The Official Variax Bass Club

[Johnny Crab]

Got to clean & string the "new to me" one and try it out and it is great except the input jack will not accept the Shure cable's angle 1/4" jack on my Line 6 wireless. McGuyver time. I really dislike straight jacks out of a bass hitting my thigh.

PS: Is there a magic switch or button combo to return all presets to "factory" settings?
This bass seems to have been "tweaked" by someone(s) with cabinets/amp that lacked low end(the models are unbalanced and some have "extra bass" added compared to what I recall from the 705). I'm using ACME B2's 2 feet to either side of me here and live I have no issues with low end either.

[mjac28]

That's cool Johnny congrats again I think it may be in the manual I posted a link to it on the previous page if you don't already have it. I have been tempted to mess with the presets but I decided against it for that very reason.

[Ed_Saxman]

Originally Posted by Johnny Crab

PS: Is there a magic switch or button combo to return all presets to "factory" settings?

Factory defaults must be restored one at a time. Select the Model you wish to normalize. Place the blend and two tone controls in the detent position. Now press the Model select pot down until the indicator light stops flashing. The Model should now be restored to factory settings. Use this procedure for any model you want to restore to the factory setting.

Originally Posted by mjac28

Here is the manual if anyone needs it http://l6c.scdn.line6.net/data/6/0a0...ev%20A%20).pdf

You can also download referencesheets and the quick guide here: http://www.vettaville.nl/vvdocumentsvariax.htm

[Johnny Crab]

Thanks Ed!!
Here's a string equalizing procedure I picked up when I had the 705(there were some complaints about string levels not balanced).:

To Activate String Calibration Mode:

1. Press down and hold the VOLUME knob, then power up the bass as follows:
a. Plug in a TRS cable connected to a powered XPS power supply, or…
b. Plug in a VDI cable which is connected to a powered Bass PODxt Live.
2. Immediately release the VOLUME knob (the LED on the bass will appear to be
orange or red - not green - if the LED is green, try again).

In String Calibration Mode, all modeling is bypassed and the level of each string can be adjusted individually. To confirm you're in String Calibration Mode, listen to several Models, including a Synth Model; they should all sound the same: direct piezo.

Important Note: As per the instructions below, the BLEND knob is used to adjust the volume of each string. The BLEND knob has a center detent, and that detent equals the Factory level volume for each selected string. You should adjust string levels from the center detent as a reference. Boosting levels too much may result in distortion, which is not good. For best results, listen to all strings and determine which ones may be too loud or too soft, then adjust accordingly, leaving the other strings at their detent levels.

To Calibrate Individual Strings: (steps 5a & 5b for 5-string only)

*After successfully powering up in String Calibration Mode, monitor the Variax Bass in the usual way, with the Volume knob at max, plugged into a bass amp, PODxt Live, etc.

1a. Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 1st Model, VinJ, to select the 1st string (G).
1b. Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the G string level with the other strings.

2a. Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 2nd Model, ModJ, to select the 2nd string (D).
2b. Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the D string level with the other strings.

3a. Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 3rd Model, PreBass, to select the 3rd string (A).
3b. Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the A string level with the other strings.

4a. Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 4th Model, Manta, to select the 4th string (E).
4b. Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the E string level with the other strings.

5a. Rotate MODEL SELECT knob to the 5th Model, Clang, to select the 5th string (B).
5b. Turn BLEND knob up or down to balance the B string level with the other strings.

When all strings sound in balance, press down on the MODEL SELECT knob to exit String Calibration Mode. The LED will turn green and your level changes will be saved.

* Rotate the MODEL SELECT knob to load a Model and return to normal operation.

[Steve Dallman]

I have a Variax 5 string and have since they closed them out 5 or 6 years ago. It's my main bass. I'll write more and add a photo later. I absolutely love it.

[mjac28]

Welcome Steve you are lucky thirteen sir and thanks Johnny I think I need to do that I just put on new strings and the G string seems low now.

[mjac28]

#1 F-Clef-Jef
#2 Mjac28
#3 Stephent28
#4 Cutty
#5 Flatwound
#6 Szybas
#7 Millertx
#8 Yodedude2
#9 Flyingwalrus
#10 Mongo2
#11 Johnny Crab
#12 Ed_Saxman
#13 Steve Dallman

Welcome Steve Dallman out newest member!

