Line 6 VARIAX BASS - REV A, Variax Bass Pilot's Handbook Manual

40-00-0048 Electrophonic Limited Edition available @ www.line6.com Rev A

Pilot’s Handbook

BASS

Before using your Variax Bass you should read these Important
Safety Instructions. Keep these instructions in a safe place.

1. Obey all warnings in this Pilot’s Handbook.

2. Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.

3. Guard against objects or liquids.

4. Power the XPS-DI Footswitch only with the included PX-2 Power Supply or equivalent.

5. Connect the PX-2 Power Supply only to AC power outlets rated 100-120V or 230V 47-63Hz (depending on the voltage range of the
included power supply).

6. Do not step on power cords. Do not place items on top of power cords so that they are pinched or leaned on.

7. Unplug your Variax Bass and XPS-DI Footswitch when not in use for extended periods of time.

8. Do not perform service operations beyond those described in the Variax Bass Pilot’s Handbook. Repairs and service operations beyond
the scope of those in the Pilot’s Handbook should be performed only by qualified service personnel.

9. Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice “safe listening.”

Your Variax Bass should include these accessories:

Gigbag, XPS-DI Footswitch, PX-2 Power Supply, TRS Cable, Bridge Saddle Wrench, Truss Rod Wrench

CAUTION: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to

Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,

do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer

servicing to fied service personnel.

Please Note:

Line 6, Variax, Variax Bass, Variax Acoustic, POD, FM4, Vetta, the Line 6 logo,
and the Variax Bass logo are trademarks of Line 6, Inc. All other products
product names, trademarks, and artists’ names are the property of their
respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.
Product names, images, and artists’ names are used solely to identify the
products whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6’s sound model
development for this product. The use of these products, trademarks, images,
and artists’ names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.

Welcome to Variax Bass

Thanks for buying a Variax Bass and joining us in
our continuing mission to apply the miracle of
modern technology to the pursuit of great tone.
You now own detailed models of some of the most
significant, desirable and useful basses of all time,
wrapped up in a single comfortable and highly
playable instrument.

How does it work?

How do we get such a huge variety of classic bass
tones from the Variax Bass? We use piezo bridge
saddles, similar to the piezo pickups in many electro­acoustic guitars, to capture each individual string’s
vibrations. We then shape the signals with software
algorithms that capture the physical and electrical
properties of the instruments that we’ve modeled.
Since this process begins with Variax Bass’s own
physical strings, there’s no delay caused by having
to detect a pitch and turn it into a MIDI note or
trigger a sample. There’s also no issue with tracking
hammer-on’s, pull-off’s, slides, bends, slurs or any
other techniques that are a part of your style.

So just how did we manage to capture the tonal
souls of these classic instruments for instant recall

from your Variax Bass? We’re glad you asked....

The Dream...

As you probably know, Line 6 did lots of other stuff
before the Variax. We spent long years developing
PODs, amps, and effects for guitarists and bassists,
perfecting our ability to match up the best of classic
sound and usability with fully modern technology.

Along the way we wondered—could it be possible
to capture a complete range of guitar or bass tone
in a single instrument? What would it take to do
it, and how could be keep all that versatility easy
to access? We focused first on guitars, investing a
couple of years of research, development, and
countless hours playing dozens of vintage electrics
and acoustics. The result was the original Variax,
the world’s first modeling guitar.

But we weren’t content to rest on our laurels. We
took all that we had learned from the original Variax
project, and then learned a lot more in order to
develop an instrument dedicated to meeting the
needs of acoustic guitarists — The Variax Acoustic.

Having improved the tone and simplified the lives
of thousands of electric and acoustic guitarists, we
started work on the instrument that could offer the
same kind of sophisticated options to bassists.

1

The Journey

How, we asked ourselves, can we deliver the punch
and tone of the finest basses in history? Newer
instruments, with active tone controls, challenged
us to capture their tone-shaping mojo while still
presenting comprehensible and consistent control
operation across models. Even some of the oldest
instruments we modeled had such unique pickups
and controls that new techniques were required to
capture their flavor.

