Comments on: The Variax problem http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/ Audio, video and blogging from San Luis Obispo, CA Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:31:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Guitar OCD, part 1 http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-19586 Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Guitar OCD, part 1 Sun, 02 May 2010 07:08:57 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-19586 [...] back, I wrote about some of the problems I was having with my Line 6 Variax guitar. I concluded, at the time, that I was going to stick with [...] [...] back, I wrote about some of the problems I was having with my Line 6 Variax guitar. I concluded, at the time, that I was going to stick with [...]

]]> By: Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Action. It’s all there is http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-18194 Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Action. It’s all there is Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:18:26 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-18194 [...] should just burn down this place and collect the insurance money. If it were only so easy…) Last week, I mentioned my latest guitar obsession. In connection with that, I wrote about prioritizing things [...] [...] should just burn down this place and collect the insurance money. If it were only so easy…) Last week, I mentioned my latest guitar obsession. In connection with that, I wrote about prioritizing things [...]

]]> By: Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Prioritizing http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-18066 Shawnogram » Blog Archive » Prioritizing Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:03:15 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-18066 [...] Yesterday, I wrote about my plans for hunting down a new guitar. And I’m sticking with that plan. However, it’s dawned on me that there’s some other things in my world that require the time, attention and (most importantly) money that will eventually go into this quest. So the new guitar will have to wait. In the meantime, there are some home-improvement projects that are in serious need of attention. Unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to fix most of them myself. That means I’ll have to hire someone to do the work, and that’ll cost money. It’s discouraging, ’cause I’d like to get the guitar thing sorted out as quickly as possible. But in the end, the guitar is essentially a “frivolous” expense. The other stuff has to come first. I’ve already made one phone call to try and get someone out here to do some of the repairs. There are several things that need to be done, and it’s unlikely one person will be able to do them all. But, it’s a start. I also find that prioritizing in this fashion helps me to get these necessary things done first. I have a problem with procrastination, and I tend to put things off. Especially if they’re not particularly exciting. And to me, new guitar >> home repairs. I also wanted to mention something about my weight-loss efforts, as I haven’t posted any updates on that in awhile. I weighed myself today, and was discouraged to find that I’m still hovering around the same weight I’ve been since last October. I made a decision at the beginning of the month to cut out regular soda. This was a big decision, as I really like the stuff. And I stuck with this decree up until yesterday. In my defense, I had woken up with a horrible headache, and the soda was for medicinal purposes. I’m back on the wagon today, and thus far, haven’t had a drop of the stuff. And even though the scale didn’t show any weight loss, I feel lighter. That’s gotta count for something. I’m hoping that, if I can stick with the soda-free lifestyle for awhile (forever?) I’ll eventually get back to losing weight. Funny thing is, I don’t find myself missing the stuff all that much. I think I’ve turned a corner in this whole health-improvement trip. I’m starting to get more out of actually taking care of myself than I used to get from doing things like drinking soda. I hope it sticks. (No pun intended.) [...] [...] Yesterday, I wrote about my plans for hunting down a new guitar. And I’m sticking with that plan. However, it’s dawned on me that there’s some other things in my world that require the time, attention and (most importantly) money that will eventually go into this quest. So the new guitar will have to wait. In the meantime, there are some home-improvement projects that are in serious need of attention. Unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to fix most of them myself. That means I’ll have to hire someone to do the work, and that’ll cost money. It’s discouraging, ’cause I’d like to get the guitar thing sorted out as quickly as possible. But in the end, the guitar is essentially a “frivolous” expense. The other stuff has to come first. I’ve already made one phone call to try and get someone out here to do some of the repairs. There are several things that need to be done, and it’s unlikely one person will be able to do them all. But, it’s a start. I also find that prioritizing in this fashion helps me to get these necessary things done first. I have a problem with procrastination, and I tend to put things off. Especially if they’re not particularly exciting. And to me, new guitar >> home repairs. I also wanted to mention something about my weight-loss efforts, as I haven’t posted any updates on that in awhile. I weighed myself today, and was discouraged to find that I’m still hovering around the same weight I’ve been since last October. I made a decision at the beginning of the month to cut out regular soda. This was a big decision, as I really like the stuff. And I stuck with this decree up until yesterday. In my defense, I had woken up with a horrible headache, and the soda was for medicinal purposes. I’m back on the wagon today, and thus far, haven’t had a drop of the stuff. And even though the scale didn’t show any weight loss, I feel lighter. That’s gotta count for something. I’m hoping that, if I can stick with the soda-free lifestyle for awhile (forever?) I’ll eventually get back to losing weight. Funny thing is, I don’t find myself missing the stuff all that much. I think I’ve turned a corner in this whole health-improvement trip. I’m starting to get more out of actually taking care of myself than I used to get from doing things like drinking soda. I hope it sticks. (No pun intended.) [...]

