I dunno too much about the Variax setup, but I'm guessing there's a piezo unit for each string by viewing a shielded teflon lead coming off each one.. I could do that for $10 bucks!
I dunno too much about the Variax setup, but I'm guessing there's a piezo unit for each string by viewing a shielded teflon lead coming off each one.. I could do that for $10 bucks!
Not completely familiar with the Variax system either, but I hear good things. Seems something like that would be quite useful in the studio, or maybe for emulating acoustic sounds live without switching guitars....and chords with the pitch-altered via the bar would probably sound cool with the acoustic sound...would be a cool effect...
Upon further investigation, certainly would be cool to pull up a Rickenbacker mod for a Beatles cover or something...
Line 6 - Variax Electric - Modeling Electric Guitar
- 1960 Fender® Telecaster® Custom
- 1968 Fender® Telecaster®
- 1968 Fender® Telecaster® Thinline
- 1959 Fender® Stratocaster®
- 1958 Gibson® Les Paul® Standard
- 1952 Gibson® Les Paul® “Goldtop”
- 1961 Gibson® Les Paul® Custom (3 PU)
- 1976 Gibson® Firebird V
- 1955 Gibson® Les Paul® Special
- 1959 Gretsch® 6120
- 1956 Gretsch® Silver Jet
- 1968 Rickenbacker® 360
- 1966 Rickenbacker® 360-12
- 1961 Gibson® ES®-335
- 1967 Epiphone® Casino
- 1957 Gibson® ES-175
- 1953 Gibson® Super 400
- 1959 Martin® D-28
- 1970 Martin® D 12-28
- 1967 Martin® O-18
- 1966 Guild® F212
- 1995 Gibson® J-200
- 1935 Dobro® Alumilite
- Danelectro 3021
- Coral/Dano® Electric Sitar
- Gibson® Mastertone Banjo
- 1928 National® Style 2 "Tricone"
So yeah, a totally pimped-out Floyd with a Titanium block, the Ghost saddles and Variax guts would also be the shiznit...
Last edited by jhale667; 06-05-2009 at 12:28 AM.
oh the VARIAX the Line six thing.. duhh..
ok I think this is their pitch to midi sensor technology using piezos.
Im fine with just the piezos, but if there is low lagtime in transposing to midi that's definately useable to me..
No doubt now. Confirmed.
Alright, so I just gave the Titanium-equipped Koa Strat the trial by fire over the holiday weekend...I took some vacation time and did a fly-out band reunion gig near my hometown - through a rented backline, which turned out to be this shitty Marshall MG solid-state half stack. Horrendous.
I was already hating it, because everyone else I saw get up and play through it sounded like complete ass. Even guys running their pedal boards through it. And due to the fact my old band's singer didn't commit until the last second, I didn't bother shipping mine, not like there was anything on it that would've helped, either.
I figured the Titanium block would help, but holy crap! It sounded fatter than any other guitar I heard that day, a sentiment echoed by other players at the event...they all wanted to know what pickups I had in her, but that wasn't the real secret...I mean, don't get me wrong, that solid-state Marshall sounded like shit, but I still had the best sound of the day plugging straight in to the thing!
:tongue0011:
Yeah solid-state Marshalls suck fucking ass. I have owned 2 in my life, just for kicks. Didn't hang onto them for very long. Just not worth it.
You need an ADA MP1...
You can take it in a suitcase and assure yourself, at the very least, decent tone, no matter what you plug into...
Tell me about it... I had a Marshall MG head... Swapped it for a Fender Roc-Pro.Originally Posted by Hardrock69
Last time I saw it, it had a 150€ tag on it...
Why settle for something you have, if it's not as good as something you're out to get?
It's like putting up a YouTube of Bach and playing Chopstix on your Bontempi...
And J, Tech21's got those SansAmp pedals... Ever heard of them?
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
I'd thought about picking up a Boogie V-twin pedal or something to have as a failsafe, but for a few songs it really wasn't worth the expense at the moment...wouldn't mind picking one up at some point.
Agreed, haven't heard one yet that sounds good..
I use the PSA-1 in my rig and keep a Sans Amp Tri-AC on hand in case my rig goes down. It also sounds great going into the front of an amp (set on clean)...And J, Tech21's got those SansAmp pedals... Ever heard of them?
Actually Tech 21's stuff is very quiet.
