck might require modification for a smoother feel

  • Lacks pickups, potentially requiring sound adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 Variax 700 Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The mode selector on the Variax 700 Bass has a feel that some users find less satisfying, though it offers a wide range of tones similar to active pre-amped basses.

    Source
  • The Kay upright model tone is convincingly realistic in a mix.

    Source
  • The bass excels in tonal variation, offering sounds from metal growl to John Paul Jones' mellow thud.

    Source
  • The nested tone controls provide significant differences across their range, adapting the attack and decay for each model differently.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience string volume imbalance, particularly with the A string being less pronounced, which requires string calibration using specific steps in String Calibration Mode.

    Source
  • Entering String Calibration Mode can be difficult due to hardware issues, such as the volume knob not functioning correctly, which impacts the ability to adjust individual string volumes.

    Source

User experience

  • It's been observed that the Variax 700 Bass can be heavy, but it offers a great variety of sound that impresses other bass players.

    Source
  • Some owners have experienced a "wolf tone" or "piezo quack" on the 6th string, attributed to longitudinal harmonics picked up by piezos, not magnetics.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners report difficulties with Line 6 customer service and issues with external power supply functionality, requiring frequent 9-volt battery replacements.

    Source
  • Users report that fixing "piezo quack" requires EQ adjustments, as Line 6's firmware filters are hardcoded and not adjustable in Workbench.

    Source

Build quality

  • The blend control on the Variax 700 Bass offers advanced functionality, adjusting virtual pickup positions and microphone distances for diverse sound options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 8- and 12-string models are especially engaging, prompting play styles reminiscent of "Achilles Last Stand."

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Variax 700 Bass to midrange Yamaha guitars with a $700 value in custom electronics, contrasting durability with standard electric guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • To eliminate "plink" noises from piezos, some users recommend installing a fret wrap above the nut and using noiseless springs in the trem.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Discussions suggest Variax 700 Basses are available on the used market for prices below $1,000, often lacking necessary charging components.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Will Lee uses Line 6 Variax 700 Bass

Will Lee

Singer, Bassist

The Manhattan Transfer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:33 in this video Will Lee shows his Variax bass and stating that it's "indispensable".

See how Gary Sinise uses Line 6 Variax 700 Bass

Gary Sinise

Bassist

Lt. Dan Band

...
Verified via Photo

Sinise can be seen in this photo playing a Line 6 Variax 700 Bass.

See how Mike Elizondo uses Line 6 Variax 700 Bass

Mike Elizondo

Bassist, Music Producer

The Shady Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Mike Elizondo can be seen with a Line 6 Variax 700 Bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Line 6 Variax 700 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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