And there were whole new tone challenges that
went beyond what we’d faced with guitar. To
reproduce the distinctive presence of a "dog house"
bass, for instance, we had to take a fresh look at
the body voicing and mic simulation that worked
so effectively in the Variax Acoustic.

At the other end of the spectrum, we knew there
was an incredible opportunity to bring synth sounds
to bassists, right inside their instrument, but it had
to be done right. So we dug deep into the synth
technology already developed for our FM4, Vetta
and PODxt products, but did it with a new laser
focus on the unique requirements of the ultimate
synth bass tone.

The Result

We’re confident you’ll find the result of all this
development to be a dramatic new step forward in
the world of bass, the first instrument to deliver all
this sonic power and flexibility in a highly playable,
quality bass you can rely on every day, for every gig.

Flip the page, and we’ll run you through the process
of getting your Variax Bass set up and rocking.

2

Bass-ic Operations

Connections

You may have already noticed that the Variax Bass
has two output connectors: a familiar 1/4-inch jack
and a second RJ45 jack protected by a plastic cap.
The RJ45 connector will be the way you will connect
to Line 6 products with a “Variax” input, and add
additional sounds and abilities to your Variax Bass
in the future. The uses of the RJ45 connection will
be described in the owners manual for the products
that offer that input; all of the operations described
in this manual will use the 1/4-inch output.

Simple Operation

The simplest way to use the Variax Bass is to connect
it directly to a bass amplifier with a standard mono
guitar cable.

Battery Power

Of course, the electronics of the Variax Bass will
need power, so to use this simple hookup, you'll
need to install six AA cells in the on-board battery
compartment. If you use fresh alkalines, you should
get approximately 10-12 hours of operation.

Battery Low Indication

Being surprised by a battery failure is no fun, so we
give you a warning when your AA’s are failing. The
Indicator LED, if green, will give a short red
blink about once every second. If it’s red, it will give
a short green blink about once every second. More
on the Indicator later…

3

The battery will only be used when a standard guitar
cable is connected. For longest battery life, always
“turn off” your Variax Bass by unplugging it when
not in use.

NOTE: At a gig with no AA batteries? Unclip the
plastic battery holder from the connector and swap
in an ordinary 9V battery. This “emergency” setup
will give you 1 to 2 hours of battery life.

XPS-DI Footswitch Power

We realize that constantly changing batteries can
be a real drag, so we included a more convenient
option: the XPS-DI.

To Variax BassTo Amp

PX-2 Power Supply

POWER

XLR OUTPUT

LIFT

GND

MIC LEVEL
LINE LEVEL

XPS-DI-DI

Tip

Ring

Sleeve

Powering your Variax Bass with the XPS-DI is easy.
Use the included TRS cable to connect the Variax

Bass to the INPUT jack of the XPS-DI. (TRS means
“Tip-Ring-Sleeve,” also simply known as a “stereo”
cable.) Connect the PX-2 power supply to the
POWER jack on the XPS-DI, and use a standard
mono guitar or bass cable to connect the 1/4-inch
OUTPUTof the XPS-DI to any standard bass amp.

There are many occasions when you'll want to skip
the amp and send your signal straight to a mixer.
(Or to the mixer through a snake.) No problem:
Use a standard XLR/mic cable to connect the XPS­DI’s XLR output to feed any balanced input. No
additional DI box is required.

Use the LEVEL switch on the front panel of the
XPS-DI to match the output level to the kind of
device you’re driving. If you unsure what output
level to use, start with the MIC position.

To Variax Bass

To Mixer

PX-2 Power Supply

POWER

XLR OUTPUT

LIFT

GND

MIC LEVEL
LINE LEVEL

XPS-DI-DI

Tip

Ring

Sleeve

4

TRS Cable

To Amp - Mono Cable

To P.A. or Bass Amp

POWER

XLR OUTPUT

LIFT
GND

MIC LEVEL
LINE LEVEL

XPS-DI-DI

5

Both outputs of the XPS-DI are active at the same
time for those occasions when you need your amp
sound and a DI at the same time. If you hear the
kind of low frequency hum that sometimes occurs
with multiple signal paths, use the GROUND LIFT
switch to break the ground loop.