However ,in their day the ADA MP1 was the king of the hill in early rackmount pre-amp's .I found their tone (on the distorted tones) to be too compressed and squishy lacking headroom. But it's all just personal taste.You need an ADA MP1...
You can take it in a suitcase and assure yourself, at the very least, decent tone, no matter what you plug into...
I've got a Rocktron ProGap (with built in Hush) that's been packed away for ages, any offers are welcome...
Trolls take heed...LOG OUT & FUCK OFF!!!
What other odd metals can one find the blocks made out of?
That compressed tone is how a Super Lead reacts, and sounds like, when cranked nearly wide open...However ,in their day the ADA MP1 was the king of the hill in early rackmount pre-amp's .I found their tone (on the distorted tones) to be too compressed and squishy lacking headroom. But it's all just personal taste.
Oh, and the way I have found to solve the headroom limitations is to run the ADA into the front of something like a Super Lead...currently, i'm using two Fender Deluxe amps and one Ampeg B25B...
People are pretty suprised by the tone I get...and it works with any guitar...
BTW, I keep the OD on the ADA at 6 or less...crank the OD up and it does get very squishy...
The two primary choices are Titanium and Bell Brass.
Based on my experience with the Titanium thus far I'm switching my other two main Floyd-equipped guitars over from the Brass ones to Titanium as well.
I have one lefty Floyd...i'd like to give the titanium a try...
They're pricey, but so worth it...it was funny, dudes coming up to me after the set going "What kind of pickups do you have in that thing?!"It sounds fat as hell, even through that crap amp, at stage volume!
Speaking of pickups, it does kinda torpedo the fear of the A2 "soft" bass too...tightens things up nicely.
I'm interested, just got too much money tied up in other crap...
True, but I find a Super Lead to have a bit more "bark"...
Excellent way to do it. The results are always interesting trying shit like that. I'ts like you invent yerself a new unique tone for yourself (hence the compliments you get.)
I used to run my Sans Amp Tri-AC into the front of a Mesa Boogie Mark IV combo (set on clean), The tones we're incredible...
Jay ,did you get a haircut?They're pricey, but so worth it...it was funny, dudes coming up to me after the set going "What kind of pickups do you have in that thing?!"
And hey ,who's the chick?
Uh, I got my ends trimmed recently, does that count?
And she's the former singer of my 80s metal band, currently griping about looking like a "soccer mom" in the pics...
I talked to Adam at Floydupgrades, basically told him I'll need a 42mm and two 37mm's to complete the full Titanium transition. Will do them in stages, but I'm officially switching them all.The Brass ones kick ass, make no mistake - but Titanium is amazing.
And that gig so showed me how much I miss playing bigger stages and at louder volumes than possible at your average cover hoedown. I need to hear the Koa Strat through my Boogie rig now at "festival" volume.
It ended up being a mishmash of two if not three bands of the day....I kinda felt bad for the other guitarist that somehow ended up playing with us. My sound pretty much engulfed his, he may as well not have been there at points, and it wasn't a volume thing - my guitar just sounded huge...
Also: In hindsight, also completely blows GAyR's theory out of the water, too...here's a dude with an American-made Fender Strat (the upper-echelon version of a 'Lonestar', with the Duncan Pearly Gates in the bridge and the pearl inlay and logo), and my homemade Koa beast slays it tonally...twice the sonic "footprint" as it were...even he was asking what was up with it... I have witnesses....
Hmmm...
I wonder if I can swap the block on my Jackson...
After reading your post about the Marshal sounding horrible i really enjoyed this pic. Even though i'm just throwing words out here. Love the way your head is turned towards the amp as if to say "OMFG, REALLY"
What songs did you play? Originals or covers? Both?
Covers...no one besides me remembered our originals...lol...
Last edited by jhale667; 10-10-2009 at 12:23 AM.
Info-BUMP!
Must've missed this question originally, but coincidentally I decided to revisit the thread to post a cool interview the owner of FloydUgrages sent me (translated from a French guitar magazine) and the new ad that's in this month's Guitar World. These blocks are catching on!
His name is Adam Reiver - totally cool dude. Contact him! He's making them for Schaller and Ibanez bridges now, and he may even have something that will fit your Jackson! You won't know until you ask, y'know?
Cool EVH & Matt Bruck mentions in here too - apparently Adam & Matt have been bros for close to 30 years, and Matt's actually why he started playing guitar in the first place!
- Can you introduce yourself?
