Line 6 James Tyler Variax HSS Electric Guitar – JTVA69-LPB
JAMES TYLER VARIAX
The James Tyler® Variax® is the only electric guitar that can keep up with your creativity. Dial up the world’s greatest guitar and pickup tones in an instant — then recombine them to create your own unique sound. Instantly access alternate tunings with the turn of a knob. Inspire your playing with pristine acoustics and eclectic instruments such as the sitar and banjo.
With Variax HD technology, every instrument is presented in stunning depth and detail. The possibilities are even greater when you add a Line 6 multi-effect and amp, or StageSource® speaker. James Tyler Variax electric guitars do more than just deliver amazing tone — they help you create the instruments to take you to the places you’ve always dreamed of and beyond.
• Designed by James Tyler and built with boutique-style craftsmanship
• Access an entire collection of electric, acoustic and exotic guitars
• Switch between alternate tunings with the turn of a knob
• Create any guitar imaginable with Workbench HD software
A REMARKABLE COLLECTION OF GUITARS – Amazing tone and plenty of mojo
In their quest for the ultimate guitar tones, Line 6 could have modeled any Fender® Stratocaster® or Gibson® Les Paul® — but in true pioneering style, they reconciled that would have been too easy. To create Variax®, Line 6 tapped the coveted collection of Albert Molinaro — one of the most knowledgeable and respected vintage instrument dealers in the world. Albert kindly allowed Line 6 to audition multiple guitars from his collection, including a $250,000 Les Paul. Bottom line, the best of the best vintage guitars were meticulously modeled in order to give you all of the unique character, tone and mojo of the finest classic instruments.
THE HD MODELING PROCESS – Vintage instruments captured in incredible detail
The process of modeling a vintage instrument using Variax HD technology is complex. Every facet of the guitar—including the body, electronics and metal parts—influences the way the instrument sounds and responds, and must be captured during modeling. By painstakingly analyzing and capturing every single aspect of the most iconic vintage instruments, the Line 6 team ensured that Variax delivers the sound and feel of the world’s most coveted guitars with stunning detail. The result is accurate and realistic tone reproduction that stays true to the original instruments.
HD ELECTRIC GUITARS – Variax guitar model switch select the most celebrated electric guitars instantly
With an amazing breadth of tones available at your fingertips, Variax HD technology gives you the power to create inspiring sounds and take your creativity further. Featuring meticulous HD models based on* historic Strat®, Les Paul, Rickenbacker® and other guitars, Variax provides instant access to the tones favored by the world’s most famous players.
The electric models are exceptional and easily accessible—but it doesn’t end there. Variax HD modeling captures the idiosyncrasies of each instrument: Volume and Tone controls behave the same as on the original guitars. You can hear the body resonance by just brushing against the strings or tapping on the bridge, without even playing a single note. Humbucker-based guitar models will tend to be louder than those with single coils. Harness the sonic experience of each instrument—full of richness and detail. This is virtual reality for real.
HD ELECTRIC GUITAR SELECTION – check out the Variax user guide . . .
T-MODEL
The Fender® Telecaster® put the solidbody electric guitar on the map in 1950—revolutionizing the sound of music. Artists including Keith Richards (“Brown Sugar”), George Harrison (“Let It Be”) and Andy Summers (“Roxanne”) have favored these guitars.
Based on* 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom
Leo Fender’s Telecaster, originally known as the Broadcaster, was the first commercially successful solidbody electric guitar and has been in continuous production for over fifty years, powering the Nashville sound and a long list of rock and jazz guitar luminaries. Note: The neck pickup position of this model, like the original, has a very “deep” sound and the tone control is bypassed.
SPANK
The hugely popular Fender Stratocaster can be heard on hits by legendary guitarists Jimi Hendrix (“Foxy Lady”), Stevie Ray Vaughan (“Pride and Joy”), Eric Clapton (“Layla”) and many others.
Based on* 1959 Fender Stratocaster
Considered a radical departure when introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster influenced electric guitar design more than any other single instrument—and its distinctive comfort-contoured body, bolt-on neck and versatile electronics have become industry-standard features. This model takes one slight liberty—unlike the original instrument, the tone control works on the bridge pickup, too.
LESTER
You’ve seen and heard Les Paul guitars in the hands of many iconic guitarists including Jimmy Page (“Black Dog”), Slash (“Welcome to the Jungle”), Pete Townshend (“Baba O’Riley”) and others.
Based on* 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson’s first solidbody electric design was a collaboration with popular guitarist and recording pioneer Les Paul. Unlike the easy-to-manufacture Fender® designs, the Les Paul retains the carved top and set neck construction of their hollowbody models. The original series was a commercial failure and discontinued in 1961, but a resurgence of popular interest led to its reintroduction in 1968.
SPECIAL
Based on* 1976 Gibson Firebird V
The Firebird, introduced in 1963, was created with the help of Detroit automobile designer Ray Dietrich. Neck-through construction and Epiphone-style mini-humbuckers gave the Firebird a unique combination of good sustain and a biting, trebly sound—characteristics that made it a favorite of blues slide guitar legend Johnny Winter.