Cable Specifications

If you lose the Custom Cable supplied with your
Variax Bass, you can obtain a replacement from
Line 6’s Customer Service crew (see page 32 of the
Pilot's Handbook for contact information). You can
also simply use any high quality TRS cable up to
18 feet in length.

The use of the RJ45 connection, and specifications
for requird cables, will be described in the owners
manual for the products that offer that input. The
RJ45 connector is not required for standard
operation. It will be the way to connect to future
Line 6 products with a “Variax” input, adding
additional sounds and abilities to your Variax Bass
in the future.

NOTE: If you have batteries installed in your
Variax Bass, they will be bypassed when using your
XPS-DI Direct box. If the guitar is connected to
the XPS-DI and the XPS-DI power is disconnected,
any batteries installed in the Variax Bass acoustic
will be drained.

6

Controls

VOLUME

OK, let’s start with the simple stuff. Spin the Volume
knob clockwise to get louder.

RED/GREEN SELECT

But even a control as simple a volume offers you
more on the Variax Bass. If you press the Volume
knob down, you'll notice the light near the MODEL
SELECT knob changes color. When the Indicator
is green, the first, or “green,” variation of that
MODEL SELECT position is active. When it’s red,
you’ve got a second, “red” variation of the Model
instead.

MODEL SELECT

The MODEL SELECT knob has several functions.
Its primary function is in choosing the active
instrument model. Rotate the knob to choose from
the 12 positions, and that handy indicator light we
mentioned will be lighting up the knob so you’ll
even be able to see what you’re doing on a dark
stage. As previously described, each position actually
contains two models, with a puch on the VOLUME
knob selecting between them, and the color of the
light letting you know which one you’re using.

BLEND

Most of the basses we’ve modeled have two pickups.
Instead of providing individual volume controls for
each pickup, we’ve take the more modern approach
of a master Volume and Blend. Rotate the Blend
fully clockwise for just the bridge pickup, and fully
counterclockwise for just the neck pickup. At the
center detent, you get equal amounts of both pickups.
Everything in-between is a blend of the two.

Several of the modeled basses have only a single
pickup. Which ordinarily doesn’t give you much
pickup variation, but the Variax Bass is no ordinary
instrument. At the center detent, you can hear the
pickup in the “stock” position. Rotate the control
clockwise to move the pickup closer to the bridge,
and counterclockwise to move the pickup closer to
the neck. Welcome to the future, my friend.

For the acoustic instruments, the Blend control lets
you change the position of the modeled microphone.
Rotate the control clockwise to bring the mic closer,
counterclockwise to pull the mic out for more
ambience.

7

TONE

The Variax Bass Tone control is split into two
separate knobs. The smaller knob on top controls
Treble and the large one on the bottom controls
Bass.

For models based on passive basses, the center detent
on the Treble represents “10’ on the modeled
instrument. Rotating counterclockwise give you the
same results as turning down the passive control. If
you rotate clockwise from the detent, you get a
treble boost of the modeled instrument.

Since passive basses don’t typically have a Bass
control, putting this control at center detent makes
no modification to the modeled instrument sound.
For those of you who prefer enhanced to natural,
rotating clockwise boosts bass frequencies, and
rotating counterclockwise cuts them.

For models based on active basses, the behavior of
the tone controls are based on those of the modeled
instrument.

VOLUME

BLEND

TONE

MODEL SELECT

INDICATOR

8

Save our Sounds

To really take advantage of the sonic capabilities of
the Variax Bass when performing, you’ll want each
instrument model to be set up for your specific needs
and preferences. Use the Customize function of
Variax Bass's model knob to get all 24 models
sounding just the way you want.