Greetings! My name is Adam Reiver and I have been working on the tremolos of the stars for almost 20 years. Some of you may know me from FloydUpgrades.com!, Floyd Rose Tremolo Upgrades or my other company, D-Tuner (EVH D-Tuna) or my work with Floyd Rose. My work with some of the greatest guitar players ever has taught me many lessons on what works in the world of guitar tone - especially when it comes to locking tremolos. My clients demand the best in tone and action from their Floyd Rose tremolos and my upgrades allow them to achieve that! I have decided to share some of the "secrets of the stars" and offer you the opportunity to purchase some of the most innovative, new and exciting products available for your locking tremolo.
- How and when did you come to guitar?
I always loved the guitar from afar… When I was 14 I met my best friend to this day (Matt Bruck) – I went down to his house for the first time and as I got closer to his room the music got louder and louder – when I opened the door to his room, he was wailing on his guitar, playing along to Van Halen’s “Light up the Sky” – it was the coolest thing I had ever seen and I was blown away! He finished the song and asked me if I played. I said no… Within 1 minute he put a guitar in my hands and showed me an open A chord. The rest is history!
- How did you achieve to work in music system as your main job?
I was always on the fringe of the business. D-Tuner brought me in… I did a tour of duty at Floyd Rose and then launched FloydUpgrades.com. I love doing it and I am lucky enough to work with all of my guitar hero’s that I grew up on. The posters on my bedroom walls came to life – I am blessed to have such good friends in the business – I love them all!
- Why and when did you decide to start your first own firm? Did you think twice before launching your firm?
My first company in the music business was and still is D-Tuner. FloydUpgrades.com is the next level for me. Yes – I thought more than twice… When you have an idea and passion, you can do anything. Starting up is scary – but if you believe in your product and yourself, it will happen. I always ask myself – would I buy this??? Is so, move forward. Once you have an ounce of success, everyone who would not give you the time of day now wants to be in business with you (or even worse, copies your work! Poorly at that!)
- Could you explain the story with D-Tuner (EVH D-Tuna) or your work with Floyd Rose?
That would take a week! I can tell you this: I am very fortunate to work with EVH on D-Tuner. It is a dream come true. Not only is he one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, he is a wonderful person. Again – I am very lucky!
- What do you think when I say "guitarists are usually careless with their material, and mainly with floyd tremolos"?
Most guys do not understand them. I have instructional videos on my website on how to set them up and care for them. It is not that hard once you try it!
- The very first time I saw the price for the Titanium Replacement Saddles, my heart nearly stopped beating (laughs). You must explain us more about that strange saddles!
I use the most expensive and highest grade titanium there is. It is hard to work with but is sounds the best! Take a look at Warren DeMartini, Phil Collen, Michael Wilton and Eddie Ojeda’s guitars to get a peek (just to name a few). I can make a cheaper version of this but I won’t. Ferrari’s are expensive for a reason – you get what you pay for! Same holds true here. I will not make cheap crap just for the masses. Look at the guys who use my stuff – the best guitar players in the game!
- A word about your "L" Sustain Blocks?
The L take up the space under the tremolo arm. Warren DeMartini said it best: “It is just wasted real estate” – he is right. More mass = more sustain! Get as much in there as you can!
- The Turbo-Trem Floyd Bars / Arms are a very good idea! A little word on that?
Yes! That is not mine!!! I wish that I thought of it… That is the only item that I did not design or build on my site. I have a supplier for them. I use mine all the time – great idea!!!!
- I tried myself many, many, many floyd rose systems! Except the Vigier floyd (french powaaaa!^^) and maybe the Ibanez Zero-System, the others still seem to have light (or even enormous) problems with stability. The Vigier and Ibanez Zero seem to have resolved the problem of the knives that can be damaged. What do you think about that?
I do not want to comment on those as I do not really use them…
- As a specialist of floyd tremolo, have you already seen the video on youtube that dmometalguitar posted with the comparison between the Original Floyd Rose and a KAHLER? ( if not, here they are) :
When I was a kid, I was saving up for a Floyd for my first guitar… I got tired of saving and bought the Kahler as it was cheaper… It is a cool unit but a totally different thing – different feel, different purpose… It has it’s place. It is just a different tool for a different job. It is also a matter of taste – I know guys who love them!
- Titanium and Brass Bridge Pins for acoustic guitars! That is nothing to do with floyd's world...