[Ed_Saxman]

Originally Posted by mjac28

I'm also thinking about getting the Pod HD I heard it is spectacular I currently have the original bass pod but the HD takes it to another level.

Especially since they released the 2.0 system update with Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex, is something that you would have to seriously consider.

The Pod HD only has a bass amplifier created strictly for this instrument (excluding the fender bassman, which despite its name, is intended for use with guitar), but my friends ... the sound is incredibly good, true HD simulation.

Before the update bring the ampeg, had a bank of presets with everything I found on line 6 "custom tone", plus a few bass presets included in the Pod, all created with other amps, and including EQs in many cases to correct the lack of bass or tone.

However, all these presets improve dramatically just by changing the amplifier in the preset and making sound through the new HD bass amp! That's when you realize that the other amps were not really suitable for bass.

We should do a great job of tuning the old presets with the Ampeg, but the results are completely different sounds with far more body and definition ...something really hot and humid!

In addition, this amplifier has 8 different specific microphones, substantially changing the sound heard by giving many options for tonal variations.

If you buy the POD HD500 (or the HD bean, as you can use the same patches just changing the file extension), I am willing to share my patches with you to improve them together!

[mjac28]

Thanks Ed I love their software interfaces I think the best in the business and they really support their products my original POD sounds good I only imagine what the HD is offering.

[Steve Dallman]

As I said, I've had my Variax 705 5 string for over 5 years. I bought it new from GC when the one I ordered on MF kept getting back ordered, and they had one (black, but I wanted the sunburst) at GC and I bought it.

It had horrible fret sprout, but I took them down in the dead of a WI winter and haven't had a problem since.

I love it. I didn't like the D'Addario strings, so I put on a set of my favorites, Dean Markley SR2000's. I had balance problems, so a couple years ago I tried a set of D'Addario stainless strings, and I'm still using them. Far different from the Dean Markley's but I figure since the bass was voiced using D'Addarios, I'd be better off there.

The bass feels great but the weight was getting to me. Last year, it was busted up in a car accident, so I took the opportunity to chamber the body, under the pickguard, and in back. I refinished the bass, repaired the electronics and it's a much lighter bass.

There was one issue I noticed immediately. There is a piezo "puh" to the attack of the notes. It drove me nuts, but once I got used to it, I miss it with other basses.

Another thing, a standard bass, with high impedance magnetic pickups, will not reproduce the fundamental of a low E, much less lower notes of a B string. But most cabinets will not either, and since our brains/ears take the harmonics and produce the fundamental in our heads, it's not an issue. The fewer windings on the coil, the better it will produce the fundamental. With active pickups, like EMG's, Alembics and others, this is not an issue.

With the Variax, the fundamentals ARE produced, and I find the bass to be a little harder on speakers when playing low notes, but it's never been a problem.

I use most of the models on the bass, "modern" is my go to, but I love the P bass, Manta, the Hollow (Danelectro) and the 8 string. The variety of tones doesn't matter to the audience, and probably to my band mates, but I just love it.

[mjac28]

Great post and great mod on the bass you really bought it back to life wow! I agree on those low freqs I invested in a [Sfx] Sounds micro-thumpinator and haven't look back.

[Steve Dallman]

I just bought a "Slinger Waist Strap." I just installed it, and I think it will be the answer to my shoulder pain that has developed.

I had installed a 12dB/octave 35Hz highpass in my old Peavey Mark IV which worked well. I actually have no problems with my current bass rig. It was just an observation but in my own use, I haven't had any problems. I use a pair of sealed 12" with a 6 1/2" midrange cabinets I put together with an Ampeg PF-500 and it works well. Before I sealed the slot ports, the low end was just too huge...like going through a subwoofer. That Ampeg seems to really like sealed cabinets.

In the accident, the neck was ripped from the bass, the body cracked lengthwise in two places, and a couple controls broke off. The body had a lot of scuffing, scratches and small chunks missing. I refinished it with a Rustoleum Textured black finish which has some silver specs in. I really like the way it turned out, and it's quite durable and scratch resistant. I was going to make a lighter body, but once I took everything out of the body, the body itself wasn't that heavy. Much of the weight is the electronics, bridge, and batteries...if you use them. I went back to using the power supply and abandoned my wireless.