1. Choose which of the 24 bass models you want
to customize. Remember that you have both a
GREEN and a RED model for each of the 12
MODEL SELECT positions.

2. Find a Blend and Tone setting that suit your
needs.

3. Press the Model Select Knob down and hold for
a few seconds until the indicator light shines
solid green or red.

4. Release the Model Select knob.

That's all there is to it. You've saved your
personal settings for that model. Now that
you've got it all down, you can repeat these
steps for the remaining 23 models. (Or not,
if you like the factory settings.)

And as your needs or tastes change, you can
of course re-customize any of your models
as often as you like.

9

The Instruments of Variax Bass

Now that you’ve have a chance to learn how to
operate the Variax Bass, it’s time to get a closer look
at the models available with a simple twist of the
MODEL SELECT knob.

You'll find a wide range of instruments
here, from vintage rarities to pawnshop
prizes. Modern masterpieces to fretless
conversions. Upright to synth.

With the Variax Bass, you will
discover a palette of sounds
to handle any style, recording date
or live gig that comes your way. All in
one instrument that you won’t want to put
down — and will wonder how you ever did
without.

10

Fender, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

The Fender Jazz Bass was launched in 1962 as the
upscale alternative to the successful Fender Precision.
With a sleek offset-waist body inspired by the
Jazzmaster guitar and two pickups, the Jazz offered
a more streamlined look and a broader range of tone
than its predecessor. Most importantly, the slim
neck made the Jazz easier to play, especially for
musicians trained on guitar.

GREEN based on 1961 Fender Jazz Bass.

RED based on 1960 Fender Jazz Bass with flatwound

strings.

VINJ

11

GREEN based on 2004 Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass.
Not content with what many already considered
perfection, Fender introduced the Deluxe Modern
Jazz Bass. With a smaller body, extra frets, and active
EQ, the Deluxe Jazz combines modern features with
classic Jazz Bass style.

RED based on Fretless 1961 Fender Jazz Bass.
In the early seventies, the legendary Jaco Pastorius
yanked the frets out of his Jazz Bass and redefined
the role of the electric bassist forever. The fingerboard
of the instrument we’ve modeled was treated with
marine epoxy for the requisite growl.

Fender and Jazz Bass are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

MODJ

12

And Leo Fender said, “Let there be bass.” And there
was bass. Though historians will point out that
Fender wasn’t the first manufacturer to offer an
electric bass, the Precision Bass was something no
other electric bass had been before: commercially
successful. The reliability, portability, playability
and clear tone of the Fender Precision made it the
definitive electric bass since its introduction in 1951.
By 1957 the original Telecaster-ish appearance had
given way to a new Stratocaster inspired look and
the pickup and bridge were significantly improved.

GREEN based on 1963 Fender Precision Bass.

RED based on 1958 Fender Precision Bass with

flatwound strings.

Fender, Precision Bass, Telecaster, and Stratocaster are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

PREBASS

13

For these models, the BLEND control changes the location of the pickup. Rotate the control clockwise to move the pickup closer to the bridge; counterclockwise to move it closer to the neck.

GREEN based on 1977 Music Man Sting Ray.
After selling Fender to CBS in 1965, Leo Fender
started the Music Man company in 1972 to offer
improved products based on his earlier innovations.
Despite the difficulty of competing with his own
legacy, the Sting Ray, which debuted in 1976, has
been an enduring success. The powerful sound
created by the humbucking pickup and active
electronics made the Sting Ray a favorite of Queen's
John Deacon.

RED based on 2003 Modulus Flea Bass.
Modulus Graphite was founded in 1978 by aerospace
engineer and bass enthusiast Geoff Gould. Gould's
collaboration with instrument designer and builder
Rick Turner resulted in the creation of carbon fiber
composite necks with greater consistency and sustain
than possible with traditional wood necks. The Flea
Bass, a composite-necked homage to Red Hot Chili
Peppers bassist Flea, was introduced in 1996, after
the company changed its name to Modulus Guitars.