I know!!! But they sound amazing. Most guys I know with electric Floyd guitars also have an acoustic laying around. A friend said to me – hey can you make these – I said, let’s see how they sound. Of course we were blown away. My first beta tester was Phil Collen – he loved them and they went right on his main acoustic. He played it in the show that night and kept walking back to the guitar pit saying “fucking amazing” with a huge smile on his face. I figure that if a guy like Phil is happy, everyone else will like them. Phil has an amazing ear and is a lot of fun to work with.
- Is there a chance to see your material directly mounted on industrials guitars? Have you been approached by some guitar companies?
Yes – some of the boutique guys are using them – the mass producers are very concerned with cost as the smaller guys are more concerned with quality…
- Have you planned something new for the future? Always in tremolo world?
Yes – shhhh! It’s a secret – always adding new stuff – keep an eye out!
- What does a french guy has to do if he wants to order your material?
Order it right on my site I send orders to France every week! France has been an amazing market for me – I would have never guessed it!
- Have you some stories to tell us about all the artists you met? Some funny or bad stories you lived? Has an artist disappointed you by his behaviour?
I only work with guys I like – every guy on my site is a friend. I will not work with huge egos or rude people. That is a great advantage of owning the company – I can be selective…
- You're a guitarist... Is there a guitar that you appreciate more than the others?
I own about 80 guitars. I have lot’s of flavors to choose from and it depends on my mood. Sometimes I will feel like playing a $50.00 Silvertone, sometimes a vintage Les Paul. I LOVE my old Ernie Ball Music Man guitar. The new EVH Wolfgang is super bad ass too. I love to build guitars for scrap parts too – I do that all the time. Some of my favorite guitars are just 200. Worth of parts and they SMOKE! My friend C.C. DeVille borrows guitars when he is in town – he fell in love with one of those homemade throw together guitars I did – I have to pry it back out of his hands… I think I will have to let him keep it! He is a wonderful guy, great friend and a totally under rated player. How many C.C riffs can you hum… I thought so!
- A last word to the members of Ibanson.com • Votre rendez-vous musical !
Thanks for checking out my stuff and reading this. Please visit FloydUpgrades.com!, Floyd Rose Tremolo Upgrades and email me if you have questions or need help. Watch the videos… you can do it yourself!!!!! Cheers to all of my friends in France!
"Hi my name is Adam, and in this interview I associate myself with the stars I hoped to be but never was."
Fucking hell. Betcha the "stars" will be flooding his email now once the word is out that if you can't be a star without a fucking Floyd-copy made of Titanium.. Aluminium is even lighter - why not make one out of that?
It would be easy, all you'd have to insert a bladed steel fulcrum point - they actually did this for a short-lived low cost diecast Floyd they called the Floyd Rose II bridge (which was awful potmetal btw) and make the body, plate, block and the rest in aluminum.
You could even do the long stringclamp bolts in aluminum if you increased the shank diameter and headsize, use M6 head instead of M4 or wtfimo
Yeah...Jealous much?
And dumbass, don't you think if aluminum sounded better, chances are he'd already be offering it?
Maybe it does, why don't you get a micrometer and blueprint the block so I don't have to.
I'm having trouble with the equation LxWxH=size because I don't have one. You do.
Then we'll both know after I mill it. Setting up a mill takes time - cutting the material does not.
I'll even send you one so you measure the thing ok..
Dude, I have spares I could send you - but since you've been such a bitch, you get none.
Tell you what -I'll ask Adam what he thinks of it, or if he's indeed tried it - I'm not completely heartless...
.. in aluminum?
My point is, since you're willing to test it out, I'll mill a copy of his block in aluminum and let you decide if you'd rather change those bald tires on the front of your car, or purchase a trem block you already have that works.
I already know what's the better value. I'd get the tires. Fuck the titanium and I'll even prove it if you send me dimensions.
Fail.
You know you're getting desperate when you're just making shit up, dude..."bald tires"..."studio apartment"..."unemployed" ...oh yeah, "furniture-less"....
What are you going to claim next, that I have a conjoined twin?
Twenty bucks says I'll send you an aluminum copy:
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
Look, this shit is digital and cheeeep now. So you don't even need to know how to read the gradations of a mic.
Quit being a dick and making excuses, either yes or no youre not interested will do.
You first. :tongue0011:
And that's near my office, btw...am I supposed to pick up the aluminum for you too?
I dunno.. are you eligible for rehire, or just heading over there to fill out some contested EDD paperwork for them?
Again with the "unemployed" lie...you're gettin' kinda sad here...
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