]]> By: Dave MacLeod http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-18040 Dave MacLeod Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:11:22 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-18040 Forgot to mention, the luthier in Manchester is http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/ Forgot to mention, the luthier in Manchester is http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/

]]> By: Dave MacLeod http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-18039 Dave MacLeod Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:10:10 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-18039 Shawn, I understand your problem a bit more. Sometime difficult to discuss a complex issue in less than 140 chars! In your position I'd recommend finding another luthier. There's one near me, who I've used for set up and maintenance work on my Telecaster and Variax who does Variax transplants into anything you'd like (within reason). He's in Manchester UK so probably not an option for you. I'd recommend talking to Steve Benford (www.benfordguitars.com). He's a luthier from Milwaukee and he's just finished building a custom guitar for me. He really knows his stuff and won't try to sell you something you don't need. If you're happy with the Variax body then perhaps a custom-built Telecaster type neck might be the answer. Ken's solution is also worth a try - relatively risk free and low cost. The cheapest option of course is just to "suck it up" and get used to the different neck! I bought an old Hohner from eBay and immediately hated the neck. I love the sound of it though and persevered with playing it. It is now one of my favourite guitars to play. Shawn,

I understand your problem a bit more. Sometime difficult to discuss a complex issue in less than 140 chars!

In your position I’d recommend finding another luthier. There’s one near me, who I’ve used for set up and maintenance work on my Telecaster and Variax who does Variax transplants into anything you’d like (within reason). He’s in Manchester UK so probably not an option for you. I’d recommend talking to Steve Benford  www.benfordguitars.com). He’s a luthier from Milwaukee and he’s just finished building a custom guitar for me. He really knows his stuff and won’t try to sell you something you don’t need.

If you’re happy with the Variax body then perhaps a custom-built Telecaster type neck might be the answer.

Ken’s solution is also worth a try – relatively risk free and low cost.

The cheapest option of course is just to “suck it up” and get used to the different neck! I bought an old Hohner from eBay and immediately hated the neck. I love the sound of it though and persevered with playing it. It is now one of my favourite guitars to play.

]]> By: Ken Turetzky http://shawnogram.com/2010/02/15/the-variax-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-18032 Ken Turetzky Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:35:12 +0000 http://shawnogram.com/?p=832#comment-18032 I'm not sure why we haven't see more electronics (beyond EQ and tuners) integrated into both electric and acoustic guitars. Digital effects are in the new amps -- why not guitars? I would suggest you sell your 300 and apply the funds toward your 600 slush fund. In the meantime, keep an eye out for user reviews of the 600 (as well as any competing models). This initial "hands-on" review is quite positive: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98912 If you buy it and find you don't like it, ship it back to Musicians Friend. At most, you'll be out the shipping cost. I’m not sure why we haven’t see more electronics (beyond EQ and tuners) integrated into both electric and acoustic guitars. Digital effects are in the new amps — why not guitars?

I would suggest you sell your 300 and apply the funds toward your 600 slush fund.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for user reviews of the 600 (as well as any competing models). This initial “hands-on” review is quite positive:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98912

If you buy it and find you don’t like it, ship it back to Musicians Friend. At most, you’ll be out the shipping cost.

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