[mjac28]

It really turned out well I love that finish.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallman

There was one issue I noticed immediately. There is a piezo "puh" to the attack of the notes. It drove me nuts, but once I got used to it, I miss it with other basses.

I believe that may be the combined sounds of the plucking finger on the string and the string hitting the fret (more finger than fret) prior to the note sounding.

[Steve Dallman]

No, it's an artifact of the piezo driven modeling. It is absent on all my other basses. It is subtle but definitely there. I had it on my old 64P bass when I added a set of Shadow piezo saddles to it in 1983. I've added piezo bridges to many guitars and basses and know the sound. It doesn't bother me, and I actually like the sound and effect.

Someone mentioned strings not making a difference. They make as much difference as any other bass. Dead strings sound dead on the Variax. The character of the strings can be heard. I've had a few different brands on mine, and they all had the characteristic tone that those different brands have.

[Flatwound]

Glad to see you in this thread, Steve, and glad you were able to salvage your bass. As far as strings, I agree with you - I had already developed a preference for SR2000's on other basses, and I think they sound great on my 705. When my other 705 gets here (hopefully today or tomorrow), I'm going to try a set of TI flats on it. I don't think the "flatwound" settings on the bass models sound all that great, but actual flats should be cool.

Also, I had noticed that the E and B strings on this bass are super-clear, and your comments about why this is are interesting. I hadn't given the "why" much thought, rather, I've just been enjoying the clarity.

Also, when the other one gets here, I need to post a group photo!

[mjac28]

I only use Labella Strings except for a set of Pyramids on my Hofner but I'm really starting to dig these XL's and the price is too right $19.99 for a two pack.

[mjac28]

I love the clarity of the G string

[Ed_Saxman]

Originally Posted by mjac28

Please post your favorite settings to share with your fellow members

Right now I use only 9 of the 24 models:

The 3 "green" Fenders, both "Mantas" (musicman & Modulus), Rickenbaker, Danelectro, Warwick and Alembic.

Flatwound and fretless models seem unusable for me, almost as much as the synth sounds.
8 and 12 strings models might have some specific application, although personally I have not found.
I lost a lot of time with models like the acoustic bass Kay-M1 trying to get a usable sound, but finally left a vacancy in my top ten.

I think the Variaxes (both bass and guitar) have excessive bass even at position 50%, giving them a sound too boomy.

Most of my presets on the 705 are set with the parameter bass reduced to 40%. Some of them even lower, up to 30% (as manta or Warwick models). I like to turn up the treble to 60% to have a slightly brighter tone (although this may be because my strings are rather old)

In the settings of the amplifier (Ampeg B15NF with 115 cab and Shure 57 mic on axis, all modeled by the Pod HD500), I find necessary to trim the mids to 40% for better definition.
Lately I'm trying different settings with the tube comp (POD). I do not like the sound too compressed, but on the other hand, it is convenient for me to reduce the dynamic range of the bass.

Finally, when I have the sound I like, I add a very subtle (Spring) reverb, with a very short tail, and mixed in a very low percentage, that gives the final touch to the sound.

As for sound effects for bass that I like are the chorus and delay, although I use a rather dry sound most of the time.

[millertx]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallman

Someone mentioned strings not making a difference. They make as much difference as any other bass. Dead strings sound dead on the Variax. The character of the strings can be heard. I've had a few different brands on mine, and they all had the characteristic tone that those different brands have.

Originally Posted by Flatwound

Glad to see you in this thread, Steve, and glad you were able to salvage your bass. As far as strings, I agree with you - I had already developed a preference for SR2000's on other basses, and I think they sound great on my 705. When my other 705 gets here (hopefully today or tomorrow), I'm going to try a set of TI flats on it. I don't think the "flatwound" settings on the bass models sound all that great, but actual flats should be cool.

I was the one who mentioned strings not making much difference, and I will readily admit that my opinion comes from a very limited perspective as I only tried a couple of different string types (don't remember for sure what I tried, I've pretty much settled on the DR Black Beauties). If the ones I tried were basically similar in sound, it would have skewed my perceptions. I also assumed that with most of the sound coming from the modeling electronics that strings would not have as much impact.

Rich