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Average Price: $1,193

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$599

$1000+

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Line 6 Variax Shuriken, a digital modeling guitar that opens up a world of tonal possibilities. Designed for the modern guitarist, this instrument combines cutting-edge technology with traditional playability, making it a versatile choice for any musician looking to experiment and innovate. The custom Shuriken body shape not only exudes a futuristic aesthetic but also provides enhanced balance and comfort during performances.

With the Variax Shuriken, you can seamlessly switch between over 60 vintage and modern guitar models at the twist of a dial. This guitar is more than just a collection of sounds; it offers the ability to create your own custom tunings and tones, giving you unparalleled control over your sound. The integration with Line 6's Variax HD technology ensures that each model is rendered with exceptional accuracy and detail, whether you're dialing in classic rock crunch or shimmering acoustic textures.

Perfect for studio settings and live performances alike, the Variax Shuriken is designed to be the ultimate tool for sonic exploration. Its onboard DSP processor allows for real-time adjustments, letting you tailor your sound to fit any musical context with ease.

Key Features:

  • Custom Shuriken body shape for improved balance and comfort
  • Over 60 vintage and modern guitar models accessible via a simple dial
  • Variax HD technology for high-definition sound modeling
  • Ability to create and store custom tunings and tones
  • Onboard DSP processor for real-time sound adjustments
  • Seamless integration with Line 6's digital ecosystem
Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

NAMM '17 - Line 6 Variax Shuriken Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for NAMM '17 - Line 6 Variax Shuriken Guitar Demo by Premier Guitar

NAMM '17 - Line 6 Variax Shuriken Guitar Demo

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax Shuriken Demo by Guitar World

Line 6 Variax Shuriken Demo

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Variax Shuriken SR250 OR (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Line 6 Variax Shuriken SR250 OR (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Line 6 Shuriken SR250 Variax - Metal Tones and Banjos?! Is The Most Versatile Guitar Ever Made? by PMTVUK

Line 6 Shuriken SR250 Variax - Metal Tones and Banjos?! Is The Most Versatile Guitar Ever Made?

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for My thoughts on the Line 6 Shuriken Variax in 2022 with Sound Examples by Seth Silva

My thoughts on the Line 6 Shuriken Variax in 2022 with Sound Examples

Seth Silva

Seth Silva

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Fret wraps and noiseless springs can improve palm muting by reducing overtones, especially at high gain settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Transitioning from a Variax Standard to a Shuriken is likened to moving from a Pontiac Fiero to a Corvette, indicating a significant upgrade in build quality.

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Build quality

  • The Shuriken's matte black finish is noted for its appealing aesthetics, adding a "badass" look to the guitar.

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  • The locking tuners and hipshot-style bridge are noted for their solidity, contributing to a reliable playing experience.

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User experience

  • Owners with smaller hands report the Shuriken as accessible and easy to play, though some prefer other models like the OLP Petrucci for playability.

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  • The matte finish on the Shuriken provides a notably smooth feel on both the body and neck, enhancing the playing experience.

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  • The custom gig bag is praised for its exceptionally thick padding and spacious pockets, providing excellent protection and storage for gigging.

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Features and functionality

  • The ease of switching between modeled and magnetic pickups on the Shuriken is highlighted, though it only features a bridge magnetic pickup.

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  • Users highlight the ability to fully customize tunings and guitar types via software, offering unique pickup and body combinations not possible with traditional guitars.

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  • It's noted that Stevic's patches are designed for Drop D tuning, potentially causing issues if the guitar is tuned to E Standard.

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  • The Shuriken includes four knobs: volume, tone, guitar models, and tunings, allowing for versatile on-the-fly adjustments.

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Software and compatibility

  • Owners recommend using custom user profiles in the software for managing multiple tuning and model configurations more effectively than relying solely on the guitar's knobs.

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  • Connecting the Shuriken to a Helix with a Cat5 cable enables power supply and patch modifications without using the battery or USB interface.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 25.5" scale length model is favored for those familiar with standard scale lengths, foregoing the need for a longer scale unless tuning significantly lower.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Line 6 Variax Shuriken Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Line 6 Variax Shuriken impresses with its versatile modeling capabilities, offering a vast array of guitar and stringed instrument sounds. It excels in providing unique tonal options and alternative tunings, making it a boon for adventurous musicians. Though its metal-centric design may not appeal to everyone, its sonic versatility can transcend genres. While some minor issues like volume discrepancies between models exist, the guitar's integration with Line 6’s software allows for extensive customization. Overall, the Shuriken is a powerful tool that can expand creative possibilities for modern musicians.

positive

Review: Line 6 Variax Shuriken Guitar | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Line 6 Variax Shuriken is a cutting-edge guitar that marries modern design with versatile sound capabilities. Its standout features include a unique body shape, a 27-inch baritone scale, and second-generation Variax electronics, offering a wide range of tones and tunings. While praised for its comfort, balance, and the quality of its mid-gain humbucker, the Shuriken truly shines with its Variax technology, allowing players to emulate various guitar models and alternate tunings seamlessly. The guitar is ideal for musicians seeking diverse soundscapes without multiple instruments. Despite its futuristic appeal, the Shuriken may not be for purists who prefer traditional setups. Overall, it's an innovative instrument that offers excellent value and performance.

positive

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rabea Massaad uses Line 6 Variax Shuriken

Rabea Massaad

Guitarist

Vower

...
Verified via Photo

For playing live with Frog Leap, Rebea uses a line 6 Shuriken. He uses this to switch between weird tunings, and effects quickly in the set

See how Leo Moracchioli uses Line 6 Variax Shuriken

Leo Moracchioli

Singer, Guitarist

Frog Leap

...
Verified via YouTube

Unboxing and quick review of this masterpiece guitar, the Variax Shuriken.

See how Joakim Karlsson uses Line 6 Variax Shuriken

Joakim Karlsson

Guitarist

Bad Omens

...
Verified via Twitter

Can be seen on live sets, Kept in E1 Standard for Artificial Suicide

See how Shauntrack uses Line 6 Variax Shuriken

Shauntrack

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Shaun shows his Line 6 Variax Shuriken.

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 Shuriken, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Line 6 Helix
Line 6 Helix Multi Effects Pedals
1

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