Based on* 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special
The Special was added to the Les Paul line in 1955 as an intermediate step between the utilitarian Junior and more luxurious Standard. A second P-90 provided greater tonal options—and helped make the Special a favorite of reggae legend Bob Marley. The model is based on the original single-cutaway version.
R-BILLY
Based on* 1959 Gretsch® 6120
The 6120 was the first of several models that Gretsch developed with country guitar whiz Chet Atkins, and is usually associated with the “twangy” sounds of players like Duane Eddy, Eddie Cochran and Brian Setzer. This model is equipped with Filter’tron™ hum-canceling pickups.
Based on* 1956 Gretsch Duo Jet
Gretsch introduced this series in 1955. Though called a solidbody by Gretsch, the Jet series actually has internal hollow chambers that contribute to its light weight and resonant tone. It was the favorite instrument of Cliff Gallup, original lead guitarist for Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps. The guitar modeled had DeArmond® pickups and a Melita bridge.
CHIME
Based on* 1966 Rickenbacker® 370
Though overshadowed by the success of the 12-string, the 6-string versions of Rickenbacker’s stylish models continue to be popular with players looking for something a bit extraordinary, like Ed O’Brien of Radiohead.
Based on* 1966 Rickenbacker 370-12
Popularized by George Harrison in The Beatles and Roger McGuinn in the Byrds, the distinctive jangle of the 12-string Rickenbacker was a significant part of the ‘60s rock sound. Our model has the original Toaster® pickups.
SEMI
Based on* 1961 Gibson® ES®-335
The semi-hollow Gibson blends the tone and sustain of a solidbody with the balance and aesthetics of a hollowbody. The “woody” tone of these guitars made them popular with jazz artists like Larry Carlton and blues greats like B. B. and Albert King. Our model is based on a 1961 dot neck, with PAFs and a stop tailpiece.
Based on* 1964 Epiphone® Casino™
Gibson acquired former rival Epiphone in 1957 and began producing Epiphone® guitars in its Kalamazoo factory. John Lennon was particularly fond of the Casino, and continued to record with it long after the breakup of The Beatles. The Casino features P-90 pickups.
JAZZBOX
Based on* 1954 Gibson® ES®-175
Gibson added a sharp “Venetian” cutaway and a fancier fingerboard to the budget ES-125 model to create the ES-175. With the addition of a second P-90 pickup in 1953, this quickly became a popular and enduring choice for jazz guitarists.
Based on* 1953 Gibson® Super 400
By the end of the 1940s, changing musical styles found premium archtops like the Super 400 to be lacking in volume. By simply adding the pickups and controls developed for its early electric guitars, Gibson created the electric version of the Super 400 in 1951. Our model is based on the version with P-90s. Check out Scotty Moore (and Elvis) playing a Super 400 in the ’68 Comeback Special.
HD ACOUSTIC AND ECLECTIC INSTRUMENTS – Take your tone even further.
Looking for far-out tone? The only question is how far you want to go. From Nashville country to the sound of the Indian subcontinent, inspire your playing with breathtaking acoustics and eclectics. Thanks to Variax HD technology, you can dial up resonator, sitar, banjo and tricone in an instant. From the subtle nuances of string vibration through the soundboard to the tonewoods of the guitar body, Variax captures the tone of professionally miked instruments in stunning detail. Plus, recording pristine acoustic takes has never been easier. You don’t have to worry about setting up mics, preamps and EQ—or that barking dog next door.
ACCESS ALTERNATE TUNINGS—INSTANTLY – Focus on your performance, not your tuner.
With the ability to instantly switch between a range of alternate tunings, you can forget about your tuner and stay in the creative zone. Each guitar in the Variax family provides immediate access to 11 alt tunings, so you can focus on the moment instead of spending quality time with your tuner. You can mix and match any tuning with any instrument—and also create your own tunings on the fly with Virtual Capo. It’s easy to save your custom tunings, either to the open Model slot on the Alt Tune knob, or to one of the other alternate tuning slots.
CREATE CUSTOM INSTRUMENTS WITH VARIAX WORKBENCH HD – Go ahead. Build the guitar of your dreams.
Want to conjure up tones that leave other guitarists wondering “how’d they get that sound?” Using the powerful and easy-to-use Variax Workbench™ HD software, you can let your imagination run wild. Mix and match a wide variety of instrument body and pickup models to create unique guitar tones or celebrated classics. You can also set up your guitars with Open G, DADGAD, Drop D–or any other custom tuning.
THE ULTIMATE RECORDING GUITAR – Perfect for every session.
When you’re in the studio, time is money. The Variax family of guitars makes technical distractions a thing of the past so you can focus on laying down the perfect take. Record acoustic guitars with ease. Switch between alternate tunings on the fly. Find inspiration in the collection of eclectic instruments. And because of Variax HD technology, every instrument is free of hum—so you can enjoy great-sounding, consistent tone when the record light is on. It’s the guitar you’ve always wanted in the studio.