Music Man and Sting Ray are registered trademarks of Ernie Ball, Inc. Modulus is a registered trademark of Modulus Guitars LLC.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

MANTA

14

For these models, the BLEND control changes the location of the pickup. Rotate the control clockwise to move the pickup closer to the bridge; counterclockwise to move it closer to the neck.

The Rickenbacker 4001 was first offered in 1961.
While the “cresting wave” body certainly stands out
on stage, it’s the sustain from the neck-through
construction and biting attack from the unique
pickups that have made the 4001 a favorite of such
diverse artists as Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, and
Lemmy. We’ve modeled both the classic 60’s version
(Paul McCartney’s “other sound”), with the
“horseshoe” pickup and flatwounds, and the hard­rockin’ 70’s version, with its brighter bridge pickup
and roundwounds.

GREEN based on 1971 Rickenbacker 4001.

RED based on 1963 Rickenbacker 4001 with

flatwound strings.

Rickenbacker is a registered trademark of Rickenbacker International Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

CLANG

15

GREEN based on 1966 Danelectro Longhorn Bass.
By 1956, Nat Daniel had perfected his cost-effective
construction techniques and quirky electronics
that—surprisingly—resulted in great sounding and
playing instruments. The 24 fret Longhorn was
launched in 1959, and was played by such luminaries
as Carol Kaye and Jack Bruce.

RED based on 1963 Höfner Model 500/1 with
flatwound strings. In 1956 Walter Höfner added
electronics and frets to a delicate violin-shaped
body and created one of the most recognizable, if
unusual, electric instruments of all time. Despite its
fragility, Sir Paul loved the light weight and slim
neck and continues to use it to this day.

Danelectro is a registered trademark of Evets Corporation. Höfner is a registered trademark of Karl Hofner Ohg
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

HOLLOW

16

GREEN based on 1963 Gibson Thunderbird 4.
The Gibson Thunderbird debuted in 1963 as the
bass companion of the Firebird guitar and shared
its sibling's turbulent history. Completely redesigned
in 1965 and discontinued in 1969, it nevertheless
gained such influential admirers as Pete Way of
UFO and Overend Watts of Mott the Hoople.
Growing demand for the Thunderbird's unique
appearance and warm-yet-aggressive tone prompted
several limited edition reissues and, in 1987, the
reintroduction of the Thunderbird as a regular

model.

RED based on 1966 Gibson EB-2D with flatwound
strings. In 1958 Gibson decided that adding short­scale bass necks and really big pickups to guitar
bodies would create a viable alternative to the
instruments offered by their upstart competitors in
California. For a decade or so, they were right.
Players appreciated the easy playability, light weight,
and supremely fat—though at times indistinct—
tone. Check out Glenn Cornick’s nearly upright­sounding tone on classic Jethro Tull releases for the
definitive EB-2 sound.

Gibson is a registered trademark of Gibson Guitar Corp.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

THUMP

17

GREEN based on 2002 MTD 535 35-inch scale.
Michael Tobias, one of the most influential figures
in modern bass design, painstakingly handcrafts
MTD basses one at a time in his workshop in
Kingston, NY. His choice of woods, electronics,
and hardware have led to a thoroughly modern
instrument with a distinct, organic voice that to
many, represents the quintessential contemporary
electric bass sound. We’ve modeled a 435, with a
spalted maple over swamp ash body, 35-inch scale,
wenge neck, and Bartolini pickups and active tone
system.

RED based on 2003 Warwick Thumb.
In 1982 the Warwick company was founded by Hans
Peter Wilfer, the son of Framus founder Fred Wilfer.
Warwick instruments are famed for their top-notch
craftsmanship, oil finish, and the full growling tone
of their wenge necks. Originally popular with the
high-powered 7-string guitar-driven bands of the
late 90’s, Warwick’s insistent attack, thick midrange
and rugged construction helped move them to the
front of the Rock and Metal scenes.

MTD is a registered trademark of Michael Tobias Design. Warwick is a registered trademark of Hans-Peter Wilfer.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

MODERN

18

GREEN based on a 1978 Alembic Long Scale.
Founded on the idea of moving the state of the
instrument forward through refined materials,
advanced construction techniques and the latest
innovations in audio electronics, Alembic’s famous
Alembic #1 bass for Jack Cassidy of the Jefferson
Airplane saw the light of day in 1971. The combined
efforts of Ron Wickersham, Rick Turner and Bob
Matthews birthed the next generation of electric
bass to follow Leo Fender, creating what we consider
the modern era of bass design. The Alembic Long
Scale Bass we modeled has multi-laminate neck
through body construction, 34-inch scale length,
brass hardware, two pickups with a third hum­canceling dummy coil and wide-ranging active
electronics. Back in 1978, this bass came complete
with its own off-board power supply and a 3-pin
XLR output on the face of the instrument.

RED based on a 1984 Steinberger XL2.
In the late 70’s, a furniture designer named Ned
Steinberger took an interest in bass design. Instead
of re-interpreting earlier designs, he eliminated all
but the essential elements of the instrument. The
striking appearance of the XL2, with its headless
neck and tiny composite body, fit perfectly with the
minimalist hi-tech aesthetic of 80’s popular music.
The fact that it sounded great was icing on the cake.

Steinberger is a registered trademark of Gibson Guitar Corp.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

ALCHEMY

19

Hagström is a registered trademark of AB Albin Hagström. Hamer is a registered trademark of Kaman Music Corporation.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

8 & 12

GREEN based on 1968 Hagström H8.
In the late 50’s, the Swedish accordion manufacturer
Hagström responding to declining demand for
accordions by making some very accordion-like
electric guitars. As time passed, the pearloid, sparkle,
and push buttons of early models gave way to more
conventional features but the company’s innovative
spirit remained intact. The Hagström H8 was the
first production 8-string bass, and has the distinction
of being played by both Jimi Hendrix and Noel
Redding.

RED based on 1994 Hamer B12A.
Hamer, started by Paul Hamer and Joel Dantzig in
1973, quickly rose to prominence by building quality
instruments to meet the needs of influential artists.
The 12-string bass (a Hamer innovation) was
developed at the request of Cheap Trick bassist Tom
Peterson who was looking for a way to fill out the
band’s live sound. The massive, chiming tone of
this bass can also be heard on the Pearl Jam hit
Jeremy.

20

GREEN based on 2003 Tacoma Thunderchief.
While many acoustic basses seem to exist primarily
to fill the need for an acoustic-looking bass for the
obligatory “Unplugged” set, the warm, round tone
and unpretentious appearance of the Tacoma
Thunderchief are appropriate for a broad range of
musical applications.

RED based on 1949 Kay M-1.
In 1947, Kay began offering plywood upright basses
intended for students of classical music. The fame
of this instrument, though, comes from its association
with musicians like Blues icon Willie Dixon, Elvis
bassist Bill Black, and Johnny Cash bassist Marshall
Grant.

Tacoma is a registered trademark of Tacoma Guitar Company, Inc. Kay is a registered trademark of Asian-American Manufacturing Co.,
Inc. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product
names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s
sound model development.

ACOUSTIC

21

For these models, the BLEND control moves the placement of the microphone in relation to the instrument.

SYNTH

For the SYNTH position, we’ve taken a slightly
different approach. Instead of our typical
painstakingly authentic re-creation of specific
instruments, we given you the tools you need when
its time to get your freak on.

Each synth model contains two complementary
sounds. The BLEND control lets you adjust the mix
between the two sounds. The TREBLE control
adjusts the filter amount. The BASS control adjusts
the speed of the filter sweep.

GREEN inspired by classic Moog MiniMoog bass
sounds.

RED inspired by modern bass synth sounds.

22

Care and Maintenance

Only a few simple measures are required to keep
your Variax Bass looking and performing like new.

• After playing, wipe down the bass and strings

with a clean, soft cloth.

• Change strings when they become discolored or

the bass begins to sound dull.

• Occasionally clean the fingerboard surface with

lemon oil and the painted surfaces with guitar or
furniture polish.

Neck Relief Adjustment

Depending on where you live, seasonal temperature
and humidity variations may make it necessary to
adjust the neck relief of the Variax Bass. If you find
that your Variax Bass suddenly starts buzzing or is
generally difficult to play, it may be time for this
kind of adjustment. To check the neck relief, press
the high E string to the first fret with your left hand,
and press the same string to the last fret with your
right hand. While holding the string at both points,
check the point where the E string passes over the
10th fret. If the string is touching the fret, or if
there is more space under the string than the
thickness of a thin pick, it’s time to adjust the neck.

If you are familiar with this kind of adjustment use
the supplied wrench to adjust the truss rod. If the
string was touching at the 10th fret (too little relief),
turn the rod counterclockwise. If the gap was too
great (too much relief), turn the rod clockwise. In
both cases, make small adjustments and check the
relief as you go. Never force the rod to turn—
excessive tightening can damage your Variax Bass.
If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with this
kind of adjustment, ask your local guitar shop to
refer you to a qualified bass tech.

Intonation Adjustment

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DECREASE

STRING LENGTH

Intonation is adjusted by changing the position of
the bridge saddles, which changes the length of the
vibrating strings. The saddle position of each Variax
Bass is adjusted before it leaves the factory, but
changing string brand, gauge, or action can change
the intonation. To adjust the intonation, you will
need an accurate tuner and a screwdriver. For each
string, tune the open string as close as possible to
correct pitch, then fret that string at the 12th fret
and check the pitch. (Make this adjustment while
holding the guitar in playing position.) If the fretted
note is sharp, the string length is too short—turn
the adjust screw clockwise. If the fretted note is
flat, the string length is too long. Turn the adjust
screw counterclockwise. Make small adjustments
and retune and check the pitch as you go.

Important Note: Never attempt to remove the
bridge saddles. If any of the wires attached to the
piezo elements are broken or damaged, the Variax
Bass will not function properly.

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Action Adjustment

DECREASE

SADDLE HEIGHT

INCREASE

SADDLE HEIGHT

Variax Bass leaves the factory adjusted for playability
across a wide range of playing styles. The bridge
saddle height can be adjusted to optimize playability
for a particular style. If you are familiar with this
kind of adjustment, use the supplied Allen wrench
to raise or lower the bridge saddle screws as shown.
As with neck adjustment, if you are unfamiliar with
this kind of adjustment, ask your local bass shop to
refer you to a qualified bass tech.

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Customer Service

Before contacting the Line 6 Customer Service team, please take the time to look through this publication
to see if it can answer your questions. Additional helpful information is on the Support page of the Line 6
web site at www.line6.com/support , including the searchable Knowlegebase/FAQTRAQ system which is
often the fastest and easiest way to get the answers you need.

Need to talk to an actual human on the Line 6 Customer Service team by phone? Have your serial number
handy and take some notes for yourself before you call, so you remember everything you want to ask about.
In the USA or Canada, you can contact Line 6 at [phone], 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday
(Pacific Time). Outside the USA and Canada, please contact your distributor directly to arrange service.
The list of Line 6 distributors is available on the Internet at www.line6.com.

To obtain factory service:

You must obtain a return authorization (RA) number before sending any unit to Line 6 for service. Products
returned without an RA number will be returned to your at your sole expense. If you live in the United
States, log an incident in our online support system at www.line6.com/support or call [phone] or and
we will help you find the best way to get your unit repaired, whether it be returning the unit to Line 6 or
finding an Authorized Service Center. If you live in Europe, email [e-mail] or call Line 6 UK
at [phone]. If you live outside of these areas, please contact your local distributor. If you do
not know whom your distributor is, either call us at [phone] or use the distributor locator at
www.line6.com/support .

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Line 6 Warranty Policy

Line 6, Inc. (hereinafter “Line 6”) warrants that your new Line 6 instrument shall be free of defects in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the product and that the electronics contained
within the instrument (printed circuit boards, piezo saddles, potentiometers, etc.) shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one (1) year from the original date of
purchase. In addition, the accessories (carrying case, power supply, and footswitch) shall be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase
date. This warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser only and may not be transferred or assigned to subsequent owners. In order to validate your warranty, and as a condition precedent
to warranty coverage hereunder, a copy of the original sales receipt must accompany all warranty requests. This warranty policy is valid only when a new Line 6 instrument is purchased from an
Authorized Line 6 dealer. This warranty is subject to the following exceptions and/or limitations:

This warranty does NOT cover:

1. Any instrument that has been altered or modified so that the serial number, name, identification numbers or logos have been tampered with or are missing.

2. Instruments or accessories not purchased from an Authorized Line 6 dealer.

3. Standard maintenance and adjustment of the instrument, electronics and action. Standard adjustments and maintenance are the sole responsibility of the owner.

4. Any defects in the instrument or accessories that are caused by or are the result of a lack of maintenance or adjustment.

5. Any instrument or accessory that has been repaired, altered or modified by a repair facility that is not authorized by Line 6, or any repairs, alterations, or
modifications, regardless of the origin, that Line 6 has not approved.

6. Any damages to the instrument or accessory that is a result of abuse, accident or misuse, as determined by Line 6 in its sole discretion.

7. Any issues regarding the tonal aspects of the instrument. Tone is a product of perception and therefore cannot be warranted. Issues regarding the authenticity or
interpretation of the models used also cannot be warranted.

8. Damages (due to shipping or otherwise) to the instrument or accessories that relate to improper storage or transportation.

9. Any failures to either the instrument or accessories that are a result of exposure to extreme conditions (including, without limitation, humidity, sunlight, bodily
fluids, unapproved cleaning solutions or solvents, temperature and/or adhesives).

10. Any failures to either the instrument or accessories that are a result of normal “wear and tear” (including, without limitation, strings, fret wear, finish damage,
potentiometers and connectors, pick guard, bridge, machine heads, finger board and carrying case).

If you feel that you have a warranty issue, please contact Line 6 or your authorized Line 6 dealer or distributor. Line 6 may issue a Return or Repair authorization
as needed. No instrument or accessory will be accepted at the Line 6 facility for repair without (i) prior receipt of your original sales receipt, (ii) proper authorization
by Line 6 or an authorized Line 6 dealer or distributor, and (iii) a Return Authorization number. Line 6 will refuse shipment of any instrument that is received without
the foregoing three (3) prerequisites. Line 6 will repair or replace your instrument at its sole discretion. Parts that are replaced under this warranty are warranted
for ninety (90) days or the reminder of the warranty period, whichever is longer. Line 6 reserves the right to use reconditioned parts and assemblies as warranty
replacements for authorized repairs. All shipping charges to any repair facility are the sole responsibility of the owner of the instrument or accessory.
Line 6 reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair, and reserves the right to change or improve the design of the product at any time without notice.
This is your sole warranty. Line 6 does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales representative, to assume any liability on behalf of Line 6 or to make
any warranty for Line 6.

DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF WARRANTY: THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY GIVEN BY LINE 6 AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEEDING THE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS
WARRANTY ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESSED WARRANTY PERIOD (1 YEAR), LINE 6 SHALL
HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. LINE 6 SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE PURCHASER OR ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS, OR DAMAGES RESULTING
FROM USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE INSTRUMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT. LINE 6 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY EXPENSES, CLAIMS, OR SUITS ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties so some of the above limitation and exclusions may not apply to
you. This warranty only applies to products sold and used in the United States of America and Canada. Line 6 shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional
acts of the shipper or his contract affiliates. You should contact the shipper for proper claims procedures in the event of damage or loss resulting from shipment.

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